Multi Camera Location Light Grids

I've recently been lighting/LDing some multi-cam set-ups where I've been
asked to "get rid of all the stands!" Usually I end up with several C-Boom
and/or menace arm rigs, plus a bunch of other armed out units, bounce fills, etc.

After consult with several Key Grips, one solution was a 4 point system whereby 4 vertical floor to ceiling pipe spreaders are rigged, then the whole thing can be gridded out with speed rail. My key grip friend said they often do this on location work and end up painting one or two of the vertical pipes aluminum so to appear as a steam pipe or such.

Problem is I'm usually limited in the size speed rail I can up to a location,
so I would have to use quite a few joiners. Second problem is time, as they want no stands and 360 degree access but don't want to pay for a whole pre-rig day. I usually tell them they can't have it both ways.

I'd be curious to know if anyone has came up with any solutions for such
situations.

John Roche, gaffer
NYC

>Second problem is time, as they want no stands and 360 degree >access but don't want to pay for a whole pre-rig day.

Overtime??

How about wooden wall/floor stretchers? They are cheaper to construct with screws and saws. Less flex than speed rail pipe. Another option if more heavy support is needed may be small truss.

The time situation depends on how much rigging you need to achieve.

Jim Sofranko
NY/DP

John,

I often use 21' or 24' extension ladders spread to near maximum length for a quick overhead truss. Manfroto makes a great clamp that secures the rungs of the ladder to a Junior Stand. In your case, you can secure the ladder "flat" against the uprights ( so that the rungs run vertically) with a cheeseboroughtype clamp.

Another idea to hide the uprights is to slice 4" PVC drainpipe lengthwise...(cut like a hotdog roll).....and secure this in front of your uprights. Or this 4" pipe can simply "sleeve over" the upright uncut... if it fits.

Jack Cummings
Buffalo DP

I've been asked to "get rid of all the stands!" Usually I end up with several C-Boom In addition to the wall spreader idea... a lot of the ceilings here are constructed with timber.

I have aluminum plates about 6 inches square with a five eighth spigot (spud) welded to them. Holes have been drilled in the plate so that grabber screws (tec screws, drywall screws)can be used to fix them to walls or ceilings.

It certainly is quick and solid.

You can often find a join or an area where the small holes left from a screw will not be obvious. It freaks people out when you start putting screws into walls with a screw gun, but the small hole left even in plasterboard, where you have screwed into a stud,is a simple repair. I have seen incredible damage resulting from Gaffer tape pulling away paint or plaster.

Graham Rutherford
Gaffer
Australia

Think about hiding your vertical supports behind a set piece. A folding screen, a false wall, or even drapes might be a cheap easy fast answer.

Bob Hayes
LADP

>Think about hiding your vertical supports behind a set piece. A folding >screen, a false wall, or even drapes might be a cheap easy fast answer.

One of my favorites is to hang a poster on it. A bathrobe if it's a bedroom scene.

Blain Brown
DP
LA