How I Make a Lightboard | Billy Backstage

[@GoBillyKorean]

Just an update to this video. Last month I filmed some new "Korean FAQ" episodes and made a few changes to this setup - namely I upgraded my lighting equipment (I made a video about the lights I'm using in the 2nd episode of this "Backstage" series) and that alone had a really noticeable improvement in the quality of my lightboard. With stronger lights (instead of the can lights used for this video), I was able to turn up the aperture a bit higher to make the colors more vibrant and everything clearer. In the future I'd also like to experiment with different light positions to make myself stand out more in front of the black background. I'll make another update if things change majorly.

[@dwheywood]

To explain what is happening by changing the aperture from what you call "lower" to "high", you are changing it from a bigger (f/3.5) opening in your lens to a smaller (f/10) opening in your lens-Confusing numbering? Not really: Think of it as a fraction, where f/3.5 really means 1/3.5, so f/3.5 is a larger number and opening than f/10. Since an f/10 aperture allows in less light than f/3.5, you are letting less light into the camera, effectively darkening everything, which also results in a darker background and the flecks of light on the glass getting darker to the point of disappearing. The problem is caused by the lights being positioned so they reflect off the glass dust and back into the camera, and the lights shine on the background when you don't want them to. A more effective solution will be a different light position-I suspect coming from your sides and/or from above, while not shining directly on the glass. This will allow a wider aperture (such as f/3.5), which lets more light into the camera lens, so your lights can be less bright. Angling the lights this way can make them hit the background less, too, darkening it. If you need to further control where the light goes, try this test: hold up a piece of cardboard next to the side of your light, blocking light from going toward the background and/or glass, but still allowing the light to shine on you. This will inform you of ways you can block/direct your light to where you want it, and where you don't. Cool set up. I may have to give this a try.

[@GoBillyKorean]

@@dwheywood I did adjust the lighting setup after, but at the time of making this video I couldn't because the lights I was using were too dim. I upgraded to some nicer Aputures (thanks to Aputure for donating them) and that's allowed me to move them farther away and to the side but also with much more light. This was filmed probably a few weeks before I changed my whole setup. I also got a better backdrop that's black paper. You can see some of the improvement in my latest "Korean FAQ" episodes, and I also filmed some more after those (coming after a few months) which got it a bit better and I was able to bring the F stop a bit lower for a better image.

[@mogat035]

@@dwheywood that’s an awesome explanation… I want to buy this camera (lumix g85 win the 12-60mm power O.I.S lens).. what do you Think???, is a good purchase for my incipient ligthboard project??

[@dwheywood]

​@@mogat035 Not super familiar with the G85, but I know its autofocus is not very good. Not an issue if you you don't need it to ever change focus, but a big issue if you do need it to change focus. If not using autofocus, set the focus to manual, and have someone focus it on you, and then it stays focused on that point. I would guess, but do not know for sure, that this would work fine, that is, having the focus fixed on you behind the lightboard. Would take experimenting, or ask someone who has filmed themselves using a lightboard if they use autofocus or not. The G85 isn't super great in low light, so you'd need some decent light brightness -and they do *not* have to be "photo" lights. Lots of considerations in picking a camera and lens. Too much to cover in this space, but those are the first two considerations that come to mind. If you determine that autofocus is needed, the lens choice matters for that too, as some lenses don't autofocus as well as others. Ah, camera gear, so many factors to consider. Good luck!

[@MarieJoLeroux]

No interest in learning Korean but this is the best video I’ve found so far about making a light board setup! Bravo 🙏🏻😊

[@merlinjames7214]

We stan a genius

[@bisoromi]

The light board is definitely a great idea for these types of videos, both for the viewer and the teacher. Cool vid!

[@mikefixac]

Hi Billy. I'm here because I'm interested in a light board. I don't know why in the world I would ever need one, but I really like the idea as a great teaching tool. I even saw a video where one can put projections on the board. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.

[@NoraFizaK]

Lol yay i've always wondered how you do your faq videos. Its like super puzzling! But today i got the answer and i can sleep well for the rest of my life 🤣🤣🤣 thank you for your hard work!

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

Excellent!! Thanks so much for the insight as I’m gathering materials to build a light board. Much appreciated.

[@recanajhonmichaelp.2720]

You are exerting so much effort to teach us korean. Thank You 💕

[@realctf7805]

having no offensive meaning but I think Billys channel is a lot better than talk to me in korean channel and korean class 101

[@giorgioc3402]

Real CTF I think TTMIK's channel works great if you already use their learning material online or their books, while Billy offers clearer explanations as for grammar and I generally prefer his style. Just my opinion though! 😂

[@realctf7805]

@@giorgioc3402 yep I used ttmik learning materials online. Objectively speaking, both are good! but I personally prefer billys style.

