Definition and Varieties
Bounce boards—rigid panels made of white foam core, silver/white reflective fabric or specialized diffusion materials—convert hard light into a gentle, wraparound fill. Sizes range from small hand-held paddles to large overhead boards used for broad key or fill lighting.
Techniques and Usage
By positioning a bounce board opposite a key light, crews fill in shadows with diffused illumination, preserving natural look while reducing contrast. Silver surfaces yield specular highlights and higher contrast; white boards produce softer, more flattering light.
Bounce Board: Cinematic Impact
Bounce boards are indispensable for interview setups, beauty shots and scenes requiring a naturalistic glow. They mimic environmental reflections—window light or sky bounce—enhancing realism. In low-budget or run-and-gun scenarios, a simple foam-core board can replace expensive fixtures.
Bounce Board: Best Practices
Effective bounce-board use involves adjusting angle, distance and surface type to balance specular and diffuse fill. Combining multiple boards creates controlled multi-point lighting without adding electronic fixtures.