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Cool, calm and corrected Established lighting brand Kino Flo collects its third award for the MIMIK 120 , a hybrid LED tile that’s paved the way in virtual production W inning one product award is impressive. Winning three is another story.
Kino Flo Lighting Systems’ MIMIK 120 is a key player in virtual production. The full-spectrum, image-based video lighting tile received its third honour – the Hollywood Professionals Association (HPA) award for engineering excellence – earlier this autumn, after accepting the product of the year award for location or studio lighting at NAB 2023 – and being named best in show at Euro Cine Expo. MIRROR IMAGE The MIMIK 120 is a game changer for virtual production, according to Alan Ipakchi, associate brand manager at Kino Flo. The 7200-pixel hybrid tile excels in colour correction, mirroring incoming content using a video signal while extending its spectral output. The MIMIK 120 uses Kino Flo’s patented algorithm to convert RGB signals into RGB-WW-CW (which includes warm white and cool white), promoting the panel’s realism. Virtual sets increasingly employ LED volumes to convey action in front of a false background – much like a green or blue screen would. But this new technology is arguably on track to displace green screens altogether, as it’s more immersive for actors, allows for greater lighting control and captures VFX in-camera, thus reducing time spent in post-production. Kino Flo’s MIMIK 120 accurately lights skin tones and other set elements thanks to its advanced colour rendering. The MIMIK system ensures an authentic and cinematic look across every production PERFECT BACKGROUND The multiple-award- winning MIMIK 120 from Kino Flo (right) was years in the making
– an especially important achievement when working with diverse talent. PIXEL-PERFECT The MIMIK 120 – which has spent years in development, according to Ipakchi – is made from a lightweight carbon- fibre frame, designed to be stacked (a maximum of five tiles high), flown or rigged. Each pixel contains five LED emitters – warm white, cool white, red, green and blue. Users can control the system through the Megapixel VR HELIOS LED processor, commanding up to 2100 tiles at a time with zero latency. The MIMIK 120 is able to deliver 10,000-nit brightness, shoots up to 900fps, or even offers 30 Alpha channels at 30fps. The MIMIK 120 kit comes with or without yoke assembly, with a pin, jumper cables and ship case also included. HIGHLY DECORATED Since the eighties, Kino Flo has received industry-wide appreciation for its colour- conscious lighting systems. In 1995, the company collected an Academy Award
for technical achievement – its first of many prestigious accolades. The HPA Awards for engineering excellence are decided by a panel of esteemed pros, with each finalist presenting their solution before the judges. The MIMIK 120 was ultimately selected for the innovation it displays – a product which demonstrates both technical and creative advancement. On 28 November, Kino Flo officially received this recognition at the HPA Awards Gala 2023 in Hollywood. “It’s extremely gratifying to have the team’s efforts acknowledged,” enthuses Ipakchi.
The Kino Flo MIMIK 120 is available in the UK from Cirro Lite. For a list of other local dealers, visit kinoflo.com
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