Well, if this is a short film, you shouldn't worry too much about having a top of the line light that is out of your price range. That said, I'd like to suggest an alternative. Instead of concentrating on the equipment (lights, camera, grip, and electric gear), "hire" an experienced Cameraman who already owns or has access to quality equipment. If you do that, you can invest more time into the story and characters instead of having to worry about technical issues. How to accomplish that? Start with a great story. Write it and rewrite it until you feel that it is the best it can be. Keep it within parameters that you can accomplish given your time and budget. Then, once you feel that you have all of the elements ready to create a quality short film, look for a local Cameraman who may be interested in shooting your movie with you. If he/she is looking to have the experience of shooting a narrative project for his/her own reel, and your project looks like a worthy investment of his/her time, then he/she will likely be able to donate all of the camera and lighting gear your project will require (and he will likely be able to bring in extra crew, like Camera Assistants, Grips, and Electrics). Doing it this way not only allows you to concentrate on the story, but you're project will also have BETTER equipment and the skills of experienced people than you would ever have by doing it all yourself. You certainly can get some cheap lights and cameras and make all the cheap movies you want to. But if you're truly interested in creating a lifelong filmmaking career, you're better off investing your time and efforts (and money) into fewer projects with high quality. A hundred lousy movies will never equal the power of a single excellent one. Brian Dzyak Cameraman/Author IATSE Local 600, SOC http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com http://www.realfilmcareer.com