[@ZachMikeMoller]

I use both channels, but for different reasons. In learning languages, I minimize the study of grammar, learn sentences that I can use, and read either simple materials or books that seem interesting. When I start, I have been using Glossika for the sentences. As I begin to notice patterns, I turn to Billy’s site for explanations. I would say that he has a gift for good, concise explanation of basic matters. Sometimes, I just go down the list of his grammar videos and read whatever looks interesting. For reading I use LingQ. I have gotten pretty adept at importing what interests me. TTMIK has a wealth of material with audio that I can import. And their readers are some of the best. They have materials read slowly, and at normal speed. There are monologues, structured dialogues, and discussions between people. I have found helpful material on Korea Class 101, but very little in comparison to Billy’s and TTMIK.

[@NoraFizaK]

I like both Billy and TTMIK. I bought TTMIK's materials and then listen to Billy. TTMIK's books help me to practice while Billy helps me to understand. Its great to combine both 😍

[@jeff__w]

What a brilliant setup! This was a _great_ video, *Billy!* Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look at how you make these videos. They're really well done!

[@kennyjonespiquero4147]

Go Billy Korean is the first KZbin Channel that I use to start learning Korean ( From 한글)

[@shrutireddy3464]

Glad I ended up here from random comment about light board on IBM video You are a wonderful person with positive vibes. More power to you!

[@supechube_k]

the fact that u can write backwards in korean is absolutely amazing

[@GoBillyKorean]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ7JYWZ-ndF4bKc

[@MaidaA22589]

@@GoBillyKorean Love this recursion LOL

[@rainnnnn28]

Wow it's a really nice set-up! 👍👍👍

[@NiVofHiR]

One of the best videos I have seen on this topic...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

[@jomanaamin2816]

Wow that used to really confuse me and i was like omg how can he write on nothing? Omg how can he write backwards? I had so many weird thoughts while trying to figure out what that was 😂😂😂

[@Me_Khadija]

I was always wondering how do you make your videos and finally i know 😀😀😁 Thank you for all your efforts teacher billy 😊✌

[@samlechiq8173]

Thank you very much. Very helpful. Subscribed.

The LEDs at the bottom, it's a very clever idea.

[@ayamej1093]

Wow sir you really are a genius.

[@mybabykiwi2218]

Billy seems like such a friendly dude 🙂

[@zanelekat2331]

thank you for your help and suggestions. i want to start a tutoring channel for maths in my country and this has been helpful.

[@jinjung8141]

하나의 영상을 만들기 위해서 이렇게 투자하고 노력하시는 모습이 멋져보이네요^^ 앞으로도 좋은 영상 기대할게요~

[@prakashrnair]

This was really easy to understand. I saw another video where the creator uses a mirror to flip the video during the recording, saving you from the hassle of post-recording flipping. This could be useful for live sessions as well

[@GoBillyKorean]

Using a mirror would create more hassle actually, because you'd have to deal with getting the perfect angle for the mirror, and keeping the mirror clean, and then dealing with additional reflections on that mirror. Flipping the video can be done easily even with free live streaming software.

[@xapienz]

I think I saw Billy using a mirror for live stream, because you can't easily do post-processing while doing live streaming

[@gad2302]

Hi. I'm building one soon. Your video has been very helpful. I was wondering how long are the spring clamps?

[@GoBillyKorean]

I just used plastic 6" spring clamps, but I think C clamps would get the job done even better.

[@gad2302]

@@GoBillyKorean I got C clamps because I saw a year ago Elisa Valkyria uses it in her lightboard. But I've seen in another videos that lightboard can be unstable and then I saw that u solved that with the wood tables. The C-clamps would work better even with the tables you use to make it stable? Or the spring clamps with the tables do the job better?. Thanks for answering.

[@GoBillyKorean]

@@gad2302 I've never tried C clamps with my setup. I just think they'd work the same as spring clamps, but maybe a bit stronger.

[@gad2302]

@@GoBillyKorean ok ok. I will let u know how it goes. Thank u so much. 🤗

[@harshpatel-3015]

You really do hardwork

[@samhaskins2506]

Hi, super helpful video, thank you so much!

[@MojaveHigh]

That ending was so meta!

[@octopusScarf]

Wow, this was super interesting...thanks for all the effort that goes into your videos and behind the scenes! I really appreciate it :)

[@diamond_badger]

Thanks Mate, You cleared all my doubts.. once again Thank you so much.

