Matthews 8x8’ Solid Black Overhead (Butterfly Rag)
Controlling light in Melbourne (where the sun has commitment issues).
When you’re working on location in Melbourne, you can get four seasons in a single scene — and that’s where the 8x8’ Solid Black Overhead comes in.
This is one of our go-to tools for shaping natural light on outdoor shoots, blocking spill, and creating controlled contrast. At Full Stack Films, we use it to kill ambient light, add negative fill, or block reflections that are throwing off the look — especially on interviews or brand shoots where the natural light keeps shifting between takes.
And while it’s designed to be used in a full 8x8 butterfly frame, one of our favourite setups is rigging it to a T-bar across two C-stands using 1-inch square stock tubing. It’s fast, flexible, and keeps us moving without compromising the shot.
We use this on everything from corporate video shoots to branded documentaries, because it’s about precision. Controlling light isn’t just about what you add — it’s about what you take away.
Why We Carry It
• Blocks natural light and spill when you want clean contrast
• Creates negative fill in open outdoor environments
• Perfect for interviews and people-focused content
• Essential for filming in Melbourne’s ever-changing weather
• Ready to fly on an 8x8 frame or fly loose between C-stands and tubing
• Always on our production van — not something we outsource
Technical Details
• 8ft x 8ft matte black fabric
• Designed for standard overhead (butterfly) frames
• Reinforced tie loops
• Compatible with our 8x8 frame and T-bar rig
• Used across documentary, commercial, and corporate video productions
TL;DR
The 8x8 Solid Black is how we tame Melbourne’s unpredictable skies. We fly it on a frame or stretch it between stands for fast, reliable control. When you need consistent lighting — not shifting sunlight — we’ve got you covered (literally).
Want a crew that’s ready for any lighting condition?