How do I build cheap super large screen to project an image/video onto?

Question

I'm art directing a short movie for a graduation year project. It requires that an image be rear-projected, or frontal projected onto a screen that needs to be rather large, 16 feet wide and about 9 feet high. It needs to be constructed relatively cheaply (less than $200.) It needs to reproduce the image fairly clearly, but not the quality of a store bought screen.

What materials would you recommend I use for the screen? Any suggestions for it's construction?

Answer 1

Both 1 & 2 offer valid suggestions. I'll just add my two cents.

To detail # 1 a bit; I'd use a sheet of Luan. It's light weight, and has a decent veneer surface. I'd probably use a Matte; or satin finish in white latex; since I assume you might not be able to find paint that equates to the usual sheen of a movie theater screen.

In you case 4 sheets of luan and white gaffers tape. OOOPS... "REAR"
Forget the Luan.

Two King size White Bed sheets/ or Linen Sticthed together.

Is this a power point program? ; Theater projector? If you've got a day I can ask people I work with.

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Steven Wolf
45 plus years of theatrical involvement.

Answer 2

White king size sheets sewn together, also sew in loops for a rod or pipe and hang from ceiling with rope. Sew in a few weights at the bottom to keep the sheets tight. If done right you won't need side supports or all kinds of lumber to do it. There will also be less waste when you are done with it!

Answer 3

prob. the cheapest thing is white prepainted 1/8" hardboard and then find some white tape for the seam(s). maybe make a quick frame out of 2x4 to tack it onto with staples or finishing nails

Answer 4

this depends on where you're putting it. if it's on a wall then buy a plain white bed sheet and 4 nails then you place the sheet on the wall and hammer the nails in the 4 conners!!! it's smart i know!!!