Hey everyone.
I am a high school student, currently planning a short film (on a DV camera). I have a few questions though:
1) I found this really awesome set for a movie. It's a deserted train yard, with an old train off the rails. I would want to shoot this scene at night. My friends and I went down last night with my camera, and it was almost impossible to see anything through the camera. I notice in movies, even when it's at night, you can still see things/characters in the room pretty well, although it looks like there is no light. What's the trick? Note: The actors will use torches, to make it realistic (it's dark). But that's not really enough. The trains doors and windows are open, or smashed.
I have NO experience in lighting, but I'd like to know how I could pull this scene off. It can't look artificially lit, I want to know how they do this kind of thing in movies. I don't want to spend a whole lot of money, but I am willing to spend a decent amount (for a high school student :()
Thanks a lot!
-Chris
OK. If you have any money I would say buy a construction spot light at a Home Depot. for like $20-29 bucks. I'm assuming you don't have any lights. SO you'll have to exaggerate the light coming from the torch with other lights. Does that make any sense?
Yeah, thanks, I'll check that out. Anything else that might be useful? Like, what do I use when the characters don't have their torches on? How do they get enough light without looking like there are any at all. Maybe make it look like it's moonlight or something? (the train has doors). I know you can do something (I've seen it in movies) but I don't know what to do.
I'm on vacation as of now, so I can't reply any more, but I will check up in a few weeks time.
Thanks in advance,
-Chris
Is it at all possible to drive a car to this set? If so use your headlights to light the scene. I have never done this but you will definately get some light level, especially with hi-beams. If you could aim the lights at a white board, you could bounce the light onto your subjects and it wouldn't be so harsh.
Just an idea.
P.S. Start your car up between takes so your battery doesn't die.
