Hanging Lights

[PaPa]

I am going to be shooting a short film sometime in January and based on the fact that the entire thing will take place in a walk in closet, I know that for this project I will need to hang lights.

So my question is, what is the best tool to get this job done?

The dimensions of the room is about 8 feet wide by 12 feet long. I would need to hang lights between the 8 foot wide section. Mainly for back light on both charaters at each end of the closet.

I would be hanging everything from a Arri 650 Fresnel, to a 4x55 cool lights fluorescent banks and perhaps some china lanterns. So whatever rig is hanging from wall to wall, it would need to be able to take enough weight for at least one or two lighting fixtures. Then, what would I need to attach to this rig to mount a light?

Secondly, there are also plenty of places for me to clamp lights to some of the shelves, but am not sure exactly what the tool is called that has a clamp with a mount on it. What are these called?

Would anyone be able to suggest what tools would help me do this?

Thank you!

- Jon

 

[Erik Olson]

Jon,

There are a few ways to do this. Least expensive, but still somewhat intrusive is the light stand under a wood beam method. You would need: 2x4" or 2x6", two bailen brackets (to connect the wood beam to the light stands) and c-clamps with baby studs or (1 for each baby fixture).

If you want the whole set-up off the ground, you would commonly do this with "wall-busters" or "wall-spreaders". They'll take 2x4 or 2x6, which has been roughly cut to the size you need to span. Then, they tighten against the walls with a built-in worm / jack screw. These are fine for smaller fixtures and the Kinos. Bigger lights should have a ledger (usually a scrap of 1x3 or such) screwed into the wall as extra support under where the jacks make contact. That way, if there is any slippage, the majority of the weight is already carried not by pressure, but by a lateral stop.

You want to locate the jack points against studs.

e

 

[PaPa]

The wall spreaders look interesting. But i don't htink we will have the resources to start geting lumber to fit the distance that those wall spreaders cover.

Someone mentioned to me something called an autopole? From what i've seen they have some sort of suction cups at the ends, can these be used for a similar purpose? According to BH photovideo, it seems they are more for hanging backgrounds of sorts.

As you suggest, the C clamps are what i would use to hang a light from either the autopole beam or the wall spreader?

 

[Erik Olson]

Same concept, just more expensive and harder to find than lumber where you're shooting. Also, the autopoles shouldn't carry the same load as you can with the lumber. Really, cutting a 2x4 is something that can be accomplished with a 14.4 panel saw or chop saw. Do a site survey, get your measurements and bring it pre-cut (minus the space for the buster).

Also, on the autopole, you should use Cardellini Clamps or theatrical c-clamps.

Oh, I make it a point not to use the term "wall-buster" around home or small business owners.

e

 

[PaPa]

lol.

i won't be hanging much, as i said, one to two smaller fixtures at maximum. No more than 15 pounds. I just need to know if the autopole would do the trick as it seems more practical.

And is the term a gaffer grip? For the grip that would be very strong and allow me to hold perhaps a little 150 spotter? Or maybe even a 650 arri fresnel?

 

[Erik Olson]

There is, to my knowledge, no tool in the gaffer or grip's tool box called a "gaffer" anything. Aside from gaffer's tape. Okay, I'm probably wrong on this. S***, I'm a camera guy and that isn't my department.

The c-clamps can be screwed into the side of the wood as hard as your wrist will allow and those'll hold the 650 and 150 with no trouble. It is better to have the fixture above the beam or below the beam and not shearing down on the pin. Even then, a light like the 150 weighs nothing.

Conversely, you could use a good-quality wood screw (or four or six 1¼ drywall screws) into a baby plate for those small fixtures. The 2x4 buster would be more than enough for this.

e

 

[PaPa]

i went to a local photo store and saw everything i need. But one guy strongly recommended i never use an autopole between walls. Then another associate came in and said it is no problem doing what i'm trying to do so..

But they both suggested i put some sort of saran wrap at he ends, and potentially a small piece of wood to disperse the pressure being put on the wall.