Category: Blog

cold spark machine rental effect wedding Toronto Calgary

Big City Now Rents Cold Spark Machines

Posted on by Big City

Big City Lights – Sparks Machine Rentals | Magical Cold Spark Effects for Weddings

Make your wedding day truly unforgettable with our cold spark machine rentals in Toronto. Designed to create breathtaking visual moments, these wedding spark effects produce stunning, fountain-like sparks without heat, smoke, or open flames, making them safe for both indoor and outdoor venues.

Perfect for grand entrances, first dances, cake cutting ceremonies, receptions, and memorable photo opportunities, cold sparks add elegance, romance, and a touch of luxury to your celebration. Whether you’re creating a fairytale atmosphere or a dramatic reception reveal, our spark machines deliver the wow factor your guests will never forget.

 

 

 

FAQ

Q – How long does the spark machine fire?

A – The sparks machine can fire for up to 3 minutes. You can fire the machine for 10 seconds all the way to 3 minutes straight. We provide you with 3 minutes of sparks time.

 

Q – How high do the sparks go up?

A – We have 3 settings which is controlled by a remote. There is a low 6ft, medium is 8′ ft and high is 10′ ft.

 

Q – How safe is the sparks machine?

A – The sparks machine is very safe. It’s very similar to a spark stick used on fireworks. You can safely touch the sparks without any harm. It’s used indoor events for weddings and concerts.

 

Q – What is the power requirement for the machine?

A – The machine requires a 110 V outlet and draws 15 amps. You will need a total of one outlet per machine.

 

Q – How do we fire the machines when we want it to start?

A – There is a remote provided. The machines takes about 5 minutes to warm up. When the light is ready; you can start to use the remote.

 

cold spark machine rental effect wedding Toronto Calgary

 

 

RATES

Cold Sparks Machine Rentals Toronto
Cold Spark Effect for Stunning Weddings, Stage Shows and EventsFeatures:
• Creates safe, cold spark effects up to 8′ high
• Connect up to 4 units with remote control
• Commercial grade, 110V / 15 amps power
• Powder included
Rates: $275 / Each
4 Set Package: $750

 

 

Popular Searches: Sparks Machine Rentals Toronto, Wedding Spark Effects, Cold Spark Machine Rental, Indoor Spark Fountain, First Dance Spark Effects, Wedding Special Effects Toronto, Safe Indoor Sparks, Wedding Reception Effects

Legality of Shooting in Public vs. Private Spaces

Posted on by Kyle Spencer

Filming in Public: Key Legal Principles to Understand

Filming in public may seem as simple as taking out a camera and pressing record, but there are important legal considerations that creators should understand to avoid violations and unnecessary conflict.

  

Public Spaces

In most public areas, streets and parks are considered open for photography and videography. Individuals in these locations generally have no reasonable expectation of privacy, meaning they may be recorded as part of the environment. However, exercising discretion and avoiding intrusive behavior prevents confrontations.

Private Property

Once filming happens on private property such as retail stores, malls, restaurants, or residential areas, the rules change significantly. Property owners and managers have the authority to allow or restrict recording. Refusing to stop when asked can result in removal from the premises and, in some cases, legal consequences such as trespassing.

Audio Recording Laws

Video and audio laws are not always identical. While filming visually may be permitted, recording conversations without consent can violate wiretapping or privacy statutes. Regions vary between “one-party consent” and “two-party (meaning all-party) consent,” so it is essential to understand the law based on where you are operating.

Filming Law Enforcement and Public Officials

In many countries, including Canada and the United States, individuals have the right to record police officers and public officials performing their duties in public spaces. This right is protected so long as filming does not interfere with their work or compromise safety. Maintaining distance and cooperating if instructed to move is recommended.

Professional Conduct

Although the law may allow filming, professionalism and respect are crucial. Approaching individuals aggressively, obstructing movement, or recording in a harassing manner can escalate situations and may cross into legally questionable territory.

