How to Make an 8x8 Butterfly Frame for $100 | Professional Overhead Lighting Diffusion Frame

In this video, we look at how we made an 8x8 Professional Butterfly Frame for diffusing sunlight, bouncing light or even making large negative fill flags. Our version is an 8x8 Butterfly Frame however, it could easily be changed to 6x6 or 4x4 with a handsaw if needed. We also explore some tips and tricks on how to get soft lighting from the sun and get cinematic outdoor shots. Keep in mind, cinematography is a highly subjective craft, there are no wrong answers so let us know if you have other setups or methods! We'd love to learn!
This video also looks at the new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro and how it performs when dealing with sunlight.
If you use these affiliate links to purchase, I get a little back and it doesn’t cost you any more! Helps to support the channel and make more content like this!
DIY Butterfly Frame Materials:
🛒 L-Shape Square Tube Clamp Tube Connector Pipe Fittings
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3ggbDRK
🛒 8ft 1in Square Aluminum Tubing
at Homedepot: www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
🛒 Matthews Super Mafer Clamp with Pin
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3gvOCJC
🛒 C-Stand
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2OReR2L​
🛒 FLIP FLOP EAR FOR 1" SQUARE TUBE (Instead of Super Mafer Clamp)
on ModernStudio: modernstudio.com/products/fli...
🛒 Matthews 8x8 White Artificial Silk
on B&H: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
CAMERA:
🛒 Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3fRd3Cw
🛒 Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k (Non-Pro)
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2QddufO
LIGHTING:
🛒 Nanlite FS300
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3p2yHGh
🛒 Aputure 200D
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3lbuUEH
🛒 Aputure Fresnel 2X, Bowen-S Mount Light Modifier
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3ewVOWo
🛒 Glow EZ Lock Quick Octa Large Softbox w/ Bowens Mount (36")
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3qCD5uR
CAMERA SUPPORT:
🛒 FLYCAM Flowline Master Professional Stabilizing Body Support - Handheld Support Rig
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3eIlZbg
🛒 Manfrotto 502 Video Head - Tripod Head
on Amazon (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3qFlYsr
Music Used from EpidemicSound
Referral Link if you need music or SFX: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
#Softlighting #CinematicLightingTechniques #ButterflyFrames
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DISCLAIMERS
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We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@bala1000mina]

Thanks Jacob! Very helpful and informative! God bless you!

[@maxhighstein]

Thanks! The connectors you're showing are 3-way. You only need 2-way for this purpose. Use 3-way if you're building a table or a box.

[@justcallmesando]

Awesome solution. Thanks!

[@SiblingRivalry772]

Gotta try this, thanks for the recommendation

[@markkut]

Very neat DIY frame setup. I enjoyed this!

[@JacobVossFilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@mediaproductionpro]

Awesome build at a great price, keep up the fantastic content.

[@JacobVossFilms]

Absolutely mate, added some extra info to the pinned comment as well as per your info to give those watching some more info. Thanks for the support man!

[@filmyzrajdow]

Nice video. Would you recommend difusion with -0.7EV cut or -1.25 for outdoors shooting?

[@beef_franks]

Nice solve with the sanding. Smart and simple. Constructive feedback-for a "how to" video, it'd be great to see the build straight away, rather than ~4min in (well over halfway into the video).

[@CEODeliveryBoy]

I saw the aluminum tubes and am working on the same thing now. However, I do think it IS worth the extra money to get like the pro-aim clamps that go into the gobos and was really torn on spending the money for the connectors bcuz, well then you are getting close to the money you would spend just buying the glow 8x8. at 399 its pretty awesome and the bag, connectors all of it. BUT I WANT TO MAKE MY OWN just bcuz I think its effing ridiculous for them to charge so much. You do still save but u dont get the case n stuff. You're corner adapters are interesting though i really like them. I was also thinking of how id keep the ties (the bounce i have is an old school with the fabric laces instead of bungee type ties) from sliding down. I think a couple zip ties permntly around the tube close together will handle that though? If the bounce tie is really tight the width of the zip ties should be enough. Idk. Anyway thank you for the video!

