Ryan's Light Kit: Low Budget Lighting Tips For Your Videos & Films!

Today Ryan shows the lights he uses the most and some low-to-no-budget solutions, too!
FloLight:
flolight.com/
Lowel lights:
lowel.com/
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[@filmriot]

All in time man. No need to get frustrated. When I was younger I would just use lamps, work lights, flash lights, or the sun... Then when I finally got my hands on some proper gear (when I was in my 20's) it felt so easy to light a scene. Sort of like learning to drive on stick shift, then driving an automatic. So don't be discouraged, do the best you can with what you have and it will pay off big! And remember, story always comes first!

[@markmcknighty]

FilmRiot just keeps getting better & better. It's clear that you know & love your craft. Thank you for taking the time to share that with your subscribers.

[@Artkidtek]

Last year I watched this video and I said to myself Damn! These lights are expensive not low budget!!! A year later I have three 1000w Arri fresnels plus a 650w and 150w arri fresnel. I never thought my production company would take off like it has!

[@primeweddingvideos2317]

congratulations dude! You were still right about the lights being expensive though :P

[@RaIkKh]

Good job man !! Nice work !

[@Artkidtek]

Freelance freelance freelance and network. I got a lot of jobs on campus at my University with organzitions and clubs. although I did have to take out a loan for my 5DM3 but it was worth it!!

[@AlienRockPictures]

Thanks for the advice, man. It's amazing how much can change in one year.

[@NelsonStJames]

Way to go! Slow and steady wins the race.

[@filmriot]

It's a pre-order. This means that you are ordering the product before it is in-stock. It shows on the product page that the DVDs and Blu-rays will start shipping in Jully. Right now we are finishing up the special features! They are coming out great! I think you are going to love it!!! :)

[@Juwayyid]

I loved the style you guys used to film all the different lights, and that you can actually see Ryan, I believe, in the reflection of one of the lower budget light shots.

[@filmriot]

No problem good sir. And a giant high-five to you for being cool about it! You are awesome!

[@filmriot]

SOOOOO GOOOOOOD! I just got it on Blu-ray.

[@filmriot]

That's amazing! Best of luck with your summer projects!

[@FlashOnTwos]

Man, that's some serious speed you're on. Racked my brain to keep up with your talking!

[@NelsonStJames]

Flolight should be drafting you guys a check, because you made a sale from this vid. I've always been a firm Lowell fanboy since film school, but the Flolights are great -- and no more burned fingers!

[@Quiqueleal85]

well they should cause i just bought a kit as well... :D

[@MinecraftManifestTV]

I went to FullSail. I'm 40 grand in debt, but I went there...

[@MAVATTACK]

+MinecraftManifestTV Same...

[@Vogo]

+MinecraftManifestTV o_o DEBT ! My old enemy!

[@JoeCnNd]

I've actually knew a guy who done effects for Xmen movies that went there.

[@Shohaiko]

Im to filmschool... Public filmschool. No debt... Just taxes... Everybody's taxes... THEY PAY SO I CAN DO FILM.

[@TheFormalPickle]

Only 40? Lucky haha try 80 for me...

[@filmriot]

If you are buying a kit of them yes. But if you buy them individually, they are $120 and up. The first half of the episode is lighting for low-budget filmmakers. The second half is for no-budget filmmakers. A little something for everyone. :)

[@TommyCruze]

I think I've developed a FilmRiot sense. I had this.. feeling and BAM, new episode!

[@FXCProductions]

I cheered when I saw this in my inbox. Nothing special. I always cheer when I see FilmRiot in my inbox haha

[@SuperWhiteLightning8]

Very informal episode! I've been watching for a really long time. Filmriot has been VERY helpful with my films! Keep it up!

[@thenithink69]

when I went to the flolight website, there was this picture of ryan and it said, RYAN CONNOLLY TALKS ABOUT CINEMATOGRAPHY and when I clicked on it it showed me this episode and other lighting episodes Ryan's more famous than I thought!

