Wireless LED lighting manufacturer Astera’s QuikBeam – launched in February at the ISE expo – has created a new category of uplight that is “ideal for both events and film applications, thanks to its extremely compact size and light weight”. The new QuikBeam 8-Unit QuikCase Kit contains 8 x QuikBeam luminaires, 8 x PowerFlows for … Read more
Acclaimed cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth ASC (Fight Club, Gone Girl, The Social Network) is no stranger to crafting unforgettable images that illuminate profound human dramas, but Tron: Ares was a step into uncharted territory. Directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, this third entry in Disney’s Tron franchise marked Cronenweth’s first science fiction film. A … Read more
There is a particular kind of freedom that comes from working with a small, close-knit crew. No sprawling truck packed with gear, no army of technicians, no mountains of paperwork – just a cohesive circle of collaborators, a kit full of battery-powered lights, and a shared conviction that the shot is worth chasing. That was … Read more
Astera has introduced QuikBeam, the newest addition to its Quik family of focusing LED Fresnels. “This ultra-compact spotlight combines the equivalent power of a 200W tungsten with cutting-edge LED technology, featuring a 13°-60° Fresnel-based zoom, swappable QuikBrick batteries, and built-in Power over Ethernet (PoE),” Astera explained. “Engineered to fit seamlessly into any environment while delivering … Read more
SPEED AND CONTROL IN A BULB From submarines to missile silos, Emmy-nominated cinematographer Jimmy Lindsey ASC harnesses compact, LED fixtures to move at the speed of a TV schedule without sacrificing cinematic scale — transforming the way he paints with light. “I don’t know which came first. Did lighting tools advance, allowing us to move … Read more
BAFTA-nominated cinematographer Annemarie Lean-Vercoe recently lensed BritBox limited series Outrageous, and has explained how she used Astera Titan and Helio Tubes to bring a sophisticated look to the scandal-filled series. Set in the 1920s, the aptly titled show is a lush British period dramatisation starring the infamously unconventional Mitford sisters. With an expansive narrative that … Read more
Sky thriller The Day of the Jackal emerged in late 2022 when director Brian Kirk approached Christopher Ross BSC with his vision: a reimagining of Frederick Forsyth’s classic in a contemporary, high-octane context. Ross conceptualised a sharp, thriller-driven aesthetic, marrying the tension of subterfuge with the psychological depth of a character study. His ‘mood film’, … Read more
Astera has announced the ultra-versatile SolaBulb, which promises to introduce new levels of performance and control in a discreet, compact form factor with 50W PAR-bulb-equivalent output and industry-first 15°-50° zoom. This zoomable Fresnel offers both spot and wide-angle beam control capabilities in a single lightbulb-style practical. At the heart of SolaBulb is Astera’s proven Titan … Read more
London’s Dark Room Socials, a collective of over 100 photographers, will present its latest group show, Finding the Light, at Espacio Gallery between 22-28 September. Sponsored by lighting innovators Astera, the exhibition brings together 20 artists exploring light as both subject and metaphor. Founded in 2024 by award-winning cinematographer Diana Olifirova, Dark Room Socials has … Read more
German-based cinematographer Tim Pfautsch has lensed the experimental documentary Fassaden (internationally titled Curtains)–and adopted Astera Titan and Hyperion Tubes to light the pivotal dance scenes that structure the film. Narrated by acclaimed actress Sandra Hüller (Zone of Interest, Anatomy of a Fall), the documentary explores the onset and progression of domestic violence, interweaving expert advocate … Read more
When international cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsay SASC was brought on to lens independent feature film Goodrich, he faced a unique lighting challenge. Shot on location in Los Angeles, the contemporary story of a father unexpectedly dropped into single parenthood, heavily features a mid-century modern house brimming with glass and sharp architectural lines. Ramsay choose Astera … Read more
Canadian/British Director of Photography, Ian Seabrook is one of the best when it comes to underwater cinematography. With credits spanning blockbusters Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Batman v Superman, Jungle Cruise, and Emmy-Award winning The Rescue, Seabrook is at the forefront of his field. For both underwater and surface-based narrative work he relies on Astera, for safe, instantly controllable … Read more
Astera, a leading developer of innovative lighting solutions for film and events, announce Agata Birn as the company’s new Head of Sales. Agata Birn brings over 12 years of experience in international business development and distribution strategy. With a proven track record of handling motion picture equipment, including four years as International Sales and Business … Read more
Las Azules (Women in Blue) is a 10-part Spanish-language crime drama on Apple TV+, set in 1971 Mexico City and based on true events. It explores the story of Mexico’s first female police force, focusing on four women—María, Valentina, Gabina, and Ángeles—who defy societal expectations to join the unit. However, their involvement turns out to … Read more
Staying on the forward cusp of new technology is essential, says gaffer Justin Stroh. He shares insight from his 27-year career, the tools that allow him the freedom to create, and the gaffer-cinematographer collaborations he has enjoyed. “I am gaffer,” Justin Stroh posted on Instagram. “I lead a band of misfit artisans proficient in the … Read more
Lights, camera, ethics! Uh Oh is a comedy short film that explores unethical technology, inspired by the director’s personal experience with virtual reality. Cinematographer Aman K Sahota discusses shooting a markedly different film about prejudice and discrimination. Bias, prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination are often anticipated, unless the perpetrator isn’t human. Welcome to the world of dystopian … Read more
Astera will be using their attendance at Cinegear LA Expo (June 6-9, 2024) to launch a new lighting solution and showcase how their comprehensive portfolio of lights addresses the needs of both lighting engineers and creatives, offering them an efficient way to light a diverse range of production environments. Through their distribution partner Inner Circle Distribution (ICD), … Read more
Astera will be using their attendance at NAB 2024 (Booth C.6345) to demonstrate how their comprehensive portfolio of lights operates together to form a complete ecosystem for lighting engineers; offering them greater creative scope and an efficient way to light a diverse range of production contexts. Astera’s innovations focus on replicating the traditional lighting types … Read more
Building upon the success of the recently introduced PlutoFresnel, Astera announces the launch of ProjectionLens that will add capabilities to its battery-powered, LED-based light, allowing to convert quickly into a powerful Profile Spotlight. The lightweight, portable PlutoFresnel – which operates on a completely wireless basis with built-in battery pack – can be transformed in less … Read more
Astera will be using their attendance at ISE 2024 (Booth 1.C550) to demonstrate how the Astera portfolio constitutes not just a selection of different stand-alone lights, but works as a comprehensive ecosystem which provides lighting engineers with their full host of needs, whilst also allowing them to leverage the functionality of their existing auxiliary inventory. … Read more