strobe light

[Bobby Shore]

I'm shooting a music video next week and for one of the breakdown's during the chorus, I'm trying to emulate (alright, straight up rip-off ) the effect of several strobes going off simultaneously to really break up the movement of the two band members... check the link below for the twin peaks reference on youtube (fast-forward to 4:30 in the clip):

 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=96UY9UKTRAU&feature=related

 

 

It's definitely not anything new, just wanted to get your opinion on the best way to achieve the effect: 3-4 8K paparazzi's, some data flashes, or straight up radio shack strobe lights (on the budget tip), that can be hooked up to different circuits on switches? Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Bobby Shore

DP LA/Montreal

[Jayson Crothers]

Hey Bobby - take a listen to the audio commentary on "Blade" by the Cinematographer (Theo Van De Sande, ASC).

 

I don't recall the specifics (it's been a while since I listened to it), but he talks about the opening club scene (which is full of this very type of strobing light) and talks about how he achieved the strobing effect with lights spinning into mirrors and not with actual strobes.

 

Perhaps it'll give you another alternative.

 

Is this for film or digital? I'd be leery about using radio shack strobes for film - depending on how rapid they strobed, you could run into the same issue you find with firearms and you miss the flash because it goes off when the shutter is closed.

[George Suarez]

There is a new flicker box that has came out in the last few months. It allows you to set almost any type of flicker, strobe, candle, etc.. you want including lighting flashs on HMI Units and or tungsten units. I dont know to much about applicational uses, cause I only repair lighting equipment. But contact www.Maccam.TV 818-780-5600 regarding there flicker box and ask for Jose or Mac. I'm pretty sure this will help you.

[Scottie Mei]

I'm shooting a music video next week and for one of the breakdown's during the chorus, I'm trying to emulate (alright, straight up rip-off ) the effect of several strobes going off simultaneously to really break up the movement of the two band members... check the link below for the twin peaks reference on youtube (fast-forward to 4:30 in the clip):

 

http://youtube.com/watch?v=96UY9UKTRAU&feature=related

 

 

It's definitely not anything new, just wanted to get your opinion on the best way to achieve the effect: 3-4 8K paparazzi's, some data flashes, or straight up radio shack strobe lights (on the budget tip), that can be hooked up to different circuits on switches? Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Bobby Shore

DP LA/Montreal

 

Hey Bobby,

not sure if this info still able to help you for your shoot as I just saw your posting, but I heve used Lightning strike for similar effects on a MV i shot. you can probably get it for FREE coz they have student loan out program if you can bring them a school letter or they have discounts. the cool thing about the unit is you can adjust the unit's intensity and frequency, it starts with 8K i believe, but it doesn't take much power as 80 amps. i used it with a 60amp genny...hahaha. anyways, here is their website http://www.luminyscorp.com/products/lightn...ikes/index.html, and check out my video see if that's something you are looking for.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLeuKW4vdJc. let me know if you need any more info and good luck.

 

Scott Mei