Walls of Fabric and Light
A soft set is a specialized type of set where the traditional hard walls are replaced with large pieces of fabric, such as muslin, silk, or a cyclorama. This term refers specifically to the materials used in its construction. Soft sets are not typically used to create realistic, detailed environments but are instead employed for their unique aesthetic and practical lighting properties.
These sets are common in photography studios, music videos, and certain types of film scenes where a non-representational or stylized background is desired. The fabric can be hung flat to create a seamless void or draped and arranged to create texture and depth.
Primary Uses in Production
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Creating Seamless Backgrounds: The most common use of a soft set is the cyclorama (or “cyc”), a large curtain or wall, often curved at the corners, that is stretched tight to create a background with no visible corners or seams. When lit evenly, a white cyc can create the impression of an infinite, empty space, which is ideal for isolating a subject or for certain types of visual effects work.
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Light Diffusion: A soft set can become a light source itself. By placing powerful lights behind large panels of diffusion fabric (a technique known as a “book light” on a massive scale), a Director of Photography can create an incredibly soft, even, and flattering quality of light that appears to wrap around the subjects. This is often used in commercials, beauty shots, or dream sequences.
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Abstract and Theatrical Environments: Drapes, curtains, and other fabrics can be used to create abstract, theatrical, or dreamlike spaces. The flowing, non-rigid nature of the material can suggest a state of mind or a magical realm. This is a common technique in the films of directors like David Lynch or in musical numbers where realism is not the goal.
It is important to distinguish the term “soft set” from related but different concepts like “soft lighting” (a quality of light) or “soft props” (props made of soft materials, like cushions).