Conclusion

Filming in public is generally lawful, but the boundaries between permissible recording and infringement depend on location, context, and conduct. These are general guidelines that you should follow, however you may want to check local regulations as they vary between states, provinces and countries. Understanding these principles and applying sound judgment ensures compliance with the law while maintaining responsible filmmaking practices.

 

RGB Sexi Flexi flex panel Canada light lighting film

RGB Sexi-Flexi

Posted on by Jane Good

Introducing the RGB Sexi-Flexi flex light! A new product with a wide range of special effects and capabilities.

The video below highlights the important and useful aspects of a flex panel. It focuses on the durability and pliability of a flex panel, as well as how efficient they are in any environment.

The new RGB flex light model Big City Lights is offering has great energy efficiency with a colour temperature ranging from 2700K to 9999K. As well as a hard carrying case with the essential equipment, such as: a power adapter, cross frame holder, diffusion silk, control box, and a 90˚ light stand.

There are also many special effects with this model beyond the original Bi-Colour, including but not limited to:

  • Lighting mode
  • Police car mode
  • Emergency mode
  • TV mode
  • Strobe lights (green, red, white, blue)
  • Nightclub mode

And much more.

Check out the video for more details regarding the RGB Sexi-Flexi.

Black Lights Party Event UV Ultraviolet Canada

Comparison of Blacklight (UV) Lights by Big City Lights

Posted on by Kyle Spencer

Glow In Dark UV Ultraviolet black light blacklight Curtains Party Decorations Canada

Blacklights are useful in entertainment, art, and event lighting. They shine ultraviolet light that makes fluorescent materials glow, making them great for stage effects and parties. At Big City Lights, we offer several types of blacklights with different wattages and designs. Here’s a breakdown of each option and where it might be best suited.

9W Blacklight Bulb
A 9-watt blacklight bulb is the most basic and compact option. It’s ideal for small spaces or decorative use, such as accent lighting or small displays. It doesn’t cover a large area but provides enough UV output for subtle glowing effects on nearby objects.

12W PAR Blacklight
The 12-watt PAR blacklight provides a moderate increase in brightness and coverage compared to a standard bulb. It’s commonly used for small room setups, or points of interest. The spotlight style also helps focus the UV beam better than a bulb.

36W PAR Stage Blacklight
At 36 watts, the stage light is significantly brighter for professional or semi-professional environments. This model works well for stage productions or parties that require UV coverage over a medium area.

54W BAR Blacklight
The 54-watt BAR blacklight is designed for broader coverage. Its elongated form allows for more consistent light across a wider surface, making it ideal for stage backdrops, large rooms, and themed events.

And finally our 100W Canon Blacklight
The 100-watt Canon blacklight is the most powerful option in this lineup. It provides intense UV output suitable for large venues or concert stages. The focused design of the lens allows the blacklight to project UV light over much wider areas, maintaining brightness and clarity even in large spaces.

 

 

LINKS TO PRODUCTS:

 

100W LED COB UltraViolet Cannon UV Black Light

 

2 Pack Neon Disco Party Decorations 3.3 x 6.6 ft Fluorescent Glow In The Dark

 

9w LED Black Light Bulb A19 E26 Base

 

36x1w (36W) LED UV Blacklight PAR Stage Light

18x3W (54w) LED UV Blacklight

 

12x1w (12W) LED UV Blacklight PAR Stage Light

 

Glow in the Dark Body and Face Paint

 

Glow in the Dark Gaffer Tape for Blacklight Parties

 

12x3W (36w) LED UV Blacklight

 

polarizer photo lens filter

Polarizers – What They Do and What Are They Good For?

Posted on by Kyle Spencer

A polarizer is an optical filter usually used on cameras to block certain light waves while letting others through. In photography, it can darken skies, reduce reflections, and enhance colour saturation by filtering out unwanted light that causes glare. Light waves travel in different directions and using a polarizer sections off waves going in certain directions lessening reflections and making the shot slightly darker.

polarizer photo lens filter
Here we see how it darkens the blue of the skies.

Thin film linear polarizers use glass layers on which a special optical coating is applied. The interference in the glass causes them to act as beam-splitting polarizers. The layers for the film can either be a plate, which is inserted into the beam at a particular angle, or a wedge of glass that is put into a second wedge to form a cube with the film cutting diagonally across the center.

