What is the Egg Crate Used by Film Production Grips?
As an aspiring grip, or a filmmaker that’s been working behind the scenes on the film set for a while. There’s a good chance you’ve heard an egg crate called for at least a couple of times. And you’ve probably wondered to yourself, “What is the egg crate used by film production grips and what’s it for?” You’re not the only one that hears “egg crate” and wonders if the roles have been shifted from the set to some far off farm land. But, if you’ve at all involved in lighting, you either know what it is or you’ve at least heard of it before!
What is the Egg Crate?
So what is it? The egg crate is a light control grid. But really it looks like an egg crate so a lot of grips call it for what it is. Others actually call it by brand names. Or terms that are a bit more informative of what the tool does.
Referring sometimes to it as an LCD (light control grid), a Snap grid (brand), or a Louver. They’re all the same thing, for the most part.
The egg crate is a light control grid that can be used to control the light. Directing it in a particular direction and saving time for the crew on set.
Egg crates come in a variety of different forms, shapes, and sizes including soft, fabric style units and plastic, pop-up versions referred to as “Snap Grids.”
What is the Egg Crate Used For?
The egg crate, or LCD, is an easy to use, effective tool. That is ideal for directing light to the desired area by narrowing the spread of the light.
Basically, the use of an egg crate can narrow down the spread of light. From rather wide to something as little as 30 degrees without really incorporating any major equipment or tools.
The LCD is easily tied to the frame. Or otherwise connected using elastic or velcro to the head of the light or to the light bank so that it can easily be used.
Breakdown is just as fast and easy which is one of the key reasons why grips and lighting professionals enjoy having these available on the set.
A Versatile Tool
Egg crates save the grip department a lot of hassle, and energy. They take the place of toppers, bottomers, siders, and are ideal for preventing spill from flowing over to the walls or ceilings or even the floors where your soft lights are in use.
This way there is no light spilling over where it shouldn’t be isn’t needed. So what is the egg crate used by film production grips? It’s a versatile tool that comes in both plastic and fabric.
It provides a lot of useful support in preventing light spillage. While directing light to the desired areas. And takes the place of several other grip tools and pieces of equipment making it a valuable item for on-location shoots!