While on set, it's not uncommon to need to stick a light on the ground. And yet, no matter how low you can get the light stand, it just isn't low enough. The traditional move at this point is to make a "director's chair," screwing in a baby pin plate to a pancake and sitting it on the ground with a sandbag.
However, whenever possible, it's nice to try and design "tool-less" products that allow for a given functionality but don't require power tools. This is especially useful on independent productions, where there might not be an art department or scene shop full of tools and screws to pull from.
Into that gap, Matthews has released its new BabySitt'r, designed for a slide and lockability to mount plates to pancakes.
The BabySitt'r Floor Mount
One nice feature of the design (aside from being free of tools) is its ability to mount plates of different sizes, as both halves of the system are designed for different plate standards. You could theoretically even mount two plates with pins to the Sitt'r at once, which might get too hot with inkies but could be a great way for mounting dual LED units together in a compact package.
It's also designed to work with the matthews "MY Way" grip system, with the goal of reducing the number of random pieces we have to bring to set. With the new system, Matthews is designing parts intended to be flexible and adaptable to a variety of different environments, especially appreciated by indie filmmakers working out of a car who are always hungry to save a little space.
It will be shipping this month and sold in packs of two. For more information, click here.
Tech Specs:
- 11.75 x 9.75 x 1" Base
- Accepts 2 Optional Standard Baby Plates
- Spring-Loaded Locking System
- Ideal for Low-Angle Shooting
- Also Use as Pancake or 1/8 Apple Box
- Price: $129.00
Also, for some more DIY mount options, you can check out some nice resources here, here, and here!
