Cinematic Lighting on a Budget: 3 Easy Setups

Cinematic lighting for a film can be done on a small budget! With one low-cost, high-value workhorse light like this Smallrig RC 120B, some cheap lighting accessories, and common household items, you can create a ton of different looks to level-up your cinematography.

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00:00 Intro
00:40 My Gear
01:35 Smallrig RC 120B Review
2:54 Lighting Setup 1
06:00 Lighting Setup 2
07:45 Lighting Setup 3

About me:
I've been making short films for 20 years, starting at age 11. I directed my first feature film, Bad is Bad, in 2010. Made for only $6,000, the film went on to reach over 7 million views and garner critical acclaim. More recently, my short film, Will "The Machine", screened and won awards at film festivals around the world. Released online in 2019, it reached over 1 million views in just a month. I also work as a video editor, cutting ads for clients such as Apple, Netflix, and Beats by Dre.

DISCLAIMER: Links in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

[donhendricks]

You demonstrate an unspoken truth: real filmmaking is problem solving at its finest. Know your gear and how to use it. And, brother, YOU KNOW! Thanks for being real. Love your channel!

[theneutralgroundpodcast]

The most fascinating part of this was listening to you narrate your thoughts in real time regarding the problems and what you can do about them. I really learned a lot. Thanks.

[FrictionMakesFire]

Your stuff always seems to hit at just the right time. We've been looking for a powerful light we could use on our next film. This could be the perfect one. Awesome video, appreciate it.

[northcoaststudios]

For the kitchen sink set-up, put your COB light outside as a key light. This way the movement of the sun is a "non-issue" as you have total control over that, and you also control the brightness of the light on you coming through the window. I've been doing lighting this way on the past few projects I worked on and it is incredibly realistic and very easily controlled. From now on I will always provide my own "sunshine" coming into a room scene anytime there are windows.

[noah_films]

I recently found this channel while looking for some decent audio gear for my first short film. You're a very helpful and knowledgeable filmmaker and what distinguishes you from the rest of the filmmakers on this platform is not the fact that you use cheaper or less expensive gear, but that you make the most of whatever you have laying around to truly enhance the shot, increase the quality, or solve a problem you have. I have not been truly inspired by someone in a long time but you are truly helpful, entertaining, and seem to be a very honest and passionate filmmaker.

[kashyew]

I love this! Most YouTubers will try to flex and recommend expensive lighting options. But you show how to be resourceful and use what you have, only buying limited budget - but good - options.

[LivinSalty]

The vision that you have when creating these lighting setups blows me away! when you were setting the scene for the last shot in the dark I was kinda wondering how all of that blue would look natural and make sense. Then I saw the end result and was shocked. Thank you for inspiring me

[petrolpoodle]

I am shocked and irritated that YouTube has only just suggested your channel to me. Such a refreshing change and the cliches of YouTube and yet also such unique content! Absolutely love this and your editor's freelancing FAQs. Can't wait to watch more!

[micklivi]

I love how you compare between no light and light, really shows the importance of lighting!

[slhtheone]

The way you explain the set up and reasoning behind each move is so clear. I found this extremely helpful. Thank you.

[iSpike]

Really dig all the effort you go into the making of this & all your other videos. Thank You 👍🏻

[katie_shah]

this was so cool, being able to see you work through each of the set ups and then seeing the final results. keep it up!

[chris-abaya]

I love your charisma, fun and attitude in your videos. You're not cinema snobbish. Great job.

[vimalneha]

Man, you have shown the best information with examples. It will help me a lot. Thanks for your generosity.

[WhySteve]

I actually liked the low key look you had with the softbox on the most. Also because the purple added some more vibe to the image almost as if you had a blue to orange gradient happening and your face is the sweet soft love child of the colors in the image.

[alecmartinez]

This was a godsend. First, you're very naturally charming-- this doesn't feel overwrought or hammed up like many of these kinds of channels. And wow do you really walk your talk— I so appreciated that you did not filter your process. Often, beginner cinematographers feel so intimidated by the inaccessibility of this art. You're doing something important and special here.

Also I lost it when you taped the leaf to your window.

[nicolasclarke]

I was about to start doing some research for a new lighting rig and I saw you uploaded this video! Absolutely perfect timing, I will definitely be buying it

[kuramobay]

For the night setup, I think I would use the smallrig outside with the blue gel as moonlight and a narrow gap in the curtains to create a diagonal shaft. I would keep the warm background light and place a small practical lamp with some diffusion on the desk. I would then use a carefully placed book or magazine to bounce light from the lamp onto your face at an angle that speaks to your mood. Finally, I would add a little haze to give shape to the moonlight and add atmosphere.

[blackswanmotion]

Love the real time problem solving approach. Gave me the feeling like I was standing there observing. Great job. Cheers.

[lihtan]

One of my go-tos for budget lighting is battery operated work lights. The Milwaukee M18 lights have really good color rendering, and very even light distribution (with a warm color temperature). They were my first choice when I was doing painting work, because I could easily make out subtle differences in color. I find that they also work well in a pinch for doing photography or filmmaking.