DP Winnie Heun on using SkyPanel X for a high-speed tabletop shoot

Just before Christmas 2023, DP Winnie Heun BVK was looking for high-quality lighting equipment with powerful output for a commercial shoot at Eisberg Studios in Munich. Instead of large daylight fixtures, he chose the ARRI SkyPanel X as a key light during this high-speed tabletop shoot. In this interview, the cinematographer speaks about the challenges he faced and how they were able to be solved. 

What exactly was filmed in the Eisberg Studios in Munich?

It was a commercial for a yogurt brand that had already been shot and broadcast. For a new cut, we reshot reaction shots of an actress that could not be realized during the original shoot. In addition, there was a new product that now had to be integrated. A high-speed shot in which the new product was stirred in a pan was missing. This was to be inserted into a new cut version. The reshoot was directed by Maurus vom Scheidt and produced by E&P Film. We had two units, one for the live action set and the other for the high-speed shots. Everything took place in a large studio at Eisberg Studios.

What was your lighting concept?

We used three ARRI SkyPanel Xs as X23 on the high-speed set to get maximum light output, as the camera we used for settings over 200 fps, the Phantom Flex4K, is not known for having a high native ISO. With the SkyPanel X, we were able to change the lighting parameters quickly and easily via iPad. The panels were ideal as they provided an even, soft light surface. We were able to achieve different color temperatures and benefit from the cool nature of the light without generating heat even at over 900 fps, which was particularly important as we were working with chocolate-based material that does not tolerate heat. Combined with the HyPer Optics, we got a very directional mega punch.

Our crew was impressed as we didn’t have to use large daylight lights. The existing footage was shot outdoors in the best Bavarian sunshine, therefore our live action set also needed to be lit to daylight in order to match the existing spot. We liked the SkyPanel X so much that we quickly changed our plans and used the SkyPanel X as a key light for the daytime set instead of large daylight lights. In addition to that, we had one ARRI M-Series M8 as a hard light source to better accentuate the product. To be honest, the output of the SkyPanel X combined with the three HyPer Optics really blew me away. It’s really amazing what comes out of it. The beam is also very directional, which saves a lot of flags.

What is the most important thing for you when it comes to lighting?

I am always looking for the best lighting technology for my projects. Two things are particularly important to me: Firstly, that I can adjust the settings of the lights quickly and easily via a wireless signal. This allows me to change the mood at short notice or during the shoot by changing the color temperature or brightness, for example. Secondly, the lights are robust and durable. It’s frustrating when it starts to rain during an outdoor shoot and you have to switch off half of the lights because they’re not waterproof. That’s why I always pay attention to the quality of the workmanship. But the most important thing of all is the quality of the light.

What challenges did you face during this shoot?

A high-speed tabletop shoot is a real challenge for the lighting, because you need a lot of light. This is especially true if you use a camera with low light sensitivity, a snorkel lens with a small aperture, and a frame rate of around 1000 fps. For our shoot in Munich, I put a lot of effort into choosing the right lights. They not only had to emit a lot of light, but they couldn’t cause any flickering. I also wanted to avoid the set getting too hot because our product is very temperature sensitive. And, of course, our food stylist also needed to feel comfortable and not break a sweat.

How and where did you use the SkyPanel X during the shoot?

We used the SkyPanel X in a X23 configuration, with three HyPer Optics attached. A very cool setup! Just one large tripod and we were able to control the intensity and color temperature of the three SkyPanel X differently. This allowed us to create interesting color gradients on our mirror surfaces. Once the main light is set, it’s a matter of “small tools” like my small mirrors and reflectors to create the desired look.