
The LEE Filters 513 Ice and a Slice complete roll is an indispensable tool for lighting designers and gaffers seeking precise control over cool tones and subtle diffusion. This unique filter masterfully combines a delicate touch of cool blue with a gentle diffusing effect, allowing for the creation of sophisticated atmospheric looks and the refinement of light quality in a wide array of production environments. Whether the goal is to mimic the crisp ambiance of an icy morning, add a refreshing coolness to a scene, or simply soften harsh light sources with an ethereal touch, the 513 Ice and a Slice provides a versatile solution, enhancing both mood and visual impact without overpowering the original aesthetic. Its comprehensive roll format ensures ample material for diverse applications, from large-scale stage productions to intricate film sets and studio photography.
COLOR CHARACTERISTICS
The 513 Ice and a Slice filter delivers a nuanced cooling effect, subtly shifting the color temperature towards a cooler spectrum. It imparts a delicate blue tint that evokes natural cool light, such as moonlight, twilight, or reflections off ice, without appearing overtly artificial or saturated. This carefully calibrated blue is designed to be visually appealing and harmonious with various skin tones and set elements, preventing undesirable color casts while still achieving a noticeable shift. Its primary function is to introduce a refreshing coolness, making it ideal for scenes requiring a crisp, clean, or even slightly melancholic atmosphere. The "Ice" component signifies this subtle, clean blue, offering a more delicate touch than stronger CTB (Color Temperature Blue) filters, making it perfect for fine-tuning rather than dramatic alterations.
DIFFUSION AND LIGHT MODIFICATION
Beyond its color-shifting properties, the 513 Ice and a Slice incorporates a gentle diffusion element. This "Slice" aspect refers to its ability to subtly soften and spread the light without significantly reducing its intensity or creating overly noticeable hotspots. The diffusion works to smooth out harsh shadows, reduce specular highlights, and create a more flattering, even illumination. It can help to blend light sources more effectively, making them appear less concentrated and more expansive. This dual functionality allows users to simultaneously cool and soften light with a single filter, streamlining the lighting setup and achieving complex effects with greater ease. The level of diffusion is subtle, designed to maintain crispness in the overall image while mitigating harshness, making it suitable for close-ups, portraiture, and scenes where a polished, gentle light is desired.
DURABILITY AND APPLICATION
Crafted from high-quality, heat-resistant polyester, the LEE Filters 513 Ice and a Slice is engineered for demanding professional use. Its robust construction ensures longevity and consistent performance even under the intense heat generated by modern lighting fixtures. The material resists fading and retains its optical properties over extended periods, providing reliable color and diffusion fidelity shot after shot. The complete roll format offers maximum flexibility, allowing gaffers and lighting technicians to cut custom sizes to fit various light sources, including fresnels, open-face units, LED panels, and practicals. This adaptability makes it an economical choice for productions requiring diverse applications and frequent filter changes, ensuring creative freedom without compromise.
CREATIVE POTENTIAL
The 513 Ice and a Slice opens up a wealth of creative possibilities for lighting professionals. It is exceptionally effective in situations where a naturalistic cool light is needed to enhance mood or time of day, such as simulating dawn, dusk, or moonlight. It can be used to counterbalance warmer ambient light, create a sense of detachment or elegance, or add a dramatic cool highlight to a scene. Furthermore, its diffusion properties make it an excellent choice for softening harsh lighting, reducing the appearance of wrinkles or blemishes in portrait work, or creating a dreamlike quality in narrative filmmaking. When combined with other LEE filters, it can contribute to highly complex and layered lighting designs, allowing for unparalleled atmospheric control and visual storytelling.
CLASSIFICATION
The LEE Filters 513 Ice and a Slice complete roll is classified as a specialized color correction and diffusion filter, falling within the broader category of lighting gels and theatrical filters. Specifically, it is a hybrid filter that combines the properties of a subtle color temperature blue (CTB) filter with a light diffusion medium. Unlike standard CTB filters which primarily adjust color temperature, or dedicated diffusion filters that only soften light, the 513 offers a synergistic effect, providing both a gentle cooling tint and a delicate light-softening quality in a single product. This dual functionality distinguishes it from single-purpose gels, positioning it as a versatile tool for fine-tuning atmospheric conditions and light quality rather than simply making broad adjustments. It is not a color effects filter designed for dramatic hue changes, nor is it a heavy diffusion for completely obscuring light sources. Instead, it occupies a niche for professionals who require nuanced control over both the coolness and softness of their light, making it invaluable for subtle enhancements in film, television, photography, and theatrical productions where a sophisticated, naturalistic cool ambiance with reduced harshness is desired.