Efraim Smits

FYI I TESTED a variety of solubles in water and discovered that the best and cheapest non-toxic way is to is to buy 2x 150ml of guash black paint and solute in 50L of water. FOR THE GOO, just use wallpaper glue (it's a soluble powder) and mix it in with the water and guash paint. For greater consistencies, add starch. SO...thanks Adrian again for your post. Hope this helps anybody in the same dodgy mess I got myself in. Cheers, E.

Fishtank sounds strange as well... this whole set up is driving me mad :( Is there a website where these 'special effects' are organized? I've googled this issue and some fruits on youtube popped up with no info. I know this is a peculiar request, but it'll be shot in a white studio...and I really should avoid spills on the 'wood' floor. Cheerio, and STILL asking for input. E.

Hi, I'm trapped in a sorry situation here; I've gotta make a bathtub full of BLACK goo/slime or simply BLACK water... however the actor jumps out of the tub and the water/goo runs off. Is there any standard non-toxic concentrate which you guys know about that doesn't leave any permanent stains on the tub or the actor hair/body? Thanks for your helpful input on previous posts. Here's the awkward one! =) Cheers, Efi

Thanks Darryl; I never knew such a device existed independently. This will definitely make things more accessible. Phil, you ever notice you rhyme? Thanks for the ingenious methods for using the plastic wrap. Thanks for replying and adding your suggestions. Best of luck all of you and thank you. Cheers, E.

Thanks for input, but it won't work. 1st it'll be awfully artificial and it won't be steamy, it'll be FROST; 2st the smoke machine is not water, it's some other fluid which will not 'stick' to the mirror. Anyhow, I've been considering making the glass really cold (sink it in an ice-tub for 30min) then dry it off and go oldschool with the teapot. I think this should technically work. I'm still a bit surprised that nobody in this forum hasn't had hands-on experience with this kind of stuff. Steam has often been used.

I am considering freezing the mirror/glass with liquid nitrogen (just a little so it doesn't crack) and then steaming it with a humidifier... but this is too sophisticated. A little help here would be appreciated. Thanks again! Cheers, E.

Chums, Thanks for viewing. I need put some steam on a mirror in a white studio, but I suppose this would also be interesting for bathroom, and alike environments and set-ups. Anyhow, humidity is my camera's phobia (as well as sand, water without a raincoat, ...), so how could we produce enough vapor on a mirror/glass for a long enough period for the actor to write something on (i.e. rudrum ;) ) and still maintain a humid-free environment for equipment? Any ideas? All respect to all of you for any input! Cheers, Efi

Thanks guys for all your input. Projecting from front in an all white studio is a no-no. ;) I like the idea of the 3D shadowing...it's more dynamic and interesting and besides, when the silhouettes become real, then from Cut-Outs to 3D will look really shabby. I'm still going to test this quickly, but otherwise i only got one shot at this. Anyway, I'll send you guys a link when it's completed. Cheers for now, Regards. Efi

Yeah, but the silhouette then? I considered this already before, didn't mention it, but could I alternatively use motion tracking on the chroma-key but would i then just simply remove all brightness on the band in post? funny thought.. ;) I'd have to be selective that the green remains untouched.

Hey guys, I've got a shoot coming up. Quite complicated and I can't figure out the optimal way to set up. Any suggestions would be really helpful! I need a band playing in front of a 'plazma' like spread. 25+ plazmas with a story going on behind. I've attached a picture so you could take a look at the idea. But, at one point, I'd also like both to be visible - both the band and the backdrop. Essentially, I thought about projecting with a 10k lumen hd projector from 8m behind the vinyl, simulating the 'plazma' screens (sliced up footage in cross-sections), which would definitely be super for the silhouette, BUT what after the lights come on?? How in the world will that look like? AND also the back footage is going to be low-key at times. Do I need some back light? I've got a very low budget to work with and i'm shooting on a JVC HD-GY200 @60p. Any input, please friends. Cheers, Efi

Nice picture. but dude, totally off. Like the other guy said, no tension. Maybe you should introduce something more expectant, if 'THE RABBIT IS BACK', then it's gotta be 'AH!!!'. Btw, i had to watch it 2 times cuz i didn't know it was a trap they were making. KIDS are nice bro, but don't be afraid to use controversy. Like, firecrackers, or matches, stuff kids shouldn't play with. I don't know, JUST push the limits. Don't take me wrong, but whatever. you work with DDB or just got their referral?

Hey, what's a 'Cyc.'? Could I practically build an all white studio using white muslin or cloth? Or do you think this would be too complicated to even out the shadows and wrinkles? What about a model bathtub in a small 1-wall ended studio... thx for reply. cheers, Efi

How was the white room in the MATRIX filmed? Chroma-key in a complete chroma-green setting? Is there any easier ways to do this efficiently? I need a steaming bathtub in white infinity. I'm also considering going over-exposure with the lights, but make-up will be fine? Tough? thx for any comments. Efi

How about the subject(s)? What if the camera does a full 180' turn around AFTER the reflection, can I loose the subject somehow? AS IN - psychedelic/hallucination BUT only though reflections/mirroring. Cheers again, thx for post!

THIS is a general inquiry; Suppose I wanted to shoot reflections on a low key set and in POV turning right @30` a shiny vase/... REFLECTS a subject quite visibly and recognizable. How would I begin to do this? Is this mostly done in post or can i preferably get some experienced advice for on-set preparation, filters, ...? I need about 10 'reflection' shots from different objects in the room. Even soap bubbles (maybe). Usually the hot topics are on eliminating light reflections; so here's something else. I anticipate your replies. Cheerio, Efraim