[Dennis Size]

Use the actual ceiling trouffers lighting the hallway. Under-expose and “dig” the blacks when you shoot.
DS

[Dennis Size]

If you saw the recent Republican Presidential Debate in Orlando Florida (on the FOX NEWS CHANNEL) you would have seen 9 candidates at podiums (typical University lecture presentation) lit by Source 4 lekos …..just on a much larger scale — and with 6 lekos on every podium.
DS

[Dennis Size]

To get the optimum effectiveness out of a Chimera Pancake or Lantern (or any Chinese “lantern”) you need an omni-directional source.
You can indeed buy a ring to adapt your Source 4 PAR to fit … but that fixture is designed to create strong, directional light and would defeat the purpose of the Lantern.
You’d be better served putting your PAR’s on a small quartz Lightbank (not a lantern). That lightbank (or even the very small lightbank) will give you a wonderfully soft wash of directional light when used with your PARS. For a softer quality you should also take the lens out of your Source 4 (easily done).
Although many people try to save the money, I try never to use lightbank without a 45 (30 or 60) degree honeycomb; which helps “direct” the softlight wash and also eliminate unwanted spill and reduce reflections.

When I want to diffuse Source 4 PARS — depending on how much light I want to end up with — I usually use either Rosco 106 or 105 (tough spun). For better transmission, and longer throws, but not as soft a beam, I will use Rosco 114, or even 119 (Hamburg Frost). Occasionally I will use an Opal ….but that’s only if I don’t have a fresnel.

DS

[Dennis Size]

I’ve used those variable speed router controls from Harbor Freight and have never noticed any ill effects — so go for it. Just remember that you’ll have a color temperature shift that will be very noticeable if you dim very low.
You should really purcahse the 375 watt lamp if it’s as bright as you say, especially since you’ll most assuredly burn your existing lamp out soon (they don’t have a very long lamp life).

DS

[Dennis Size]

Source 4 lekos don’t take 1000w lamps; and a junior can only take a 575w max. You should use a 373w lamp.
That being said, you can just buy a “premade” 600w dimmer at your local hardware store or Home Depot …..and it should only cost you about $30.
You could also just buy regular metal window screen for about $3, instead of using expensive scrims … OR you could just clip your existing scrims to the color frame holder with binder clips …. OR you could use a 7 1/4″ piece of nd.3, or nd.6, or nd.9 in your color frame holder — “flavored” to taste.
good luck

DS

[Dennis Size]

An SFX #1 wouldn’t have been much help for Barbara …. I was using SFX #2 on her for 20/20 many years ago.
The current “flavor of the month” is Glimmerglas #2, although if I’m using double filters I’ll drop to a Glimmerlgas #1. I wasn’t kidding about using my gym socks!
That being said, I did a last minute special with her in London for the ROYAL WEDDING where I got “boned” by a camera with NO filters. I made it work, and lit it as best I could with what I had at my disposal (Source 4 Leko keys, HMI’s, and Diva 400’s). Thank God, everyone was thrilled, and once more I survived. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

DS

[Dennis Size]

Sorry …. it’s the standard filter I set-up up for the “2 blonds” a few years back when ABC went HD — and the girls don’t leave home without it. 😉
You can’t imagine the craziness I went through acquiring glimmerglas filters at the last minute in England for the Royal Wedding covergage.
I haven’t used a stocking on the i-ring for years (since my days with Martha Stewart), although lately I’ve been tempted to use my gym socks! I always use some sort of filter — either screw in or matte box — especially with HD.
Often, such as with Barbara, I double filter (which is what I’m also currently doing on THE DR OZ SHOW).

be well
D

[Dennis Size]

Not that I would question you John, but did you mean Tiffen’s Glimmerglas filter ?
I’ve never used or heard of a “flicker glass” (but there’s many things I actually do not know).

Dennis

[Dennis Size]

FISCHEL ….. Sorry for the late reply, I’ve been on the road and now in London dealing with lighting for the Royal Wedding. If you haven’t solved your issues by now, feel free to call upon our company in NYC to provide whatever assisance you might need.
Contact our Operations Manager, Mark London, at London@ldg.com (or call 212-685-4940). Tell him I said to call.
Sincerely,
Dennis Size
VP of Design
THE LIGHTING DESIGN GROUP

[Dennis Size]

Let me repeat something Rick Wise said.

“Less is more. What’s implied is often much more scary than what is seen.
Splashes of very hot light that illuminate body parts/sections.”

Rick hit the nail on the head! Scary lighting utilizes shadow and darkness to create mystery and suspense. Anyone ever see a Hitchcock movie, and how extensively he uses gobos in front of his Seniors/Tenors?
The interplay of highlight and shadow, and hot intensity can be achieved very easily with ellipsoidals …especially when using gobo templates.
You’re correct in assuming the shutters can help shape the beam …another plus.
It’s also true that the angle of light is very impotant. High key steep positions will be required. This can obviously be done with a fresnel or a softlight but neither of those fixtures have the control that can be achieved with a leko (ellipsoidal). Why use a fresnel when a leko from the same angle can also be textured with myterious shadows?

DS