FilmGear®’s MEGA: Game Changer for the Space Light Industry

Building upon our long beloved line of Helios LED space lights, the Mega 1200C represents the culmination of decades of evolution in FilmGear®’s space light engineering. This 4-headed RGB fixture is more than just a space light in a pinch: its design integrates support for skirted hanging rigs from the ground up–or perhaps more appropriately from the ceiling down.

Since its inception, FilmGear®’s space light has stunned gaffers with it’s impressive output and award-winning design quality. After the original 500W, 700W and 1000W bi-color Helios made such a splash, we evolved into the world of RGB space light technology with the Helios 700C. But we didn’t stop there, we continued to innovate and make an even more powerful model, the Helios 1100C, to fill out production stages across the globe.

FilmGear®’s MEGA 1200C arrives as an unexpected but no less spectacular evolution of the modern space light. The light’s output is among the most impressive on the market at 1200W in comparison to its competitors. Its beam angle boosted by our proprietary TIR lenses, the MEGA allows for better coverage with fewer units which can be a major cost saver for production stages the world over.

SLT Jonathan Pino comments: “Rigging the MEGA as a space light was so easy–the hanging wires are well balanced and the handle placement helps a lot with the weight.”

The MEGA boasts cutting-edge UI for seamless remote operation through Timo-Two Lumenradio powered wireless CRMX/DMX. With the latest firmware you can smoothly operate an armada of MEGAs from your board and light up the whole studio without fiddling with outdated controls.

As gaffer A. Lizotte puts it: “The MEGA 1200C has a very user-friendly interface that gives owner/ops a healthy menu of options to play with when filming.”

In terms of durability, FilmGear®’s build quality is the most robust you’ll find in any fixture. IP65-rated to protect from dust and water, the MEGA holds strong in a wide variety of shooting conditions, so you don’t need to worry about it short circuiting while it’s rigged up high in the rafters.

A. Lizzotte was impressed by the light’s durability, saying: “The MEGA works great under adverse weather conditions”

And beyond its pure capabilities as space light, the MEGA offers something you won’t find in as much abundance with other competitors, versatility. Capable of more beyond being yoke mounted, this light can be modularized into a multi-head fixture with some simple attachments that transform it into a two-headed unit or even a massive MEGA wall, able to match the output of the biggest HMI fixtures available. With the right rigging you can cover all your bases on set with an army solely comprised of MEGAs.

With the space light form factor being a favorite for gaffers worldwide, we are excited to provide a new option that pushes the capabilities of space lights to new limits with the MEGAs powerhouse output, cutting-edge software, unmatched durability and broad versatility.

We aim to continue to expand the space light market and we believe the MEGA to be the new standard-bearer. Please give us a call at (323)780-8880 or email sales@filmgearusa.com to inquire further about the MEGA and everything else FilmGear has to offer!

New Year • New Gear

FilmGear® Lights Up 2025

As 2025 begins, FilmGear® is proud to reaffirm its position as a leader in engineering innovative cinematic lighting solutions. This year, as we continue to honor our legendary line of hot lights, we are also releasing an expansive variety LED systems that deliver massive output while adapting to the realities of harsh sets.

Here’s a peek into what’s new:

Ruby 1200B: Portable LED Power Beam

- 1200W output with an impressive 5-50° beam angle range

- 2700K-6000K color temp. range

- IP65-rated for water and dust resistance ready for any environment

- Wireless CRMX powered by LumenRadio

MEGA-brute: Plug & Play

- 2,700W and 3,600W output for unparalleled brightness in LED lighting

- High-output, plug-and-play simplicity

- IP65-rated for rugged performance

- Wireless CRMX powered by LumenRadio

We are also taking some existing LED fixtures to a new level:

Aurora 700C + 1200C: New Take on Signature RGB LED Panel

- Aurora 1200C: 2x1 panel for expansive coverage

- Aurora 700C: 1x1 panel for compact flexibility

- IP65-rated durability for both models 

- Wireless CRMX powered by LumenRadio

Zenith 900C Plus: Versatility for RGB Power LED

- 900W RGB LED output powered by signature TIR lenses

- New 13°, 20° and 45° attachments for a broader range of versatility

- IP65-rated water and dust resistance 

- Wireless CRMX powered by LumenRadio

At FilmGear®, we’re committed to delivering cinematic lighting that empowers your creative vision. Whether it’s the revolutionary Ruby 1200B, the unmatched versatility of the MEGA family, or the cutting-edge color system of the Aurora panels, we’re raising the bar in 2025.

Curious to learn more? Contact us at (323) 780-8880 or info@filmgearusa.com. Let’s make 2025 your most inspired year yet.

FilmGear®: Engineered for Filmmakers, by Filmmakers.

