A flag is a device used in lighting for

motion picture A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

and still photography to block light. It can be used to cast a shadow, provide negative fill, or protect the lens from a flare. Its usage is generally dictated by the director of photography, but the responsibility for placing them can vary by region, usually devolving to either the gaffer and electricians (in the UK and much of

The Commonwealth The Commonwealth of Nations, simply referred to as the Commonwealth, is a political association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. The chief institutions of the organisation are the ...

) or the

key grip In North American filmmaking a key grip is a senior role for an experienced professional on every set. Their responsibilities are extensive and range from supervising grip crews, assessing what equipment is necessary for each shooting location ...

and lighting grips (in the US and Canada). Photo Studio (17239891739)

Flags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from mere square inches ("dots and fingers") to many square feet ("meat axes"). Most "industry-standard" flags consist of a square wire frame stitched with black duvetyne, which minimizes any reflected light and keeps the flag lightweight. Flags are distinguished from larger light-cutting tools such as overhead rigs or

butterflies Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the Order (biology), order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The ...

in that they can be mounted on individual C-stands, as opposed to being affixed to collapsible frames. The above notwithstanding, given smaller budgets or extenuating circumstances, virtually any opaque object can be used to flag light. A smaller variant with an articulated arm, colloquially known as a French flag, is occasionally attached to the movie camera at the discretion of the focus puller (also known as the 1st AC) solely for the purpose of blocking light flares which the

matte box In photography and videography, a matte box is a device attached to the end of a lens in order to prevent light leakage. It performs and mounts essentially the same as a lens hood, but usually includes adjustable fins called ''French flags''. An ...

and its accessories cannot reach.

See also