[@TAPASKARMAKAR_IT_CONSULTANT]

Quite good and very impressive explanation.

[@ArizonaMathCamp]

Billy, at about 3:20 you say you'll put in a link to the specific plexiglass sheet you got at Amazon, but I don't see that link. Would like to know exactly what you used, so a link would be great. Thanks!

[@GoBillyKorean]

It's the link for the acrylic sheet in the description :)

[@ArizonaMathCamp]

@@GoBillyKorean OK, stupid me, I didn't click to expand the description. Thanks!

[@TheSweetestFortune]

This content actually made me so happy thank you for it!!!

[@denimili7659]

You actually did it!! #PromiseDelivered! Greets from Mozambique!!

[@jevinshah13]

Can you give specifications of the lighting you are using?

[@thebiblepiano1866]

Thank you Billy!

[@1anna1]

to film like that, mirror the footage and edit it, is actually a clever idea. you could technically use an ipad and screenrecord it. but i find, as fancy as an iPad is, when you write on a board it's much more clearer, if that makes sense. it gives you kinda like a school vibe, which i prefer, but the handwriting is more accurate as well.

[@kittypaw3118]

so cool, thank you for sharing!

[@abdullahjan3634]

marvelous bro...good informative video....super

[@mdjasimuddin2584]

I have a questions.What is the secrets in a light board and how it show us the words or art as correctly???

[@henokbrehanu]

Charming and kind person

[@melindaj6870]

I've always been really curious about this. I thought you were writing on air and editing the lines in. Not as impressive as being able to write backwards and in reverse but still very smart 😂

[@sean22chan]

Brilliant Billy

Hi Billy, which clamp are you using?

[@GoBillyKorean]

These are just cheap 6 inch clamps made of plastic. I'm sure any clamp would work.

@@GoBillyKorean Thank u very much for the quick answer

[@delalima]

hey thank you so much for the video 정말 수고했어 🎄

[@sunilsharma-sb1ee]

Hi Billy, It was a very great video and I am definitely goint to try this. Just one question, shoul the led strip light cover all sides of glass or only one side. Thanks in advance

[@GoBillyKorean]

Mine only covers the bottom.

[@romajimamulo]

Wow, another video creator that actually uses Vegas. Everyone else seems to use Final Cut or Premier

[@TheSweetestFortune]

Romaji RIGHT. I was thrilled!

[@SouthbayMathTutor]

Thanks for the video! It seems as the the main problem I've heard with using light boards is that you can get reflections in the glass showing up. Will buying a better quality glass get rid of these reflections? If so, do you know of any better quality classes than plexiglass? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@GoBillyKorean]

No, the reflections are a part of how it works. Getting rid of reflections has to do completely with your light sources. Typically if you want to remove the tiny scratches though, you'd use actual low iron glass (Starphire glass is a good type) and not plexiglass. But plexiglass doesn't make any more reflections than actual glass. To remove reflections, position your lights more carefully, and don't have any sort of light (even small) in front of the board if possible.

[@SouthbayMathTutor]

@@GoBillyKorean Thanks!

[@mohammadsalim7877]

Wow... good work

[@thesuperstudy5484]

I am going to try this. 😇

[@RaihanJamil]

I like your sense of humor! Came here to look for ideas for my online teaching aka #CoronaTeaching. All the best to you!

[@seanklausrivadulla7067]

Thank you for filming these kind of videos. The videos make korean for me much more understandable. One question, where do you put your microphone on your set-up?

[@GoBillyKorean]

My microphone is under my shirt, taped to my sternum and shirt with toupee tape and wrapped in Moleskin to prevent clothing noise. I've tried inside and outside of the shirt, and due to the audio reflections caused by the acrylic it sounds much better under clothing. Unfortunately for this video I failed to check my audio levels before filming so it sounds like the microphone is inside of a bucket or something :D

[@Meyra_]

@@GoBillyKorean Woah the microphone set up is even harder. Wishing you a good return on your hard work and to always enjoy it as much as you do now.

[@GoBillyKorean]

Audio can be more important than video, so I spend as much time getting the audio good as I do with video. But I still make mistakes from time to time, being a one-man channel.

[@MisterMessinger]

Where do you have your mic? I did this and have a lavalier mic connected to my iPhone but it sounds like I am under water.

[@GoBillyKorean]

I use a lav mic for these, and it's under my shirt taped to my skin and the shirt, and wrapped up to avoid any rustling noise. Positioning is important too. It's also a good lav mic.

[@MisterMessinger]

@@GoBillyKorean Thanks for that. Does your recording device help with the sound quality or is a great lav mic the way to go?

