How to Make Wig Wag Lights

Whenever filming begins, wig-wag lights are used at the door of the motion picture sound stage. To alert anyone outside the door that filming is taking place. The telltale red light, also sometimes called a red-eye. It flashes when cameras are rolling to alert those outside the soundstage. To the fact that cameras are rolling and nobody should enter or exit for any purpose. The wig-wag light also reminds anyone in the vicinity of the light that they should be quiet and avoid any unnecessary noise.

Learning how to make wig-wag lights for your film set is something you’re likely to attempt if you’re operating a low-budget production, but how?

Headlight LED Wig-Wag Flasher

The simplest and easiest way to create wig-wag lights for your DIY low-budget sound stage or set is to use headlight LEDs. Which have the red light that flashes. These cheap, headlamps sell for under $20. And can be used as your wig-wag signal at the door.

Although you might not have the sound of the buzzer that you might be used to on a larger, more advanced production set. The flashing red light is certainly enough to alert others to the fact that filming is taking place.

Battery Operated LED Versions

While the traditional wig-wag light was generally a 110V version that was controlled in various ways but generally which required a direct power connection and supply that was ran through the studio.

Today’s battery operated LED versions of wig-wag, on-air studio lights can be purchased for very little online.

In fact, instead of learning how to make wig wag lights. You might find a cheap version available online. That will provide the same coverage and alert system that you need without the cost.

How to Make Flashing Wig-Wag Lights

What if you’re interested in flashing wig-wag lights that represent your traditional emergency lights and wish to create the illusion of emergency lights on a film set?

Learning how to make wig-wag lights that provide the same illusion on the film set as a typical cop, fire engine, or paramedic is something many filmmakers attempt to achieve. Fortunately, wig-wag lights are easy to create with just a few basic items. 

Two Individual Lights

To make this type of wig-wag light? All you have to do is secure two individual flashing LED lights. Which can then be placed into position. Such that you can allow them to flash in tandem with one another so that they alternate together.

Many light fixtures provide the ability for alternate flashing without having two individual lights. Search online for two separate lights or consider the use of individual lights side-by-side in order to achieve the desired outcome.

All in All

As you can see, learning how to make wig wag lights is really all about first figuring out whether you’re trying to produce a sound stage warning light. One which alert to your crew and to others that filming is actively taking place.

Or if you’re attempting to create a light that represents the typical emergency wig-wag flasher. One you’ve determined which lights you want. Learning how to make wig wag lights that suit your needs is quick and easy.