Q&A Background manipulation.

[Ryan Gallagher]

It took me longer than it should have to no doubt re-invent this low-tech solution for when a DCP background image is less than compatible with a post show Q&A signage and staging.

IMG_6480.jpg

Our port window has quite a windowsill on it. A simple piece of black folded plastic card stock trimmed to a desirable height. Nifty. The plastic sheet was floating around our booth for who knows how long, in use as mouse pad at various times of it's existence. I'm guessing it was someone's old douser card way back at some point.

It worked out that the L shape has two height choices, chairs only vs chairs & signs.

Often this is not needed cause intentional Q&A cards are on black, or I have time and motivation to edit them and put a gradient in the bottom quarter. But in a jam this piece of plastic is a lifesaver. And the "feather" can be adjusted by distance from our periscope/lens setup. Pictured is minimum feather (against the port glass). Trick is to slide it into your desired location while screen is black.

It is even better than edit methods when they interrupt the crawl for the Q&A, cause with this manual partial dowse, the DCP crawl can continue rolling above them, but without ditching credits entirely... best of both worlds. I suppose a screen file crop can do the same if you don't mind a hard-line, but simple feels better in this case.

[Ryan Gallagher]

For the record, I also don't understand the desire to put the roll-ups out there... except they get branding in the background of photo-g shots in a way that might read better than 2K image with lights spilling on it. Those are certainly not for the live audience, but events do it all the time.

[Carsten Kurz]

I have a role of black wrap in the booth that some film people left years ago. I can put sheets of it on the angled port window and fold/cut/tape it to any size needed for that purpose. Usually I prefer to prepare the background in Photoshop or on-the-fly in Powerpoint (using arbitrary black shapes dragged over the background).
While our Sony has very deep blacks, using a physical mask can prevent dazzling people.

[Ryan Gallagher]

In some booths I expect black wrap is much less prone to melting, but due to our periscope there is quite a throw before the card, image is about 7in wide by the time it hits the card. Have not seen heat issues with this setup.

Yeah if image is coming from ALT definitely more options on the software side.

[Randy Stankey]

I've had this problem, before. A big part of the problem, as you mention, the light from the projector blinds the people on the stage. As they move in front of the screen, their shadows cause distraction, as well.

I think your idea is good. It is, essentially, a cucoloris (AKA: "Cookie.") but in front of a projector instead of a spotlight.

The only thing I'd think about doing differently is making the cookie round so that it makes a half-circle shadow. That would allow more of the image to fill the screen, making the background go all the way down.

[Ryan Gallagher]

I've had this problem, before. A big part of the problem, as you mention, the light from the projector blinds the people on the stage. As they move in front of the screen, their shadows cause distraction, as well.

I think your idea is good. It is, essentially, a cucoloris (AKA: "Cookie.") but in front of a projector instead of a spotlight.

The only thing I'd think about doing differently is making the cookie round so that it makes a half-circle shadow. That would allow more of the image to fill the screen, making the background go all the way down.

The half round idea is a good one, and more universal than trying to predict their exact staging... covers most "center weighted" situations. However I'll be keeping this one too if I do that. We often have "cast reunion" events where they pile 30 people in a line an basically fill the stage, where this particular horizontal cookie is appropriate.

The half round approach is also not quite as compatible with a crawl continuing behind them, though I don't think half-round would be a deal breaker there... just a bit weird if the crawl content was extremely wide.

Edit: The half round would also require extra care to land it on a center reference. With the horizontal it's quick and dirty... just slide it in there.

[Ryan Gallagher]

While our Sony has very deep blacks, using a physical mask can prevent dazzling people.

We aren't laser here, but this is still a good point, masking card is worth it even when the image down there is already black.

[Randy Stankey]

Fold the rectangular cookie down, flat. Keep the round cookie upright. Fold the square one up, slowly and carefully. From the audience perspective, it will look like the shadow is morphing from one shape to another.

You could put both cookies on dowel rods, fixed to the window frame. At the appropriate time, you could just turn the sticks and swivel one cookie into or out of place as needed. Again, the effect on the screen will look like shadows morphing in and out.

[Ryan Gallagher]

Fold the rectangular cookie down, flat. Keep the round cookie upright. Fold the square one up, slowly and carefully. From the audience perspective, it will look like the shadow is morphing from one shape to another.

You could put both cookies on dowel rods, fixed to the window frame. At the appropriate time, you could just turn the sticks and swivel one cookie into or out of place as needed. Again, the effect on the screen will look like shadows morphing in and out.

I like how your brain works. Mine was headed similar directions entertaining itself by imagining a miniature fly system in front of the lens. Lol. Roll drops from floor pockets are a rare but fancy thing in the theatre world.

Eventually there would be enough of a diorama there you’d have to add little figurine stagehands.

But more practically speaking, there is enough room there now that I can do a bottom up wipe by tilting the existing card from below the beam into it’s playing position. Handy if you miss your insert cue, or for when talent leaves and walkout starts.

now if I just had a 3d printer in the booth. ;-)