Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Non-perforated screen capable of rear projection

This is topic Non-perforated screen capable of rear projection in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Dan Chilton (Member # 2288) on 10-17-2006, 07:35 PM:

I'm currently consulting for a medium-sized live-action theater that wants to start showing classic films from time to time. Their current audio set-up doesn't require, nor has space for speakers behind the screen, which is why having a perforated surface isn't a necessity. They'd like the screen to also be dual-purpose - projected films on the front, and rear projection (if needed) to be used as a set piece in the plays.

Does such a screen even exist?

Edit: I think they just want to use it as a color backdrop for rear projection use. Splash some colors on it with stage lights from the rear, silohuetted images, etc... that sort of thing.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 10-17-2006, 09:29 PM:

Yes, front/rear projection screens exist. Da-lite's Dual Vision, as an example.

Posted by Dan Chilton (Member # 2288) on 10-17-2006, 09:33 PM:

Great! Thank you Steve!

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 10-17-2006, 11:12 PM:

Why don't you just shoot the picture onto the cyclorama curtain?

If your stage isn't deep enough for speakers behind the screen, the cyc won't be so far upstage that the picture will be hard to view.

Most cyclorama curtains are made from white muslin. Just make sure your bottom pipe and/or your chain pocket stretches the fabric out enough that it won't wave and distort the picture.

I've got an Eiki 3K video projector at the FOH mix position. It shoots onto the same movie screen we show 35mm on. It is almost exactly 100 feet away. When we fly the screen out I can readjust the zoom lens and project an image onto the cyc, which is about another 35 feet upstage from the screen. As long as the stage is kept dark it makes a perfectly viewable image.

But, as I mentioned above, the cyclorama is so far upstage that the first few rows of customers will have a hard time seeing the whole picture. However, if your stage is as shallow as you say, this shouldn't be a problem for you.

A 3K or a 4K (lumen) projector ought to do the job for you, nicely.