Well, it depends a lot on the set and/or location. Some sets are built without ceilings, so lights can be hung on a grid from above. If you do see a ceiling, many times the ceiling is built in sections out of muslin, so sections can be removed that won't be seen and/or light can be shot through the muslin for a soft source from above.

There are also many different sizes and shapes of lighting units so small units can be hidden around corners that the camera doesn't see into.

Sometimes, if an actor is being followed, someone will actually follow along with the camera with a "handheld" light of some kind.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
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