Gel / ND Windows (on a frame?)

[DDirector]

So, I was thinking about gelling windows or putting up ND's.
I saw the behind the scenes of 'Unknown' and in the airport scene where they are giving their passports to the security, there is an orange gel behind them (I believe in a frame)

This seems like a simple solution to do. Put gel inside a frame and place it behind the actors. This way you dont have to spend hours putting up gels or ND on the windows.
BUT, this seems to be only practical for medium-close up shots. What about for wider shots?
Is there a way to get gels that are large and fit in a frame so you don't have to get the windows?

And I saw another video where they put up a large roll of fabric, that looked like a scrim, and hung it up by the open window, from the back.
On the camera, it looked as if they put ND on the window, but it was just a big roll of fabric, like a scrim.

 

[RyanT]

12x or 20x Nets placed behind the actor is what you're talking about, but they need to be out of focus, so large T-stops and longer lenses are usually needed. You also have to make sure no direct sunlight is hitting them.

 

[DDirector]

12x or 20x Nets placed behind the actor is what you're talking about, but they need to be out of focus, so large T-stops and longer lenses are usually needed. You also have to make sure no direct sunlight is hitting them.

Oh.. then that's kinda lame then. But good, I now know something about that then thanks

Now, gels...

 

[RyanT]

The widest gel you can easily get your hands on is 60" wide, so you can use Jlar and snot tape to piece together bigger pieces, but you'll see the seams.

I'm sure roscoe will make a custom gel for you, but at that point your almost better off renting the big guns and pumping more light into the scene.

 

[RickyC]

Ok I never said this, but some rental houses hand you rolls and bill you for what you use. So just hang the rolls from the windows and don't cut them. Cheap, easy NDs

Of course that depends on how big the windows are, if they are too big. Its time to bring out some nets... Those theres no cheap way of getting them unless you know someone who owes you a big favor