Fabric backdrops
 

Time and time again I am sent out to film an interview and am disappointed by the mundane, unworkable locations.

To solve this I figure I will invest in a projection lens for my Dedos, some nice gobos and fabric to light a backdrop for the interviewee. I constantly see good results here in the UK.

Now the question is, does anyone have any recommendtions as to what fabrics to purchase?

Thanks for the responses,

Chris

Chris,
Depending on the look you are going for, if you want painted backgrounds, those are available. Most, if not all, are hand painted on muslim and, are fairly expensive. If greenscreen would work for you, pick up a frame and greenscreen backdrop. This is not a place to cheapen out. Get the good stuff. If fixed colors are what you're looking for, a frame and kingsize sheets from Walmart, or such, for about 15.00 will get you set up.

We do a lot of greenscreen interview shooting, even if I want a black background, simply because I have more control over what "color" the black is. Our decorative backgrounds are acquired this way. I have even photographed a cozy corner of a meeting room in a hotel or office and used that to drop in the chroma key. Works good. Sometimes the client is there and insists on a black background, not lime green. I drag out the black kingsize sheet from Walmart. Client is happy.

Important thing is a good stable frame that you can stretch a backdrop across. Most of the rest is imagination and creativity.

Robert

You can find a huge variety of backdrops on ebay. From painted scenes to soft muted colors, and usually pretty cheap.

I Googled “projection materials” and came up with two informative sites one in the US and one in the UK. I think you will find the information you want from these sites.

Bill

US site
http://www.av-outlet.com/index.html?...tml&lang=en-us

UK site
http://www.drhscreens.co.uk/screenfabric.html

Hey Chris,

I found this site in my favs folder. This will give you a good idea of what can be had. I'v never done business with these folks but, for some reason I had saved it.

Robert

Which site is that Robert?

Thank you all for the info.

Chris

Muslin, or canvas are excellent background materials. As mentioned, there are lots of styles and colors available. Check out some of the retail outlets that portrait photographers use and you'll find good backdrops.

One thing to find out before buying is how to clean the backdrop. I have been pretty lucky with the few that I have, I have never cleaned them, but they look fine. I think the hand painted backdrops can't be cleaned, but I'm not sure.

I'll be shooting some interviews, next week, so I may be bring my gray one with me. Just changing the lighting will make the background different for each group I shoot.

You could also use background paper. There are long 107 inch rolls, but there are also shorter 54 inch rolls, though I think that there are a variety of sizes available nowadays from three feet wide and wider. The nice thing about paper is that if it gets marked up, you just cut off the marred part and unroll more paper. It comes in a cardbord box, so it can ride on top of lightstands and travel fairly well.

Hey Chris,

I guess it would have helped if I had actually included the link.
Sorry 'bout that.
Here it is----http://www.studiodynamics.com/index.html

Robert