An opaque black cloth stretched on a wire frame, mounted on a stand with an arm, and placed between a light and the subject to cut spill, shape shadows or keep flare off the lens. Flags come in standard sizes, with long narrow ones called cutters; open-weave nets and translucent silks on the same frames reduce or soften the light rather than block it. To flag a light is to shade part of it this way.
Flag the top of that 1K off the back wall, the hot edge is drawing the eye away from her face.
Also heard as
- solid
Related terms
Spill
Light that falls outside the area it is aimed at, onto walls, ceilings, audiences or neighbors.
Gaffer
The head of the lighting and electrical department on a film or television set.
Key light
The main light source illuminating a subject, setting the direction, exposure and character of the lighting.
Practical
A working light fixture that appears in the scene itself, such as a table lamp, sconce or neon sign.