Matthews Menace Arm Kit

DP / Director of Photography

Menace arms solve the set-dressing problem of having a flag or fixture exactly where you need it overhead — directly above the subject — without a stand footprint visible in the wide shot. In tight interior locations where every square foot counts, a Menace arm clamped to a door frame buys you overhead placement that would otherwise require a tall stand in the middle of your frame. Use them for hair lights, practical flags directly above an interview subject, or to hold a small LED at a precise overhead angle.

Gaffer

The Menace arm is a load-bearing element clamped to the building structure — verify the clamp point can actually hold the load before you commit. Door frames flex; structural walls don't. Never exceed the 15 lb safe load at full extension without adding a safety cable to the fixture. The arm's telescoping sections must all be locked before loading. Use a safety chain on anything hanging from a Menace arm overhead — this is non-negotiable on a SAG set and good practice on any production.

Key Grip / Beginner

A Menace arm kit comes with several extension sections that bolt together. Assemble to the length you need, then clamp the base section to your anchor point using the included clamp hardware. Tighten all section bolts before loading. The business end takes a standard baby pin (5/8") — your fixture or flag arm drops right on it. Never exceed the rated load. Always tie off with a safety chain from the fixture to the arm itself — if the clamp slips, the safety chain catches the fixture before it hits someone.