Spangler Studios Blog

During the past few weeks, I’ve been working to set up a test for multiple layers of the stringed rain that will be used in the film (if it actually works out okay). The location at which this is taking place has limited access hours, well, to be more specific, limited hours during which I can get in but not work, so I have to make sure I’ve got what I need if I’m going to be staying late. Anyway, this has been somewhat frustrating, but today I was finally able to shoot some rain footage after throwing together a makeshift version of my rain animation system… it looks like a multi-layered loom when all the strings are in place.

In my very first little test, with two strings of “rain” (it’s actually sparkly colored yarn), I only animated the strings by pulling on each one individually, one at a time:

I knew this would not work when the anticipated dozens of rain strings were in place, so I had to figure out a way to move them all at once. It’s pretty simple: The three rows of strings all fall beneath the surface of the set. The back one is held down low by a horizontal rod, the middle row is held up higher by another rod, and the third front row just falls straight down. They are all attached to a long piece of wood at the front of the set, which can rotate, but is held in place by rubber bands and some makeshift roller thingys I made with metal grommets and tape. The piece of wood has four flat sides and I animated the rain by turning it one side for one move. This makes it easy to measure and keeps the bar in place. If I wanted smaller moves, I’d use a similar shaped but thinner bar.

Here are some of the results:

The above test clips seemed to work. The rain mechanism was at least successful. The layering doesn’t show up so much because the strings blend together in the final image. I think I need to exaggerate the depth somehow and maybe light them separately for a better effect. The camera moves are a little jerky feeling. They were shot on twos, so if I used ones they probably would look much smoother. Slower moves look okay on twos. Something I should also note: these test aren’t as smooth as they could be, partly because I was using a point and shoot still camera which was self adjusting its focus several times.

This next clip was made with a video camera and uses a slow move, so it looks pretty smooth. There is an additional up close rain layer in front, made of painted hot glue on a sheet of plexiglass. The movement is crazy, but I like it!

In conclusion, I would like to try adding more sheet layers maybe in the back and/or strings made of translucent materials such as hot glue blobs or beads. Later tests should experiment further with lighting options (when I’ve got more lights!). The lights I’ve been using are all from Home Depot: low cost track spot lights in front and a simple silver work light with a big soft flood bulb for the back light. I’m very happy that these have been working, as it will allow me to avoid having to purchase higher cost lights… hopefully. I’m still completely lacking in the light stand department at home, so it might be time to order some.

Below are production pics from the recent tests:
(click on the big image to advance to the next one)