DIY Filmmaking Like A Boss – DIY 4X4 Frames With Shane Hurlbut

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by Tim FokFebruary 9^th, 2016

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Shane Hurlbut, ASC has put together a nifty little tutorial on how to make wooden 4X4 frames. The DIY Filmmaking trick can save you $100 per unit and Shane goes back to his early Hire Manager days to show us his carpentry skills.

Like anything in filmmaking, building a lighting/grip kit collection fast becomes expensive. In the above video, Shane highlights the cost of a set of 4X4 frames, with each unit costing upwards of $100.

When you’re on set, you want options at your nearest disposal. This doesn’t mean one frame per your 20 gels, constantly stripping and switching between each one. Having a selection of pre-clad 4X4 frames is much more practical, you’re more streamlined and can double/triple up in minutes.

With this nifty DIY filmmaking tip, you can build a collection of 4X4 frames—this cost effective method nets you around ten frames for the price of one! If you can’t watch the video embedded above, here’s how.

Tools & Materials Required:

• 2X 8 foot 3X1″ planks
• 1/4″ plywood offcuts
• Wood glue
• Drill/Impact screwdriver
• Jigsaw
• Chop saw (jigsaw could double up here if you fancy free-handing the 45-degree angle cuts!)
• Tape measure

DIY Filmmaking, Like A Boss

Cut your 8 feet planks into X4 feet lengths.

Using the shop saw cut a 45-degree angle on each corner of each plank. The short side of the angle needs to be on the same side per plank so each 4 line up nicely in a square.

Cut 4 triangles of ply to the size of each corner join. Use wood glue and screws to reinforce.

Using another piece of ply and your jigsaw, cut out an ear piece as pictured, ensuring there’s a cut alcove in the inner C shape to allow for safety mating with C stands.

Double up on ears per frame so you have the option to mount the 4X4 frame with two stands if required.

If spacing is tight, you can always add a hinge. Check out the below video for that:

For more info as well as purchase links for all these DIY items, check out Shane’s blog.