Securing gels in high wind

[HBlack]

How do you guys do it? Last time I tried to use a gel on a light outside in even moderate wind, it was ripped off almost immediately. This is using clothespins. Any advice?

 

[Andrew Brinkhaus]

Turn your C-47's into C-74's which should add some tension, and just make sure the gel is secured at all four corners.

 

[Gopher_Greene]

Go from c47s to #1 grip clips

 

[HBlack]

I tend to clip it to the edges of the gels so that it billows out in the center. Anything wrong with that?

 

[SeanEmer]

if the gel is in front of the light, billowing it or keeping it tight wont effect the light very much. Keep it tight on all corners (mini spring clamps work well). bubbled gels = mini sails waiting for some wind

 

[HBlack]

I'm just worried about wrecking the gel. Doesn't matter if it's too close to the light/creased?

 

[SeanEmer]

the only time I've damaged a gel is with a 4K HMI. With that kind of power you need a lens or some distance between the source and the gel. A 4K will melt the gel within seconds otherwise. A 1200W HMI can do some damage as well, but its much harder (you'd have to spot it without any lens, and push the gel in farther... at least thats how its been with the ones I've worked with).

However, you're probably using tungsten 1k - 2k fresnels, so you should be fine having the gels tight as long as you fix them tightly on the front of the barn doors. If there are no doors (for example, a tota lowel light), then your lighting kit should have a gel frame in it. If not, just hang the gel from a stand.

As far as damaging the gels or creasing them... don't worry. My gaffer's kit is filled with rolled up, crudely cut, sometimes-creased gels. A bend in the gel or a touch of dirt on the front won't change the light output. Gels are largely considered an expendable item on most shoots.