 

polarizer photo lens filter
Here we can see how it removes the reflection off of the water.
How to Use a Polarizer
• Screw it onto the lens.
• Look through the viewfinder or LCD.
• Rotate the front ring until reflections decrease or colours deepen.
You’ll see the results immediately as you turn it and get darker skies, less glare and clearer detail.

VIDEO OF POLARIZER IN ACTION:

Time Lapse Canada Slider Timer Toronto Scarborough Markham Ajax Pickering Oshawa Hamilton Barrie Etobicoke Markham Ajax Richmond Hill Vaughan North York Ottawa

Great Examples of Time Lapse using The Big City Lights Rotating Timer

Posted on by Kyle Spencer

Doing a Timelapse is a Phenomenal type of videography that literally turns hours of time into a seconds. If its a construction project, a sunset or even city traffic, it will make art of what you cant see in real time. This is a handy tool to show the passage of time.

Timelapse’s take an extreme level of patience and delicateness to pull off, it involves taking a series of images at a pace of around once every 5 seconds over a long period of time and then playing it back at 24 – 30 frames a second, making a smooth motion clip. For example, at the rate of one picture every 5 seconds, you would need to wait around 30 minutes to get a clip of 10 seconds long playing at 30 frames per second, but if you have the time, it really worth giving a shot.

HERE ARE SOME HANDY TIPS ON HOW TO CREATE A GREAT TIMELAPSE:

Make sure to use a tripod or a stable surface so the camera doesn’t move.
Fast scenes (traffic, people) work best with 1 to 3 seconds between shots. Slower ones (sunsets, shadows) can use between 5 to 10 seconds.
Switch to manual exposure so the lighting stays consistent between shots.
Try mounting your camera on a small motorised rotating timer or slider. this will add a dynamic movement to your timelapse. (Big City Lights sells Rotating Timers and Sliders- We have links to them below.)
If your camera does not have a time-lapse ability, you can use a editing software or a time-lapse app to stitch the photos into a video, then adjust the speed to your liking.

ADD MOTION TO YOUR TIMELAPSE WITH EITHER A ROTATING TIMER or a SLIDER:

Lets take a quick look at the 3 products that we carry:

You can make your time-lapse more dynamic and add motion as well as depth by using a rotating timer or slider. First up lets look at our 360 Degree Timer. This product is ideal for doing panoramas. It comes with adjustable time markers showing the 5, 10, 15 all the way up to 60 minute marks helping the user set exactly how long they want the time lapse to be as well as the degree of the panorama. (45, 90, 180 or 360º or anywhere in between.)

Now lets look at our sliders, Big City offers 2 different motorised sliders. They can both be programmed for use using your smartphone. They both have an X-axis which can be used to add slow dolly or truck movements and our deluxe model also has a Y-axis so you can pan at the same time.

All of these are very easy to use, all you have to do is attach your camera to one of these units, set your camera and timer settings and you are ready to go.

OTHER WAYS OF SHOOTING A TIMELAPSE:

Phones have come a long way. iPhones and Androids both have timelapse modes now, and they automatically handle all the timing, exposure, and blending for you. You don’t have to know anything. its  just hit record and wait.

The downside is that you don’t get much control over the final look. But for casual videos or short clips for social media, phone timelapses are surprisingly good.

GoPros and other action cams have built-in timelapse modes that make it easy. You just choose “timelapse video,” set the interval (like 1 photo every 4 seconds),  and it spits out a watchable clip.

They’re not as sharp as say a Sony or Nikon, but they’re great for movement, like driving, travel or city shots. You can also mount them anywhere.

 

360 Degree Panning Rotating Panorama Time Lapse Timer

Big City Model 100 – Single Axis Motorized Slider with Smart Phone Control

Big City Model 200 – Dual Axis Motorized Slider with Smart Phone Control

LED PAR Uplights Canada RGB RGBW

Video Comparison of all the LED PAR Lights offered by Big City Lights

Posted on by Tristan

This video will go over the differences between all of Big City Lights wide range of LED PAR lights.

