Build your Spark box stage

 Zu3D Spark

Turn the box into your film set.

Fit the brackets, choose a background and make room for your characters.

Spark and two lights arranged around the box stage
Spark, lights and example clay characters arranged around the box stage.

Before you build

Use a steady table with room for your hands, camera and lights. Empty the box and remove all storage foam and packaging. You need the kit box, two stage brackets and your chosen background or the green foam.

Build the box stage

Assembly video coming soon. Follow the written steps below to set up your stage.

  1. Open out the box. Flatten it, then reverse it so the stage surfaces face into your scene.
  2. Fit both stage brackets. Fit a bracket to each side of the box stage, supporting the adjoining box edges to hold the corner in position. Check both sides are supported before you let go. Do not force a fitting that does not line up.
  3. Choose your view. Stand the box on its side with your tabletop as the floor, or turn it through 90 degrees so the box provides a floor and an upright backdrop.
  4. Dress your scene. Secure one of the four printed background designs (two double-sided sheets) or the green foam with masking tape. For green screen, cover the background and visible floor smoothly and keep creases and shadows out of the shot.
  5. Check through the camera. Frame the scene in Zu3D. Move any box edges, brackets or unwanted objects outside the picture, then secure anything that could slip.

Choose a backdrop

A real scene

Use one of the four printed background designs and add your own small props. Put the character far enough in front of the backdrop to give yourself room to move it.

Green screen

Use the green foam and light it evenly. Avoid green clothing or props you want to remain visible. Leave space between the character and background to reduce shadows.

Position Spark and the lights

Fit Spark securely in its camera clip. Attach the shared clip to an octopus tripod for a low camera angle, or move it to the overhead mount when filming from above. Support the camera while changing fittings.

Place the lights on stable surfaces or their tripods. Move them until the character is clear and shadows suit your scene. Use DIM for brightness and CCT for colour warmth, then keep both lights consistent during a shot.

Set up the overhead mount

Ready for the first capture?

  • The stage, camera and lights stay steady when you move your character.
  • The shot contains only the scene you want.
  • The lens is focused on your character.
  • You can reach the model without knocking the equipment.
  • Storage packaging is away from equipment in use or being charged.

Capture a short test and play it back before starting your film.

Connect your camera