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Check out this article in the print edition of StudentFilmmakers Magazine, June 2008. Click here to get a copy and to subscribe >> Star
Effects: Enliven Points of Light
Star filters have been around a while. They can be viewed as gimmicky by some. And, if used improperly, that may be the case. However, being able to employ them judiciously can offer significant benefits to many situations.
Star filters are excellent for transforming points of light in the scene into bright �starlike� bursts blossoming out from each point. This has many uses, but before we discuss those, it will help us to better understand how they work.
The traditional Star filter is a clear element, usually glass but not necessarily so, that has a series of fine lines �etched� into one side. These lines act like tiny cylindrical lenses (envision a solid glass polished tube, cut in half lengthwise) that cause the point sources of light to spread out thin fingers of light perpendicular to the direction of the lines, from both sides. A filter with lines, which form a grid pattern across the filter�s surface, usually spaced 1, 2, 3, or 4mm apart, and running in only one direction, will create a single line of light running through a point of light passing through. This is seen as two �star lines� emanating from opposite sides of the source, and aligned in a straight line. This is a �2-point� Star filter; more commonly known as a �Streak� filter, due to its appearance as a streak of light through the source.
If the filter has more sets of parallel line grids running in
different directions, there will be an additional set of �streaks�
for each direction there is a grid running. Typically, there are
patterns to produce 4, 6, 8 and more points, in a symmetrical
pattern, in addition to the Streak filter. The most commonly used
filter is the 4pt. In our image examples, there are two scenes. The unfiltered �Sparkles� image shows the sun�s many reflective points from the water�s rippled surface as we would see it. The addition of a 4pt 2mm Star filter creates a galaxy of stars from the same scene; ever so much more interesting. Note that most Star filters are mounted to allow you to rotate the filter to best align the star pattern with your scene. In the �Water�s Edge� scenes, we see in the unfiltered image again what we would ourselves see. With the 4pt filter and a lens opening of 16 we can see the result of focusing on the filter�s grid pattern. The lines of light are broken up into disjointed segments, very distracting and not at all desirable. In the last image, using both the 4pt filter as before and a Vector Star filter, one of those asymmetrically patterned filters I mentioned earlier, a clean and commanding star is created by using a lens opening of 4.
Check out this article in the June 2008 print edition of StudentFilmmakers magazine, page 44. Click here to get a copy of the June 2008 Edition, so you can read and enjoy all of the excellent articles inside. About the Author: In over 30 years of making optical filters, Ira Tiffen created the Pro-Mist, Soft/FX, Ultra Contrast, GlimmerGlass, and others, netting him both a Technical Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a Prime-Time Emmy Award. Elected a Fellow of the SMPTE in 2002, he is also an Associate member of the ASC, and the author of the filter section of the American Cinematographer Manual.
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