Author Topic: Flats  (Read 3934 times)

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jrkms

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Flats
« on: Jan 03, 2007, 06:18 am »
What weight canvas or muslin to you find works best for flats?  Any recommendations for vendors?  Our flats need new coverings.  Thanks!

Oobleck1441

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Re: Flats
« Reply #1 on: Jan 03, 2007, 04:01 pm »
Good question at the right time just because I finished making about 15 flats a couple hours ago... I use a more non traditional method now...  I figure out what i want my height and width of each flat to be. Next I use 1 In. X 1 In. and measure out my perimeter with an added bar half way across the perimeter for support. Once that's put together i put earthier 8th of an inch or quarter of an inch 4x8 sheet of plywood on top of the frame and secure it with a couple small screws that wont be noticeable. Once you have all your "flats" made you can link them together side by side or stacking them and using a couple screws through the framing on each of them. You can even hang them from a fly rail by putting a couple eye hoots on the frame. I only use this method because it is cost effective since i do school productions and they seem to last quite awhile seeing we still have flats laying around from the 80's. So depending on what kind of theatre your ding it might me something to consider. If you would like some pictures or more information feel free to message me with anything you need that can be helpful.. This is just a quick way i make flats for school productions.. Then again if it was a more community theatre or something else of larger magnitude you may still want to go the old traditional way.. Sorry for rambaling on..

LiLz

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Re: Flats
« Reply #2 on: Jan 03, 2007, 06:42 pm »
Flat covering - my favorite (lol).  I can never seem to find enough space or time to do it well!

I'd say the covering depends on how much travelling your flats will be doing, what treatment you're using on top of the canvas, etc.  I guess the usual is probably a medium weight canvas ... I usually get it from Rosebrand, which has offices in both LA and NYC - www.rosebrand.com.  They have a lot of helpful info on their website.  If your flats are going to see a lot of abuse, I'd consider building studio flats and fronting them with lauan, but they'll be a lot heavier. 

Good luck!

LiLz

 

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