Imagine my surprise when I was starting to do some Motion Tracking experiments and pulled out some lighting rigs, deflectors and diffusers from storage only to find that they had been a meal for film hating mice and or squirrels (its hard to tell out here in the redneck Serengeti). That's one thing I can't tolerate cynical critics and film hating wild animals ( well the two are one in the same really). It was time for me to think fast and create some replacements to keep me on schedule- most importantly replace the diffusers.

It started out simple enough, I just happened to have some white coat hangers. Why white do you ask? Well, the white ( I assumed) wouldn't make nearly as much of a shadow as black or the more popular yellowish copper colored ones. Worse case scenario a pack of white coat hangers will put you out about 1 dollar. So in production terms we're talking twelve in a pack, or about 8.3 cents a piece.

Next you take two atrophied arms (assuming you have been doing as much editing, compositing and computer work as I have without sunshine or proper exercise) and pull the wire hangers in about as perfect a circle as you can get them. Cost for this step: absolutely free.

Next you cut out a section of a cheap "party table cloth" (usually anywhere from .25 cents to $1.00). In this case I used those plastic translucent pillowcase protectors. One could also use white kitchen trash bags, and in a pinch "suit bags" of the same material that can be found for no more than a dollar or two. Cut the material into segments to fit the wire hanger, making sure that a little material spills around the hanger to make a lip. Then it is a matter of stretching it taut and figuring how to fasten it with whatever means you have available- be it hot glue or duct or gaffer's tape. I like the reflective quality of duct tape and seemed to make less shadows than the gaffer's tape.

After fixing the material, and fastening appropriately - Its time to think about fastening it to the light fixture. Lets hope that you have a few light weight spring clamps around. If not, it is possible to fasten the diffuser with some C47's (clothespins) although it takes many and can get a little tedious while trying to reposition the diffuser.

And Viola!! Your back on schedule and not breaking your budget. (see pic at top) I came. I saw. I adapted. Now if a squirrel/mouse could evolve to the brink of having an interest in cinema, we wouldn't have these problems.

Thanks for dropping by,

TJPARSONS

Tom Parsons

The founder of Uddershiet Films and film enthusiast, maintains a fun collection of movies that he regularly references for technical examples, discussions with colleagues, friends, students, and production staff. Although there are particular films, shorts, and videos that he prefers over others, seldom is there a movie that he doesn't like.