[@borizovskimilan]

“One of the best things that happened to me was that I didn’t go to film school." - James Cameron

[@TheAcmex]

+Milan Borizovski why was the best thing ?

[@lisazoria2709]

+TheAcmex Probably didn't want to waste the money.

[@mcsteifefrise9995]

but cameron is a deadbeat.

[@yudela1]

MC Steife Frise A massively successful and wealthy deadbeat if we're gonna go with that.

[@RichardsMovies]

You're right! Geniuses like Cameron and Tarrantino don't need film school. However if you're reading KZbin comments, you're probably not a genius so go to film school.

[@charliemildren830]

+film riot can you do a tour around your studio

[@lockitdrop]

That is an idea worthy of being posted on the book of faces

[@TheBloodyShotgun]

Yes, yes indeed it is

[@nobudgetfilmmaker]

To anybody wondering where to get "can lights" or clamp lights, I founds them yesterday at Walmart. They're nine dollars, 150 watt bulb max, and work great. Idk if every Walmart will have them, but you should definitely check if you're interested.

[@johncostatv]

This episode could not have come at a better time. Thanks!

[@sivartis]

I was really wondering about those LED lights... thought about getting them for the Inspector Spacetime shoot, but had to cut back, so settled for the 2-ton and what it had in it. ~Trav

[@coryredding7847]

Always appreciate a equipment overview... Sometimes theres an illusion that u need tons of stuff to get even started. Cant wait for the lighting episode. Thanks ry~guy n crew

[@1925arch]

Ryan Dude.....you and your team are just simply awesome...now i can work on my low budget program easily :) :D thanks a ton.

[@krishanbansalphotos]

Haha, this is awesome! I almost never use lights, I basically just shoot with fast 50s everywhere!

[@FlyingElvis123]

Thinking.. This is the beginning of the end. When I first starting watching this series, everything was almost attainable... now we are reaching a level where I would need some backing... no longer making this the "No Budget Film Makers Guide"" Bummer , but Im sure there is still stuff in there for us amateurs to learn from.

[@filmriot]

Monday challenge stuff is on the Monday episodes.

[@imaginevideos]

The Totas (w/ a white umbrella) should be great for even lighting. You're going to want to get away from the backdrop so you don't have light spilling onto you, similar to a green screen. The wider your backdrop the easier it is. I think you'll pickup some nice hair light from your white backdrop and lights. For you, you could also look at Lowel's ProLight. Nice little light and can vary from spot to flood and attach their umbrellas on them as well. All great lights for the price.

[@filmriot]

Nope. I don't get money for saying anything in the show about gear. That for me is a conflict of interests. And if I did, I would be sure to let you all know in the episode. My opinions on the show about gear are always 100% true. It would be unfair to you guys otherwise.

[@pauchara]

SOUND can you please talk about SOUND! LOVE YOU FILMRIOT!!

[@filmriot]

Videocopilot . net has a ton of fantastic tutorials for After Effects. Give that a look for sure.

[@TetherOnline]

to be honest, if it wasn't for groups like FIlm I don't think I would be getting into filming this summer. Keep up the good work.

[@30mmRebel]

the 128 is what I use with a battery. Works great with what I do . Can't wait to upgrade to a few of the big ones.

[@filmriot]

That depends on a lot of things. But, day for night is always an option.

[@Gregabyte92]

I saw a comment once that you should make a "BAMMIE WHAM" t-shirt and I wholeheartedly agree. I think those would sell very well.

[@wassupben]

Yer i've seen them about as well. I might get one of those really cheap light holders off amazon and an umbrella and stand. should do the job!

[@jaykadlec]

THE GREY! btw saw it and loved it, thanks for the suggestion :)

[@drnowt]

Clamp light seems to be getting some decent results. None exactly like the ones shown in the video but close enough. Thanks!

[@MisguidedSage]

lol Ryan's relationship with his brother is sooo similar to me and my best-friend's frienship

[@Kamo7s]

Wow... I want some of those LED Flolights for my photography, but they're a bit out of my range at the moment.

