For those one-man-band or low-funded productions, there are other ways to light a car interior. Ever see a "tap light"? How ‘bout a "snake light"? Both of these hardware finds work well in tight places, like adding illumination to the floorboards, or to set in the driver's lap to give a bit more glow to his face. Tap lights are small round battery-operated Plexiglas domes found in linen or hardware stores that you tap to turn on. Snake lights are flashlights that have a flexible handle that a user might wrap around his neck to work hands-free. We used a snake light in a small area to light up the arms and interior of the glove in our Illuminations photo in the November issue. These lights are adjustable and don't throw off a lot of light, but in a pinch (and with zero budget), they can be effective, if you work with them.
Now that you know how to light car interiors, here's a Videomaker challenge: create your own setup, shoot a car-interior scene and send us some video and photos of the setup, and we'll get it on our new social networking site, Videomaker's Lounge. Good luck and happy lighting!
Robert G. Nulph, Ph.D., is an instructor of video and film production at the college level and an independent video/film director.
Lighting Interviews
Basic Shooting (DVD)
Light it Right (DVD)
Advanced Shooting (DVD)
Composition 101
Depth of Field
Producing a Documentary Part 2
How Did They Do That?
Moving Performances
Night Lighting