Indirect lighting technique using white reflective surfaces (foam board, bounce panels) to diffuse light source and create soft, shadowless illumination.
Technical Details
Film reflectors consist of a foldable frame with a stretched reflective surface. Silver surfaces achieve a reflection efficiency of 85-90% with hard, directed light with color temperature neutrality. White surfaces reflect 70-80% of the light diffusely with a slight warm shift of 200-300 Kelvin. Golden variants reduce the color temperature by 800-1200 Kelvin for sunset effects. 5-in-1 reflectors combine a translucent diffuser (60% transmission) with four reflective surfaces in a removable cover. Professional butterfly reflectors (6x6 to 20x20 feet) use Grifflith White or Bleached Muslin for large-scale light shaping.
History & Development
Reflectors emerged with studio lighting in the 1920s, when Paramount and MGM used polished metal plates for light control. In 1960, Mole-Richardson developed the first foldable film reflector with a silver coating. In 1986, Photoflex revolutionized the market with the first 5-in-1 system and spring steel frame. Modern LED panels have reduced reflector usage indoors since 2010, but have increased their importance for outdoor shoots with daylight balance.
Practical Use in Film
In "1917," Roger Deakins used large white reflectors for even facial illumination during continuous camera movements. Emmanuel Lubezki exclusively used daylight with silver reflectors in "The Revenant" to brighten Leonardo DiCaprio's face in backlight situations. Typical workflow: position the key light, open shadows with a reflector, vary the distance for hardness control. Reflectors eliminate additional power supply and heat generation. Disadvantages: susceptibility to wind, personnel effort for positioning, limited control in changing light conditions.
Comparison & Alternatives
Bounceboards are permanently mounted reflectors from 4x4 feet upwards for studio work, while mobile reflectors are designed for location shoots. LED panels offer constant light output but require power supply and produce an artificial spectrum. HMI daylight spotlights surpass reflectors in light output but cost 200-500 Euros per day rental compared to 15-30 Euros for reflectors. In direct sunlight and static scenes, the reflector remains unbeatable in cost-effectiveness.