tags:
Tips & Tricks
Stage Rigging
Lighting
***This article has been compiled for reference only and is not to be used as a guideline for definitive safety practices. While safety has been touched upon in this article only qualified grips with proper training may employ the safe use of any overhead rigging mentioned in this article.
Introduction
I remember my early softbox days. My boxes were saggy, crooked, and leaked light like crazy. Not dangerous—just ugly. Meanwhile, other seasoned grips on different sets were building these clean, tight boxes that looked like they came as a kit. What was I missing?
Turns out, the difference wasn’t some secret handshake—it was experience, intention, and knowing what actually matters in a softbox build. And a bigger budget never hurt a build…
In this series, we’re going to break down how grips build softboxes that not only light well, but look clean, hang safe, and hold up under scrutiny.
In Part 1, we’re breaking down the fundamentals:
What a softbox actually is
Why we use them
The core elements that make them work
What decisions grips and gaffers have to make before any build starts
What Is a Softbox?
In the film industry, a softbox is a built lighting modifier used to create soft, diffused light, typically overhead. You’ll see them used on everything from low-budget interviews to massive stage builds. They come in all shapes and sizes and are usually custom built to accommodate various needs.
No matter how they look or how they’re constructed, softboxes are widely used for:
Overhead daylight ambiance
Soft toplight to pair with a hard ground key or bounce
Moodier overhead looks
Simulating artificial overhead light
Why Build a Softbox?
Because it gives you control.
Control over softness
Control over spread
Control over spill
Control over intensity and look
Custom softboxes let you tailor each element to the gaffer or DP’s vision. You’re not locked into the limitations of a prebuilt system. Using speedrail, truss, and additional hardware, you can build a softbox that integrates seamlessly into your set and works perfectly for your needs.
The 4 Factors That Shape a Softbox
Before a grip even pulls a pipe, there are four questions that have to be answered. These questions directly inform your softbox build:
How big is the box?
Larger boxes = softer light = more surface area to build and secureHow deep is the box?
More depth = lights further away from diffusion = more spreadHow many lights go in?
Are we filling the box with 6 S60s? 8 S360s? 3 LiteTiles? This changes the skeleton and weight dramatically.What kind of diffusion are we using?
Full grid? 1/2 grid? Bleached muslin? Magic cloth? Each choice affects exposure, softness, and rigging considerations.
When you dial these in with your gaffer, you’re no longer guessing. You’re engineering. And then you’re ready to start pulling out some pipe and hollaenders.
Softbox is a general term to describe a built lighting modifier for overhead lighting - but it’s important to note that while usually square / rectangular they can also be circular!
Core Components of Every Softbox
Whether it’s a tiny 4’x8’ or a 60’x80’ beast, most softboxes share the same anatomy:
Skeleton – The structural frame (square stock, pipe, truss, or modular truss)
Sidewalls – Usually duvetyne, but can also be diffusion for a moonbox
Diffusion – The bottom layer that spreads and softens the light
Lights – The source (SkyPanels, LiteTiles, Vortex’s)
Optional features:
Ribs – Internal crossbars for integrity & support
Cross Members - Hanging positions for lights
Control Grid – Egg crate to reduce spread
Double Breaks – A second diffusion layer to soften further
Skirts & Top Covers – For spill & bounce control
Softbox Terminology
Softbox Sizes We Commonly Use
Grips commonly build softboxes in a few sizes:
4’x8’ – For small product or tabletop work
8’x8’ / 12’x12’ – Versatile stage sizes
12’x20’ / 20’x20’ – Large-scale builds requiring beefier rigging
Custom Sizes – Anything beyond that is usually tailored to the production’s needs and scale
Every build is different. Even a “standard” 12x12 can be rigged a dozen different ways depending on your gear, budget, lighting plan, and set infrastructure.
Some different sized softboxes we commonly use. Created in Vectorworks.
Coming Up Next
In Part 2, we’ll get into actual build methods—when to use speedrail, ModX, truss, or pipe—and how to make softboxes look tight, clean, and safe, no matter your budget.
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by:
Legacy Grip
