Uploaded May 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Scrim jims, butterflys, overheads, 4x4 frames, whatever you want to call them, are a staple on almost every film set or video shoot. They are great at turning any light into a large soft light source; they can be used to even out the light during outdoor shoots; and you can use them, with a dark fabric, as large flags. They’re versatile, they’re sturdy, they have a lot of uses, and by building them ourselves, they’re certainly worth having at least one in your kit. These normally retail for upwards of $150-$200, but we’re going to make our own for around $80.
MATERIALS:
Frame:
1/2"x5' EMT conduit (x4): goo.gl/6TfQUb
1/2" EMT elbows / corners (x4): goo.gl/nPrc1F
Thumbscrews (x4) - I think I used #10 x 1/2"
1/4" x 20 screws (x2)
5/8" spigot / stud adapter (x2): amzn.to/2HNYPCp
**I'd recommend you just buy this pack though: amzn.to/2JQ3LmQ (lots of extra goodies)
Diffusion Panel:
Fabric: goo.gl/tDesCU
Nylon webbing (2" wide): amzn.to/2JQ4c0s
Grommets (3/8"): goo.gl/9Nhm5K
Grommet installation kit / tool: goo.gl/4c3fiM
Cable Ties:
Spring cord locks: amzn.to/2KCq2G9
1/8" elastic cord (x25'): amzn.to/2HXeE68
Video on making your own cable ties: youtu.be/gsT_BW_j1zE
All said and done you should be able to get all the materials above for just under $80. As with all my DIY builds I don't look for the cheapest option, rather I want the best option (durable, reliable, professional, and usable) for the price - if you want to go super frugal just grab some PVC pipe, some fittings, and a white twin bed sheet from WalMart.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/droimedia
Twitter: twitter.com/droimedia
Instagram: instagram.com/droimedia
Sign up for our newsletter: droimedia.com/signup
Check out all the gear we use: droimedia.com/kit
Buy us a coffee: ko-fi.com/droimedia
And don't forget to visit us online at https://www.DroiMedia.com.
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, and purchasing items from these links allows me to continue creating content like this - and the best part is that there is no additional cost to you! Thank you!
Scrim jims, butterflys, overheads, 4x4 frames, whatever you want to call them, are a staple on almost every film set or video shoot. They are great at turning any light into a large soft light source; they can be used to even out the light during outdoor shoots; and you can use them, with a dark fabric, as large flags. They’re versatile, they’re sturdy, they have a lot of uses, and by building them ourselves, they’re certainly worth having at least one in your kit. These normally retail for upwards of $150-$200, but we’re going to make our own for around $80.
MATERIALS:
Frame:
1/2"x5' EMT conduit (x4): goo.gl/6TfQUb
1/2" EMT elbows / corners (x4): goo.gl/nPrc1F
Thumbscrews (x4) - I think I used #10 x 1/2"
1/4" x 20 screws (x2)
5/8" spigot / stud adapter (x2): amzn.to/2HNYPCp
**I'd recommend you just buy this pack though: amzn.to/2JQ3LmQ (lots of extra goodies)
Diffusion Panel:
Fabric: goo.gl/tDesCU
Nylon webbing (2" wide): amzn.to/2JQ4c0s
Grommets (3/8"): goo.gl/9Nhm5K
Grommet installation kit / tool: goo.gl/4c3fiM
Cable Ties:
Spring cord locks: amzn.to/2KCq2G9
1/8" elastic cord (x25'): amzn.to/2HXeE68
Video on making your own cable ties: youtu.be/gsT_BW_j1zE
All said and done you should be able to get all the materials above for just under $80. As with all my DIY builds I don't look for the cheapest option, rather I want the best option (durable, reliable, professional, and usable) for the price - if you want to go super frugal just grab some PVC pipe, some fittings, and a white twin bed sheet from WalMart.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/droimedia
Twitter: twitter.com/droimedia
Instagram: instagram.com/droimedia
Sign up for our newsletter: droimedia.com/signup
Check out all the gear we use: droimedia.com/kit
Buy us a coffee: ko-fi.com/droimedia
And don't forget to visit us online at https://www.DroiMedia.com.
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, and purchasing items from these links allows me to continue creating content like this - and the best part is that there is no additional cost to you! Thank you!
