Butterfly scrim advice?

F

firehawk

Veteran
Been using softboxes and various diffusers on my lights as well as reflectors etc. Looking at finally getting a scrim to broaden my kit.
What do you think about this one?
https://www.adorama.com/glpr8bfk.html
I know it will require extra crew to use outside. Having a big softener like that would be nice at times.
 
I can see it indoors, but the problems of wind would scupper it for me outside. It's hard enough using reflectors outside in more than a modest breeze, let alone a whacking great sail!
 
I've used scrims/silks outdoors for most of my career to control the sun for live shots and stand-ups, etc. The big problem when getting into fabrics that big, is that they are basically just big sails and you need the proper gear and people to use them safely. The largest I put up with a small crew(2-3 people) is 6x6. I carry 4x4's & 6x6's. If we need larger than that, we need a dedicated gaffer and experienced crew to safely wrangle it. Once you get over a light breeze, it can get dangerous. And anything over 8-10mph and most people won't fly 'em. I know there have been a few times over the years where I've refused to fly a silk for safety. And I just had my first incident of a frame/silk hitting talent in 20+ years. The problem was that there was no real wind to speak of and all of a sudden a gust came out of nowhere. Luckily my audio guy was able to grab one side of it when it started moving and fortunately the reporter wasn't hurt and it just scared us all more than anything, but it could have been VERY bad. Ironically, if it had been windy or gusty all morning, it's doubtful that it would have happened, because we would have had someone with their hands actually on it while it was in the air. It's a great lesson on why you should never get complacent. It only takes a second...
 
Safety outside is #1, as Paul and R&G point out. More/bigger sand/shot bags, extra anchors, and all that other stuff gaffers and grips know. Also, I wonder how the frame would flex in the wind and how noisy the butterflies/fabrics will be. Say, compared to Matthews or similar:
https://products.msegrip.com/collec...es/products/8x8-overhead-and-butterfly-frames

In general, I've had better experiences on jobs with stuff coming off a grip truck (and hence being set by gaffers & grips) than with less-expensive stuff. But those are shoots I've crewed, not run...

Not trying to be negative. I'm all for saving money. Hopefully someone here with experience using that Glow kit will chime in.
 
I heard second hand that the 8x8 Digital Juice is a quality piece of equipment from a dedicated gaffer that has used them on set. One of those bright spots of cheap generic Chinese film equipment. The rags will probably need to be replaced. I would suggest Canvas Grip.

The Avenger foldaway frame is designed to allow the fabric to stay mounted which might be the primary benefit of the foldaway frames, but it costs quite a bit more. I actually think a sectional frame is more useful and you would probably end up using it more than a foldaway frame.
 
+1 for everyone for taking the time to help. I agree with everything said. I realized I don't really need an 8x8 at the current time. Maybe in the future if one of my projects comes to fruition. But now it's bigger than I really need and too much work to manage on the size projects I usually do.
 
Good call I think. This sort of kit is really cool and attractive... I too need to fight GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)... Plus, the good stuff isn't too expensive to rent (if you live in an area large enough to have a good rental house, that is). Also, for many of my jobs, we could not fit an 8x8 into the space.

Related note: Have you all checked out the YouTube videos by Luke Seerveld (good SF Bay Area gaffer)? Good stuff!

Meet The Gaffer
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-oYn1N9Z4ETtuXjQunxkLFyUE5JBulXt
 
Last edited:
Jim Feeley said:
Good call I think. This sort of kit is really cool and attractive... I too need to fight GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)... Plus, the good stuff isn't too expensive to rent (if you live in an area large enough to have a good rental house, that is). Also, for many of my jobs, we could fit an 8x8 into the space.

Related note: Have you all checked out the YouTube videos by Luke Seerveld (good SF Bay Area gaffer)? Good stuff!

Meet The Gaffer
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-oYn1N9Z4ETtuXjQunxkLFyUE5JBulXt
Click to expand...

Thanks for the youtube link. Good stuff on there!
Yeah fighting G.A.S is ongoing, :)
The drive to increase capabilities/get bigger/do more is ever present. I still am not at the level I wanted to be at by this time (my biz partner robbing me blind was a huge setback) and I'm no longer young and strong now.

There are no places to rent where I am nor people to talk about this stuff with. Nor can I go look at any gear at stores. So I am very grateful for this online community.
You guys have helped tremendously through the years.
 
Oh, an edit to correct an error you probably figured out:

"Also, for many of my jobs, we could fit an 8x8 into the space" should read "we could NOT fit an 8x8"

In other words, an 8x8 would probably not be used on most jobs, so would it earn back the investment?
 
Jim Feeley said:
Oh, an edit to correct an error you probably figured out:

"Also, for many of my jobs, we could fit an 8x8 into the space" should read "we could NOT fit an 8x8"

In other words, an 8x8 would probably not be used on most jobs, so would it earn back the investment?
Click to expand...

LOL Yes I figured that out and thought the same thing myself. Simply too large for most of my current jobs
 
Thanks for the share! :) Can vouch that my 4x4 is great, hoping to make a 6x6 and an 8x8 this winter for those odd occasions that I need them!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top