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BIlly James Special user 991 Posts |
Hi folks,
This is a question to those of you who carry around and use your own backdrop. For years I have struggled with all different kinds of frames to hold my backdrops up and I have never been completely happy with any of them and the one I'm using at the moment is causing me some major problems. So do you know of any good frame (apart from Spiderplex) that is sturdy and can hold a backdrop? I would prefer one that can be adjusted to different sizes in order to accommodate different size backdrops. Thanks sooooooooo much for any advice you can give. Cheers Billy |
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Bily
Are you using the Spiderplex right now? Is that one giving you problems?
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Lars New user Guernsey, UK 22 Posts |
Billy
Try the following link http://www.amvona.com they do backdrop systems and they are relatively cheap, lightweight and very good quality. Also look on eBay under backdrop system. Regards Lars |
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BIlly James Special user 991 Posts |
Thanks folks,
As to Majiloon's question - no I don't use the Spider. It looks great but it's just so expensive that I don't think I can quite justify the price. Cheers Billy |
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glodmagic Special user USA 501 Posts |
What kind ARE you using?
Remember ANY of your posts here can be Googled by your customers and Clients. Just entering your name in Google can bring up your negative comments that stay for years!
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BIlly James Special user 991 Posts |
The one I'm currently using was made up by someone who is handy with those things (I'm not).
It's 4 pieces of steel(?) or aluminium tubing that telescope for variable length and height, together they form an upright square or rectangle. The whole thing is supported by 2 short pieces (about 2ft each in length) that attach to the bottom 2 corners and sit adjacent to the uprights. Its not too bad if I'm using a fairly small backdrop but for larger ones it just doesn't cut the mustard. There must be something simple, sturdy and easy to erect and pull down out there somewhere...for crying out loud we've put a man on the Moon so surely we must be able to suspend a painted sheet! Cheers Billy |
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Kent Messmer Veteran user Montana 337 Posts |
I use an I-beam truss system. The brand is Proel and they run about $89.00 on line.
Do a search for Proel and check out who has the best price. Here is one link to see what it looks like... http://www.proelgroup.com/en/products/ar......=KITLHST They pack small and are light weight and will hold the weight you need them to. Here are some photos of my setup... http://www.illusionplus.com/curtains.htm Good luck Kent |
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Majiloon Regular user 135 Posts |
Thanks Kent,
That is pretty cool-- They are in Italy it looks like- do they have dealers in the US? How strong is it?
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Tim Ellis V.I.P. Melbourne, Australia 1234 Posts |
I prefer just using Aluminium poles (they are square and clip together with plastic joiners). I form them into any shape, a cube for a dressing room, or a... backless cube (?) for a backdrop, and I hang curtains from the top bar.
It's hard to explain in text, but REALLY easy to set up and transport. VERY cheap. VERY stable. And EXTREMELY flexible. TIM ELLIS
www.MagicUnlimited.com
www.timellismagic.com Visit our online shop for instant downloads and ebooks https://shop.timellismagic.com/ Blog - www.magicunlimited.typepad.com |
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Andrew Loyal user 285 Posts |
Billy,
I use a backdrop made from a Walmart camping bed frame. This may sound strange, but the frame uses basically the same principle as the Spiderplex, but is MUCH less expensive. (Approx. $50.00 for the frame and mattress.) You just need to provide your own cloth to cover the frame and a bolt to secure it in the up-ended position. This is an idea that orginated with Berry Mitchell and I am very pleased with it's portability, Stability, and speed in setup. PM me if you'd like more details. Andrew |
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bry1513 Veteran user 373 Posts |
Kent- I have been looking at the same type of I-beam truss system and wanted you to know how awesome your set up looks....
Take care, Bry |
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constantine Regular user Memphi, on the Mighty Muddy 189 Posts |
Take a look at the curtain system used in trade shows. A foot square quarter-inch steel base, an eight foot screw-in upright/ and a telescoping cross piece called a scope. Very easy up and down, rugged, unobtrusive, modular, and promoters and stage hands instantly recognize them. This system's only a little heavier and more expensive than the flimsy tripod systems like jet-set.
Constatine 49%er
“The way of the transgressor is hard—to quit.” —Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith |
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Clayton Cavaness New user Arkansas 56 Posts |
I used a PVC pipe system based on the trade show exhibit booth systems you see. It has worked great for years.
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James Fortune Special user UK 509 Posts |
You don't say where you're based Billy.
Anyway, check this UK site out ... http://www.procameras.co.uk/backgroundsupports.htm. I use the FCSS5. It is incredibly light and breaks down beautifully. And for only £100 - it's a bargain! All you then need is some nice cloth and you're away.
Warmest regards
James James Fortune MIMC www.comedymagiciansurrey.co.uk www.bestweddingmagician.co.uk |
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CamelotFX Special user Minnesota 596 Posts |
We built our own from PVC pipe and fittings (for disassembly into easily-transportable pieces) with threaded disc bases from the dock supply store for the feet. Very sturdy and reconfigurable for different venues.
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MagicbyCarlo Inner circle has squandered his time making 1062 Posts |
When you look at justifying the cost of a backdrop system, you have to look at several things. How often will you use it (cost per show)? Is it easy to carry, set up and break down? Is it practical for your type of shows and venues? For my money I choose the Spider Flex System. While the price might be high initially, I have been using mine for 2 years, it gives my show a professional look and feel and with the exception of breezy out door venues (which I don't do anymore) it goes almost everywhere.
Carlo DeBlasio
<BR>Entertainment specialist <BR>and all around fun guy! |
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HarbinJr. Elite user I only have 450 Posts |
I have loved looking at everone's systems. The best one that I have ever designed was built for me by a theater friend of mine. It consisted of six poles that were telescopic, reaching anywhere from 6-10 feet. There were bases, not tripods, for the poles. These were made out of tractor blades and having a pipe welded in the center to hold the poles. Then we would have the cross bars which could be pulled apart and quickly put back together. These would hold a ten by ten curtain. I would have two of these for the sides and then depending on the angles I would sometimes hook on my entrance and exit curtains. In the middle I wold use a roll up curtain that way I wouldnt have to mess with a curtain rod and it would just go up or down. All the poles, bases, L brackets( that fit in the poles to place the cross bars on) and curtains would fit into my closet in a small corner. I used this for my illusion show for years. I still use it today. I am always looking for better ideas but its hard to beat this system. I don't have to worry bout tripods to trip over. I then use mylar stip curtains to put over the side curtains. It may sound confusing but very practical. All in all I can have my curtains go from a basic 30 feet across to almost 50 feet across as a "front curtain spread" I have other curtains as a back drop that I use. I use a trade show aluminum set up that a friend of mine sold me bout a year ago. If you have questions holler at me.
Magically, Robert Long |
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Look on Ebay for trade show exhibit frameworks. Much like a spider framework but often they can be picked up quite cheap as companies are doing less and less with trade shows.
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
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magictim Veteran user Lake Charles, LA 396 Posts |
I am looking into getting a DJ lighting truss system to use for my backdrop frame. It is 2 tripoods and a truss that runs in between. It extends to 9' x 10'. The whole thing will support 200 lbs. so it's enough to put 2 PA speakers and hang a backdrop.
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Paul Arthur Regular user 196 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-08-11 17:05, magictim wrote: Tim- Will you be standing downstage of your speakers? |
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