jells

[asm]

hey there. we have just got a load of new jells in and im tryin to organise them by colour, but it just isnt working. everytime someone gets some of the jells, it all gets muked up. can anyone recogmend a way of storing them so that they wont or so that they can be put back in the correct place easily? thanks in advacnce.

[TupeloTechie]

you can use a file cabinet with the cheap manila file folders or if you still have them in big sheets I think someone makes a cabinet for that purpose... also there Gels not Jells, because they used to be made out of Gelatin, also some people just call them color, or filters, as they filter out light in the spectrum...

[len]

I think Apollo sells a rack for full size sheets.

As for cut gel, make sure you mark each one. And the file folder idea is good. I use an old LP case for mine, since I take them to job sites.

But like everything else, the organization is less a problem than getting everyone to know AND FOLLOW the procedure. In my experience, most people are too inconsiderate/lazy/hurried to do that.

[Van]

Yeah well they call it Jello don't they ?!?!

No seriously, get an Accordian file folder at any local bussiness supply store, these are perfect for cut gels put a tab on each make sure the whole thing is labelled like crazy. Keep a seperate one for Rosco, Lee,Gam, etc etc.
For full sheets they are several options, worst case scenario, they them all down on a table, sort through/ organize them they roll them into tubes and put them in drawing tubes < like for architectual drawings> Again make sure you label the heck outta everything.
As for the cut gells themselves, if you're not doing so already, be sure to label them as well. Use a whit grease pencil to write the series and number one each one. That way, there is no need to go back and grab a swatch book to match colours for filing everytime you strike a show. pet Peave time, a small descreet number on each gell is all you need. I hate going to shows and being able to read each fixtures color 'cause it's scrawled across the gell in 2inch letters, it's tacky and distracting. .

[icewolf08]

I aggree with all that has been said before. I actually am in the process or re-filing all my color because the old file drawers were out to get anyone who opened them. I am using the files cabinets that run the files left to right as opposed to back to front, I think I can store more files per drawer. I use legal size hanging file folders so that I can fit cuts up to 14" wide. I have one file folder for each color and in each folder are devisions based on cut size. I have a separate custom built color rack for Far-Cyc color and I have flat files for storing uncut color.

As people have mentioned it is important to label everything. I label all color cuts in the corner of each cut. I toss any color that doesn't get labeled, it is just not worth my time to try to figure out what it is. You also have to pay attention to the colors that have been added to the selections for the manufacturers. It amazes me how many people don't realize that there is a difference between colors like G105 and G105X, I mean they are labeled different, they have different files, and yet people can't get them in the right place. The grease pencil and label machine are your friends for organizing color!

[avkid]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

I toss any color that doesn't get labeled, it is just not worth my time to try to figure out what it is.

That's what frosh and F.N.G.'s are for!

[Footer]

Originally Posted by avkid

That's what frosh and F.N.G.'s are for!

The real world "freshman" are two things.... interns that don't get paid anything or dimes an hour and aren't worth what they are making, or IA stagehands that make more then you. Gel is cheap, time isn't. I have worked a ton of places that common policy is to buy all new color for every show. Most shows that run for weeks on end gel isn't really worth anything by the end of the time anyway. there is nothing better then 300 cuts of fresh color.....

[soundman]

Originally Posted by Footer4321

The real world "freshman" are two things.... interns that don't get paid anything or dimes an hour and aren't worth what they are making, or IA stagehands that make more then you. Gel is cheap, time isn't. I have worked a ton of places that common policy is to buy all new color for every show. Most shows that run for weeks on end gel isn't really worth anything by the end of the time anyway. there is nothing better then 300 cuts of fresh color.....

except having to cut all of it...

[Footer]

Originally Posted by soundman

except having to cut all of it...

Thats what a full sized cutting board is for, get your lightwright color count and a cutting board and you can have all your color cut in 15 minutes. 15 min to label, 30 min to stack and your done.

[stantonsound]

No No No....just order from Apollo. They will perforate the gel sheets for you at no additional charge. I have mentioned this before, but you just tell them (or the dealer) what your order is, and when you get it, just pull the gels apart. It is SO much easier.

Oh, and TupeloTechieKid "you can use a file cabinet with the cheap manila file folders or if you still have them in big sheets I think someone makes a cabinet for that purpose... also there Gels not Jells, because they used to be made out of Gelatin, also some people just call them color, or filters, as they filter out light in the spectrum..."


It is "they are" or they're, not "there".