I'm gearing up for a short film, and I'm going to shoot stuff, in a bar, during business hours. I want the portion of the film to have a rough and dirty documentary feel, but I don't want to compensate light for that look. Anyone have any suggestions of how I can use an added light source without it looking obvious. Thanks a bunch.
Lighting bars is really pretty easy...there are so many random light sources you can take advantage of and/or imitate (beer signs, refrigerators, etc.) without taking away from the ambience of the place.
You can bounce light off pool tables and napkins sitting on the bar itself.
It really depends on what you're shooting on, and what sort of light package you have.
Also, when you're shooting there, MAKE SURE that all of the refrigerators and compressors are turned off.
Yes, you see, and you may think I'm a fool, which I certainly may be, but I'm literally going to go into the bar with a camera, my actor miked, and shoot him. There is very light dialogue of importance. I mainly wanna get the footage to be used in flashback. I also don't have the money to rent the place out and fill it with extras. I figured I'd go in a busy night, and shoot stuff. I'm not going to be able to use lights you would typically use for shooting a scene. There is a decent amount of light in there and I might be fine. I've thought about flashlights and bouncing them off a small whitecard. I appreciate the tips, but if you have any truly guerilla style tips those would be great.
Honestly, you'll be fine. The lighting in a bar is already 'stylized' enough to get away with going natural. I've done the same thing a few times. You won't have as much control as you would with a light kit, but it'll work out. You really should get a few people to sit around in the background, though...it'll make a huge amount of difference. And just remember to turn all those noisemakers off...
all right, thanks alot.
Also if the footage is intended to be flashbacks you can always alter the look of all flashbacks in post, giving them a different hue or making them more grainy than the rest.
But bar lighting is always surprisingly broght on film, especially those neons which can bleed. Since your shooting guerilla style, which I say bravo to, I would say forget worrying about anything other than getting the shots you need and then record some room tone in case you have to re-record any of the actors dialogue in post.
thanks for the info. I'm really excited to shoot guerilla. It's going to be a deal where the actor will stay in character and interact with random people in the bar. His character has won the lottery so we're going to pretend that I'm his friend documenting the night before he becomes a millionaire. sorry for rambling thanks again
Quote from: jasper_windowthanks for the info. I'm really excited to shoot guerilla. It's going to be a deal where the actor will stay in character and interact with random people in the bar. His character has won the lottery so we're going to pretend that I'm his friend documenting the night before he becomes a millionaire. sorry for rambling thanks again
Sounds kinda neat. Let us know how the interactions go...
aw
sure thing
What's your plan for this? Because it sound scool, but your not going to be able to show it anywhere unless you get everyone who appears on camera to sign a waiver, which sort of ruins the whole idea.
Unless you clear it with the bar and post an inconspicious sign at the door with a blanket statement like "this establishment is currently being filmed by XXX entertainment, by entering you are consenting that your image and voice may be used for all subsequent film, video, DVD, and internet usage, as well as any and all usage that XXX entertainment deams necessary."
You should actually use "XXX" Entertainment. Bar people will be into that. Maybe you'll get some REALLY :wink: good footage.
that's something that didn't even occur to me, sadly. Michael, would a sign with a blanket statement cover me legally? I wouldn't have a problem having people sign waivers. I know the manager of the bar and many other people who work there so I was going to let the manager know I was coming in just so he wouldn't be alarmed if I was following a guy around with a camera.
A blanket statement will cover you legally if you have the manager / owner of the bar sign a waiver allowing you to use the location. This is what happens with many location shoots where the locations are not closed. Legally your covered as long as you have a waiver to use the location.
excellent thank you very much. There are a few bars I want to go to, so this will be very helpful. Cheers!