LIGHTING SPECIAL
PEOPLE & PROJECTS
Star Gaffer: David Smith
Its latest inventions – the BLAIR and BLAIR-CG light engines – “represent Aputure’s two first monumental steps in truly matching the spectrum of traditional light sources,” according to Mitch Gross, director of product marketing. It seems like we’re entering a new phase of cine lighting, and we’re eager to see what Aputure does next. playful ways, heavily referencing the original Oz books, and treating the audience to some truly stunning spectacles which have already earned a place in the cinematic canon. Our voters praised Smith’s meticulous attention to detail, forward planning and collaborative skills, as well as the incredible talent and vision it took to light Wicked ’s vast sets. As one reader put it: “To plan, action and light 15 stages and three outdoor sets bigger than any others in the UK needs acknowledgement!” C ongratulations to David Smith, whose stellar work lighting movies earned him a clutch of nominations for our Star Gaffer award. His CV ranges from Bond to Star Wars , but it was his recent stint on the blockbusting Wicked which piqued the attention of many, and led to he and DOP Alice Brooks earning the Creative Synergy award at last year’s prestigious Manaki Brothers Film Festival. The film uses light and colour in
concerns itself with the future of film lighting. Enabling more sustainable film practices, Greenkit’s lights are not only more environmentally friendly but also less expensive to run and often incredibly portable, making them an obvious choice for today’s eco-minded filmmakers. Panavision Panavision – and Panalux by extension – is completely committed to creating a greener production industry through innovative, eco-friendly solutions. This is true whether it’s with energy-efficient LEDs or emission-free generators. Even its hybrid generator, the 40kW Power h40, only engages its diesel engine when recharging its battery array. Universal Production Services Universal prioritises environmental practices, stocking the latest, most energy-efficient LEDs as well as a range of battery-powered products. Its entire fleet of generator carrier vehicles also runs on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, which significantly reduces emissions when compared to traditional fossil diesel.
pleased to recognise the company for its outstanding contribution to the industry as a whole. As filmmaking has evolved exponentially, Aputure has kept pace, continuing to offer innovative solutions in the form of lighting software, fixtures and control technologies. “LED lighting is now approaching a 1:1 match between image-based concepts of lighting in artists’ minds to the physical reality on film sets,” explains Brandon Le, head of product development at Aputure. The future of film lighting is here and there is a real thirst for authenticity; for what we see on screen to mimic colour and light in real life. This is only possible with a true replication of traditional tangible sources, whether it’s sunlight, a flickering flame or a tungsten lamp, and this requires engineering expertise. “LEDs can now practically create the actual physical basis of colour,” says Tim Kang, principal engineer for imaging applications. “This is a huge leap in lighting technology.” Aputure excels in this area, blending science with art and knowing what the film industry needs before it has even been articulated. “Many other companies simply try to provide the lowest price at the bare minimum functionality; Aputure instead leads the industry by providing the highest possible technical quality and features with a keen focus on a filmmaker-based design philosophy for all of its products,” argues Ted Sim, the company’s co-founder and president.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION Aputure
Since 2005, Aputure has been leading the charge in LED film lighting, and we’re
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