IT’S LIT - My $20M TV Series Lighting Package

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share some insights into the lighting package I'm using on my current TV series Ripple, which I am the solo Director of Photography on across all 8 episodes and 61 shooting days. Managing the lighting for the entire series working with 4 different directors has been an exciting challenge.

Attached are the PDFs detailing my full studio and road lighting packages. For the studio, my gaffer recommended going with a robust tungsten package so we could have more individual sources to spread the light. I tend to prefer big HMI lights, but I saw the wisdom in his suggestion for the studio work.

For our road package used for location interiors and exteriors, I put together a versatile kit that allows me a wide range of options. From small battery powered LEDs to large HMIs, I tried to anticipate the varied needs we might encounter. I'm really enjoying the flexibility this package provides.

One thing I'm doing a lot is diffusing and bouncing large sources to get the quality of light I'm after. By combining the lighting package with a variety of grippage - large frames, solids, thick diffusions, etc. - I'm able to get all the control I need.

Lighting Ripple has been a fun challenge so far. I'm learning a lot having to plan for and manage the lighting across so many episodes, sets and locations.

Hopefully this gives you a little window into my process and the tools I'm using to create the look of the show.

Let me know if you have any questions!

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