Response Gear

Why do TV actors hold flashlights from the underside?

For the past few years the TV cops and detectives hold flashlights from the underside...why? The normal way, held from the top with the thumb facing forward, allows one to easily turn it on and off. One can't do it from the bottom unless the on/off button is on the end of the shaft.

Public Comments

1. its better for the camera to see their face. it doesnt have to make sense- its tv
2. I think it's to do with camera angles, as props like flashlights can obscure actors' faces, so holding it like that might make it easier. It is a bit wierd though.
3. More than likely because most high-dollar high-quality lights turn on from the back, which is what the Police, Military, Enthusiasts, and Hollywood use. Here are some examples. (lights made by Inova, Surefire, Novatac) http://www.brightguy.com/products/Inova_InForce_Color_Infrared_LED_Flashlight_INF-B-W-RGBIR.php http://www.brightguy.com/products/SureFire_L1_LumaMax_flashlight.php http://www.brightguy.com/products/NovaTac_EDC_120T.php