Introduction
In recent films there has been a subtle yet significant change towards a lower and softer lighting scheme. Although the same techniques (three-point lighting and ratios, and exposure) still apply, the look has changed to help give the talent and the surroundings a softer look. This newer approach is used with both film (16mm and 35mm) and video (whether it be HD or DV). The China ball itself not helps mask the talents imperfections, but it serves as a great replacement for practical lighting. Kino Flows, which are also commonly referred to as Diva lights are also used in the same three point lighting scheme as any other lights and serve as great lighting setups for music videos or bigger indoor and outdoor lighting setups.
Previously soft lighting was only used for high key setups, but cinematographers today use it in both high and low key setups. The reason they used to stay away from soft lighting when doing a low key setup is the fear of making the subject look flat, but we can easily avoid this by placing the lights at an angle to give the subject a shadow, lending to a more three dimensional look.
Practical Use
To create this three dimensional look side lighting is placed around the perimeter of the subject, usually at eye level. Now, depending on the cinematographers preferences you can place either just kino flows or just lanterns, or there’s always the ability to mix the two. They both omit the same type of lighting, it just depends on the room you have and your preference. If you are not happy with the contrast, and the kinos or china lamps are simply just not enough bang, you can always throw in a bounce board to bring up the key in the shadow areas or to just bring up the background lighting in the entire shot. Also, unlike china balls, Kino flows have their own intensity knobs on the back which can also help set the exact mood you want, and if you’re really into keeping the china balls onset, then you can always add a seperate dimmer to the actual socket itself and control the intensity from there. Remember the key controls the mood and ambience of your scene, so it’s important to keep these things in mind before you go onset.