How do they keep sunglasses from reflecting in movies?

[JacksonCade]

I have a character that wears sunglasses in our film and the glasses are reflecting what's in front of them (i.e. camera and things we don't want the viewer to see). On the one hand, we could get rid of the sunglasses but I know for a fact other movies have them (Men in Black being one example) and they don't reflect. Is this just something corrected in post or is there a way to keep sunglasses from reflecting too much?

 

[P13]

They often mess this up on movies and TV. I enjoy the game of “spot the film crew” but I would also be interested on how this is avoided.

 

[simonpwood]

Polarizing filter would work.

But a lot of movies have reflections in glasses.

 

[robmneilson]

I see it all the time in movies. You can often spot a huge reflector...but yes a pol will help.

 

[MattinSTL]

Depending on the shot and the look you're going after... THIS is another option you may want to consider.

I've also heard of people using ordinary aerosol hairspray to tame a perfect reflection off glasses, but I'd be hesitant to use any dulling spray on Raybans, for instance.

The polarizer may be a great solution, and don't forget about blocking... i.e. be sure your actor doesn't line up a reflection of the crew by telling him/her where they can look.

 

[aalleexx]

skill

 

[ErikTande]

Back the camera up and use a long lens. And a polarizing filter like others have mentioned.

 

[Liam Hall]

Non reflecting glass lenses. Simple really...

 

[Jimmy Pierce]

If you don't mind the shot not being the sunglasses facing directly to camera, you can use the same trick you would use when shooting a mirror. Place the camera at an angle to avoid being reflected in the sunglasses, and limit the crew to just the DP and camera or just the camera.

 

[Gary Huff]

Depending on the shot and the look you're going after... THIS is another option you may want to consider.

I really need to have a can of this on hand for stuff.

 

[David G. Smith]

If you don't mind the shot not being the sunglasses facing directly to camera, you can use the same trick you would use when shooting a mirror. Place the camera at an angle to avoid being reflected in the sunglasses, and limit the crew to just the DP and camera or just the camera.

Yeah, that is really the solution, IMO. Treat it like shooting a mirror and watch your angle. Some little tricks, like a remote camera, hidden in the scene, or covered with Duvytine to knock down the reflection might be somethings to experiment with also.

I really need to have a can of this on hand for stuff.

This is available in most art and craft shops. In a pinch, Arid Extra Dry spray deodorant also works as a dulling spray.

 

[atarijedi]

Depending on the shot and the look you're going after... THIS is another option you may want to consider

Please Note: Filmtools ships this product within the United States only.

Boo-urns! Not that I need any, but it would be nice to be able to buy it from them! I'm sure it could be found elsewhere, world-wide.