Hi
I have a studio with a large infinity cove – 12m wide by 5m high by 10m deep – and I want to set it up as a good commercial space for hire.
To launch I need a strong, flexible light system that can handle most pro needs. I can build it up later if things go well.
I’m working to the following plan – all Profoto. It would be great to hear from people experienced in studio work, particularly using Profoto gear. Is this is a good way to go ... ?
LIGHTS
3 x Pro-B2 1200 Generator
3 x Pro-7a 2400
6 x Head to pac extension cables for 7a 2400s
3 x ProHead UV 500W
3 x Pro-B head
3 x Magnum reflectors with grids
3 x Softlight reflectors white 65 – (beauty dish)
1 x Profoto 7ft reflector
2 x Softbox 2x4RF
2 x Softbox 1 x 6RF
1 x Snoot
1 x Honey comb grid 25
4 x Umbrella white medium
4 x Umbrella silver medium
4 x Speedring
Stands and accessories ...
1 x Double wind up for 7ft reflector
10 x Manfrotto Master stands
1 x Background support system with crossbar
4 x C-stands with arms (Arri or Manfrotto) for flags
? x ND filters ... (lee filters)
4 x Super clamps (manf)
4 x spiggot (manf)
1 x Boom – manfrotto – with stand on wheels
Sandbags
Spring clips
Black back cloth
Pac Cases
Flags
Right now the following don’t make the list. This includes the Pro-Twin head - I figure I’d need at least two and maybe up to four to freeze sports etc. - which pushes my budget too far. And I dropped a ProRing too ...
1 x D4 generator
1 x Pro-7s
1 x ProTwin head
1 x ProRing + Spotlight reflector
2 x Softbox 2x2RF
2 x Softbox 3x4RF
2 x Softbox 1x4RF
1 x Light table
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Profoto, especially Pro 7's are the standard of the industry in most of the U.S. and though every rental studio in NY and elsewhere offer pro 7's I generally use actues as I am always dialing pro 7's way, way down and rarely run the actues past 1/2 power and the cost differential is substantial.
Since your running a rental space you need to add more grip, especially large rolling stands 12x silks (rags), 12x black outs (dubos), and 12x solid whites, shot bags, sand bags, apple crates, clamps, spun, cinefoil should all be twice what you think you could ever use. Avenger square tube frames are the most robust and easiest to set up, store and transport.
For location I would add two honda 2000 generators.
Also multiple magliners, or some of the other carts for camera and digital stations, (though magliners are the standard).
You list of modifiers should also expand with grids, beauty dishes (and grids), smaller to huge soft modifers, octabanks, etc.
The Honda 2000's are really the deal of the century. We can run an acute on high power outside along with a digital station and they are flawless. They will run two 1k tungstens also.
Your rental studio should have two dedicated wireless systems for uploads, (one to a hardline), a large distro box, and heavy duty stingers (extension cords).
Rental is a different mind set than just what you would personally use as 1/4 of what you offer will probably be in repair, or need some form of repair, (talk to any rental company), so extra tubes, modeling lights, heads, fuses, should fill a shelf.
If you have a local rental source you may want to cut a deal to rent from them at a discount, which is common practice in most major markets.
You can never have too much grip equipment.
JR