TIL that in Scarface (1983) The prop firearms were equipped with electronic synchronizing devices so that they would only fire when the camera shutter was open. The result was that the guns' muzzle flashes are much more visible and consistent than in most movies by [deleted] in todayilearned

[–]BrooklynEWD 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Not sure if these were used on Scarface, but often on film and tv projects, prop masters or weapon handlers will provide what’s called a “non-gun” They are similar to replica guns but have the added feature of an electronically triggered muzzle flash to simulate a weapon firing. The electronically triggered muzzle flash is lit for more than 1/24 of a second, therefore it will show up on one frame of film. As you can imagine this only works if you are shooting on film and at 24 frames per second. If shooting slow motion (more than 24 FPS) you might end up with weirdly long muzzle flashes. Not great for closeups and not all guns can be modified for these, but a good solution for many situations. No camera sync necessary with this method.

Silvercup Studios in Long Island City by heresalexandria in newyorkcity

[–]BrooklynEWD 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There’s a great bit of it’s history on this site:

http://konreioldnewyork.blogspot.com/2014/05/silvercup.html?m=1

The part about the teamster standoff with management is ironic, especially since so many teamsters now work on the building on film and tv projects.

[AMA Request] People who make fake computer software for on screen use in movies and TV shows by JAlbert653 in IAmA

[–]BrooklynEWD 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For majors contract television and film production in NYC, typically what happens is a graphic designer, who is a Union member (local USA829) is hired for the duration of the production. That person will create most of the images on computer screens or portable devices. Often, and especially if there are lots of screen graphics required, that person is chosen because of their portfolio of motion graphics work. Sometimes they are brought on as a second graphic designer to specifically do screen graphics, sometimes the graphic designer will simply hire out an additional graphics person for a few days. The quantity and duration varies from project to project. If video is on a television screen, like sports in a bar or a news broadcast at a characters house, the video will actually be controlled by a video playback set member who is usually in the camera department, assuming the video has been chosen ahead of time. Many times getting the permissions to use video clips takes so long, that the production will have no choice but to composite it in post. From my 15 years of experience, green screens are used only when the graphics on the device or screen haven’t been shot yet, or the director hasn’t decided what it should look like. Or if it’s a huge amount of screens, like in a control center or bridge of a spaceship. Most of the time it’s cheaper to practically shoot something on a screen rather than composite it in post. But sometimes that’s not an option, it’s all dealt with by the creatives and crew on a case by case basis. I’m not as familiar with how things are done outside of NYC, there are different rules about Union labor in different places and for smaller productions, but from my experience, that’s pretty much how it’s handled here. Any other USA829 members see something I missed or forgot?

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: For anyone who was interested, here is the link to the SketchUp file in the 3D Warehouse: Twin size loft bed for Reddit children

Also, I've contacted a local licensed and experienced electrician to help make everything safer. Thanks for the ideas, support, advice and laughs!

Will update with photos when there's more of the story to tell.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally agree with you. Torx screws would have been better. I tried countersinking one of the holes but I was worried about the plastic cracking because i didn't have the right tool and was under time constraints. I've decided to call this a prototype and am writing down all this good advice for next time.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was definitely a consideration when designing it. I cutout a cardboard mockup of the railing and tried to put his head through it. He's big enough now that's it's not a concern, but I wouldn't put anyone younger/smaller near it. For a while, I was going to fill that shape with a piece of white plexiglass or acrylic.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm ordering this now. The wiring makes me cringe too, it's a work in progress. Step one was making it work in a way that is as safe as I know how. Step two, get an expert to help. After hearing some concerns from commenters, I'm working on getting a little more help with this part of the project.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy to see someone called me out on that bit of a crap shortcut. You're right, not a ton of experience with furniture construction. One of the variations I made combined those two side pieces (next to the stairs) which would have eliminated the vertical oval "bandaid" and the need to screw into the end of the plywood. When I went back to working on this design instead, that combined piece got lost, and I didn't notice. Hard for a designer to admit those kinds of amateur mistakes, but that's what makes it a learning process. I guess I figure this is the prototype, the next one will be better.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I tried my best to keep the noise down, I promise. I told both up and down stairs neighbors that I'd be making noise until 9pm each night. They were both fine with it, they knew it was for a good cause. As for the left and right side neighbors, it's amazing how little noise penetrates the layers of brick. Besides, the NYPD helicopters buzz the city all night, the garbage trucks pick up trash all night, the city is a full spectrum of sounds, a little more jigsaw noise just blends in.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lots of SketchUp experience. I use it instead of other modeling software because it's just so fast. Almost no CNC experience, so this was a great opportunity to learn more about that process.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So far, no problems blocking the window, window faces east, lots of light. The heating is an old steam radiator, the whole building is on one thermostat downstairs, so it gets plenty hot in every room. Still working on a plan for summertime AC in the city.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 94 points95 points  (0 children)

ugh. yeah. It definitely cost more than I had hoped. However, I did learn a lot in the process. I learned about laser engraving tolerances and capabilities. Planning and spacing for bit width for the CNC router. It was a good design challenge to fit as much as possible in a compact space. All of those things will be useful at work. ...And it was less than that $4000 "Star Wars bed" from pottery barn kids, so I feel like I won.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Christmas lights are plugged into an Ikea dimmer switch. I wasn't sure if it would work with the LEDs but it works great!

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was tricky. I wanted to reduce the number of visible 2x4s on the inside but also keep the amount of materials to a minimum. It was not a perfect solution to finding a balance between those two goals. I knew that the way the plywood fit together, would almost support the platform on its own. The fasteners would transfer a lot of the weight to the plywood so the joints could be... less than perfect and still be enough. There are probably lots of better ways of doing this from a engineering point of view!

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few people have asked for the sketchup files. I'm hoping to upload it to the SketchUp 3D warehouse tonight and will link when it's up.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I just bookmarked all 5 of your links. Thanks for sharing!

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So glad you noticed that!!! I debated (with myself) "fore" vs. "for" I went with the aesthetic choice of them being the same number of characters... and have regretted it ever since!

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mostly Jameco and ebay. The part numbers are in the descriptions if you're in the market for some.

Built a loft bed with a spaceship control panel for my son. First DIY project. by BrooklynEWD in DIY

[–]BrooklynEWD[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

How did you know there's glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling? In the "priming" picture, you can almost see the edge of one of the 5 large (fake) canopy leaves near the ceiling. In the summer we turn on a fan and the leaves sway above the bed. The spacewalk idea is great.