Lighting plays a crucial role in bringing a production to life, and choosing the right supplier can make all the difference. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, Disney Lighting has been a trusted partner for major international and Australian productions, supplying cutting-edge equipment for films like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Fall Guy, and Elvis.
We spoke with Morgan Hunwicks, Senior Lighting Manager, and Helen Baruch, Disney Lighting Client Contact, to discuss what filmmakers should consider when selecting a lighting supplier, the latest advancements in LED technology, and how Disney Lighting ensures productions have the right tools to achieve their creative vision.
What’s important to consider when choosing a set lighting supplier?
When selecting a lighting supplier, it is essential to partner with a company that can reliably provide the required inventory while maintaining the highest quality standards and best practice. At Disney Lighting, every piece of equipment is tested and electronically tagged per Australian electrical standards before and after hire. Every piece of equipment is barcoded to ensure an electronic log of maintenance and testing, providing filmmakers with peace of mind.
Disney Lighting offers competitive, customised packages that align with a production’s specific needs, backed by a knowledgeable team committed to delivering exceptional service that is crucial to the success of a project.
No project is too large or too small for the team at Disney Lighting. With over 40 years of combined experience in the lighting industry, Disney Lighting is uniquely positioned to help tailor the perfect lighting package for any production at a competitive price. Based in Sydney and the Gold Coast, with delivery partners across the country, Disney Lighting is a leading provider of lighting solutions through Australia.
How do you assess the needs of set lighting projects?
It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the production’s filming locations and requirements in order to tailor the lighting package to suit the unique demands of the project. By considering factors such as the environment, a customised lighting solution can be developed that ensures optimal results.
Helen Baruch, Disney Lighting Client Contact, is readily available to provide expert guidance and answer any questions that arise, ensuring that all necessary details are gathered to determine the most effective solutions for production.
What lighting is best suited to outdoor filming?
Depending on the desired aesthetic, there are many choices for outdoor lighting such as LED panels or HMI’s. During filming for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, production utilised Creamsource Vortex 8’s, Arrimax 18K pars and Arri Skypanels through Disney Lighting. These were ideal for creating the imagery of a dystopian planet earth.
What sustainable options are there in LED lighting technology?
In recent years, LED lighting technology has seen significant advancements. Disney Lighting offers an extensive range of LED lights for hire, including the renowned Creamsource Vortex 8’s and ARRI S60 and S360 Skypanels providing cutting-edge solutions for any production.
What equipment is preferred by large feature films?
As the scope of production expands, so does the need for a diverse range of lighting options in larger quantities. For The Fall Guy, Disney Lighting supplied a wide range of LED, Tungsten and HMI lights to meet these extensive requirements, as well as lighting to use as props in a number of scenes. Recently, there has also been demand for vintage style lights, highlighting the importance of partnering with a company that boasts a robust inventory. Disney Lighting provided a variety of these style lights including 5K Mole Beams, 2K Mole Fresnel and 12K Dinettes for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis to simulate the lighting of the time periods depicted in the film and recreate the stage lighting of Elvis’s original performances.