How Much Does it Cost to Rent Lighting Equipment?

How Much Does it Cost to Rent Lighting Equipment? It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned film production professional or you’re just starting out, there’s almost certain that a time will come when renting lighting equipment becomes a must. From large scenes that require specialty lighting to smaller, quaint production scenes where that special lamp or soft lighting is a must, you can’t always have it all. Large film studios and small, production crews, agencies, and individuals alike will find themselves eventually asking this question. 

If you’re wondering what to expect, consider the fact that the cost of renting lighting equipment depends on the equipment that you need, the amount of time you need the equipment, the demand for the equipment, and various other factors. Rental costs can range from a few hundred dollars per day to hundreds of dollars per hour. Stage lighting, special effects lighting, and other forms of lighting equipment rentals are typically defined in a per hour, per day, per week, or per month rate.

Factors that Impact Lighting Equipment Rental Rates

Lighting equipment rental rates vary based on factors such as the location that you rent from, the day of the week or time of year that you rent, and the supply and demand.

Equipment that is in big supply with very little demand may be rented for a very low cost. Likewise, equipment that is in high demand and that may be limited to find at your equipment rental studios and shops will have a higher per day or per unit rental rate.

Additional factors influencing your lighting rental equipment rates include:

● Type of gear that you’re looking to rent.

● How long you want to rent for.

● Insurance or security deposits.

● The location of the rental equipment facility.

● Time of the week/year.

Alternatives to Renting Lighting Equipment

While you may think you need to rent lights, there are other options that you can use to produce a film without renting lighting equipment. Considering making the most out of the natural lighting that is available to you. Shooting during the day or using elements of the Golden Hour to capture shots.

Various lighting fixtures can be purchased for low cost and may be used in place of rented equipment. If you’re in a pinch, consider purchasing low-cost lighting equipment that you can reuse over and over again rather than spending money on costly rentals. Things like fluorescent, cheap LED lights and halogen lighting can all be purchased for low cost at hardware stores and in similar locations. 

Use practical lighting to keep your scene properly lit. Things like using the existing lighting that is in your shoot location will scale back your need to rent lighting equipment. Additionally, the creation of your own DIY shades and other forms of lighting adjustments including lampshades and backgrounds built with sheets or other DIY elements can greatly reduce your rental costs.

 We hope this answered your question ” How Much Does it Cost to Rent Lighting Equipment” What are your thoughts on lighting equipment prices? let us know in the comments below!