MEGA 1200C Evolved to Do It All: Stars in Its Own Feature Video

The MEGA 1200C, FilmGear®'s latest brute-style LED innovation, stars in its own feature video! From a 36-head UFO to a double-mounted 8-head and single 4-head unit, this modular powerhouse showcases its versatility. Take a look behind the scenes to see how the Mega 1200C is truly an all in one act!

MEGA UFO

A 36-head MEGA 1200C configuration was rigged to a telehandler and lifted 15 feet into the air, creating the striking image of a UFO hoisting the talent skyward. The MEGA Modular setup was controlled wirelessly via CRMX, set to only a fraction of its staggeringly excessive 10,800W of total output.

MEGA DOUBLE MOUNT

This dual 8-head configuration brought the breakdancing scene to life, capturing the break dancer's explosive moves with the MEGA's patented 19º TIR lenses and its bold 7-in-1 LED color mixing system, all controlled via iPad.

MEGA SINGLE MOUNT

With its IP65 weather-sealed body, the single-mount braved harsh conditions—including a practical tropical rain scene—proving its resilience without missing a beat.

Evolved to Do It All
The MEGA 1200C is the ultimate multifaceted lighting solution. Built to handle any challenge, it's ready to elevate your next project. Watch the MEGA feature video to see its versatility in action and make the Mega your go-to choice. To learn more, reach out at info@filmgearusa.com or call (323) 780-8880.

Written by Jibran Kabani

HYBRIDIZATION IN HOLLYWOOD

FilmGear® Brings HMI & Tungsten Together in the Revolutionary Hybrid Power Beam

This year, FilmGear® transformed the film lighting landscape with the revolutionary Hybrid Power Beam. This single fixture brings the best of tungsten and HMI lighting into one beam projector, allowing DPs and gaffers to seamlessly switch between warm tungsten and crisp daylight. Our mission? To streamline productions, enhance lighting versatility and keep costs steady—all without sacrificing the quality you trust.

Industry Leaders on the Hybrid Power Beam

Our partners at  Production L’elo, Sony Pictures, and Local 728 Gaffers have embraced the Power Beam’s versatility to elevate their productions. The Hybrid Power Beam’s dual capabilities not only save time but also streamline production costs.

Nicola Tomassin, Gaffer of Production L’eloi (pictured below), shares:
"I use the Power Beam almost every week!"

Inside the Innovation: How the Hybrid Power Beam Works

 Local 728 Gaffer and FilmGear® Technical advisor, Vincent Valentin, shares his insights on the features driving Power Beam’s technology:

“The Power Beam’s innovation lies in its adjustable lamp lock and reflector system, enabling users to shift between tungsten and HMI without hassle, all while preserving beam integrity and color quality. On fast-paced sets, the flexibility of having dual color temperatures at your fingertips is unmatched.”

Hybrid Power Beams at Cinegear 2024

At CineGear LA 2024 Cinematographer and gaffer Brian ‘DeCon’ De Contreras was especially excited about the prospect of the Power Beam Hybrid! He claimed: 

“All of these Hybrid Power Beams can run as both HMI and tungsten, it’s the coolest effect! In Atlanta, I get asked so many times a year for beams. These are so freaking cool!”

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we close out another year, our team at FilmGear® remains dedicated to innovation that balances creativity and practicality on set. The Hybrid Power Beam has proven its ability to streamline workflows, enhance production efficiency, and provide unparalleled lighting adaptability for our industry partners.

We continue to refine our technology and push the boundaries of film lighting, and we’re excited to see how our engineering will further support your production needs.

Engineered by filmmakers for filmmakers, FilmGear® looks forward to illuminating your sets in the coming year. Reach out to us by calling (323) 780-8880 or emailing info@filmgearusa.com! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Written By: Jibran Kabani

Exploring the LED Landscape: A sit down with Gaffer Tyler Rousseau & Director Nikola Kitanovski

For years, HMI and tungsten hot lights have been the backbone of film lighting, delivering the power needed for large-scale productions. But with high energy consumption, increased labor, and limited color control, traditional hot lights come with trade-offs. While they still have their place, today’s fast-paced, sustainability-driven filmmaking calls for more efficient solutions.

That’s why industry insiders Tyler Rosseou and Nikola Kitanovski turned to FilmGear’s latest LEDs for their recent projects. Tyler used the Zenith 2000 to light Land Rover’s Defender campaign featuring Black Pumas, while Nikola relied on the MEGA 1200C for his feature film, Tramps Like Us.

Q+A: How Were FilmGear®'s LEDs Used?

Tyler Rousseau Tyler Rosseou

Gaffer

Uses the Zenith to light up Land Rover’s campaign for the Defender.

