[Don Bachmeier]

Thanks for the insights John.

” no boom arms, no party!”

Reminds me of a DP who often said “If you’re going to bother putting up a light you might as well cover it with something.” Usually a diffusion of some type and either a light CTO or CTB, to make it interesting. Which might explain why we always ran out of 2Ks. But then he was also one of the shooters we joked about as always first putting up a 10K and diffusing it through sheetrock to begin every lighting scheme. Whatever ya gotta do.

[Don Bachmeier]

I’ve written an occassional peice for TV Technology too so I’m familiar with their template form and wondering what will make the cut.
I noticed the gobos and wondered if they were from a Source 4 or a good old fashioned cukaloris. I can usually identify most gobos since we all pretty much use the same ones.
The article mentioned the change in lighting, not just in regards to High Def, but to accomadate the 16:9 framing. I also noted the camera on the track which I’m sure had something to do with needing an even wider clear background. The thing that struck a familiar tone of apprehention in me was the full boom extensions off the combo stands. Even with serious counter weights (look like 50lb’ers) it appears tenious. Were you flying Divas or 2′ 4 banks for inside keys? I’ve done my share of optimistic mounts but I can’t imagine having a fixture with the ballast out that far without a small automobile as a counter weight.
On another note, do you find that with the improvement in contrast with the newer cameras it is finally becoming acceptable to use much subtler hair and edge lights? I see your use of what appears to be 2′ 2 banks in the prison photo. I’ve been using two Rifa 44s with grids for hair/back/edges. Easier to boom but daylight.
I’ve also done a shoot or two in jails and prisons and understand the ‘get me out of here’ sentiment. Even in visitor centers one of the biggest problems was getting more than one 15 amp circuit in the room. Did you have the same issue or did you have to pull from far-and-wide?

All the best,
don