Should I travel with a lighting kit? at DVinfo.net

Bezalel Ben-Chaim · January 25th, 2005, 02:13 PM

Hi All

I was hired to film a clip for a hi-tech company of a few customer testimonials.

I work on my own, and when I do this locally, I have my regular setup - Canon XM2, Lowel lighting kit (A Rifa soflight as key, and a small Pro-light as kicker, plus a reflector for fill), mics, tripod and all. I throw everything into the trunk of my car, I guess it weighs around 35 Kilos together, and manage somehow.

The thing is, I need to travel over 3 continents for this project, and I'm not sure I'd manage with all the equipment PLUS a suitcase, etc. As this is a relatively low-budget project, I'll need to travel alone.

I'm hesitating whether to tote my lighting kit with me, as it weighs A LOT (Probably 15 Kilos with case, extension cords and accessories). I'd be happy to ditch the lighting, and try to manage documentary-style.

Does anybody have experience with this situation?
Will I be able to manage with no lighting and get acceptable results (all footage will probably be shot indoors)?
Is there some way to minimize the gear I need to take (Maybe less lighting? other techinques?)

Thanks

Dennis Vogel · January 25th, 2005, 04:37 PM

Depending on where you are going you might be able to rent the gear you need.

Good luck.

Dennis

Ken Plotin · January 25th, 2005, 10:42 PM

I think you'll be a lot happier if you take your lighting kit on the shoot. Your setups will go a lot smoother using the setup you're used to, allowing you to spend your creative energy getting the best testimonials possible and not worrying about "iffy" lighting quality. 35 kilos isn't really that much extra weight, especially if you'll be renting a car on location.
Just my .02 based on experience.
Ken

Jack Smith · January 26th, 2005, 09:55 PM

I suggest you take your lighting( your familiar with it) and arrange to have someone on location help carry(pay them instead of renting) Then light the scenes like you know you should.
smitty

January 25th, 2005, 02:13 PM	#1
Bezalel Ben-Chaim Tourist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tel-Aviv, Israel Posts: 3	Should I travel with a lighting kit? Hi All I was hired to film a clip for a hi-tech company of a few customer testimonials. I work on my own, and when I do this locally, I have my regular setup - Canon XM2, Lowel lighting kit (A Rifa soflight as key, and a small Pro-light as kicker, plus a reflector for fill), mics, tripod and all. I throw everything into the trunk of my car, I guess it weighs around 35 Kilos together, and manage somehow. The thing is, I need to travel over 3 continents for this project, and I'm not sure I'd manage with all the equipment PLUS a suitcase, etc. As this is a relatively low-budget project, I'll need to travel alone. I'm hesitating whether to tote my lighting kit with me, as it weighs A LOT (Probably 15 Kilos with case, extension cords and accessories). I'd be happy to ditch the lighting, and try to manage documentary-style. Does anybody have experience with this situation? Will I be able to manage with no lighting and get acceptable results (all footage will probably be shot indoors)? Is there some way to minimize the gear I need to take (Maybe less lighting? other techinques?) Thanks

January 25th, 2005, 04:37 PM	#2
Dennis Vogel Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hillsborough, NC Posts: 409	Depending on where you are going you might be able to rent the gear you need. Good luck. Dennis

January 25th, 2005, 10:42 PM	#3
Ken Plotin Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	I think you'll be a lot happier if you take your lighting kit on the shoot. Your setups will go a lot smoother using the setup you're used to, allowing you to spend your creative energy getting the best testimonials possible and not worrying about "iffy" lighting quality. 35 kilos isn't really that much extra weight, especially if you'll be renting a car on location. Just my .02 based on experience. Ken

January 26th, 2005, 09:55 PM	#4
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	I suggest you take your lighting( your familiar with it) and arrange to have someone on location help carry(pay them instead of renting) Then light the scenes like you know you should. smitty