Duncan Edwards wrote:Fred588 wrote:It can get down to about 0'F here at Studio 588, although not every year. All the pits freeze - clay, peat, and sand, at least near the surface. It does no harm whatsoever. As for winterizing, I spread a plastic tarp over each pit to keep out most of the falling leaves.
The only damage that occurs is due to the clay drying out to the point where cracks form. This has resulted, most years, in the loss of some of the clay to erosion. I'm not sure where it goes. I think I have that problem fixed now but I can't be sure until next spring.
Ever pay much attention to how much is lost sticking to the bodies of people who get out? With the number of entries/exits you have in the course of a shooting season that's got account for some loss. Right?
Some is lost that way but not much. For the last three seasons the actresses have all wiped off most of the mud right at the edge where it can be shoved back into the pit. Aside from reducing the loss, which I think is trivial, the real purpose of doing this is safety. Wet clay is very slippery. The loss occurs during the winter when the pit has been covered.