Constructing lights for low budget films

[Steven Wyatt]

Hello everybody,

 

I'm a second year student at the Northern Film School, and am currently looking for alternative methods for a student with little money, to create/build lights for independant projects outside film school. It has come to my attention that in the long term consistently borrowing lights from equipment loan firms, can be expensive. I would greatly appreciate any comments or contribuions in this matter for building lights from domestic parts.

 

Regards,

Steven

Edited January 9, 2006 by Steven Wyatt

[Peter J DeCrescenzo]

I'm a second year student at the Northern Film School, and am currently looking for alternative methods for a student with little money, to create/build lights for independant projects outside film school. It has come to my attention that in the long term consistently borrowing lights from equipment loan firms, can be expensive. I would greatly appreciate any comments or contribuions in this matter for building lights from domestic parts.

There's useful information on relatively inexpensive, improvised lighting equipment -- and more importantly, suggestions on how to make the most of whatever light you're using -- on Walter Graff's website:

http://www.bluesky-web.com/new-page6.html

 

... and also on Ron Dexter's website:

http://www.rondexter.com/

 

Some professional lighting gear -- which is designed to be effective and _safe_ -- can be relatively inexpensive, too. For example, PAR-type instruments are sold by B&H and other vendors:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...arch&Q=&ci=6433

 

B&H also sells used gear, too. If you're comfortable buying through eBay, I'm told there's quite a bit of used pro gear available there as well, although you may wish to locate a reputable seller.

 

I urge caution if you decide to construct hot lights from hardware store parts. The reason pro lights are designed and constructed the way they are is because these approaches have proven over the years to be reliable and _safe_. It's possible to construct hot lights using a do-it-yourself approach, but it requires some skill to do it such a way as to avoid causing fires, serious injury or worse.

[Steven Wyatt]

Hi,

 

Thanks for your response; would any body know how to construct florescent lights for use in video productions, i.e. complete with stands, supports for the fixtures.

 

Regards,

Steven