overhead softlighting: most practical method to achieve look?

[omar robles]

I am a huge fan of the overhead soft light look. Emmanuel Lubezki achieves this in most of his films. He uses a ton of space lights. Obviously i dont have the budget to rent or buy these. So I am wondering what you guys would suggest would be the most practical way of achieving the top soft light look. Keep in mind a lot of my locations are practical and not equipped to be rigged with many lights.

Someone suggested China Balls. But i havent been able to achieve satisfactory results with them. Perhaps it the type of bulbs or even the globes i ve chosen that hasnt given me good results. If someone can point out a good china ball method i would appreciate it.

Someone else suggested blasting light of high angled muslin frame. I have to admit i havent tried this yet. And in theory it seems like a great idea.

Lastly someone suggested angling a softbox light from a high angle would give me a contrast type look i seek.

thank you for the time

o

 

[J Davis]

I'm currently experimenting with Richard's 5600k LED's and a 1 stop scrim jim.
Only good for mcu's though. I'm very interested to see where this thread goes.
Would love to hear bulb recommendations for china balls.

 

[Steve G]

IMHO, the issue with getting that type of look is the balance between natural light and the light you put in yourself.

If there is too much natural light, then the soft overhead lights have to be quite punchy. Space lights tend to have 6 x 800 watt tungsten bulbs making 4.8 k in one fixture. China balls tend to be a maximum 1 k. (You can get expensive ones that have slightly larger fixtures or can take hmi bulbs)

The idea of hitting an overhead muslin with lots of sources on stands is a good idea if you have the space in your practical location, but you do need a lot to get the levels up. You then get a lot of heat on set and need time to flag/black wrap up fixtures to reduce reflection and spillage.

If you can rig it, the kino flo flathead 80 can be a good overhead light... http://www.kinoflo.com/Lighting fixtures with Remote ballast/Flathead/Flathead.htm

 

[Nick Gardner]

A soft box made out of foam core, with some 216 on it, and a bunch of lowel tota lights are pretty standard. Make up 2 or three different sizes for different size rooms, and swap out the light fixtures as needed.

Nick

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

giant sheet of bleached muslin above your talent, then shoot a big light into it

 

[Zakaree Sandberg]

oops steve already said it