PAR lights (sometimes called up lights) are one of the most popular lights to use when it comes to parties and stage shows! You have probably seen these lights at least a few times when going out for an event or concert.

Here at Big City we have 6 different levels of powered parr lights, more the power or “watts”, means brighter the light.

These lights from lowest power to brightest power are: a 40 watt, 84 watt, 90 watt, a battery powered 72 watt, The Ultra 270 watt, and finally our outdoor 270 watt light.

So what else is the difference between these models? Let’s go through them all

Beginning with the 40w spotlight, it can produce most (but not all) colours with its individual Red Green Blue L.E.D. lights.

The 84 watt model, 90 watt model, and the Ultra 270 watt model, and the outdoor 270 watt model all have RGBW “four in one” LEDs. Four in one means that each LED can produce Red Green Blue and White or any combination thereof, allowing you to have a much wider range of colours, including a true white.

Finally,the wireless 72 watt model light comes with ‘six in one” LEDs. The six built in colours are Red, Green, Blue, white, amber, and UV which is also known as ultraviolet black light. This allows the widest range of colours possible.

So what are some other features?

The wireless 72 watt model is different from other models, since it runs off of it’s own built in rechargeable battery.

The outdoor 270w model has a waterproof IP65 design, so it can be reliably used indoors or outdoors!

Both the 84w model and battery operated 72w model also come with a remote control for easy operation.

All of these lights come with the ability for sound control so that your lighting can be synced to go to the music. They all also have DMX in and out meaning that you’ll be able to connect your lights to a lighting control board for bigger set ups.

Finally, all of the lights (with the exception of the 40w and the 90w models) have a power in, as well as a power out, meaning that multiple lights can be chained together for power. This is handy when you only have a limited amount of power outlets.

You can see links to all the products featured in this video below. We ship anywhere in Canada or the USA.

The 40w LED PAR

The 84w LED PAR 

The 90w LED PAR

The Ultra 270w LED PAR

Wireless Battery Operated LED PAR

The High Powered Indoor/Outdoor LED PAR

 

 

 

 

teleprompter Canada video film production

The Benefits of a Teleprompter

Posted on by Jane Good

Interested in creating film content with efficiency that makes presenting look natural? Well, Big City Lights is offering a device just for that. Specifically, an affordable 16” teleprompter ideal for tablets that includes a travel case, a remote control and software. It is easy to use and works for any heavy duty tripod. Tripod and tablet are not included.

The video below shows the benefits of a teleprompter, as well as the assembly process. Take a look and find out all you need to know about a teleprompter.

Battery Operated Lighting Options

Posted on by George Mikhaiel

Calling all filmmakers, photographers, hairstylists and party starters! Have you ever needed a wireless light to brighten a subject? To light a party? Well we have the products for you. This video showcases various options for battery operated lights to suit any of your needs. These lights are perfect for when you don’t have an outlet near by, or for on the go shootings. All the links for the battery operated lights we carry are available below.

Links:

Continue reading “Battery Operated Lighting Options” →

light lights lighting cob led bi-color bowens bowen mount battery bright controller color colour 80w 120w

Comparison of the 80w & 120w LED Bi-Colour COB Lights

Posted on by Tristan

120w COB LED LIGHT PHOTO VIDEO BOWENS

Achieving the right brightness and temperature has never been more easy and affordable! Benefits of having this light are the customization and control for the perfect lighting. A film can feel off putting without the use of one of these lights due the wrong modifier or color temperature.

What an COB light is:

 Both lights use a COB light which stands for Chip On Board, which is a single LED aside from using many smaller LEDs. This significantly reduces energy consumption while also having high brightness and color accuracy.

An intuitive, compact and fashionable design: 

 Weighing in at just under one kilogram, these lights are very lightweight due to their compact design making it ideal for in-studio or on location. Both lights come with their very own carrying bag making it easy for travel.

