Diffusion and creating a large source key light

[hisonni johnson]

Good afternoon fellow filmmakers!

I'd like to thank you in advance for all of the incredible bits of information you've dropped on my already. Thanks a ton. However, I find myself struggling with creating a LARGE diffused key light for indoor shooting and nighttime exteriors. How have you guys done this? What light/ stands did you use? What type of diffusion fabric? Can this be achieved using Arri L7Cs?

***Bonus question: My favorite diffusion is Roscoe's 112 Opal tough frost. Do you guys have a favorite Roscoe diffusion Filter? Do you have a favorite diffusion fabric of diffusion panel? If so could you share it with me. Thanks again and have a wonderful day!!!

 

[Justin McAleece]

I like full grid cloth on a 4x4 frame for creating very soft light. You could put that on a 6x6 as well and shoot most anything into it and if you can saturate the whole piece of diffusion, it will be very soft. Creating a "book light" is also common. Basically all you will be doing is bouncing into some white foam core or something similar and then having that come back through some diffusion. A diffused bounce light will usually be very soft, it's just more work to set up and you need a lot of light.

 

[hisonni johnson]

Justin! You're incredible sir. I was wondering about the grid cloth!

 

[Linda Barzini]

Alex Buono

Alex Buono

Alex Buono, the DP for SNL, demonstrates soft lighting with a big 6x6 grid cloth on a stand. He then removes it and brings in a translucent white shower curtain from Home Depot for $5, and achieves the same effect.

If you really know what you are doing, professional gear is just a convenience.

 

[Chris McKechnie]

HMI's that are book lit are you best friend. Very broad, soft light. As others have mentioned, you can always shoot an HMI through opal or silk on a frame as well, though a book light setup is much more broad/soft. Just have to be careful with light spill on night interiors.

You could also bounce off ceilings/walls too, if they are white enough.

It's always a good trick to start with a bigger source than multiple smaller ones.

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

Alex Buono, the DP for SNL, demonstrates soft lighting with a big 6x6 grid cloth on a stand. He then removes it and brings in a translucent white shower curtain from Home Depot for $5, and achieves the same effect.

If you really know what you are doing, professional gear is just a convenience.

True. I have shower curtains in my kit, haven't used them yet though ; )
I'd be a little more wary of heat depending on what they are made of though

 

[Eric M Hurt]

The question about exterior source is how large a space you need to light.
12x12s Ultra bounce are pretty standard for med area of light, 20x20s for larger, and on up.
Bang 12ks or 18ks into them and you have a nice big key.

My diffusion preference really comes down to how sourcey I need the light. Frost can be nice, but it won't be as soft as full dif.
I do like to use unbleached muslin as a bounce source when appropriate since it has a warmer look.