You can spend weeks reading filmmaking<\/strong> books<\/strong>, days watching filmmaking<\/strong> workshops<\/strong>, and hours reading websites like this one. Nevertheless, nothing pushes your creative skill set further than actually being out in the field<\/strong> creating and implementing\u00a0ideas and techniques.<\/p>\n The shot below is from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring<\/a><\/em>. Peter Jackson<\/a> wanted Galadriel (played by Cate Blanchett<\/a>) to be significantly different from all other characters, and to promote her level of magic and wisdom. Where other characters would have the standard eye light within their eyes, Galadriel’s eyes reflected the stars<\/strong>. This was not achieved through VFX<\/strong> or a unique lighting setup \u2014 it was achieved by using Christmas lights. A multimillion dollar grossing film used simple $10 Christmas lights to produce stunning and unique results.<\/p>\n The point of this? Even if you have equipment that costs thousands of dollars, sometimes simple household items can produce great results<\/strong>\u00a0or get you out of a tight squeeze. Just because you have the best doesn’t mean you always need to use the best. 2012’s\u00a0The Avengers<\/a><\/em>, a $220 million production, made good use of the Canon 5DMk II & 7D<\/strong> for some stunt shots. With such a large budget, they could have easily burned a better quality camera. However, they didn’t. They were smart.<\/p>\n Here a four\u00a0lighting hacks<\/strong> using basic equipment that I have tried and tested over the years. All shots that are used as an example are pulled from footage that I have personally shot.<\/p>\n![\"Set](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2016\/06\/XMAS-LIGHTS.jpg\" "\\"Set")
<\/p>\n1. Use Net Curtains for Interesting Textures<\/h3>\n