need projection screen advice

[WileCat]

Hi -

I am trying to help an independent film maker project his movie in places like small theaters, clubs and wareshouses. My guess is that most of the time it will be front projected.

He wants a nice screen that is about 10'x10' and does not show a seam or a fold.

I have had trouble tracking down a piece of vinyl to make one for him and am now wondering if we just stitched together two pieces of the 5' tall white spandex material, is there a way to do it that the seem would not ruin the whole projection? He is uber paranoid about the seam.

Or are there any other relatively easy to get materials or fabrics that might work out well enough and not be too hard to come by. He does not want to buy a whole screen right now anyway.

My projector is an NEC VT-660 - 1800 lumen xga, if that helps things any.

Thanks,
Cat

[Amukidi]

Any idea why he wants a square screen? I'd have thought a standard FastFold screen would be a better bet, easy and really quick to set up and the right format. Seams are a no-no - don't blame him for that!

[WileCat]

We are going to rent a fast fold screen for now. I might buy one myself. I realized that my white spandax is probaly not going to give me the image saturation and sharpness I need. What kind of screen do you use or do you use a few different types for different gigs and situations. I want to buy one that will be versatile enough and maybe for rear and front projection.

Cat

[syzygy]

for front and rear with the best possible saturation and brightness, fastfold is the way to go (assuming you can afford it)

Dan.

[WileCat]

I know they are pricey but if I am going to buy one, I want to get a good one that is not too hard to set up and all that. thanks for you help. i landed into some money and I'm going to invest in a good screen finally. it is the least i can do for my imagery by now. I have everything else but the good screenage.

Cat

[sleepytom]

fastfolds are cheap to rent and renting gives you the option to have the right size screen for the venue - we own an 8x6 foot fastfold wich is quite a good size for workshops and small venues but is simply not economical to own all the sizes of screen that you may need.

all the other types of screen i have seen have been a bit shite - the exception being inside-us-all's screens that are a good solution for partys but will not look as good as a fastfold for film screenings - they also have no frame so they are harder to rig than a fastfold with legs.

[WileCat]

I just realized that maybe that 10' x 10' thing might not be best. good point, Amukidi! I really realize I dont' know crap about a lot of screen issues and formats and all that. I just go for it and fit things by the seat of my pants most of the times. but this is a different gig. I will let him know that he needs to talk to the rental guy before he rents. I will be projecting either from a mini DVD tape, NTSC format or a VHS tape depending on what he gives me.

I am glad i am getting a lesson. I need to up my VJC karma by giving a donation to this group? I learn so much!

I've been a VJ for a while but am just now really getting down to organizing and formatting all my content trying to make perfect looking loops and now figuring out screens and projection issues. I love it though.

I think my friend VJ Pixylight knows something of InsideUsAll. I will aks him about thier screens and plus, I am thinking of attending AVIT/UK this year too.

Thanks!
Cat

[WileCat]

I know they are pricey but if I am going to buy one, I want to get a good one that is not too hard to set up and all that. thanks for you help. i landed into some money and I'm going to invest in a good screen finally. it is the least i can do for my imagery by now. I have everything else but the good screenage.

Cat

[Amukidi]

They are worth every penny mate! We took a 12'x9' one on the last Big Chill tour - took us 10 minutes to rig it - can't speak highly enough of them.

[InsideUsAll]

Hi WileCat

heres some info on our screens:

http://www.vjforums.com/showthread.php?threadid=4779

The exchange rate & the expensive shipping cost to the US may make it impractical for you to buy our screens which is a shame because it does sound to me like they would satisfy your requirement. But take a look at the pricing for yourself and see how it looks to you. Our mutual friend Pixylight has much experience of our screens, so he may be your best contact for info in your area.

cheers

Dave