#ILM
The techniques in film and 3d animation are remarkably similar: do
what looks best <g>! A while ago there was a thread on books to read
that discuss film lighting in depth, and there is a definitive volume
on stage lighting, but I can't remember any names. A good film
department at a university, or the American Film Institute in Los
Angeles (Westwood, I believe) can steer you in the right direction.
But it's mostly a matter of tweaking and a good eye. I've still got
some distance to go in computer lighting before I think I've reached
the same level of proficiency and artistry I had in film lighting.
Different tools, different skills, but the principles are the same.