Tyler: “It was a commercial for Defender. They were doing a two-day campaign following Black Puma, and integrating the everyday lifestyle of someone who’d use the car. We used the Zenith as a key light, wrapping the fill with a bounce and adding barefaced Zeniths for extra exposure. The lenses gave us the punch to bring the light closer without affecting makeup, while a book light softened it for a textured look. Everyone was happy with the results.”

Nikola Kitanovski Director

Harnessed the MEGA 1200C for his new project, Tramps Like Us.

Nikola: “We used it for multiple sceneraios from the fight scenes to the poker night - The MEGA had enough punch to be our key light in various scenes. Its high output make it a lifesaver, especially when managing stunts and extras—letting us focus on the story.”

Thoughts On The Build Quality?

Tyler: “Shooting in the Malibu hills, we relied on the Zenith’s IP65 weather sealing. It’s tough enough for high-speed shoots, durable, and easy to handle—just bend your knees and lift with ease!”

Nikola: “The MEGA is built like a tank—sturdy and durable. Unlike most LEDs, it matches the output and robustness of traditional hot lights with no visual difference.”

What Sets FilmGear® LEDs Apart?

Tyler: “The menu was intuitive, letting me control output directly without extra connections. The pixel control and color customization were also impressive.”

Nikola: “It’s hard to find an LED this versatile at this price. With FilmGear’s local support, we know help is just a call away. The quality speaks for itself on screen—that’s the beauty of our work.”

At FilmGear®, we’re redefining LED technology with our MEGA and Zenith, emphasizing versatility that sets us apart. Engineered by filmmakers for filmmakers, our lights adapt to various production scenarios and continually evolve to your needs on set. The MEGA 1200C transforms easily into a space light, dual, quadruple, or a wall of light while the Zenith line offers exceptional flexibility and unparalleled output. Discover how our LEDs can elevate your productions! To learn more, reach out at info@filmgearusa.com or call (323) 780-8880.

Written by: Jibran Kabani

Maxibrute ⟹ MEGA: The Evolution

The Tungsten Maxibrute has been a cornerstone of lighting for decades, earning its place as an industry standard for multi-headed fixtures. From small commercial sets to cinematographic masterpieces crafted by Roger Deakins himself, Maxis have shaped the visual language of cinema. As much of film lighting shifts from tungsten to LED, FilmGear® takes the lead on transforming and modernizing the beloved maxibrute. The MEGA 1200 fuses the Maxibrute’s classic form with cutting-edge LED technology. It’s not just an update—it’s the next evolution, built for modern filmmakers.

From Maxibrutes to LED

As the industry shifts to more efficient and more versatile LED technology, the Maxibrute still remains a trusted staple, highlighting the timeless need for an impressively powerful yet relatively inexpensive light to fill its niche. FilmGear®s' Maxibrute, extensively used by Roger Deakins in "1917," stands as a testament to tungsten's enduring legacy and continued role in modern lighting.

MEGA 1200C: The Evolution 

The MEGA 1200C takes the foundation of the traditional Maxibrute and evolves it for modern demands. While maintaining the presence of its predecessor, its 4-headed modular design introduces the potential for even greater versatility and scalability. The MEGA can transform into a wall of light, double-yoke fixture, or even a space light. This flexibility allows for a wide range of creative setups, while still incorporating the power of the original Maxibrute. For gaffers and riggers, the modularity also results in a more streamlined, adaptable lighting solution.

What Makes The MEGA Stand Out

FilmGear® is renowned for its durability, and the MEGA 1200C is a prime example, boasting an IP65 rating for reliable performance in any environment. Its 19º beam angle provides precise directional lighting, while the advanced 7-color LED system expands the color gamut to deliver unparalleled results. The MEGA 1200C also offers exceptional versatility with accessories like soft boxes and diffusion kits, allowing beam angles to be easily adjusted for precise light shaping and rapid adaptability. 

The Maxibrute’s legacy has defined lighting for decades, and with the MEGA 1200C, FilmGear® evolves that heritage. Retaining the core power and reliability of the Maxibrute, the MEGA transforms it into a multipurpose LED fixture built with convenience and adaptability in mind, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. We’re eager to see how it reshapes lighting on set for both seasoned pros and emerging creators. Experience the evolution—try the MEGA 1200C today and find out more by emailing us at info@filmgearusa.com or calling at (323) 780-8880.

Written & Edited by: Jibran Kabani + Jonathan Pino

The Power Beam’s Role on the set of “Skincare”: Interview with DP Christopher Ripley & Gaffer Mathias Peralta

                                                                                                   Chris with the 12k Power beam 

In 2019, the Tungsten 12kW Power Beam made its debut in the North American market, offering filmmakers a powerful addition to their creative arsenal. With its sharp reflector and massive output, it quickly became a staple for beam lights. In this newsletter, we sit down with two industry trailblazers, Director of Photography Chris Ripley and Gaffer Mathias Peralta (full interview linked above). Known for their music video work with artists like Kendrick Lamar and The Rolling Stones, we discuss their new feature film, Skincare, and how FilmGear®'s 12kW Tungsten Power Beam helped bring it to life.

