I added some Aputure 60D lights and began looking at some of my lighting diagrams from past tests. I really like the lights. They seem to be a good replacement for the Arri 300w fresnels that my friend Cinematographer Peyton Skelton had generously lent me in the past. These LEDs are nice as they do not heat up, but give me the bright lights and many qualities I liked about the fresnels.
I brought out the backdrop designed by myself with my friend Muhammad Umar. We sourced used cloth for it from the landa bazar in Lahore, which Umar skillfully put together with meticulous cutting and hand stitching.
I tried some helpful suggestions from Daniel Luce, by creating space behind the backdrop to puppeteer from and using foot contact with the table to keep the puppet from floating or swimming around. I also added the equivalent of a sturdy apple box to stand on, which makes it easier to keep out of view and control the puppet from the back.
I’m going to work on using some of the phone apps to control the camera and lights next, in addition to working in some other set elements, and practicing control of the puppets arms next.