Controlling Light from Above
A topper, also known as a ‘top chop’ or ‘eyebrow,’ is a fundamental light shaping tool used by grips and gaffers on a film set. It is a specific type of ‘flag’—typically a long, rectangular frame covered in black, light-absorbing cloth. Its primary function is to act as a movable ceiling, precisely cutting the beam of a light source to prevent it from spilling onto unwanted areas at the top of the frame. This is crucial for controlling contrast and creating a polished, professional look.
Topper: On-Set Application
A topper is mounted onto a C-stand and meticulously positioned so its bottom edge is just out of the camera’s view, at the very top of the frame. Its applications are numerous:
- Preventing Lens Flare: It can be used to block the top of a backlight or key light from shining directly into the camera lens, which would cause unwanted flare.
- Keeping Light off the Boom Mic: When a boom microphone is positioned above an actor, a topper can be used to create a ‘shadow’ for the mic to hide in, preventing the light from creating a distracting shadow of the microphone on the actor or the set.
- Controlling Set Lighting: It prevents light from hitting the top of the set walls, which can look artificial and draw attention away from the actors.
Cinematographers often use toppers in conjunction with ‘siders’ (flags on the sides) and occasionally a ‘bottomer’ to create a perfectly controlled ‘box’ of light around their subject, ensuring the light only falls exactly where they intend it to.
Topper vs. Cutter
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they have specific meanings. A cutter is a general term for any large flag used to block light or ‘cut’ it off a surface. A topper is a cutter used for a very specific purpose: controlling the top edge of the light. It is part of the essential toolkit of grip equipment designed for the precise art of subtraction—shaping the light by taking it away.