Practicals - any favorites?
 

I looking to grap 3-5 practicals for very portable package. I've never used "real" practicals before. Any favorites?

I will be using them to create "available" light look for dramatic shorts/features.

Definition: Practicals are any unit on stage that needs to be electrified whether it is considered scenery, properties, or costumes.
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I am a bit confused Stephen. Do you mean lighting instruments?

If so, you may want to buy an ETC Source four ellipsoidal or two. These
instruments can be focused, shuttered, gelled and they also take
"gobos" or patterns. So, if you want to pretend there is light streaming
in through a window with Venetian blinds, you buy a pattern that gives
you that look. Zoom ellipsoidals can vary the size of that "window"
you are "projecting".

For zoom ellipsoidals, check out
http://www.seleconlight.com/english/...fic/index.html

Crazy design in this their most expensive zoom ellipsoidal, but very cool.
They can even take patterns made and printed from photoshop.
That's COOL! I think they can be purchase for under $450 each.
Selecon also make some inexpensive fresnels available from barbizon.com
that are very nice for the $$$.

When you want a look created from "natural light coming in from a window"
but without the window as described in the above verbiage,
(in other words, nice even flat lighting without messy shadows) most LDs/DPs
use softboxes, lanterns or pancake lanterns.

Chimera makes good stuff. I also really like the Lowel Rifa series.

Jacques:

By practicals I am referrering to lamps that can be used in standard household building fixtures, but are somewhat brighter and have controlled color temperatures.

Sounds interesting... Anyone have any websites that sell this kind
of stuff?

based on an article from dv magazine you might want to
check out tcpi.com (Technical Consumer Products) they make high frequency flourescent lights at different color temperatures (up to 5700K). And use 1/3 the power of incandescents. And much less heat.