Because we are going to use some lightning in the video, we need to figure out a way to make fake lightnings and make it look as real as possible.

First thing we tried was the iPad, because we have seen people using iPad as a soft box or use it as an extra light source in a shooting, so we thought maybe it could also help with making fake lightnings. However the effect wasn’t impressive, the brightness was not enough, and it’s not easy to control.

We really needed to control the frequency and the brightness during the shooting, so we had to find another way. We also thought about the flash light on iPhone because it was very very helpful during the last project. However the flashlight gives out a very rounded shallow area of light, so it’s a no again.

Then we started looking on Youtube and found this video.

I think the idea of using LED lights and light torch will be very effective. And the setting they suggested is also looks very useful.  So we went out and bought some lights and tried them out. However they weren’t really helpful in this scene. Then we had a look on the AV loans’ list to see if there is anything we could use, but the only white light was the LED panels. The LED panels are very good for lighting but because it can be switched on and off so quickly, and the brightness is hard to control in this situation we had to use other lights to collaborate.

At last we decided to use a torch with 3 LEDs inside to help, because it has the most appropriate brightness and area, it is also the easiest one to switch on and off. In the shooting, one of us will stand in front of the window and shine it on the actress’s face for two times, and the other person will use the LED panel to shine the third time. The first two will be very fast and the third one will be about 0.2 seconds slower than the previous two. The third one will also be the brightest. I believe the scene will look very good in the final film.