Backlight kit

[DonkiDonki]

I reguarly have to light stages on corporate type events which have live camera and require good back lighting. This is not an issue when there is appropriate rigging points for truss/bars and the desired fixtures but often the there are no such handy points.

 

I want to put together back lighting kits for such situations which will enable the lights to be attached to the set itself. This requires a an attractive (as it will be blatently in view to the audience), small and light-weight fixture complete with brackets which would allow safe mounting to the top of standard set panels (2"x1" frames clad in plywood). Ideally the brackets would be able to support the fixture above the panel or in front for when the panels are tight to the ceiling. (a dual purpose bracket or two different types?)

 

For typical use I would expect a 4 way kit of 500w fresnel type fixtures would be about right.

 

 

Has anyone got any good suggestions for fixtures or brackets?

[James Remo]

Google manfrotto magic arm and superclamps, with whatever small fixture you prefer on the end.

[tokm]

Perhaps some minuette fresnels sprayed white (fairly common with corporate LX companies IIRC) and then simply bolted through the top of the set with a suitably long M10 set screw.

 

If not, have a look at some of the TV grips type clips that doughty, along with other stage hardware manufactures, make.. Should be something that you could clip onto the bit of 2x1 on the back of the flat.

 

Can't think of any suggestions for mounting the light when the ceiling height is low.. perhaps bolted to the front of the flat with a large washer at the back to spread the pressure on the ply front?

 

HTH, T

 

*Ah yes, good suggestion James, the something like the superclamps exactly what I was thinking of, just couldn't remember the name!*

[gareth]

Dedolights and Magic Arms.

[DonkiDonki]

Thanks for your replies, the super clamp/magic arm combo looks worth looking at for the mount (and bolts with oversize washers for zero ceiling height situations). How securely does the super clamp grip to the panel?

 

Has anyone come across any interesting alternatives to these?

 

On the fixture front, the closest units I'm familiar with are quartet and minuette fresnels; neither of which I think are compact/good enough.

The dedo stuff looks interesting and I'm sure I've come across some minature fresnels from Arri before which might be good but I have no idea what they were called.

 

Whilst all suggestions will be considered, I don't want to over engineer/spend on this.

[Brian]

Fresnels designed for TV use are often smaller than their theatre equivalent. Something like a Strand/Quartcolour 'Mizar' which is a 300/500W unit or the newer 'Bambino'. As generic names you'll often find TV calling them 'Inky Dinkies' or 'Pups'.

[DonkiDonki]

Fresnels designed for TV use are often smaller than their theatre equivalent. Something like a Strand/Quartcolour 'Mizar' which is a 300/500W unit or the newer 'Bambino'. As generic names you'll often find TV calling them 'Inky Dinkies' or 'Pups'.

 

 

Thanks Brian, the Bambino looks worth a look. The cct minuette and stand quartet are not so far off what I'm after either but the build quality is lacking and both have an annoying tendency to pop the lamp when adjusting the zoom.

 

Whilst thinking of the appearance of these things to the audience, does anyone know of suitable chrome versions. Doe's anyone use any of the par family with wide lamps & barn doors?

[mark_s]

The cct minuette and stand quartet are not so far off what I'm after either but the build quality is lacking and both have an annoying tendency to pop the lamp when adjusting the zoom.

 

If the Quartet is nearly what you're looking for, then maybe the Selecon Acclaim might be worth a look. 500/650W, much more compact than the Quartet and gives out more light for the same lamp. The build quality is also better, and it can be bought in white.

[Neil Hampson]

Depending on the 'look'of the lantern that you are after, look at the Arri 650W fresnels, they are available in both Black or in the traditional Arri Silver and blue. they are literally a miniture version of their bigger brothers in styling.

[theatrcymraeglampy]

Fresnels designed for TV use are often smaller than their theatre equivalent. Something like a Strand/Quartcolour 'Mizar' which is a 300/500W unit or the newer 'Bambino'. As generic names you'll often find TV calling them 'Inky Dinkies' or 'Pups'.

 

Inky Dinky - 100W

Mizar - 300W/500W

Redhead - 850W

Pup - 1Kw

Blonde - 2Kw (Only used for one particular style of lamp, not a 2kw in general)

 

 

I'd go for a Magic Arm, and K Clamp to secure to the set, with a screweye for a safety point.