Astera announces the establishment of a new product management department as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing product development and customer satisfaction. Simon Canins, newly appointed CTO of Astera said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ben Díaz to the Astera family and embark on an exciting journey of growth and innovation together. Ben’s unique ability to … Read more
Ryan Schaminee is a Netherlands-based freelance gaffer and lighting board operator who also works internationally on a wide variety of commercial, television and some film projects utilising various Astera products almost every day. He finds the Astera ranges reliable, highly flexible and appreciates the great quality of light, all attributes that assist him in thinking … Read more
Astera – a leading developer of innovative light solutions for film and events – announces that Carl-Johan Sköld will be joining the Astera team as Group CEO. Having acted as a consultant for the German-based lighting firm for some time already, Sköld is perfectly placed to advise and lead Astera into a period of strategic … Read more
Astera – a leading developer of innovative light solutions for film and event markets – will be using IBC2023 (Booth 12.G44) to not only demonstrate their full range of LED-driven lights and accessories, but to highlight the creative potential these combined solutions have in real-world contexts. Visitors to the stand will be able to talk with the … Read more
IT’S COMPETITION TIME! ‘Tis the season of giving and British Cinematographer is getting in the Christmas spirit with our very first festive giveaway. We’ve joined forces with some of our top partners and favourite cinematographers to bring you some incredible prizes that are sure to make your Christmas one to remember. Ten lucky winners will … Read more
WIRELESS WONDER Armed with a standout LED product, Astera carved a niche for itself in the crowded lighting market. Off the back of its latest launch, the company reveals how its international fusion of German engineering expertise and Chinese production values have set it on the path for success. Think of Astera and its BSC … Read more
Meet the gear brands setting up shop at the Festival Centre. At Anton/Bauer, this year’s Camerimage highlights include the new VCLX NM2, an all-in-one battery solution designed to drive high-power draw equipment at peak performance on cinematic productions. Visitors can also see the DIONIC native 26V battery series, crafted for high-power cinematic cameras such as … Read more
Wireless LED lighting manufacturer Astera launches a vibrant new multi-lingual website optimised for all devices, action packed with product information, full of technical specs, news, useful tips and tricks, invaluable troubleshooting advice, plus a wealth of information about the company, its people, products, and ethos. Essentially everything you need to know about Astera in one … Read more
Gripelectric Worx, the company of freelance gaffer Emmanuel (Manny) Sitole, is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and owns some specialist lighting kit, which is primarily used on Manny’s own projects. Most recently, the company purchased 8 of Astera’s award-winning PixelBricks from South African distributor DWR, which were the first in the country. Manny first … Read more
A new Snapbag from DoPchoice has been launched in time for Astera’s latest LED creation — Hydra. Custom-designed to perfectly fit the Hydra, the patented Snapbag softbox offers the added softening control that discerning cinematographers request. A perfect match for Hydra, the patented Snapbag SBATHY11 features DoPchoice’s new Snapshape material which makes setup smooth and … Read more
Astera has launched its latest wireless LED lighting product – the HydraPanel – which features the company’s award-winning Titan LED engine. The HydraPanel offers many unique features not found in any pixel product, like a beam-shaper module, magnetic mounting, and the Titan LED engine’s colour mixing, dimming characteristics and exceptional quality of light. The neat … Read more
Now in its sixth season, historical drama series Outlander has been pushing creative and technical boundaries once again. The time travelling adventure centres around Claire Randall, an English combat nurse who is mysteriously transported back in time from 1945 to 1743. “It’s a vast production and sort of like a road movie that started travelling … Read more
Cinematographer and DoP James Kniest’s impressive international career has included lighting several high-profile horror genre movies including the recently released The Free Fall directed by Adam Stilwell, on which he enjoyed using Astera Titan and Helios Tubes to provide multiple lighting solutions. The entire movie was shot on location in a heritage-listed house in the … Read more
DoPchoice adds smart solutions for tripling up on Astera’s game-changing Helios and Titan Tubes. Triple Tube Snapbags arrive fully-assembled in matching black pouches. They feature DoPchoice’s trademark metallic light-intensifying interiors which boost output over 50%. Three Astera tubes neatly fit within, ready to be secured with hook & loop straps. Because of DoPchoice’s airline-style track … Read more
BY: ZOE MUTTER After being forced to move online last year, the BSC Awards celebration returned in style with a sparkling in-person event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. Recognition of creativity, innovation, and filmmaking flair took centre stage and history was made as Ari Wegner ACS became the first female cinematographer to win the BSC … Read more
Astera has announced that its popular Titan Tube is a 2021 Pro Moviemaker ‘Gear of The Year’ winner in the ‘lighting innovation’ category. The annual accolade from the international publication for professional film makers is the third major industry award won by Astera’s Titan Tube, following a PLASA Award for Innovation and the PLSN Gold Star Award, both in 2019. Gear … Read more
Matthews announces the answer for safely mounting Astera Hyperion, Titan and Helios as well as T12 tube lights to standard grip equipment. The Claw is a new generation clamp, designed to solve real on-set issues, by Sci-Tech Award-winning Key Grip Richard Mall with gaffer Jeremy Launais and crafted by the team at MSE headquarters in … Read more
Astera’s PixelBrick won a 2021 PLASA Award for Innovation – one of two lighting products out of the six 2021 winners selected from 29 entries – as the PLASA entertainment technology trade show returned to Olympia after a pandemic forced absence in 2020. The judges commented, “this is not just another battery uplighter, but a … Read more
Wireless LED lighting manufacturer Astera will highlight its three newest product innovations – all launched this year – at the 2021 PLASA entertainment technology trade expo in London, UK, on the booth of its UK distributor, Ambersphere Solutions. Astera’s sales director Sebastian Bückle commented, “PLASA will be one of the first established industry trade shows … Read more
Quay Light now owns several hundred Astera LED fixtures with the largest stock in Scotland, and Paul Bates, who has built a very successful career as a Best Boy in the film and television lighting sector, is now focusing full time on this business. He has been constantly busy throughout 2020 and 2021 as the … Read more