Cheap Lights: to do or not to do

 

Insight: Always use the best lighting instruments you can afford to buy or rent. Grip/Gaff houses are very reasonable and can provide you and your production the exact types and accessories your project requires. They can even provide you expert help as part of the complete package

 

That being said, if for whatever reason, you are going to try and build your own, “cheap” light kit, keep the following in mind.

 

Basic understanding: All current Film/Video lights were created for specific needs and as you re-invent the wheel you must keep those needs in mind.

1.      Matching bulb temp to Film Emulsion requirements. (Ability to white balance for video acquisition)

2.      Provide for ease of use and stable set-up.

3.      Provide for a variety of Focused and Diffused lighting needs.

 

Tip 1: No matter what approach (outdoor T3/4 quarts, Florescent shop lights…) keep them in the same color temp range or make sure you can get replacement bulbs that are. Most of the T3/4 quarts lights will be about 2800k if everything you use is that temp then white balancing to that temp will look fine, but replacing the bulbs with 3200k won’t hurt and still saves you money.  In addition you need to find lights that have the ability to hold gels and diffusing material. Note if using the quarts shop or outdoor type. Most of these style lights come with wire screens. Cut the inside wires and leave the outside as wings for Gel attachment. Warning: It is very dangerous to use quartz lights that do not use a glass barrier over the bulb.

 

Tip 2: Make sure that what ever you buy or invent, that it has a solid, safe mounting section. They should mount on standard light stands or C-Stands. Note, if using the outdoor type make sure you by one that has a mounting yoke not tube. Most  have a center hole already that will or can be enlarged to accept a standard stand mount head. (These heads can be obtained on line or from most photo stores for as little as $2.00 each – but inventive types can create their own with PVC tubing, ¼ X 20 nuts and bolts, some glue and a drill or tap.) Warning: make sure it is strong and by the way this homemade version will not save you money.

 

Tip 3: C-Stands and Light Stands are worth the investment, buy them new or find some on the Internet, but don’t try to build them. This is as much a safety issue as it is a cost effective one. On the other hand old mic stands could have some use, but have height limitations. Stands need to be 8ft high to be effective, 10’s and ones that will accept arms are even better.

 

Tip 4: Over the counter lights may have hard edges but are not focusable. Most of the time this is not large issue, but it will be necessary to use at least one focusable light. This is one you should buy. There are a variety of less expensive focusable instruments, including used stage Fresenel and Ellipsoidal units.

 

Tip 5: There are a lot of inexpensive “hot light” soft boxes with speed rings on Ebay.  These can, with a little creativity, be mounted with standard bulb mounts as well as a stand mount. With one of these in your kit, and if you carry a variety of  lamps (wattage and color temp) it will provide you with very good soft source and temp control.

 

Tip 6: Cases for both the lights and stands can be found in the strangest places. Inexpensive airport golf club bags work well for standard light stands. So do heavy-duty duffel bags.  When using either I like to line the bag with foam sleeping matt material as well as use an elastic (bungee) cord to tie the stands together (keeps them form denting themselves).  Most large Hardware centers carry a variety (size and shape) of toolboxes, many with handles and wheels. The above foam (or small cardboard boxes taped together) can be used to create dividers to keep the lights apart.

 

Tip 8: Gels need to be bought, but many of the other gaffing/grip accessories can be found locally. Foam Core (black one size) for reflectors and flags. Spring Clips, Spring clothespins (C-47s), heavy aluminum foil (sprayed with black heat temp paint on one side) makes black wrap. Car window sun reflectors  (different patterns), stainless steel screen material makes good scrims (doubled up make a full), black fiberglass screen does well as a Full Net to cut sun light (do not use the fiberglass on lights), Shear white curtains or net (used for veils) even plastic drop cloths instead of silk. Jugs sand (water makes me nervous around power), ankle weights, small bell weights on loop ropes, even zip lock bags of sand work for stand weights.

 

Tip 9: Any good Indie “do it yourself” grip/gaffer will spend hours walking the isles of hardware, variety stores, dollar stores, sporting good stores and office supply stores looking for cheap adaptable tools.

 

Tip 10: As fun as the above may be, a good gaffer and real equipment is still your best bet.

 

If you have a question or tip to share, contact Roger at rschut8293@aol.com (and memo it, insights and tips)