Revolving Police Lights (Possible to Simulate?)
 

For a night scene in my film I need to simulate flashing (blue & red) poilce lights, but the 'police car' will never actually be seen. What are some ways to simulate this effect?

Thanks,

Corey C.

Two flashlights Or strobes with filters unless you need to see light bouncing off of a wide area.

Go visit the local PD. They or the city vehicle maintenance yard should have some old ones that you could borrow for that specific use.


ORRRRR, contribute a little bit to a police fund and see if you can borrow the lights (attached to a car with a police officer to operate them).

Save yourself time and money and just pick it up at a party related retail store. They have them for dirt cheap. Try Spencers or Party City.

I shoot the "bubbles" at a fire or other event, (such as a parade), and file them away on a disc for future use. I Get shots of the front, sides, and top, if possible. I Include all types of emergency vehicles.

I usually shoot the "bubbles" out of focus, at varying focal lengths.

Judiciously used it can enhance your work.

Like Brett says, you can find cheap imitations various places. Radio Shack used to sell them. But they generally have rather wimpy lights that won't be very bright. Try a theatrical supply/rental house, they often have something closer to the real thing.