[@GoBillyKorean]

Both are important, but modern recording devices should mostly be decent enough if your lav is good. These days there are a lot of budget options that work well. Until last year I used a Zoom recorder which I have linked in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ_Kd5mbqrGAqpo Although for that video I had the audio levels set too high by accident.

[@nadaemad5468]

Wooooow amazing 💖 you really did so much effort thanks 🤗 alot

[@VoVina111]

I love Vegas editing program! Nice choice!

[@anilkumarvullinthala20]

I've done complete light board setup but i'm unable to focus myself, can u help me out. I mean like avoiding shadows and where to setup lights

[@jishnuvg8104]

what about the minimum thickness of acrylic sheet used in lightboard? is 2mm enough?

[@GoBillyKorean]

The one I used is in the description. I wouldn't recommend using anything thinner because it won't stand up by itself.

[@Nunexx97]

you're a legendary genius

[@AndrezzCuellar]

Hola, sabes como puedo hacer un en vivo así con el tablero, porque si lo hago a través de una plataforma de reuniones como hangouts no me da la opción de dar vuelta a la imagen para que los espectadores puedan ver lo que se escribe, tienes alguna recomendación de aplicación para un en vivo? te agradezco

[@michaelgonzalez4373]

I just tried building my own lightboard. The smudges, scratches and fingerprints jumped off the Plexiglas sheet! I ordered the Novus cleaner. I also wrapped the LED strip around all four sides, so I might have too much light going onto the screen. I'll keep playing with it. Thanks for the guidance!

[@GoBillyKorean]

Make sure you're wiping it with a microfiber cloth. Other materials won't clean it perfectly. It also attracts dust easily so you'll want to wipe it when it's sitting somewhere for more than a few hours. Scratches shouldn't show, and if you have scratches those are just defects in the material. I've ordered two Plexiglas sheets and none of them have had scratches, but both had a few tiny tiny dots that don't show up on camera. You also don't need to have the LED around all four sides, since just a little bit of light is enough :)

[@michaelgonzalez4373]

@@GoBillyKorean Great advice. Thanks!

[@popboyan]

I'm having trouble cleaning my plexiglass without leaving streaks. I'm using a micro fiber cloth, and it's making a mess. This is so frustrating! Do you have any tips for cleaning plexiglass streak-free?

[@GoBillyKorean]

Don't spray directly on the board. Spray on the cloth, and then after wiping with the damp cloth switch over to the other more dry side of the cloth and wipe it clean.

[@Sherney]

정말 대단해요!!!!

[@michaelgonzalez4373]

My own update: I haven't built a frame to hold my Plexiglas (I'm afraid I'm not handy yet), so I'm getting some wobbling. Also, how do you keep the camera (in my case, iPhone 13 pro max) from being reflected on the Plexiglas sheet? A little help, please.

[@GoBillyKorean]

To prevent reflections you need to have the entire room dark in front of the Plexiglass. There can be light only behind it where you are. So turn off all lights and block any windows as much as possible. Or you can try filming at night time.

[@michaelgonzalez4373]

@@GoBillyKorean Thank you! I'll try it tonight.

[@oriologyorio]

what is the size of the glass sir?

[@GoBillyKorean]

There's a link in the description.

[@Anysollovejeetsirclasses]

Hello brother, can we make light board by 8mm ultra clear glass?? I mean to say , is 8mm good?? Or 12mm is good??

[@GoBillyKorean]

I used 1/4 inch, so 8mm is fine. But you don't want to use normal glass, because it will actually look a bit green on camera (because of the iron inside). If you use glass, it has to be low-iron glass (such as Starphire), but it's more expensive.

[@Anysollovejeetsirclasses]

@@GoBillyKorean yes I am going to use low iron ultra clear glass. Just want to know 8mm is sufficient . I got answer from you now. Thank you so much

[@bagusbudi3018]

Wow, amazing. how much is the lightboard making cost you? (only the lightboard)

[@GoBillyKorean]

All of the links I used are in the video description :)

[@sairoyanisitinurulatiqahbi9075]

amazing

[@jongwoochoi8010]

안녕하세요? 몇 달 전에 Matt Anderson 교수가 learning glass로 강의하는 것을 유튜브로 시청했어요. 그 때부터 관심을 갖게 되었는데, 적은 비용으로 만들 수 있다는 것을 알려줘서 직접 제작하려고 합니다. 감사합니다.

[@ramazandursun6083]

very good.

[@serene9532]

honestly this is amazing...♡

[@amolkatekar4560]

What is thickness of acrylic sheet . Is 6 mm is useful for the board . Please reply

[@GoBillyKorean]

The exact acrylic sheet I used is in the video description box.

