White reflective polyethylene tarp material used as a cost-effective alternative to bounce boards. Weather-resistant and wrinkle-free, ideal for exterior shoots.
Technical Details
Griffolyn is made of a laminated polyethylene fabric with a material thickness between 0.2-0.4mm and a basis weight of 200-400g/m². The white reflective side, due to its micro-structured surface, produces a color temperature of 5600K in daylight and 3200K in artificial light without significant color shift. Standard widths range from 1.2m to 4.8m, with lengths up to 60m available. The material is waterproof, UV-resistant, and can withstand temperatures from -40°C to +80°C. Due to its fabric structure, it does not tear under point loads and can be attached with standard clamps or gaffer tape.
History & Development
Reef Industries originally introduced Griffolyn in 1965 as a cover material for the construction industry. Roger Deakins first used the material in 1977 for documentaries as a cost-effective reflector and established it in the British film industry. In the 1980s, American gaffers systematically adopted the material, as it was more wind-stable and durable compared to foil reflectors. Since the 1990s, Griffolyn has been standard equipment for lighting departments and is now produced by several manufacturers under various brand names.
Practical Use in Film
On "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015), John Seale used large-scale Griffolyn setups to diffuse the harsh desert light and achieve even illumination in vehicle scenes. The material is particularly suitable for outdoor shots in strong winds, as it does not tear unlike silk fabric. Typical applications include 12x12ft frames for portrait shots or large floor setups for sky simulation in studios. The black reverse side serves as negative fill or for shading unwanted light sources. For night shoots, Griffolyn is often used as a bounce material for HMI lights.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike Silk, Griffolyn offers higher wind resistance at a lower cost, but produces less uniform light distribution. Modern LED panels with softboxes achieve similar diffusion effects but require power connections and are more expensive to purchase. Showcard or Foamcore are only suitable for smaller setups and offer no weather resistance. Ultrabounce fabric provides more neutral color reproduction but is twice as expensive as Griffolyn and harder to transport.