[@LightWthoutTheStatic]

How would you power this many lights in a studio? Wouldn't this overload a standard circuit?

[@k4kfh]

Micah Lindstrom LEDs are super low power compared to incandescents, and CFL bulbs are too to some degree. You still have to be careful though

[@CinematicComics]

thanks for all the advice ryan,captain america-film riot is the best indy web channel on the internet!

[@shane8109]

Great stuff as usual Filmriot!

[@Anand_Bhatt]

Do you have an updated list of lights? That are not too expensive and something you would recommend?

[@filmriot]

Already in the works! :)

[@FlawlessFilms0]

FINALLY... FILM RIOT HAS COME BACK, TO MY, KZbin

[@filmriot]

No need for the insults man. It's all kindness on these threads. :) And it was kind of ironic that you had a misspelling within your insult about his spelling.

[@Swaza13]

Just thought I'd point out: When you are talking in front of the green screen, the background composite is mainly red but the the light shining onto your sides looks slightly blue. Great show anyway :)

[@Webcast01]

I've seen the cinematography online package. I think the camera was the Sony FS100.

[@rorkimaru]

Same, another name seems to be recessed light but from what I've found they're not quite as cheep as over in the states. I'm currently strongly considering a 3 point softbox kit off amazon. They're not much more than what it'd cost to build a custom kit here, I'm just concerned about what the quality would be like. Still, the fact that they fold neatly into a carry bag is tempting.

[@joegarrick2760]

I've used the Lowel tungsten lights and he's not kidding - they're HOT and use a lot of power. You might want to look into fluorescent or LED alternatives unless you're sure your circuits can handle the tungsten lights.

[@loser23jtw]

Oh God... What I would give to own your lighting kit. Those microbeams have me drooling.

[@isakwing]

I've been waiting for this episode for ages!

[@DarkestGinge]

Ryan, you have inspired me to start to make Short Films :D

[@loshanagan]

As long as you're doing cinematography episodes for a bit, you could do an episode about camera angles! Or have you done one in the past?

[@30mmRebel]

I didn't know about the can lights. I'm definitely going to get some. What about the auto work lights. I forget the name of them.

[@LJLeeTV]

Flolight's smart for choosing you guys as a marketing tool. You must be enjoying their gear ;)

[@filmriot]

We actually did an entire month on sound about 2 years back.

[@shadowblackmagic]

Try searching for 'clamp lamp' as apposed to can light. Theres loads of cheap ones on ebay, thats where i get mine.

[@30mmRebel]

I have a smaller FloLight Microbeam for videos and club footage.. works great.

[@soulareclipse27]

haha great again Film Riot!!!! Your the best. And how much should a short films budget be?

[@calypsopainting]

Thanks for turning me on to lowel. We used arri kits in schools which are sssooo expensive.

[@AlexHeyNa]

You know what I'd like to see? BTS of a FilmRiot episode.

[@flamethrowingmonkey]

Hi Ry luve the show! I was just wondering could u show us some tips and tricks for using the mac application iMovie. Its all I have until I can save up the money for a better software. Thax and by!

[@billyhusk2647]

Hey Ryan if you have not done so already, can you do an episode that gives us information about sound and what kind of mics to use

[@CaveTrollz]

Hey there Ryan, Just wanting to know how you got your gopro quality (for hero 2) so good... I have been looking around and have seen alot of people wondering the same thing?

[@DustySeven7]

Look up The Black Tank. They make a 4in 25watt led unit. DMX controlled and they can power link. These little things can punch. They come in 3 different versions. RGBW, Variable Color temp white, and UV. They have barn doors available and unlike most lights they use a diffusion holographic lens system that allows great control over the beam angle. theblacktank

[@Azmir]

Really helpful episode! Thanks Ryan!

[@waswilsch]

oh thank god, new filmriot episode! :D

[@2sol0]

hey Ryan, have you stabilized the scenes where you show off your different lights? i mean with after effects :D

[@St3althPaRad0x]

Hey, i have can lights but i need adjustable stands to clip them onto. What do you use or recommend?