[@wamjuelvisgende6724]

Great

[@stevenuseda6317]

Awesome video and cool project. Lighting looks nice and soft but I'd definitely recommend a heavy shoulder rig or something to get rid of the jitter in the handheld shots you were shooting. Anyway, keep it up. You earned a subscriber!

[@JacobVossFilms]

Thank you! It was shot on an easyrig but I agree, it did definitely have some excessive shake. Thanks for the feedback!

[@JacobVossFilms]

Some updates! It appears there's a slight controversy online regarding the actual definition of "Butterfly Frame". Some say it's only frames that have hinges in the center that allow them to collapse down, making them look like butterfly wings. Others say the Butteryfly name comes from the original shape of Butterfly Frames which were reminiscent of butterfly nets. Either way, I hope you find this information helpful and perhaps learned something along the way! :) Do you have any go to DIY setups that you use often on set? I’m actually surprised how much use I have gotten out of this frame personally so let us know! We’d love to learn about it! Lighting is really one of those areas you can DIY and still get amazing results. #Cinematography #ButterflyFrame #DIY

[@rodkisten]

The "ask for like is very much appreciated" is SO charming! Lovely! 😻 Anyway, excellent tips!!!!

[@JacobVossFilms]

Thank ya :) it’s always an awkward thing so I try to make it a little more fun!

[@ToddBangz]

Great idea and video! Quick question…. Do you intend to swivel the frame any at all or is this just for overhead diffusion?

[@JacobVossFilms]

Thank you so much! You can swivel the frame as long as you use the C-Stand's grip head. Just be very careful as this can easily turn into a sail with any wind. If you do intend to swivel it at all I would recommend having a grip (person) on each side to watch it - I think that's the union recommendation as well. If you're doing it on a day with little wind, you might be able to get away with light supervision on it but be careful.

[@ToddBangz]

@@JacobVossFilms Understood. I actually made an 8x8 out of pvc but never used it because of the very thing you mentioned. it's flexible nature. I do love this option though... I plan to make one now that i've seen yours and you explained what you suggested. Thank you so much bro.

[@JacobVossFilms]

Glad I could help! :)

[@jakebaine]

Broooo what's up dude!!!

[@JacobVossFilms]

Hahah yo bro what’s up!

[@chrisfrancis9808]

Inflation has entered the chat

[@JacobVossFilms]

Jfc the cost of those aluminum bars now 👀

[@chrisfrancis9808]

@@JacobVossFilms 😅

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Pro Aim sells a 4x4 one for $100.

[@oleschreiterdopac696]

Ohhh Boy That Frame held up with 2 c stands looks dangerous. Do yourself and your talent a favor and use combo or overhead stands next time. This might be an option with 4x4 or maybe 6x6 but the size of 8x8+ it’s getting dangerous. Your solution on the other hand looks very nice. Spent a pretty penny on a avenger butterfly frame because it’s much more collapsible than any solution with square stock or speed rail. Peace ✌️ OS

[@JacobVossFilms]

Thanks! Just heads up, generally the rule of thumb (From grips I've worked with in the past) is that you can use an 8x8 on C-Stants but no larger (and don't arm it out like I do lol) but this comes with some stipulations - if you feel any breeze or wind at all, its a no go - if you feel wind you not only need grips on both of the stands but you also as you said, need to use combo stands. Even that can only go so far if there's more than a breeze (as these 8xs usually end up acting like sails). I've even seen combos in the past bent in half that had a 12x on it. Also, I said this to someone else in the comments but it's worth reiterrating in case someone else is reading this - ALWAYS put at least 40lbs of sandbags on each stand (preferably more but I'm trying to balance safety with people's budgets). Again, 40lbs is the bare minimum for a day with absolutely no wind. Glad you like your avenger butterfly though, I've used those in the past, they work well!

[@aaroncadena6398]

Wait did he talk at all about what’s used to hold the frame up??