Cinematographer
Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.
Electronic effects dimmer that creates realistic flickering on connected lights to simulate fire, TV glow, candles, welding, or lightning.
Overview
A Flicker Box is an effect generator from the lighting department (electric) that dynamically modulates the brightness of connected lights to imitate moving light sources. Instead of simply dimming a light constantly, the device ramps the output power up and down according to stored patterns, thus creating the characteristic, irregular glow of fire, candles, televisions, cinema projection, welding light, or thunderstorms. The effects typically run between a freely adjustable lower and upper dimmer value, allowing the depth and intensity of the flicker to be adapted to the scene.
The term refers to a class of devices, not a single product. Analog Tungsten dimmers from Magic Gadgets (including the "Shadowmaker" model) are common, as are DMX-controlled generators like the LFX Master DMX from movie-intercom, which control modern LED and fluorescent lights.
Functionality and Effects
Older or classic Flicker Boxes operate as phase-cut dimmers and switch Tungsten lights directly in the load circuit. Newer models do not output a dimmable mains voltage but a DMX-512 control signal, which is used to control LED panels (e.g., ARRI SkyPanel, Kino Flo). Multiple output channels allow for "throwing" a fire from slightly offset perspectives, resulting in overlapping, moving shadows.
Typical stored programs include:
- Fire / Hearth Glow
- Candle and Oil Lamp / Lantern
- Television and Monitor (incl. color changes for RGB-capable devices)
- Cinema Screen / Projection
- Thunderstorm and Lightning
- Welding Light
- Defective Fluorescent Tube
- Various Chaser/Tracer sequences
Example Specifications
| Feature | Magic Gadgets Shadowmaker | LFX Master DMX (movie-intercom) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Analog Tungsten Dimmer | DMX-512 Effect Generator |
| Channels | 3 isolated dimmer circuits | 3 output channels (5-pin XLR) |
| Load/Control | 20 A per channel, 120 V AC | DMX-512-A to LED/Fluorescent/Dimmer |
| Programs | 16 programs, up to 30 min. non-repeating | Fire, Candle, TV, Welding, Defective Tube, Strobe |
| Setting | Low/High Limit + Speed per channel | Presets for ARRI, Kino Flo, etc. |
Use on Set
The Flicker Box is part of the Gaffer's equipment and is connected between the power source or control desk and the light fixture. It is used when a light source not visible in the frame needs to be motivated: the glow of a campfire, the bluish pulsing of a television in a dark room, or the flash of lightning during a thunderstorm. Since the devices can be switched between pure dimming and active flicker effect, they can also be used as ordinary dimmers. Users adjust the brightness range and speed so that the effect fits the scene; multiple channels are used for overlapping shadows from different angles.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Diese professionelle Lösung erhöht die Produktionseffizienz und reduziert Post-Production-Anforderungen. Sie ermöglicht flexible, schnelle Anpassungen während des Drehs.
Gaffer
Als Gaffer ist dies ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug meines täglichen Handwerkszeugs. Es ermöglicht mir professionelle Lichtkontrolle und schnelle Anpassungen auf Set, was Zeit spart und Qualität sichert.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Flicker Box"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?