Grip — 12×12 Overhead Frame
Full 12×12 overhead kit with solid, silk, silver/gold, and muslin rags. Smaller and faster to rig than the 20×20 — ideal for one-to-two-person setups on medium exterior shots.
In the field
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Frame Size | 12ft × 12ft (3.65m × 3.65m) |
| Construction | Modular aluminum square pipe — 4 sections per side |
| Round Pipe Option | 12×12 round pipe set also available (set of 4) |
| Rags Included | 12×12 Solid (black), 12×12 Silver/Gold Lame, 12×12 Unbleached Muslin, 12×12 ½ Frost |
| Rig Method | 4-point suspension (high stands or pipe arms) or ground support with C-stands |
| Setup Time | ~20–30 min with 2 grips |
| Units Available | 1 complete kit (square pipe + round pipe option) |
DP / Director of Photography
The 12×12 is the one-stop solution for outdoor lighting control on medium setups — interviews, product shots, tight narrative scenes. Stretched solid above the frame it kills direct sun and gives you consistent ambient light that doesn't change with cloud cover. The silk creates a massive soft source overhead. The silver/gold lame provides a warm or silver reflective bounce alternative to the muslin. Size-wise it covers a single subject or a two-person conversation frame comfortably at typical focal lengths.
Gaffer
The 12×12 is more manageable than the 20×20 — two grips can rig it in under 30 minutes with C-stands or pipe arms. Suspension from high stands is preferred for overhead use; ground-level support with extended C-stands works for angled silk or flag use. The frame pipe assembles corner-to-corner — check all couplers are locked before raising. In Florida wind, always stake or guy-wire the stand corners. A 12×12 solid acts as a sail and will move in coastal breeze — treat it the same as a 20×20 for wind safety.
Key Grip / Beginner
The 12×12 frame breaks down into 8 pipe sections (4 per side, each about 3ft long). Assemble from one corner and work your way around, tightening all corner couplers before attaching the rag. Rags attach with corner ties and edge strings — tie off at all four corners and mid-span on each side for a tight, even stretch. Raise the assembled frame with two people — one on each high stand — at the same time. Never raise one side before the other, as this strains the frame joints.
⚠ Wind-Sensitive — Stake All Corners
The 12×12 overhead frame is highly wind-sensitive when rigged with any rag. Stake all corner stands and use wind lines to nearby anchor points in any outdoor Florida location. The solid and silk rags catch maximum wind. In gusts above 15 mph, lower the frame or fly it at a reduced height to minimize sail area. Never leave an overhead rigged unattended outdoors.
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