Turning on a light is just the first step. Now you have to shape it. Our Deals of the Week return for 2023 to get you started with the right tools.
Shaping light is the cornerstone of making your scenes look just the way you imagine them. But what does that mean? When shaping light, filmmakers will use diffusion and bounce material, along with different kinds of flags, to soften, block, or even redirect light. This ensures that every ray is used deliberately to elevate your scene.
Let's check out the flags, bounce, and diffusion kits we found for our Deals of the Week!
Impact PortaFrame Scrim Flag Kit
This scrim flag kit from Impact contains some of the lesser-known light modifiers, but they have an impressive effect on a production's subtlety and nuance, especially in close-ups. They also provide the ability to selectively light larger areas by shaping the light as needed. The kit is comprised of five folding, compact, metal flag frames that accept sleeved fabric modifiers that are stretched into the 18 x 24" shape when locked into place.
The kit comes with a 1/2-stop Black Single Net, a 1-stop Black Double Net, and a Black Light Blocker. There is also a 1-stop, and a 2-stop Silk Diffuser in this size.
Dots and Fingers are also included and are used to modify small areas of a subject or location. This kit includes a 1/2-stop 6" Single Black Net Dot and a 6" Black Light Blocker Dot. For more linear light modification, two 4 x 14" fingers, one 1/2-stop Single Black Net, and one Black Light Blocker are included. All of these scrims can be mounted onto grip heads, articulated arms, or accessories made for that purpose. The included carry case has inner compartments and pockets made to keep the components of the kit organized, and is a nice touch we really appreciate.
V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat Kit
Lightweight and easy to transport, the Foldable Black/White V-Flat from V-Flat World is a fresh take on the venerable flat. The V-Flat is white on one side to reflect and black on the opposite side to block light. Each board is 40.0 x 80.0 x 0.5". Opened fully yields an 80.0 x 80.0 surface. And for travel, the 7.0 lb V-Flat folds to a compact 40.0 x 40.0 x 2.0". The hinged design offers a variety of useful positions. A carrying bag is included.
If you're sick of your bead board constantly breaking, the V-Flat could be a solution worth looking into.
Sunbounce Sun-Swatter Pro Starter Kit
When it comes to light, natural is best - provided you can control it. That, however, is easier said than done.
The Sun-Swatter Pro Starter Kit from Sunbounce is part of a system that helps you do just that. Resembling a huge fly swatter, this 4 x 6' light shaper stretches a translucent screen across its high tensile strength aluminum frame.
A couple of minutes of easy setup gets you a very large patch of bright open shade with manageable contrast, instead of glaring deep-shadowed sunlight broiling your subject. While the Sun-Swatter is easily handheld by its frame, a better option is the included Boom Stick extension handle. Also included is a grip head for stand mounting and a set of clips to tighten the fabric. A soft carrying case is also part of the package, and you know how we love a good case.
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