Skincare is described as a “sunshine noir,” revolving around a renowned aesthetician who faces sabotage from a rival clinic. This sets her on a personal quest to uncover the saboteur's identity.

Ripley and Peralta highlighted the Power Beam’s impressive output and parallel beams, which allowed them to create a "portable sun" that illuminated two adjacent skincare clinics through the windows—a technique that became a signature element of the film’s lighting design. “We only used two big heads, and one of them was the 12kW Tungsten Power Beam. It felt like having a laser... it would hit the right point on the wall or the floor and feel natural. That was one of my favorite qualities,” said Peralta.

                                                                                                                  Gaffer Mathias Peralta 

Facing the challenges of on-location shooting in Los Angeles, the team adapted by rigging the Power Beam on urban porches and rooftops. This setup showcased the light’s 0° beam angle and its nimble 64-pound body while delivering a strong, directional output. "Instead of hanging it off a condor, we'd place it on a porch, allowing it to shine straight down and do amazing things. Another fixture, at that distance and with those restrictions, would be too clunky. But the Power Beam had the punch, thanks to its optics."

Beyond its role as a hard light source, the Power Beam was also used as a soft light by reflecting it into various locations, gently illuminating characters' faces in emotionally charged scenes. “We’d punch it into this small room, and then skate it from one side, so the return would softly illuminate their faces,” said Chris.

This process was enhanced by the tungsten dimming curve, controlled via an iPad-operated dimmer, which was also crucial in saving time on set. It allowed the team to simulate the passage of time from day to evening without changing the lighting setup. 'At one point, we had back-to-back scenes in the same room, each needing to feel like a different time of day. We could quickly shift the lamp's position because it was lightweight, creating the feel of late afternoon, warmer sunlight, or sunset. The dimmer made it intuitive, with a smooth dimming curve that was just beautiful. It was perfect for when we had to shoot five scenes in a row.' said Ripley.

Tungsten dimming curve controlled via iPad.

The Power Beam has quickly become one of FilmGear®’s most highly in-demand fixtures, and with filmmakers like Chris Ripley and Mathias Peralta pushing the boundaries of what a beam projector can achieve on set, it’s easy to see why! In our interview, linked below, we continue our discussion on the Power Beam and explore their insights on the future of film lighting, the broader gear economy, and the evolution of their personal styles. 

We loved hearing from them and are eager to hear more from members of the FilmGear family in the future. Share your experiences with us by calling (323) 780-8880 or emailing info@filmgearusa.com. 

Written & Edited by: Jibran Kabani + Jonathan Pino

When Power Meets Precision

Precision Reflectors are increasingly used in film lighting for efficiently illuminating multiple objects from a single source. However, their potential for simulating distant light sources is often overlooked. Achieving natural daylight's characteristics—like light falloff and intensity—is challenging but precision reflectors can come in clutch, despite light spill requiring larger, more power-intensive lights. Pairing Filmgear®’s Power Beams with reflectors allows gaffers to enhance output by reducing spill.

To answer the question of whether or not reflectors highlight the strengths between Fresnels, faceted PARs, and beam projectors, we experimented with each fixture across a variety of scenarios and observed the output, shadow quality, and general daylight-likeness. We hypothesized that the Power Beams’ tighter beam angle and greater output would pair well with a precision reflector to take the age-old brightness versus clarity tradeoff to its extreme.

The following images have been lightly edited for clarity to adjust for varying lighting levels.

Starting from Figure 1, there was no significant difference in light quality. Shadows were similarly soft, but the first two lights could not match the Power Beam's 4800lux compared to the 1500lux and 2700lux of the Fresnel and Par lights.

In Figure 2, the Fresnel at full flood provided the cleanest and sharpest shadows of the bunch, emphasizing the fresnel’s biggest strength, its cutability.

In Figure 3, a quirk of beam projectors becomes evident: the high optical quality of the Power Beam’s glass mirror reflects everything in the lamp head, including the arc of the globe depending on the spot/flood level. As expected, the Power Beam is best used when you need a strongly defined shaft of light to cross great distances.

Overall, the results highlighted the true strengths of these fixtures and where their best placement is on your set. The Fresnel shines with its clean and crisp shadows, the F-Series shows off with its powerhouse output, and the Power Beam pierces with its narrow beam shafts and longer throw.

FilmGear® offers a wide range of film lights including the Hybrid Power Beams, Daylight Faceted PARs, and Daylight Fresnels used in this test. If you’re interested in running some tests of your own, you can always schedule a one-on-one demo at your convenience. Simply contact us at (323) 780-8880 or email info@filmgearusa.com to book a demo at your location or ours.