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What Does a Snapgrid Do

What Does a Snapgrid Do?

Many types of equipment and tools provide innovative lighting options for filmmakers working the film set. One such piece of equipment that is commonly found on the film set is the Snapgrid. Snapgrids feature portable light control and represent unique opportunities for filmmakers. But exactly what does a snapgrid do on the film set? And how is it used?

What is a Snapgrid?

The Snapgrid is a portable unit. Generally produced from plastic composite that provides a grid shaped material. Which can easily be affixed to softboxes. Or other lighting sources in order to control the spread of light to a particular area of the set.

The term “Snapgrid” is patented to provide instant set-up and easy self-tightening of the unit. To ensure affixation to various forms of equipment required on the film set. 

Moreover, snapgrids offer a solution that provides unique lighting control on the set. They’re easy to apply to a gel frame or panel light to create the desired light control and spread.

Snapgrids provide a solution to direct light sets that allows for quick and easy application with optional angles. That span from 30° to 50° as well as a 30°/50° combo.

What Does a Snapgrid Do?

A Snapgrid acts as a light-refining tool that allows you to control light spread to a desired area of the set. Snapgrids are preferred for their snap-up frame that makes them easy to set up and mount to other equipment using elastic straps which can be connected to light fixtures and gels.

Furthermore, filmmakers love the snapgrid for its flexibility, advanced design, and convenience. Snapgrids are sometimes used on the set to act as a dimmer to control bright lights.

They are also sometimes combined to provide a narrow spread of light, directing a beam to the desired location on the film set.

In fact, Snapgrids can be used for a variety of purposes on the set. Acting as an easy-to-use. And convenient light distribution source featuring the ability to distribute light at 30°, 40°, and 50° with ease.

Unique Abilities

Many filmmakers choose to use the snapgrid to help prevent light from spilling onto the background of a set. The unique ability for the grid to add directional control to the light on a set makes this a primary choice for light control.

Snapgrids are available in a variety of styles and types, and are made from various composites including both plastic and fabric grids which provide incredible flexibility.

So, what does a Snapgrid do on the set? The reality is, a Snapgrid provides directional control of light spread. Which can be incorporated into the set for a variety of uses at the discretion of the filmmaker. Really, the sky’s the limit.

Need to visualize how the different degrees affect lighting? The folks at DoP Choice have created a neat video with tips and tricks for snapgrids:

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