How to Construct a Chinese Lantern for Filmmaking

When making a film, it is important to make sure that your actors are well lit. There are two main lights that you will use: a key (main) light and a fill light. The key light is often bright and harsh, needing a fill light to soften any unflattering shadows that it creates. A Chinese lantern, or "China ball," is a great fill light because it creates a soft, flattering glow that helps the actors to look their best.

Things You'll Need

• 24-inch expandable paper China ball (lantern)
• Incandescent light bulb
• Portable socket with cord
• C-stand
• Alligator or other small clip

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Screw the light bulb into the socket.

   • 2

     Open the paper china ball to it's full size; it can flatten again for easy storage once you have used it.

   • 3

     Hang the bulb one-third to halfway down into the China ball and clip the cord in place at the top.

   • 4

     Extend a C-stand to a foot or two higher than the required height for the light.

   • 5

     Hang the cord from the C-stand, allowing the China ball and light to hang at the desired height.

   • 6

     Plug in the light.