Scrim (lighting)
Encyclopedia
A scrim is a device used in the film and television
industries, as well as by photographers, to modify properties of light
. There are a variations on types of scrim, depending upon its use, whether with natural light
, or on man made light sources. However, their basic use is the same – to reduce intensity, and/or harshness of light.
and on location. Some types of bulbs cannot be electrically dimmed because of their design, and incandescent bulbs
will progressively change in colour temperature
, becoming more orange, as they are dimmed.
Scrims in this context are considered a “colour safe” alternative to electrically dimming lights, and are a fine wire mesh available in difference strengths, placed directly in front of the light.
.
In this context, a scrim can be used when harsh midday sun would otherwise cause people to squint, or “blown out” hotspots on people's skin, such as cheeks, foreheads and shoulders. The scrim is placed close to the subject, diffusing and reducing the intensity of light, which is much more flattering, especially for portraits.
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
industries, as well as by photographers, to modify properties of light
Light
Light or visible light is electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, and is responsible for the sense of sight. Visible light has wavelength in a range from about 380 nanometres to about 740 nm, with a frequency range of about 405 THz to 790 THz...
. There are a variations on types of scrim, depending upon its use, whether with natural light
Sun
The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It is almost perfectly spherical and consists of hot plasma interwoven with magnetic fields...
, or on man made light sources. However, their basic use is the same – to reduce intensity, and/or harshness of light.
On lights
Film and TV productions typically use constant lighting in the studioTelevision studio
A television studio is an installation in which a video productions take place, either for the recording of live television to video tape, or for the acquisition of raw footage for post-production. The design of a studio is similar to, and derived from, movie studios, with a few amendments for the...
and on location. Some types of bulbs cannot be electrically dimmed because of their design, and incandescent bulbs
Incandescent light bulb
The incandescent light bulb, incandescent lamp or incandescent light globe makes light by heating a metal filament wire to a high temperature until it glows. The hot filament is protected from air by a glass bulb that is filled with inert gas or evacuated. In a halogen lamp, a chemical process...
will progressively change in colour temperature
Color temperature
Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important applications in lighting, photography, videography, publishing, manufacturing, astrophysics, and other fields. The color temperature of a light source is the temperature of an ideal black-body radiator that radiates light of...
, becoming more orange, as they are dimmed.
Scrims in this context are considered a “colour safe” alternative to electrically dimming lights, and are a fine wire mesh available in difference strengths, placed directly in front of the light.
Half and graduated scrims
A half scrim, as implied by its name, only has the mesh half way across, which will allow the full intensity of light to fall on part of a scene. A graduated scrim varies the intensity of light from across it.Outdoors and photography
A scrim can also be a translucent gauze type material that may be fastened onto a frame, and used outdoors to reduce the intensity of, and soften harsh light on subjects/people being filmed or photographed. They are available in a multitude of shapes and sizes, either small enough to be held in one hand by a photographer or assistant, up to almost tent like contraptionsRube Goldberg machine
A Rube Goldberg machine, contraption, device, or apparatus is a deliberately over-engineered or overdone machine that performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction...
.
In this context, a scrim can be used when harsh midday sun would otherwise cause people to squint, or “blown out” hotspots on people's skin, such as cheeks, foreheads and shoulders. The scrim is placed close to the subject, diffusing and reducing the intensity of light, which is much more flattering, especially for portraits.
Theatre
Scrims are also used as drapery in theatre and performance art. When lit from the front they appear as a solid piece of fabric. When lit from the rear they become semi transparent, creating a silhouette effect.See also
- Clothespin
- Film crewFilm crewTelevision crew positions are derived from those of film crew positions.A film crew is a group of people hired by a production company for the purpose of producing a film or motion picture. Crew are distinguished from cast, the Actors who appear in front of the camera or provide voices for...
- FlagFlag (lighting)A flag is a device used in lighting for films and photography. It is an object used in a shot to block light, provide negative fill, or avoid light flare from light sources just outside of the film frame...
- Gaffer tapeGaffer tapeGaffer tape, gaffer's tape, gaff tape or gaffa tape is a strong, tough, cotton cloth pressure sensitive tape with strong adhesive properties. It is used in theater, film and television productions as well as during live performances and any other kind of stage work...
- Best boyBest boyIn a film crew there are two kinds of best boy: best boy electric and best boy grip. They are assistants to their department heads, the gaffer and the key grip, respectively.- Job responsibilities :...
- Dolly gripDolly gripIn cinematography, the dolly grip dedicated technician trained to operate the camera dolly. The individual places, levels, and moves the dolly track, then pushes and pulls the dolly and usually a camera operator and camera assistant as riders. If the dolly has a moveable vertical axis, such as a...
- Gaffer