White vinyl reflector material by Matthews Studio Equipment with textured surface for even, color-temperature-neutral light diffusion without specular reflections.
Technical Details
Ultrabounce is made of white vinyl with a characteristic texture that ensures even light diffusion. Standard sizes range from 4x4 feet to 20x20 feet, with 8x8 and 12x12 feet being the most commonly used. The material weighs approximately 0.3 kg/m² and can be attached to butterfly frames, grip frames, or directly to walls. The embossed surface prevents specular reflections and creates a color-temperature-neutral light quality. Ultrabounce is waterproof, tear-resistant, and can be used in temperatures from -20°C to +60°C.
History & Development
Matthews Studio Equipment introduced Ultrabounce in 1983 as an advancement over traditional white duvetyne reflectors. Cinematographer Conrad Hall first used the material on "Tequila Sunrise" (1988) for large-scale facial illumination. In the 1990s, Ultrabounce became established as a standard for Digital Intermediate workflows, as its neutral reflection enabled precise color correction. Modern LED productions increasingly use Ultrabounce, as the material reflects daylight and artificial light LEDs with color-temperature neutrality.
Practical Use in Film
Roger Deakins used 20x20 foot Ultrabounce setups on "Skyfall" (2012) for the casino scenes to achieve even facial illumination without visible light sources. Typical applications include eye-light setups in close-ups, large-scale room illumination, and sky simulation in studio exterior shots. The material is particularly suitable for beauty lighting, as it creates soft shadows without loss of contrast. Disadvantages include the large space requirement for big frames and susceptibility to wind during outdoor shoots.
Comparison & Alternatives
Ultrabounce differs from Bleached Muslin through its higher reflection rate and weather resistance, and from Griffolyn through its softer light quality without a plastic sheen. Modern LED panels with softboxes are partially replacing traditional Ultrabounce setups, but require more power. For mobile productions, foldable reflectors with an Ultrabounce coating offer more compact solutions. Silver Bounce produces harder light with higher intensity, while Gold Bounce shifts the color temperature towards artificial light.