Behind the Scenes of Our Video Interview: Lighting Breakdown
Choosing the right gear for your video production needs has become easier than ever with the wide variety of options available today. However, some brands stand out by truly understanding the needs of cinematographers. In a competitive market with tight production budgets, making wise equipment choices is crucial for flexibility and efficiency.
I recently had the opportunity to use the new line of comb LED lights from Zhiyun, specifically the MOLUS G200. Thanks to the generous support from Transcontinenta, I was able to borrow two units for a challenging video interview shoot. The setup was against a massive window with a view to the stunning Port of Rotterdam, providing a breathtaking backdrop that complemented the subject of our interview.
Overcoming Lighting Challenges
Challenge 1: Balancing Foreground and Background Lighting
Our main challenge was to evenly light our subject in the foreground while balancing the outdoor daylight from the background. The MOLUS G200 lights had to perform at their maximum capacity, and they did not disappoint. Despite my initial concerns about fan noise at high brightness levels, the recording was free from any audio interference. Although we could hear the fans, they were not picked up by our microphones, allowing us to maintain professional sound quality.
Challenge 2: Managing Reflections
The second challenge was dealing with reflections on the window. To counter this, we created a black wall behind the camera and had the crew dress in black. Positioning the lights was critical. The 90cm parabolic softbox, designed specifically for the MOLUS series, proved to be extremely useful. We mounted the light head on a boom stand above our interviewee without any stability issues, thanks to the lightweight design of the MOLUS G200.
Challenge 3: Filling Shadows
For shadow fill, we used the second light. Positioned on a short light stand, we bounced it off a reflector placed on the floor in front of the interviewee. This setup ensured our subject was well-lit, with no unwanted reflections on the window, all while maintaining an impressive background.
The Final Outcome
The resulting video was so seamless that many viewers asked if we had used a green screen for the background. The truth is, we opted for a natural setup rather than an artificial one. The Zhiyun MOLUS G200 lights, with their high performance and flexibility, played a crucial role in achieving this effect. The equipment’s reliable performance, even under challenging conditions, made it an excellent choice for our production needs. The compact design in relation with their affordable price makes them one of the best and versatile options out there, especially for those who travel a lot for assignements.
A special thanks to Transcontinenta for their support and for providing the Zhiyun MOLUS G200 lights, which were essential in our successful shoot. For any cinematographer looking to enhance their production quality, these lights are definitely worth considering.
below you can watch a short BTS video and the final movie. Make sure to comment if you have any further question.
