ADVERT I SEMENT FE ATURE . GREENKIT
BEYOND ENVIRONMENTALISM
London-based rental house Green Kit is leading the switch to greener productions by helping gaffers and DOPs solve film lighting problems
IN ALL WALKS of life, the desire to be more environmentally conscious is often limited by practical concerns. There’s a collective belief that results must come before green policies – and film production is certainly no exception, with tight budgets and deadlines to meet. So, it’s helpful to have a collaborator to facilitate the change; someone that can offer solutions that enhance, rather than restrict the crew’s ambitions. Lighting rental company Green Kit does just that. Founder Pat McEnallay undertook extensive industry research back in 2011 before starting Green Kit. He found a desire for eco-friendly lighting and a frustration with the limited options available to filmmakers. Starting with a small range of high-quality LED fixtures, he set out to meet this need. Ten years later, Green Kit hold over 125 kinds of LED film light, from the enormous Skypanel S360 to the tiny Aladdin Eye Lite. Of course, the benefits of LED lighting go way beyond efficient power consumption. RGB lights – like the Arri Skypanel series, the Nanlux Dyno family or the Creamsource Vortex8, offer the full range of accurate colour lighting. Gaffers can use a single fixture to achieve multiple looks without plastic gels. Less plastic on set, lower transport emissions for more compact kit, and quicker, safer rigging all benefit the lighting team. Wardrobe and Makeup will be grateful that these cooler operating lights mean fewer costume changes or touch-ups. Green Kit’s environmental stock extends to
GREEN LIGHTS (From above) A Green Kit team member fogging the warehouse to keep clients safe during Covid-19. RGB panels like the Nanlight 650 make plastic gels redundant. DOP Liam Healey uses the lightweight Carpetlight 4x4 as an overhead source
Sustainability is part of Green Kit’s DNA. From reusable cups and water bottles for clients, to delivery by electric vehicle and meticulous attention to the upkeep and repair of every fixture – it’s all part of the service. Any producer, DOP or gaffer can count on the Green Kit team’s intimate knowledge of the most innovative lighting products available. If they can help you save the planet at the same time, why would you go anywhere else?
accessories. They now offer the Manfrotto Skylite Rapid Kit as an alternative to damaging polyboard. It folds up small, can be reused, and won’t end up in landfill after every shoot. Environmental choices like these have a hidden benefit – they save time. And on set, that means the director has another chance to get that perfect take, and the gaffer has the luxury to try out something new and make the shot even better. These days, smaller productions have the option to light entirely with LEDs; an exciting prospect for emerging filmmakers. Since a lot of their kit is new, the Green Kit team go out of their way to encourage gaffers and DOPs to try it out – either on set, or at Green Kit’s HQ in North West London. All the team have a background in camera or film lighting, so they’re happy to provide technical support if needed.
ALL LIT UP Green Kit founder Pat McEnallay is always on the lookout for innovative LED film lights
greenkit.london
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