[@filmriot]

We had a power outage on Wednesday, pushed everything back. :/ Stupid electricity!

[@ArtOfAnderson]

Filmriot, i wondered, have you ever made a tips n' tricks for the gopro cameras? It looks like i am 2,5 meters tall when i film, while having in on my head. Any tips? Tried the chest rig, with no luck. I want it to be in a first person look when i play airsoft, but without me being a giant..

[@xxonedarkheroxx]

Hey Film Riot! How long is the battery life on the flolight? I have to do a lot of last minute shoots with little to no time to set up light and these seem to be Perfect for me.

[@Jockeengstrom]

Can you use diffusion-panels on the LED-lamps to get softer light as well?

[@rorkimaru]

How do you feel about fluorescent lighting soft box kits that are out there? There's a few 3 point lighting kits on amazon in the $150 to $250 range which give over 2kW hot light equivalent and come with stands, 3 lights, a boom pole for the rim light and all that. When I see people making custom light kits in the same range for little less money these almost seem a bit too good to be true...

[@AblaPchang]

Ryan, how much time does it take you to make each of this videos? I calculate like 1-2 hours per video. Thats a lot of work! Its great keep it up

[@Vinbenzine]

Hey Ryan, I have a Canon 60D buth when I'm using higher shutter speeds like 125 or higher I experience some flicker during my shots. I have found a photolight with a 1000watt bulb and even this one gives me flicker once I reach at shutter speed 160. Do I need pro lights to avoid this flicker? Greetings from Belgium and keep on the good work!

[@jackdelamare]

Great tips Ryan, thank you!

[@DestinyTeVe]

I am on the FloLight website and looking different lights, I was wondering what is the difference between the V mount, A-B Mount, and DMX?

[@bryonyrocks]

I got mine from a reptile place, but you can get them from poultry places too (under heat lamps)

[@AgentNumberQ]

More specifically, what wattage if it is later in the day, or if sun is blocked by buildings?

[@AlexHeyNa]

That's not what I'm talking about. I mean the making of a FilmRiot episode. The filming, Josh talking from behind the camera, and the editing. I just wanna see what they do week-to-week for us.

[@JacksonWelch]

are you going to be using speed-grade cs6 for the color correcting in the next episode?

[@Froiproductions]

So glad you did lighting

[@123hugoabel]

ryan, when are you gonna make a feature film, the fans are waiting

[@its_emiko]

What would you suggest for a night time scene on a river haha, i need lighting for my short film and dont know how to do it :(

[@Vinbenzine]

now that's something I do believe! ;) Are there seperate AC/DC converters wich can power 1000watt lights? tnx

[@SupaWuProductions]

Try work lights, they are normally yellow with white light, but they get SUPER hot :)

[@backbreaker95]

i would like to know how do you get sound effects into the videos? do you put them into AE5 or what? i really need help thank you :)

[@Vinbenzine]

yep that's it! in Belgium we call it "wisselstroom" wich means changingcurrent actually :D

[@NormanVsNorman]

Loved this video! Very useful... Thanks!

[@stirch9]

What about the screw in CFL? You can get them all in different kelvin.

[@BacklotD]

For the can light bulbs, what color temp would you use? Also what about CFLs for less heat? thx

[@AlienRockPictures]

He uses soft light

[@MrYouHelp]

Do you recommend energy saving lamps in can lights?

[@Nothingbutmagic1]

Thanks Film Riot!!!!

[@wassupben]

I cannot find those can lights anywhere in the UK. If anyone knows where i could pick them up that would be awesome!

[@owenmkent]

What program did you use to make your intro graphics?

[@nerflizard]

Home Depot has them! Have you checked there yet?

[@IamGODofCOD]

Odds I could somehow work with you? or do an internship deal? looking for film schools this year and would LOVE the experience. If not with you guys, suggestions?

[@toms900]

So, if I only had enough money to get like one light or light kit, should I go with LEDs?