Aharon Rothschild

I've been using the Hontoo which is similar to the varavon for bmpcc work including Steadicam. Its modular with a quick release for the body from the riser, which is great for Steadicam work and its got a great system for locking cables.

If you're going to buy ARRIs...buy ARRIs. Granted, I've never used the knock-offs myself, but I've heard very bad reviews of them, including some safety issues

Truth is you can use any light including work lights, given enough time and energy to then diffuse and shape the light. Fresnels are great because they allow you to throw or project light from a distance, ie. across the room or through a doorway. This is less important for interviews and much more important for narrative work. A Fresnel is shapeable and scrimable and throws a single shadow and looks good on skin. Its the product of many years of filmmaking and has been used in all the new technology advances from HMI to LED to Plasma. So:) I'd start with two 1k fresnels (the "As Arri" Chinese lights are not terrible) and two 1k dimmers and some dif and CTB and black foam-core for flags. You can light anything with anything, its all just light:)))))