Window diffusion for set

[Noel R.]

Hey all. I am working on a very small set design. We want to include a window for motivating lighting and separation on set. There will be nothing visible through this window, it will act as a giant soft box where the window is white (diffusion material) and slightly blown out. I'm curious if anyone knows of a diffusion material I could use to cover the window? I've been searching online but can't find what I am looking for.

 

[Marc Wielage]

I'd do this in the lens, not in the window. The alternative would be to add a diffusion effect in post where it can be precisely controlled and confined just to the window. When in doubt, shoot tests first.

 

[Robert Ruffo New]

Something waxy - there are many choices.

 

[Noel R.]

Marc thanks, I've attached a reference photo for the effect I'm after.

 

[Ulf Krentz]

Noel,

This looks like a wall of "bricks of glass". You could try to build a wall of those if you want that look. If you are looking for simpler solution / gel I´s take a look at "brushed silk" for this purpose. It is not plain diffusion, does not look sterile and creates a feel of depth.

Cheers, Ulf

 

[Joost Kelderman]

beware that brushed silk spreads light into one direction more than the perpendicular (other) direction.. so try it both ways (rotate it 90 degrees) to see what fits you best in this case

 

[Matt Ryan]

You don't want to try some Hampshire Frost on the outside of the windows? http://www.filmtools.com/lee-r253.html

Yes, those are the glass blocks and they already will add that flaring look at certain angles with a hard source, but you will definitely need to diffuse it a bit and spread the light. unless you have enough lighting power to cover the window evenly. http://www.leefilters.com/lighting/diffusion-list.html. I'd try some Hampshire frost on the outside and go from there. If you want the light harder go for a lighter diffusion like the 420 Light Opal Frost: http://www.leefilters.com/lighting/colour-details.html#420&filter=dc.

These are the glass blocks similar to that sample.

 

[Elsie N]

Care to do an experiment? Go to a hardware store and buy a couple of those light diffusing panels they use to cover large fixture lighting in office buildings. The difussion of these approx. 4' x 2' plastic panels comes in different degrees and types. Haven't tried it yet but if ever in your situation, I have about 4 of them on hand for just such an occasion. They are very inexpensive and can be cut to size with scissors.

 

[Noel R.]

Thanks for the info everyone. Wasn't necessarily going for the glass blocks (though it looks nice) , that was the only example I could find at the moment. Might be a little too heavy on the flats. Elsie thanks, that could be a quick and easy solution, it's at least worth testing out. Might also try the brushed silk.

 

[Timothy Eaton]

Noel,

You might want to let art direction and the scene itself set a course for your window treatment. What kind of room is it? Modern, austere, run down, period, future...? There are lots of options depending on the nature of the scene.

Tim Eaton

 

[Noel R.]

Noel,

You might want to let art direction and the scene itself set a course for your window treatment. What kind of room is it? Modern, austere, run down, period, future...? There are lots of options depending on the nature of the scene.

Tim Eaton

Tim, thanks. Art direction is a group of my friends who know how to build but do not know much about window diffusion.

 

[Timothy Eaton]

That's fine Noel. There are no hard and fast rules about diffusing windows, but it's easier to make suggestions if we know what you're trying to do, so I was trying to ask about the nature of the scene. Is it a contemporary film? Is it modern? Is it a period film? Futuristic? A home, a jail cell, an office? The look of a window might be affected by what you are trying to accomplish.

Tim

 

[David W. Jones]

While I can't help you select which diffusion to pick, I will share this little tip…

I have put together what I call my gel reference set. For example, on one gel roll, I carry color correction gels, on another diffusion. I label each one with a P-Touch labeler so an asstiant can quickly find what I call for without having to remember the reference code number of a particular brand. This way I can test to my hearts content, and then order the needed gel in the correct size for the project.

 

[Eric M Hurt]

This:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/90643-REG/Rosco_102302164825_E_Colour_216_White_Diffusion.html