Basics of Video Lighting, 2nd Edition

5 The lighting grid

Supports

High level

A studio lighting rig consists of either a network of metal ‘bars’, or scaffold pipes, arranged in a lattice pattern. This is called the grid. In some studios this is a fixed structure, but centres on an adjustable track and barrel system. Larger studios may have a system of telescopic single-point or multi-point hoists. In either case there will be the possibility to gain access to the top of the grid, for any necessary adjustments, from high level walkways. The main requirement is that luminaires can be suspended above any point on the acting area of the studio floor. Various systems are used to allow this to happen (Figure 5.1).

Figure 5.1 Plan of pipe lattice grid

Because the luminaires are suspended ...