Matte black-coated aluminum foil by Rosco used to flag and shape light — more flexible than barndoors.
Technical Details
Cinefoil is made of a special aluminum alloy with a matte, deep black coating on both sides. The standard width is 30.5 cm (12 inches), and it is supplied in rolls of 15.24 meters (50 feet) in length. The material is extremely malleable, tear-resistant, and heat-resistant up to 650°C. Unlike conventional household foil, Cinefoil reflects absolutely no light and creates sharp, defined shadow edges. The matte surface prevents unwanted reflections and hot spots.
History & Development
Rosco Laboratories developed Cinefoil in 1968 in response to the film industry's need for a flexible, non-reflective material for light control. Previously, film crews used improvised solutions such as blackened metal sheets or regular aluminum foil. The introduction of Cinefoil revolutionized precise flagging in studio productions. In the 1980s, the product also established itself as an industry standard in the television and advertising film sectors.
Practical Use in Film
Cinefoil shapes light spills from luminaires, shields unwanted reflections, and creates custom gobos for special lighting effects. Gaffers use it for spontaneous adjustments to lighting characteristics without repositioning the luminaires. In Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" (1975), the team extensively used Cinefoil to control the sensitive candlelight shots. The material can be attached directly to hot lamps without melting or burning. Typical applications include shielding lens flares, creating window outlines, or blocking light leaks in sets.
Comparison & Alternatives
Black Duvetine fabric sheets offer similar absorption but are less heat-resistant and less flexible in shaping. Modern LED panels with barn doors reduce the need for Cinefoil but do not completely replace it for precise adjustments. Digital gobos and programmable light shapers offer more flexibility but cost significantly more. Household aluminum foil with black spray paint never achieves the absorption values and durability of original Cinefoil. For temperature-sensitive applications below 200°C, black cardboard can serve as a cost-effective alternative.