Lynda Lab Overview

Overview

The Lynda Lab is a medium sized video production studio.

Is equipped with a variety of lighting equipment and accessories.
Students need to bring their own camera and camera tripod.
Is available for students to use for academic use.
The lab requires the proficiency badge.

Location

The Lynda Lab is in Evans 1350.
From the lobby walk past the Multimedia Lab and turn left at the garbage and recycling station.

Access

The lab requires the Lynda Lab - Lighting Studio proficiency badge in Schedule Evergreen.
Read the Electronic Media Lab Access page for proficiency information
Read the Media Labs Access Policy for lab polices
Read the Scheduling General Access Media Labs article for scheduling procedures
Schedule time at Media Loan, the Multimedia Lab or via Self Service in Schedule Evergreen.
Get keys from Media Loan for your scheduled time.

General Policies

No food or drinks of any kind are allowed in the labs.
Alcohol, drugs, vaping and smoking are not allowed anywhere in the buildings.
Take care of yourself and remember to take a break once in a while.
Clean up after yourself.
Do not unplug or remove anything from the spaces.
Make sure the door is closed and locked when you leave the lab.
- Do not leave doors propped open if the room will be temporarily unoccupied, even if you are only running to the restroom.
Only use your scheduled time.
Return keys and equipment promptly to Media Loan or to the Library Circulation Desk.
Reports any lab problems by following the Report a problem in a media lab procedure.
Be courteous and respectful to the other users of the labs and all student employees.
Follow the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Social Contract.

Lynda Lab Policies

Do not use the lighting grid without permission and training from Electronic Media staff
Turn of the Recording light when not in use.
Connect the iPad to the charger when done.
Put any batteries back on the chargers.
Put away all equipment when done.
Only use the ladder when there is another person in the room.

Help

If you need help, look for a video intern in the CCAM Media Engineering across the hall or go to the Multimedia Lab 1404.

Overhead and Recording Lights

When you walk in the door the switch for the overhead lights is to the right.
When facing the wall, the switch on the right is for the overhead lights.
The switch on the left is for the Recording light in the hallway.
- Turn on the Recording lights while recording to prevent interruptions
- Make sure to turn of the Recording light when done.

Wall, Curtains and Backdrops

One wall in painted green
One wall is painted white
There is a black curtain and a dark green curtain that can be positioned along three of the walls.
One wall has a hanging unit with three colors of photo back drop paper rolls

Lighting Grid

There is a lighting grid in the ceiling of the lab.
Do not use the light grid without permission and training from the staff

Ladder Safety

There is a ladder in the lab.

Always inspect the ladder before use.
Make sure the ladder feet are not excessively worn or damaged.
Only use the ladder when there is another person in the room.
Never use a step ladder in the closed and leaned position.
Always make sure to fully open and engage
the spreader arms.
Move the ladder into a safe position for where you are trying to reach.
Make sure that the ladder is stable on the floor.
Do not step on the top two steps.
Do not lean away from the ladder.
Never move the ladder when anyone is on the ladder.
Only one person on a ladder at a time.
Face the ladder when climbing up and down.
Do not carry materials while climbing up and down.
If the ladder falls over do not use the ladder until it can be inspected by staff.
- Notify staff if ladder is damaged.
Do not stand on tables or chairs.
- If you need a second ladder contact staff.

Equipment

Read the Lighting Equipment in the Lynda Lab article for more detail instructions about the equipment.

iPad

There is an iPad with the Nanlink app for controlling Nanlite lights.
Please do not remove the iPad from the Lynda Lab.

Lights

Nanlite MixPanel

What’s included in the Nanlite MixPanel bag:

Nanlite MixPanel 60
Power cable
DC15 Adapter
Barn Doors

Nanlite Tubes

Two sizes of Nanlite Tubes can be found in the Lynda Lab, 2 feet and 4 feet.
Both sizes operate the exact same way.
These lights are rechargeable. Make sure to set them up to charge after each use.

Nanlite Forza 60C

We have a set of 3 Nanlite Forza 60C lights with some accessories.
These can be found in the larger black hard case.
These lights are a bit more directional than the other lights mentioned previously.

Nanlite PavoBulb 10C

The Lynda Lab has a set of 4 Nanlite PavoBulbs.
These lights are quite a lot of fun, but more situational than some of the other lights in this space.

Stands

9.5’ Impact Black Stand

This is a great one size fits all kind of stand. It extends up to 9.5 feet and can hold up to 22 pounds.
This stand also has air-cushioning in the telescoping pole, meaning when the locking knobs are loosened, the risers will descend slowly which protects both the gear and the grip!

3’ Impact Black Stand

This stand is a great choice for lighting things closer to the ground or getting rid of shadows.

Avenger Roller Column Stand

This stand is a bit heavier duty than the ones listed before.
It is also on wheels which make it easy to move around set if necessary.

Large C-Stand

These stands come with a large gobo arm where lights can be attached.

Accessories

Flags

Flags can be used for controlling the various lighting instruments that we have here in the Lynda Lab.
Flags can be mounted onto stands and positioned in front of lights for various effects.
We have multiple different types of flags here in the Lynda Lab.
- Cutter (Black flag): This completely blocks light. Great for intentionally shaping light.
- Silk (Off white flag, yellow trim): Diffuses and reduces the amount of light.
- Double Scrim (Black net, red trim): Reduced amount of light by one stop.
- Wooden Cucoloris (a.k.a. Cookie): Kind of like a stencil for light, it can be used to add shapes in light (e.g. foliage effect)

Lanterns and Softboxes

Lanterns and softboxes can be used to shape and diffuse light.
Most of the lanterns and softboxes that can be found in the Lynda Lab are compatible with the Nanlite Forzas, with only one fitting the Nanlite MixPanel.

Paper Rollers

The paper rollers are found hanging from the ceiling near the door to the Lynda Lab.
They have colored pulleys next to them to roll/unroll them.
These paper rollers are great for creating solid color backgrounds, perfect for filming interviews.

Additional Grip Gear

Apple boxes: These can be used to prop objects up or increase the height of a subject that you are filming/photographing.
Clamps: Used for various reasons, such as to attach gear to a stand.
Sandbags: Can be placed on the base of a stand, helping to ensure that it does not tip over.
Extension cords: Allows you the flexibility to place lights wherever you need in the Lynda Lab.
Tape: Useful for taping cords down to avoid tripping.