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Butterfly
Lighting · Terms

Butterfly

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silk diffusion overhead grip equipment

Large frame (typically 12x12, 20x20 feet) for mounting diffusion, silk, solid, or grip material for exterior lighting control.

Technical Details

Butterflies are essential for exterior shots. A 20x20 silk over the scene softens harsh sunlight, making it flattering. The butterfly is a technique in film production. Large frame (typically 12x12, 20x20 feet) for diffusion, silk, solid, or grip material for controlling exterior light.

Use on Set

On exterior shoots, I often see large butterflies. They transform harsh daylight into cinematic light. Butterflies require a significant crew for setup and sandbags to counter wind. However, they are indispensable for controlled exterior shots.

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