Tips on using china balls please

[Futchibon]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to get the look of LOST IN TRANSLATION, where Lance Acord used china balls and practicals for virtually the whole shoot.

Could you please give me advice on how YOU use them, eg.:

What sort of stands do you use, do you use them on boom poles, etc.

How do you control the spill? Duvetyn, black wrap/foil, any other alternatives?

Do you use dimmers?

Answers to the above questions or any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

THANK YOU

Here are some stills from LIT:

http://filmgrab.wordpress.com/category/lance-acord/

 

[bruce southerland]

I use a DIY lanternlock on a C stand usually. I control the spill with lightweight black plastic--duvetyne is a bit heavy for this.
You can find the black plastic at party supply stores--it's the same material that party tablecloths are made of, but its on a roll.
You can also use a china ball on a boom pole if it needs to be moved during the shot.

 

[RyanT]

Look for ripstop nylon to control the spill from china balls. It doesn't cut the light 100%, but it's very lightweight and much easier to clip on.