10 – 100% brightness:

 These lights achieve the exact brightness with pinpoint accuracy. There is a wheel to the side of the light that can be adjusted from 10% to 100% or anywhere in between with the turn of a dial to give you the exact brightness that you need.

Color temperature: 3000K-6500K +/- 200K:

 These lights not only have an accurate brightness, but also very accurate color temperature control. The wrong color temperature can feel awkward with cool and warm temperatures mixing. If a set has a cool light setting and needs more, it should be met with more cool temperature lighting instead of warm temperature. This would match the room while also making the lighting appear more natural and balanced. This may not appear so different to our eyes, but is very different to a camera. With a temperature scale from 3000K also known as Kelvin to 6500k, the right type of lighting will always be able to match the scene while also being able to change the mood of a scene.

Intelligent cooling ensures safe and consistent use: 

 Both lights have an intelligent cooling system which ensures that the light remains cool and reinforces the longevity of the light. It uses a heatsink which is completely silent and casually cools down the system without using any extra power.

Includes 2.4G remote control, control up to 50M (150 ft) and LCD screen at the side: 

If the light needs to be adjusted from a distance it comes with a wireless remote control. While reaching up to 50M (150 ft) away, It changes the settings including the temperature and brightness of the light. Connecting both the controller and light is as easy as setting both to the same channel. The updated settings can be viewed on the screen on the controller or to the side of the lights.

The difference between the 80w and 120w light:

 So what is the difference between these two lights? Well, both of these fantastic lights can run on batteries which means they aren’t restricted to an outlet. However, the 80w light runs on Dual NP-F series batteries where as the 120w light runs on Sony V lock style batteries. 

The second difference is obviously the power. The 120w light will have approximately 25% more light output than its brother!

Special scenario lighting:

These lights also have the ability to produce flashes imitating specific lighting patterns and scenarios. The 6 custom light settings include: Paparazzi, firework, bad bulbs, thunder flash, television, and SOS. They are designed to enhance your work and save time creating complex lighting scenarios.

Includes standard reflector: 

 Both lights also come with a free reflector if a more narrow beam is needed. It slightly modifies the light to a more narrow beam, if you would like an even tighter beam, you can add a 10˚ 30˚ or 60˚ grid spot.

 In conclusion, these two lights are very simple and easy to operate. They are both portable, easy to use, have a bowens mount, and both come with a FREE 7 inch reflector and travel bag. Overall, these lights are a must have for your film and video production. They offer great versatility, high power, and flexibility at a reasonable price!

Here is a demonstration video of both lights!

 

You can buy these lights here:

 

80w LED COB:

80w LED Bi-Colour COB Light with Bowens Mount

 

120w LED COB:

120w LED Bi-Colour COB Light with Bowens Mount

Cinematography in Filmmaking

Posted on by Jane Good

There are many fields in the film industry. Director, producer, lighting and camera crew, script writers and much more. A important job that influences the production in film that also creates and develops the visual narrative is cinematography.

So, what is cinematography?

It is the art and technology of motion-picture photography. This involves the lighting and location of a scene, camera choice, lens choice, camera angles and movements, as well as the involvement of any special effects.

Cinematography is important in film by supporting the overall look and mood of a film’s storyline. A cinematographer manages the camera and the lighting crew. they are responsible for creating the look of the scene, colour, lighting, and the framing of every shot in a film.

Some examples of cinematic techniques in filmmaking are:

  • Long shot

  • Close-up shot

  • Point-of-view shot

  • Bird’s-eye shot and more

These are some camera angles that cinematographers use to capture the story being told through different perspective that also cast different moods.

The 5 C’s of Cinematography

  1. Camera Angles – Vital to the stories narrative and the camera positioning helps to drive the story forward
  2. Continuity – To avoid inconsistencies, continuity must be considered in production and media
  3. Cutting – The order and sequence of shots become key in evoking the desired effect upon the audience
  4. Close-ups – Used to allow the viewer access to the intimate details of a characters emotions
  5. Composition – Plays a role in creating a mood and telling a story. Lighting, colours and spacing, among other visual aspects which are crucial in the co position of an image

Cinematography is used in every film and there are a wide range of motion-pictures that have creative cinematic experience. Here are two examples of cinematography in film.

