freddie bonfanti

Phil, I'm incredibly sorry it didn't work out for you, i know it must be hard to deal with. But please, since you clearly DO NOT work in the film industry over here, stop talking for the rest of us. Embrace positivity: it's good for you.

Phil, i understand this might look like a "Titanic" setup to you, but even for UK standards, it really isn't. Two 60' machines and a few floor lamps are very straight forward, not expensive at all, even for a low budget film. I have seen similar setups on 1m pound films here in England, back in the day, and several tv dramas. A 60ft boom would cost 200 quid to hire for a night. Stand by riggers and ipaf electricians can operate them so there are no extra costs. Please, let's not exaggerate.

I reckon you should keep your money and avoid buying it. Doesn't sound right

would recommend using bobbin net on them to take the edge off rather the dimming.

have you checked the micro switch?

Shermen, like any other cinematographer you would benefit by starting a relationship with a good gaffer who will 'enlighten' (see what i did there?) your way into film lighting. A gaffer will be an invaluable help for all your future projects. If you're just starting out then maybe you can find a set electrician who is willing to step up and work as a gaffer on smaller project. Film is all about collaboration. Surround yourself with good technicians. They have got all the answers you're looking for!

John, the Mail is not my first choice when it comes to printed matter, however it is often rich of amusing behind the scenes gems (just like the Telegraph) when it comes to major motion pictures filmed in london. I enjoy flicking through and seeing my colleagues or myself in it from time to time. it's a funny old game Anyway, regardless of what publication it is, the gear is left exposed to the elements and not bagged properly (including the non water proof 125> 63a FDU's) and if there was no security around, which seems to be the case, all that would have been up for grabs. I'm sure the very competent rigging crew of Ep VII would have polished it all up by now

Ahem, rigging crew! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2691818/The-phantom-film-set-Tantalising-glimpse-new-Star-Wars-movie-locations-crew-moves-Forest-Dean-Gloucestershire-shoot.html

As much as i would love to embrace Plasma technology, it seems to me still miles away from being ready for film purposes. Led is more reliable. I recently tested the SGM Q7's, a brand new fixture used mainly for event lighting, and i was shocked how bright it was. unbelievable. I reckon if the price goes down they might just replace par cans for big studio rigs where you need a big, constant and even back light. It doesn't get as hot, it draws less power and it's just as bright.

apologies, here's the plan

since it's sunday and i'm wasting time online i even made you up a small plan for a 'budget lighting' option. this is what i would do. hope it helps file:///Users/freddiebonfanti/Desktop/Matrix_Plot%201_image.jpg

Jordan, you'll be pleased to hear the above shot was filmed in your hometown Sydney, at Fox Studios. Look up gaffer Reg Garside and ask him yourself! He's a good guy and i'm sure he'd be keen to help out. I would say if you're trying to replicate it with budget lighting then either go for David's suggestion ( i would say use 3 kinos plus you might want to add a good layer of 216 too keep things v soft) and work with lots of negative fill around the edges of frame. Personally if budget was a problem i would get hold of 2 source 4's and a long sheet of poly (8'x4'), rig it as if it was a backlight and bounce the source 4's up from the camera side. Source 4's are much cheaper than kino's and work beautifully

Tom Wouldn't it work out cheaper to hire a lighting package for the whole job and a gaffer? I'm sure your DP would appreciate having somebody keeping an eye on the lighting all the way through the job? If you're not on a micro budget then it makes sense to have some sort of continuity.

nor will i, mate

Well, haven't been around here for ages! Today i saw the second Gatsby trailer and i thought i'd share it here and see what you all think. I had the privilege to work on this film as main unit lighting tech, and i have to say it looks much better than i expected. Yes it's bold and crazy and very "Baz Luhrmann" but i still think it'll be a great one to watch and look forward to next year merry xmas to you all http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN183rJltNM