Need advice for shooting at night...

[SunflowerMorning]

Hey, I'm making my first real short next month. Most of it is filmed "at night"...one would assume that's during the "magic hour". What I mean is, does anyone have any other advice from experience on shooting at night - especially if most of the scenes take place in a car?

[Mark Jury]

my advice? hire a good d.p

[shirt]

cars at night a challenge to shoot in. Not only is it very hard to realistically light, but the reflections from other lights, cars, etc. can be a real big pain in the ass.
I honestly recommend finding black sheets and using them to cover up all windows except the one that wil be seen in the shot.
Also I would rig the camera up on the side of the car and shoot through an open window... just a few suggestions

[eddie]

Perhaps it depends, can you write into the script an excuse for turing on the interior light of the car? (the one often above centre to the windscreen). Is the car moving or stationary?
If stationary its easier, otherwise are they moving through country lanes or a town?
Perhaps a blue filtered lamp in the car will give enough interior light? And use a fast film.

[eddie]

By the way have you noticed the bad quality of the film in Being John Malchovitz when they are in the car?
The quality is really dirty in a couple of interior car at night scenes, but it doesnt matter much since the rest of the film carries it away.
Dont know if thats helpful.
STORY above cinematography (for a low budget)