[@idemonakavu]

Hi) what are the dementions of the plexiglass that you used?

[@GoBillyKorean]

Everything I use is in the video description with links to all of the details :)

[@idemonakavu]

@@GoBillyKorean ok, thank you:)

[@mogat035]

Thanks for sharing… I’m lookin for a camera to use with my ligthboar. I like yours (lumix G85). It comes whit a 12-60mm Power O.I.S Lens… Is that the one that you use??? If is the case, please 🙏, can you share your setup??? Iso, aperture,speed Thanks a lot Regards from Ecuador

[@GoBillyKorean]

All of the equipment I used for this video is in the description below :) That's the lens I used for this video. The camera settings will depend completely on your actual room and the lights you use.

[@ChandrashekarCN]

Can you Use mirror in front of camera to flip ??

[@GoBillyKorean]

Sure, but that would be very difficult to get the angle correct so the camera is not also visible.

[@ChandrashekarCN]

@@GoBillyKorean try it . it works and you can go live no post production. you will get it right after few trails then its a fixed position every time. thanks for video .

[@msdhirdesar3562]

Very informative, Sir

[@Uyry-m8m]

hello teacher. It help me but I am not sure that acylic sheet is plastic glass?

[@GoBillyKorean]

All of the products links are in the video description :)

[@Uyry-m8m]

@@GoBillyKorean yes I know but I am not sure that acylic is plastic? my English is low.

[@herramientasacademicas430]

Excellent, I love this videa, I am going to cosider you my friend from NOW, Thank you very much from Colombia

[@travel.with.me_2189]

should the neon markers be whiteboard ?? or they all are??

[@GoBillyKorean]

They're neon, so it shows up better.

[@bipindutta2967]

That was Great video !!!!

[@BairagiNitin]

Really helpful

[@barathkumar1289]

What if we are in live classes?

[@selena9076]

super interesting

[@victorzuno]

Thank you!!!

[@dooniebardhan1344]

This is soooooo cool

[@ekoandisuryo5594]

thanks!

[@gurudutcotipalli9366]

Dear Sir I am having the following doubts 1.I am using crystal clear glass of 8mm thickness...Is the thickness and quality of glass good enough for light board? 2.My LED strip is 10mm and my glass is only 8mm is it ok or do I need to buy a 10mm glass? 3.Do we need to stick the LED strip on all the corners of the glass (4 side) or can we put it on any one side of the glass? Please note that my LED strip is 24 watt/meter Please confirm

[@GoBillyKorean]

I only put the LEDs on the bottom of the glass. If the LED is larger, it's probably okay, but I don't know - you might get extra light on to your hands as you're writing.

[@gurudutcotipalli9366]

Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean Thank You 😃

[@AnkitPahuja_AnOptimist]

Hey, while making one, I seem to have smudges on my lightboard, how should I rectify this issue ? Also, how should I place my studio lights?

[@GoBillyKorean]

In the video I talk about how you should wipe it, and what to use. The lights can be anywhere that doesn't reflect back into the camera lens (usually the sides of the glass).

[@thankyouthankyou1172]

this is amazing!

[@iamiftekharalam]

can you please give me the full settings of the video camera?

[@GoBillyKorean]

It will be different for your camera and lens. I talk about the general settings I use in this video, but you will need to change your own settings to match for your camera, lens, and lighting.

[@cballeza]

Where did you place your microphone?. I don't see it on your shirt

[@GoBillyKorean]

It's under my shirt.

[@FrankM]

Cool. Billy should contact Tim Allen and reboot the show Home Improvement. Except the dialog would be in Korean with English subtitle.

[@Vikasseo1]

How u show and teach from an image

[@roanna0285]

This was actually really cool. I always thought you were writing backwards.

[@PlanetNumeracy]

Cool!

[@yobro6962]

aye so you flip videos when editing not writing backward not sure how i never realized that was even an option

[@auricia201]

I didn't know you were so handy! You Do have more talents besides teaching korean after all! 😆 (Because he said in a recent video he hadn't)

[@theonlyLorettayouknow]

SOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOLL!!!!

[@drdigitalcollege208]

Pls inbox me how could I remove scratches from plexiglass. Thanks.

[@kelvinpraises]

Randomly came to seek out the mysteries of light-boards now brain tells me I have to learn Korean

[@TeacherChamnan]

What program you flip letter?

[@GoBillyKorean]

Probably any editing program can do the exact same thing (even really cheap or free editing programs). I use Vegas to edit all of my videos.

[@TeacherChamnan]

Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean thanks you for your good video