.: Simulating lightning :. at DVinfo.net

Michael Claerbout · October 22nd, 2006, 08:26 AM

Hi guys,

I'm currently working on a new project were i would need to simulate lightning threw a bedroom window. I've looked around and did not find much information on how to do this, what kind of lighting i would need, and how to handle it. Thats why im asking you guys. Does any off you ever did this effect, and if so do you know the tricks and gear to perfom it ?

Thanks in a million!

Michaël

Dan Keaton · October 22nd, 2006, 08:49 AM

Flashbulbs, wired to a battery or doorbell transformer can make a flash that resembles lightning. It is important to choose the right size flashbulb, otherwise the effect is overpowering.

Flashbulbs are harder to find now, but they are still available.

http://www.meggaflash.com/

http://www.flashbulbs.com

Michael Claerbout · October 22nd, 2006, 09:01 AM

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the info.
But this option does seem to be expensive and dangerous for a filmstudent.
Are there no other options ?

Thanks.

Michaël.

Oh and i forgot to tell you, that im looking for a multi effect, more then one flash. To simulate real lightning, multible flashes with different timing and strengh.
Sorry if that wasn't clear

Jaron Berman · October 22nd, 2006, 09:26 AM

http://www.lightningstrikes.com/

Rent it for the scenes you need, and shoot in an order that allows you to finish all those scenes in a day. There's really nothing else out there capable of what these can do.

Michael Claerbout · October 22nd, 2006, 01:14 PM

Thanks for the info.
But unfortunatly i'm from Belgium so that option seems impossible.
Its hard to see that there's not a DIY way.

But thanks!

Greets

Michaël.

Nate Weaver · October 22nd, 2006, 01:40 PM

Michael, there's another lighting fixture that's easier to find than Lightning Strikes, and cheaper to rent also.

You'd be looking for a strobe unit called the AF1000, made by a company called Lightwave Research. They make stage/theatrical lighting, and to find them for rent you'd be going to a place that rents lights for large rock shows or theatres.

The lights are daisychained by way of audio XLR cables for control, with a controller specifically for these fixtures made by the same company. They are generally just used as stage strobes, but the controller has a few programs to simulate lighting.

Michael Claerbout · October 22nd, 2006, 01:56 PM

Hi Nate,

thats seems like a very good idea,
i'm going to search for it. I think i allready know a place
to get it.

thanks again!

Greets

Michaël.

Cody Lucido · October 22nd, 2006, 03:01 PM

I did a down and dirty lightning sim for cheap.

I bought 4 strobe lights from Spencers gifts that were only $9.99

Then I placed them in various locations and positions and hooked each one up to an extension cord with a flip switch. I then had two people switch the power on and off randomly. With some practice, it created an encompassing light that seemed more natural.

October 22nd, 2006, 08:26 AM	#1
Michael Claerbout Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 53	.: Simulating lightning :. Hi guys, I'm currently working on a new project were i would need to simulate lightning threw a bedroom window. I've looked around and did not find much information on how to do this, what kind of lighting i would need, and how to handle it. Thats why im asking you guys. Does any off you ever did this effect, and if so do you know the tricks and gear to perfom it ? Thanks in a million! Michaël

October 22nd, 2006, 08:49 AM	#2
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Flashbulbs, wired to a battery or doorbell transformer can make a flash that resembles lightning. It is important to choose the right size flashbulb, otherwise the effect is overpowering. Flashbulbs are harder to find now, but they are still available. http://www.meggaflash.com/ http://www.flashbulbs.com __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

October 22nd, 2006, 01:40 PM	#6
Nate Weaver Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,100	Michael, there's another lighting fixture that's easier to find than Lightning Strikes, and cheaper to rent also. You'd be looking for a strobe unit called the AF1000, made by a company called Lightwave Research. They make stage/theatrical lighting, and to find them for rent you'd be going to a place that rents lights for large rock shows or theatres. The lights are daisychained by way of audio XLR cables for control, with a controller specifically for these fixtures made by the same company. They are generally just used as stage strobes, but the controller has a few programs to simulate lighting. __________________ My Work: nateweaver.net

October 22nd, 2006, 03:01 PM	#8
Cody Lucido Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 206	I did a down and dirty lightning sim for cheap. I bought 4 strobe lights from Spencers gifts that were only $9.99 Then I placed them in various locations and positions and hooked each one up to an extension cord with a flip switch. I then had two people switch the power on and off randomly. With some practice, it created an encompassing light that seemed more natural. __________________ www.CodemanStudios.com

October 22nd, 2006, 09:01 AM	#3
Michael Claerbout Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 53	Hi Dan, Thanks for the info. But this option does seem to be expensive and dangerous for a filmstudent. Are there no other options ? Thanks. Michaël. Oh and i forgot to tell you, that im looking for a multi effect, more then one flash. To simulate real lightning, multible flashes with different timing and strengh. Sorry if that wasn't clear

October 22nd, 2006, 09:26 AM	#4
Jaron Berman Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 439	http://www.lightningstrikes.com/ Rent it for the scenes you need, and shoot in an order that allows you to finish all those scenes in a day. There's really nothing else out there capable of what these can do.

October 22nd, 2006, 01:14 PM	#5
Michael Claerbout Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 53	Thanks for the info. But unfortunatly i'm from Belgium so that option seems impossible. Its hard to see that there's not a DIY way. But thanks! Greets Michaël.

October 22nd, 2006, 01:56 PM	#7
Michael Claerbout Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 53	Hi Nate, thats seems like a very good idea, i'm going to search for it. I think i allready know a place to get it. thanks again! Greets Michaël.