How to use Film Lights: HMI Lights

The HMI system is one of the best and most used lights in the film industry. It is so powerful, that it is known to make night look like day. This is a must knowledge to have when working in the film industry. In this new educational video, we go through the parts, the function, and how to properly quality check the system before turning it on.

How to turn on an HMI System:

1. Check the bulb (make sure it's properly in, no burn on melted bulb ends or bulb socket) Check the bulb doesn't have any unnatural lumps or cracks.
2. Connect the header cable to the head and ballast
3. Turn the switch on the head. (Usually always on because if you put the head on a stand or a lift, it would be annoying to reach that switch just to power the system)
4. Connect to Power
5. Flip the ballast switch first.
6. Have intensity all the way down. (This is so you are able to know when the light comes up to wattage. The light will get to its highest intensity; when it gets to speed, it will dim down to the low setting you put it on. This indicates that the light is up to temperature)
**7. The light might flicker or make some noise when you turn it on. This is normal. Just make sure the light doesn't keep flickering after it gets to temperature.
8. Stay near the ballast to turn it off just in case any shortage happens. A bad bulb or an old bulb can explode.
9. Set your desired frequency. If you're doing slow motion, you'll need flicker-free mode which is louder than all the settings.
10. The light is on.

Intro: (00:00)
Main Components: (00:30)
Lamp Head: (00:37)
Header Cable: (01:34)
Ballast: (02:10)
Changing Bulb/Quality Check Bulb: (03:05)
Turning on the System: (04:45)
Ballast Functions: (06:20)
Turning of System: (06:37)
Trouble Shooting: (06:58)
Limitations: (08:00)

#FilmLights #FilmSchool #HMI