Our goal as filmmakers is capture a desired look for the end product, right? I'd like to hear your input on the importance of "brand name" expensive lighting equipment being used on set. Being part of a recent independent project, an actress (one of 10+) came on set, and saw the equipment and scoffed at how unprofessional everything looked: 4 x Laviton Multi Lens PAR ($150 each). 4 x LED 12"x12" Light Panels ($500 each). 4 x Photography Studio Soft Boxes ($500 total). Also a few Foam Reflectors and scrims of different sizes. That is what we had available for creating the indoor and through-window lighting. That comes out to roughly $3,100 in fixtures. Is that unreasonable? The Cinematographer used the equipment beautifully and the atmosphere was very organized and professional, yet this actress was set off by the low cost. Although she was essentially a featured Extra, this got me thinking about future projects. Fancy equipment is always nice to have, if you've got the money, but what if you don't have the money, but the project has a ton of potential. Story is awesome, people working on the project are very talented, actors are good, etc. But you bring in a less than expensive light setup. How do you over come the initial thoughts of "Oh, what cheap film did I get myself into this time?" of these actors you only know through the audition process? Thoughts? Rants? Raves? If you're dead set on the fact that equipment must be top of the line, do you have realistic fund raising tips? I'm looking for constructive responses that other indie filmmakers can take with them and apply. If I'm not clear enough in the questions, let me know.
Cinematography : An Indie Struggle: Professional Look vs. Cost Effectiveness by Kris Monroe
An Indie Struggle: Professional Look vs. Cost Effectiveness
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How do you over come the initial thoughts of "Oh, what cheap film did I get myself into this time?" of these actors? You treat them with respect and professionalism. Which I know you did with this actress who scoffed at how unprofessional everything looked. Once she got into the vibe of the set and the dedication of the people involved I suspect she was pleased she got involved with your production. Am I right?
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A "Professional Presentation" is appropriate when you have a client who is paying "the freight"- When you are working on a production with SAG/AFTRA talent it is important to proceed with "best practices" because people do talk and gossip. If it is an indie project with lo/no pay the sophistication of equipment is no ones biness but your own. I have worked on "big tent features and tv shows" which have sent out a couple of camera folks to shoot 2nd unit with a Canon 5/7 D and some flex fill reflectors. The skill of a DP can be determined by how few lights used not the size or number.
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Honestly, that's half the fun. Trying to get the "professional look" on the indie budget. I've found some setups that work for the look I like to achieve but a lot of it comes down to personal preference. And the fact an actress scoffed, boo her. Show's her lack of professionalism for sure.
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Don't worry about what people think, and it's not about the budget or equipment, but about the story and know how. You can do a lot with $3100.
Some people are definitely impressed by professional-looking gear. Of all the things you could spend money on that has very little to do with how good your project looks or sounds, clients I work with are always impressed by my $80 dummy slate with colored sticks.
Yes cinematography and production value matters, but in the end story is king. Don't worry about the actress too much. Do the best with what u got.
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If the lighting could speak it might have something to say about your extra. She had the choice of leaving if she expected lights costing tens of thousands of dollars... it is not as if there are no other extras in NYC.