Phantom Candles

[chrispo86]

I did a little searching, and found some things similar to what I'm looking for, but no real great answers. I just saw Phantom today and was amazing by (among many other things) all of the candles in the Phantom's lair. I've done a couple shows in the past where I've needed to use candle bulbs in different situations and have never had any real luck with them. The only kind I've been able to get my hands on are those 3W flickering candelabra bulbs, and they're always too dim when mixed in with normal stage lighting. Does anybody have any idea what they used for Phantom? Or if anyone has a suggestion on something else that works well or where to get brighter flicker-bulbs, that would be appreciated as well.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by chrispo86

I did a little searching, and found some things similar to what I'm looking for, but no real great answers. I just saw Phantom today and was amazing by (among many other things) all of the candles in the Phantom's lair. I've done a couple shows in the past where I've needed to use candle bulbs in different situations and have never had any real luck with them. The only kind I've been able to get my hands on are those 3W flickering candelabra bulbs, and they're always too dim when mixed in with normal stage lighting. Does anybody have any idea what they used for Phantom? Or if anyone has a suggestion on something else that works well or where to get brighter flicker-bulbs, that would be appreciated as well.

http://www.citytheatrical.com/

Look at: Candle Lite Unlimited

--Sean

[chrispo86]

Thanks for the input!

Is there anything cheaper out there though? I understand that I won't get as good of an effect as I probably would with one of those (though I'm happy to find out such a thing exists), but for a high school, $50 a candle will eat through my budget real fast.

[Grog12]

Yeah there's flicker bulbs at your local hardware store and there's those new cheaply constructed fake votive candles there as well.

Did you a see a Phantom of the Opera tour? or in New York? or did you see Phantom a Vegas Spectacularly skipping DVD?

[chrispo86]

Nah, I saw it on Broadway. I was really impressed.

I've tried using those flicker bulbs that you mentioned but they always seem to be too dim when used with stage lights, at least in my personal opinion. I'm looking for something middle of the road if such a thing exists...

[derekleffew]

Remember that IF you're using candle(s) as a motivating light source, the stage lights SHOULD be dim, at least enough to let the candle be seen. Judicious use of sidelight, in the amber range, and frosted head-shot followspots on the actors, complete the effect. And of course, a congo blue back/down light wash--every night scene needs 20-30kW of that!

[Van]

On several occasions I have used the LED flicker votive candles onstage and I've found a good way to overcome their lumen limitations.
Most of them have a molded, plastic, " flame" around the LEDs < usually two LEDs side by side> Using an exacto or a dremel fitted with a cut-off wheel carefully cut around the base of the "flame" then gently pull it off. this will expose the LEDs and increase the output of the candle by at least 25-40 %.
When I last did this trick I actually took all the insides out of the candle hollowed out the base of a real candle, pulled the wick out of the center and re-ran the wiring through the wick channel. Using a small micro switch at base made the candle look completely real, yet safe.

[chrispo86]

very interesting idea! thanks for the input. i'll have to tinker with that one.

[Grog12]

Van's idea works well....We actually molded a candle out of cheese cloth, ran the led through it and then covered it with candle wax to achieve the same effect. We were using the city theatrical candles and they have a bit of wire to run.

[derekleffew]

Reviving this thread, because I just picked up some LED candles, 2-for-$5, at my local Walgreens. They're Made in China, and not terribly bright, but have a cool automatic ON for 8 hours, off for 16 feature. Those considering doing their own Phantom, Sound of Mucus, or other show requiring candles might well consider buying now, when availability is easy. I'm sure City Theatrical's is superior, but it's also $51!