Heavyweight black fabric used to black out windows and unwanted light sources on set.
Technical Details
Standard Commando Cloth consists of a 0.3-0.5 mm thick plastic fabric or coated textile with hole sizes between 2-15 mm in diameter. The hole density varies between 20-60% of the total area, allowing for light reductions of 1-3 stops. Commercially available formats range from 1.2 x 1.8 m to 3.6 x 3.6 m. Modern variants are produced by laser cutting and offer precise geometric patterns: circular, hexagonal, or irregularly organic. Special versions combine different hole densities in one material for gradual transitions.
History & Development
Commando Cloth evolved in the late 1980s out of a practical need to create hard shadows without completely blocking light. Grips and gaffers initially experimented with self-punched materials. In 1992, Modern Studio Equipment brought the first commercial variants to market. Butterfly/Overhead frames with 12x12 foot Commando Cloth became standard grip equipment from the mid-1990s onwards. Digital laser cutting methods enabled more complex patterns and higher manufacturing precision starting in 2005.
Practical Use in Film
In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins used Commando Cloth for the characteristic shadows in the interior scenes of the Wallace Corporation. The material created hard light patterns on faces and walls with controlled ambient lighting. For night shoots, Commando Cloth is often used to simulate light falling through blinds or grates without complex set constructions. The workflow requires precise positioning between the light source and the subject – typically 2-4 m distance from the subject for defined shadow edges. Disadvantages arise with camera movements, as the shadow patterns can shift.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike diffusion (Silk, Frost) or ND filters, Commando Cloth selectively reduces light while maintaining contrast. Gobos create similar patterns but are more rigid and smaller in size. Modern LED panels with programmable segments are increasingly replacing physical Commando Cloth, but offer less organic light transitions. For softer effects, gaffers combine Commando Cloth with downstream diffusion. For budget productions, perforated cardboard serves as a cost-effective alternative, but does not achieve the durability and precision of the professional material.