Fixed aspect ratio mask applied during shooting, cropping the image permanently.
Definition
Hard Matte refers to a fixed masking of the image during the recording itself – in contrast to Soft Matte, where the full sensor image is recorded and cropped later.
Practical Application
Historically, film cameras were equipped with physical masks in the gate. Today, Hard Matte is rarely used, as digital cameras favor flexibility in post-production.
Technical Details
Advantage: Compositor and DoP see the exact final frame. Disadvantage: No possibility for correction, no material for reframing. Modern displays show the complete sensor image with frameline overlay.
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