Scrim Sizes Explained: Which Scrim Should I Hire?

Craig Forster

Scrim Sizes Explained: Which Scrim Should I Hire?

If you’ve ever stood outside on a bright sunny day and thought, “I wish I could make this light softer,” then a scrim is probably the tool you’re looking for.

Scrims are one of the most useful pieces of grip equipment you can hire. They allow you to diffuse harsh sunlight, soften artificial lighting, control reflections and create more flattering light for interviews, portraits, commercials and video productions.

The challenge is knowing which size is right for your shoot.

At Lightchasers Rentals we have everything from compact handheld diffusion frames through to large overhead scrims suitable for vehicles and large groups. Here’s a practical guide to help you choose.

Intellytech Fast Frame Scrim (152 x 81cm)

Best for:

  • Solo operators
  • Quick interviews
  • Small product shoots
  • Run-and-gun video work

The Intellytech Fast Frame Scrim is our smallest and fastest scrim to deploy. It folds down compactly and can be assembled in minutes.

If you’re filming a single person outdoors and simply want to take the edge off direct sunlight, this is often all you need. It’s also popular for softening LED lights indoors.

Mounting Considerations

This scrim is light enough to be handheld by an assistant, mounted to a stand, or rigged using standard grip equipment. For interviews and quick location shoots it’s often the fastest solution to deploy.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Fast setup
  • Easy to transport
  • Great for one-person crews

Considerations

  • Limited coverage area
  • Not suitable for groups or wider shots

Westcott Scrim Jim 4x4

Best for:

  • Portrait photography
  • Individual interviews
  • Headshots
  • Small lighting setups

The Westcott Scrim Jim 4x4 is one of the most versatile scrims available. Large enough to make a noticeable difference to your light, but still compact enough to fit in most vehicles.

For photographers and videographers working with one or two people, this is often the sweet spot between portability and effectiveness.

Mounting Considerations

The Scrim Jim system is lightweight and portable, but it doesn’t include dedicated mounting hardware.

To rig it safely you’ll typically need:

  • C-Stands
  • Grip Heads
  • Scrim Clamps
  • Cardellini Clamps
  • Additional grip hardware depending on your setup

For smaller shoots this isn’t usually a problem, but it’s worth considering if you’re building a kit list from scratch.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Quick to rig
  • Ideal for portraits and interviews
  • Multiple fabric options available

Considerations

  • Additional grip equipment required
  • Coverage can be limited on wider shots

Westcott Scrim Jim 6x6

Best for:

  • Interviews
  • Small groups
  • Corporate video
  • Fashion and commercial shoots

The Westcott Scrim Jim 6x6 Cine Kit is where scrims start to become truly transformative. The larger diffusion area creates noticeably softer light and gives talent more room to move.

If you’re shooting interviews outdoors or need consistent soft light across multiple people, the 6x6 is often the first size we recommend.

Mounting Considerations

Like the 4x4, the 6x6 requires separate grip hardware to mount safely. Due to its larger size you’ll typically want:

  • Two stands
  • Appropriate clamps
  • Sandbags
  • Extra care when working outdoors in windy conditions

Pros

  • Beautiful soft light
  • Excellent for interviews
  • Larger working area
  • Still relatively portable

Considerations

  • Requires additional grip equipment
  • More affected by wind than smaller scrims

Manfrotto Pro Scrim 2m x 2m

Best for:

  • Corporate video
  • Commercial productions
  • Location interviews
  • Professional photography

The Manfrotto Pro Scrim 2m x 2m is a favourite amongst crews who want a professional solution without needing extra hardware.

At approximately 6.5ft x 6.5ft, it sits between a traditional 6x6 and larger overhead frames.

Mounting Considerations

One of the biggest advantages of the Manfrotto system is that it includes dedicated mounting hardware. The frame connects directly to standard grip equipment and C-Stands without needing additional Cardellini or Scrim Jim-style clamps.

This makes it significantly faster to deploy on location.

Pros

  • Professional-grade build quality
  • Dedicated mounting hardware included
  • Excellent for location work
  • Fast setup
  • Larger coverage area than a 6x6

Considerations

  • Heavier than the Westcott systems

Manfrotto Pro Scrim XL 2.9m x 2.9m

Best for:

  • Multiple talent
  • Commercial productions
  • Large interview setups
  • Outdoor events

The Manfrotto Pro Scrim XL 2.9m x 2.9m provides generous coverage and is ideal when talent are moving around or when you need soft, consistent light across a larger area.

Mounting Considerations

Like its smaller sibling, the XL includes dedicated mounting hardware and is designed to integrate with professional grip equipment.

You’ll still want sturdy stands and sandbags, but setup is considerably simpler than adapting a large frame using third-party clamps.

Pros

  • Significant coverage area
  • Great for multiple subjects
  • Dedicated mounting hardware included
  • Beautiful soft natural light

Considerations

  • Requires sturdy stands
  • More affected by wind due to its size

3.6m x 3.6m Large Scrim

Best for:

  • Commercial productions
  • Vehicle shoots
  • Large groups
  • Film and television work

The 3.6m x 3.6m Large Scrim is the big gun.

At nearly 12ft x 12ft, this scrim is designed for situations where smaller frames simply aren’t enough. Whether you’re shooting a vehicle, creating shade over a large group, or trying to control sunlight across an entire scene, this frame delivers.

Mounting Considerations

A scrim this size acts like a sail.

For outdoor use you’ll generally want:

  • Two heavy-duty stands
  • Multiple sandbags
  • Guy ropes where appropriate
  • Additional grip hardware
  • Experienced crew when working in windy conditions

Safe rigging becomes just as important as lighting quality.

Pros

  • Massive coverage area
  • Ideal for vehicles and large groups
  • Professional production tool
  • Creates beautiful overhead diffusion

Considerations

  • Requires experienced crew
  • Needs substantial grip support
  • Wind management becomes critical

Quick Comparison

Scrim
 Best For
 Mounting Difficulty
Intellytech Fast Frame
 Solo operators, interviews
 Easy
Westcott 4x4
 Portraits, headshots
 Moderate
Westcott 6x6
 Interviews, corporate video
 Moderate
Manfrotto 2m x 2m
 Professional location shoots
 Easy
Manfrotto 2.9m x 2.9m
 Commercial productions
 Easy
3.6m x 3.6m Large Scrim
 Vehicles, groups, film work
 Advanced

So Which One Should You Choose?

Shooting one person?

Choose the Intellytech Fast Frame or Westcott 4x4.

Shooting interviews outdoors?

The Westcott 6x6 is often the best balance of coverage, portability and cost.

Want the easiest setup?

Choose one of the Manfrotto Pro Scrim kits. The included mounting hardware makes them significantly faster to rig on location.

Shooting corporate content or small groups?

The Manfrotto 2m x 2m or 2.9m x 2.9m are excellent options.

Shooting vehicles, large groups or commercial campaigns?

Go straight to the 3.6m x 3.6m frame and ensure you have the grip equipment and crew to support it safely.

Need Advice?

Not sure which scrim is right for your project?

Get in touch with the team at Lightchasers Rentals and tell us a little about your shoot. We’ll happily recommend the right diffusion frame, stands and grip equipment to suit your production.

The right scrim can be the difference between fighting harsh sunlight and creating beautiful, professional-looking images. It’s one of the simplest tools you can add to a shoot, and often one of the most effective.