Blade Runner 2049 – Cinematographer Roger Deakins

The attention to detail in the set design allows for long shots for the viewer to take in the atmosphere of the science fiction world with geometric designs. This angle provides a harsher look to the architecture that seems more imposing and unnerving when the characters are dwarfed by it.

The lighting in the film is constantly in motion, there are hardly any stationary light sources. The shift in light creates dynamic and alluring footage without being too distracting. Since the viewer knows what the source of light is, it enhances the reality of the scene.

Moonlight – Cinematographer James Laxton

Laxton uses bold colours and stunning shots to create an emotional experience. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters rater than the plot. To communicate this in a visual way, the camera frames the subject so that they fill the majority of the screen, thus drawing the viewer into the emotional landscape being created. This would be a close up camera shot, it is used for the audience to see the emotional reactions of the characters more intimately.

During the swimming scene when Juan teaches Little to swim, the frame is set up in such a way that the viewer is not only watching this scene but also experiencing the rush of waves and Juan holding Little about the water. As if we, the audience are right next to them.

This is a brief synopsis of cinematography in film, as well as some examples where cinematographers used their creative and innovative thinking to create beautiful and stunning visuals to capture the heart of the story being told.

smoke grenade bomb wedding photo video Toronto

How to Use Smoke Bombs for Amazing Wedding or Event Photos

Posted on by Big City

Here comes the smoke show! We love a good smoke bomb photo and according to the reaction to this photo:

smoke grenade bomb wedding photography video Toronto

We aren’t the only ones. Whether you use them for engagement photos, as a fun getaway, or just set them off to add some colour to your portraits, the effect is undeniable. We always get questions about smoke bombs and how they work, so let’s cover the basics!

Do smoke bombs stain?

Yes, they can if you are too close. Set them off in the distance and get some help from an assistant or friend. After setting the smoke bomb down, if you are 2-3 feet away and just standing in the smoke cloud, it should NOT stain your clothing or anything for that matter.

How long do smoke bombs last?

You’ll want to be photo-ready—they last about 90 seconds! And once you pull the trigger, it takes up to 10 seconds to fully release.

Can you use smoke bombs at night?

Yes! In fact, the effect can be REALLY cool. Just make sure you have some good backlighting to capture the mood.

Are smoke bombs safe?

Definitely be aware of high winds (if there are high winds you won’t want to use them) and inhaling the smoke. You should also consider crowds ,you should be in an open area outdoors.

How should I plan with my photographer?

See if your photographer has worked with smoke bombs before! There are a few tricks of the trade and ideas they may have to capture that perfect shot. You can even do a few practice rounds before lighting the plumes! If you have any photos for inspiration (ahem, plenty of which are below!), be sure to send those over ahead of time.

Can you use smoke bombs in public?

Smoke bombs are considered a firework and therefore are banned in many local and national parks. This might also apply to your venue, so do research in advance to make sure you are allowed to use them for your photos. By the way, this also means you can’t fly with smoke bombs in your luggage!

Below we sell wire pull smoke bombs (you don’t need to light anything, just pull the wire) and they burn cool, not hot. Plus these smoke bombs were made for smoke bomb photographers! And the part we love? These smoke bombs are non-toxic smoke with a fully biodegradable body.

gender reveal smoke grenade bomb wedding photo video Toronto Scarborough Markham Etobicoke Richmond Hill Ajax Pickering Oshawa

You can also use smoke bombs for gender reveal parties!

We have them in both pink and Blue and are packaged discreetly so you don’t know the colour until you pull the tab!


SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW!
https://bigcity.store/product/eg-wp40-side-pull-smoke-grenade/

90 Second Gender Reveal Smoke Grenade (Smoke Bomb)

Gender Reveal Confetti Cannon

 

smoke grenade bomb wedding photography video Toronto

smoke grenade bomb wedding photo video Toronto

smoke grenade bomb wedding photography video Toronto

blue smoke bomb grenade gender reveal boy Canada