Introduction

When the pressure is on with a tight deadline, it’s imperative to know how to light fast. But where do you begin and how do you set yourself up for success? Well in this video, I’ll show you how to do just that.

Have A Game Plan

To quickly light your scenes, the most important thing is setting yourself up for success from the very beginning of the shoot. This is one reason why preproduction is so important. Scouting the location helps you note what obstacles you’ll face, making you better prepared to light quickly. If you can’t scout the location prior to the shoot, take the time to walk the space and scout the location immediately upon arriving to the shoot.

I have been on shoots where the director, producer, or client wanted to immediately start shooting. When this happened we quickly ran into problems and delays, which translated into lost shooting time. Instead, by simply pausing at the start of the day to develop our game plan–identifying what we need to get and how to use the location to its full potential–the rest of the day goes smoother and more quickly.

Follow The Game Plan

Once you’ve figured out your approach for the shoot, stick with that plan and get the shots needed. As soon as you get the shot, move on to the next one. Nothing slows a shoot down more than reshooting something multiple times after it was already successfully filmed.

When it comes to lighting your set…

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Camera / Audio

• Sony Alpha a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
• Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter – Canon EOS (EF / EF-s) to Sony E-Mount
• Bright Tangerine Misfit Matte Box
• Tilta FF-T03 15mm Follow Focus with Hard Stops
• Sachtler Panorama 7+7 Head 100mm (similar head: 1006 DV 10 SB Fluid Head)
• Sachtler Carbon Fiber Tripod (similar tripod: Carbon Fiber HD Tripod Legs)
• MYT Works 4′ Medium slider w/ HiHat
• Hollywood Beefy Baby Stand (8.5′) (two, to raise the MYT Works slider)
• Movcam Cage for Sony A7S
• Sekonic L-758Cine DigitalMaster Light Meter
• Wooden Camera A/B Gold-Mount Plate for Sony A7, A7r and A7s
• Audio Technica AT835b Shotgun Microphone (similar microphone: Audio Technica BP4071 Shotgun Microphone)
• Wooden Camera DSLR A-Box
• Delkin Devices 64GB SDXC Memory Card 600x UHS-I
• DSC Labs One Shot Reference Chart (Matte Finish)

Behind the Scenes (BTS) Cameras

• GoPro Hero3 Black (similar camera: GoPro HERO4 Black)
• Sony Alpha SLT-A57
• Filmcity DSLR Camera Cage Shoulder Rig kit (FC-03)

Lighting / Grip Gear

• Aputure LS 1/2w LED (5500K)
• Aputure Light Storm LS 1S Daylight LED
• Aputure Amaran LED
• Floppy – 48×48″ (1.2×1.2m)
• Matthews Century C Stand Grip Arm Kit – 10.5′ (3.2m)
• PBL Sandbags x4 bags