2025-10-20 – Weekly Film News : HMIs used as 'sun' in a feature film

Last week, discussions in our community covered a range of engaging topics. Members shared insights on the practical challenges of using HMIs to simulate sunlight, which sparked a lively debate on lighting techniques in filmmaking. There was also significant interest in remote job opportunities within the industry, with many discussing how flexibility is becoming a key factor in career choices. Newcomers to the field were keen to learn how to break into the industry, while seasoned professionals offered valuable advice.


This Week’s Hot Topics

First feature to rely on HMIs for ‘sun’
A fascinating thread about the first feature film to use HMIs to mimic sunlight. This discussion digs into the technical aspects and creative choices involved.
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2025-10-13 – Weekly Film Jobs: Flexible remote roles available
Explore a range of remote job opportunities in the film industry. With flexibility becoming crucial, this thread offers a glimpse into the evolving job market.
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FAQ/Guidelines
For those new to the forum, this section provides essential guidelines to help you get started and make the most of your participation.
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Admin Guide: Getting Started
A useful resource for administrators on how to effectively manage and contribute to the forum.
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How Do You Break into the Film Industry?
A valuable discussion for aspiring film professionals. Members share personal stories and practical tips on entering the industry.
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What’s It Really Like Working on a Film Set?
This thread reveals the day-to-day realities of film set life, offering insights from those who have been there.
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What Role in Film Are You Most Interested In?
A conversation about the diverse roles within the film industry and what draws people to them.
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Which Movie Holds the Record for Most Oscars?
A trivia topic that keeps film enthusiasts engaged and sharing their knowledge.
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What Was the First Feature-Length Talkie?
An exploration of film history, discussing the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue.
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Which Director Is Known for Never Using a Storyboard?
A look into the unique creative processes of directors who prefer spontaneity over detailed planning.
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Thank you for staying engaged with our forum. Your contributions and insights continue to make this a valuable space for film professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Ran an 18K HMI as sun last month — kept it about 70 ft back and added 1/8 CTO + 1/4 minus green to keep skin from going icy. If you need flexibility across setups, bounce a 4K through a 12x UltraBounce with a touch of haze; just watch for flicker at higher frame rates unless you’ve got true flicker-free ballasts. @grip_marta I mark the shadow angle on the ground so the “sun” doesn’t drift between takes.

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Agree with @Guide on keeping skin tones warm, but I’ve had better luck with 1/8 CTS instead of CTO when the “sun” needs a late-day feel. Set the HMI about 2 stops over ambient and manage level with spot/flood and scrims to stay flexible when a remote director is nudging tweaks over Zoom. If you do dim on the ballast, watch for the green shift.

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I’ve had best results treating the ‘sun’ as a hard source and shaping spill: 18K HMI on narrow lens/spot 50–70 ft back, edge it with 4x4 solids and ride a 12x ultrabounce for eyelight; keep 1/8 minus green handy as the globe ages… If you’re jumping to 120fps, use a true flicker‑free ballast or it’ll strobe like a disco — @leo_fitz89, do you meter speculars or key side for exposure?

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Quick note from a recent shoot: I nudge the camera tint a hair toward magenta and leave the big daylight head clean, then keep it at full and control level with ND on the windows so color stays consistent and you dodge ballast weirdness when clouds pass. @Guide is right about keeping skin warm, though if you’re mixing with amber practicals you may still want a tiny gel tweak.

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