Revolving Police Lights (Possible to Simulate?) at DVinfo.net

Corey Cook · August 28th, 2004, 08:40 PM

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.

Mike Rehmus · August 28th, 2004, 09:25 PM

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).

Brett Erskine · August 29th, 2004, 02:03 AM

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.

Robert J. Wolff · August 29th, 2004, 05:33 AM

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.

Boyd Ostroff · August 29th, 2004, 07:57 AM

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.

August 28th, 2004, 08:40 PM	#1
Corey Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 51	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. __________________ I Have Spoken.

August 28th, 2004, 09:25 PM	#2
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	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). __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

August 29th, 2004, 05:33 AM	#4
Robert J. Wolff Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Adirondacks of New York Posts: 210	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. __________________ Himself

August 29th, 2004, 02:03 AM	#3
Brett Erskine Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 445	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.

August 29th, 2004, 07:57 AM	#5
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	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.