What's New

All dolly sleds use skateboard wheels that develop flat spots very quickly when the dolly comes to a stop.  Pacific Grip’s new Porta-Glide dolly troughs from Losmandy solves this problem!  The wheels sit on the track so that all wheels are touching simultaneously, and just like other sleds, they will flatten slightly.  What makes the Porta-Glides unique is that each of the wheels has a different diameter.  As they turn, instead of 16 flat spots hitting in unison, each of the Porta-Glide wheels gets to it’s flat spot at a different time, making the spot undetectable.  The Porta-Glide sleds are also ideal when using a tight radius curve track, such as 10′ or 14′.  Each sled has one locked and three pivoting wheel blocks.  This allows the dolly to be centered on the track for a smoother, safer ride.  Feel free to call us with any questions!  And check out Losmandy’s website for more information on the Porta-Glide and Porta-Jib Series:  www.porta-jib.com

If you haven’t had a chance to watch Grimm on NBC, then you are missing out!  A drama series inspired by Grimm’s Fairytales, Grimm started filming in August 2011 and the first seven episodes have been such a  hit for the network that they have returned to film another nine episodes.  You will burst with pride when you see the swollen cadaver in the park blocks, the local street names and districts fly by during heart racing chases, dance parties on the street car and the myriad of Portland talent, both on screen and off, that make Grimm such a thrilling show.   Pacific Grip & Lighting is proud to be providing the electric, generator, dolly and distro gear used on the show.  Hulu.com is currently showing past episodes and the latest episode in the series is tonight Friday February 10th at 9pm.  Get cozy, turn the lights down low and don’t forget to lock your doors!

It’s more like Santa’s got a brand new Transit!  Santa knows that times change and if you want to stay competative, you’ve got to update your look.  The new PGL Ford Transit Connect is a zippy 1/4 Ton grip truck that doubles as a PGL delivery vehicle when not working on your job.  It offers excellent fuel economy, a cavernous cargo space with a small footprint and a smooth ride.  Let’s just say the ladies love it.  Call today for a list of equipment or stop on by if you’d like to take a look!

As we move into winter (aw, stop yer crying), don’t forget to prepare for colder, wetter days on set.  Pacific Grip & Lighting stocks Setwear brand gloves to keep you warm and dry!  Setwear offers two different options, depending on your need.  The Setwear Cold Weather gloves have 100% Thinsulate lining, meaning they are not so bulky you can’t do finite tasks, and a reinforced palm and fingers, meaning they will stick it out through the winter, if you can.  Setwear also offers their Water Ops line of gloves.  The Ultra Grip Palm and fingers means that as you toil in the muck and rain of Oregon, cable won’t turn into spaghetti, slipping through your hands.   Bonus?  Both gloves are machine washable. 

  Setwear offers a full line of gloves, bags and belts.  The Portland store is currently offering 10% off of the EZ Fit and EZ Fit 2 line of gloves (in stock items only) through the end of November.  Stop in to our heated showroom and try a pair on!

The 2011 Oregon Media Production Directory is now available!     If you are not a member of OMPA, you did not receive a book.  Never fear!  There are a few ways you can.  The best way is to become a member of OMPA.  The second option is to purchase a copy for $35 at www.sourceoregon.com.  Lastly, PGL has a handful of books!  Reserve any rental $50 or more and we will give you a hard copy of the Source Oregon book.  You will  find your entire shoot in one place!  Everything from accountants to lighting (hi there!) to writers in one handy booklet.  Not only can you find your crew, but there is a helpful mileage and sunrise/sunset table, as well as climate information for all the areas of Oregon included.  Our favorite part is in the front of the book…highlights of all the feature and television productions done in Oregon.  Did you know that in 1916 a movie called “The Stolen Pie” was filmed in Medford?  It sounds like a suspense filled drama, if you ask us (I mean, what kind of evil would steal a pie?!).

It is that time of year again where films from all over the world gather to delight audiences throughout Seattle.  The Seattle International Film Festival, or SIFF, begins next week!  On May 19th the red carpet will roll out (literally) with an opening night gala at the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall.  Pacific Grip & Lighting is not only proud to be a SIFF Fly Film Partner, but to also have a number of films that our gear worked on screening during the festival:  “Late Autumn” directed by Kim Tae-yong (Harvard Exit, May 29th, 6:45p & Egyptian Theater, May 31st, 4pm) and John Carpenter’s “The Ward” (Egyptian Theater, May 21st, 11:59p & Neptune Theater, May26th, 10:30pm).  Make sure to get your tickets so you can make the rounds and reconnect with old films (Austin Powers, anyone?) and become acquainted with new ones.  Go to www.siff.net to check out the line up, purchase tickets, review films and much more.  From family friendly to Sci-Fi, I guarantee you will find something that inspires!

Boys & Their Toys

We have been so busy that our heads are spinning. So, I thought I’d take a little flashback to January 2011. The shop was a bit slower then and we decided to plan a company trip. Destination: Sand Lake, Oregon. Goal: To do as much four wheeling as possible.
Sand Lake recreation area includes 1,076 acres of Siuslaw National Forest. Not only are there forested pathways, but the area is adjecent to the Ocean, so there are some sweet dunes great for kicking up sand. Everyone rode hard and partied hard, too! A fun weekend got us geared up for all of the productions rolling into town. Speaking of which…back to work!

If Santa skipped your stocking, stop in and get yourself all the things on your wish list.  From the practical to the not-so-practical.  Supplies are low?  Stock up on Sash, sheets or rolls of Gel and Gaffers Tape in all the colors.   Feeling frivolous?  Grab a new Slate Board, a cool set of gloves from Setwear or one of the great new books we offer.  ‘The Set Technician’s Handbook’ by Harry C Box: The standard book you all know and love, but updated to include new chapters, like LED Lighting Technology.  Also, ‘Strike the Baby and Kill the Blonde’ by Dave Knox: A fun guide to the language used on a film set.  Ever wondered what makes the Best Boy so great?  Confused by the phrase “Shooting MOS”?  Flip open this book to find the answers! 
We hope to see you in 2011!  Happy New Year!

Pacific Grip & Lighting, Inc donated lighting for the photo booth for the Tough Enough to Wear Pink benefit held on Nov. 20th, 2010 in NW Portland.  Pasha Productions contacted PGL with a dilemma regarding the photo booth.  She didn’t want to use a photography strobe over and over since there would be a live pink horse in the booth!  PGL recommended the soft, flattering light of Kino Flo 4′ 4Bank Fixtures.  Attendees were encouraged to gussy up in their best cowboy and cowgirl attire, in pink, of course and take part in the dancing, live music, raffle prizes and photo booth all while raising money for a great cause!

The M18 is an 1800W ARRIMAX style lamphead. The result is an exciting new class of HMI, as small as a 1200W PAR but with a 70 percent higher light output. The M18, or “BabyMax”, is an open face lighting fixture that combines the variable beam spread of a fresnel with the output of a par, adjusting from 20-60 degrees without requiring lenses.

Pacific Grip & Lighting proudly introduces TWO new BabyMax fixtures into our rental stock and they have hit the ground running! Gaining popularity becuase of it’s bright nature, ease of use and compact design.