Flexible LED fabric lights, 3–8 mm thin and foldable, with bi-color LEDs, CRI 95+, and 1200–2400 lux output per square meter.
LiteCloth refers to flexible LED panel lights with a textile-like texture, consisting of a thin, bendable film with integrated LEDs. These lights are typically 3-8 mm thin and weigh only 800-1200g for a 1x1m area. The term became established around 2012 as a generic designation for this new generation of ultra-light, foldable studio lights.
Standard LiteCloths operate with 3200K-5600K bi-color LEDs with a CRI of 95+ and TLCI of 97+. Typical power consumption is 72-144 watts per square meter, with a light output of 1200-2400 lux at one meter distance. The construction is based on a flexible circuit board with SMD LEDs embedded in a diffuse silicone layer. Sizes range from 1x1 foot to 4x4 feet, with larger units being modularly connectable. The operating voltage is 48V DC with DMX512 control for professional applications.
The first flexible LED panels were developed by the Californian company Litegear in 2011, with the first commercial LiteMat being introduced at NAB in 2012. Aladdin Lights followed in 2014 with the Bi-Flex, while Arri entered the market in 2016 with the SkyPanel Soft series. The technology is based on developments from the automotive industry, where flexible OLEDs were researched for interior lighting. Since 2018, RGB versions have enabled full spectrum color control.
In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins used LiteCloths for subtle lighting in tight cockpit scenes where conventional lights wouldn't fit. The flexibility allows them to be shaped around corners and edges, and integrated into set builds. A typical workflow involves positioning the LiteCloth with Velcro or magnets, controlling it via an app or DMX controller, and modifying it with additional diffusion or color gels. Disadvantages include limited light output compared to hard sources and higher acquisition cost per lumen.
LiteCloth differs from rigid LED panels through its flexibility and from Kino Flo tubes by its broad light distribution without streaking. While RGB LED strips offer similar flexibility, they have uneven light distribution and poorer color rendering. Modern alternatives like the Astera Titan Tubes combine flexibility with higher light output, while OLED panels promise thinner profiles with even lower heat development. For large areas, SkyPanel or similar modular systems remain more cost-effective.
Ich schätze LiteCloths für extreme Close-ups und beengte Drehorte, wo ich sanftes Fülllicht brauche ohne Schatten von Rigging. Die gleichmäßige Lichtverteilung eliminiert Hotspots, aber für Gegenlicht oder harte Schatten reicht die Leistung nicht aus. Bei RGB-Versionen kann ich Hautton-Korrekturen direkt am Set machen, ohne Folien zu wechseln.
Diese flexiblen Leuchten erlauben mir, Licht organisch in die Szene zu integrieren – ich kann sie hinter Requisiten verstecken oder als praktische Lichtquelle tarnen. Für intime Gesprächsszenen schaffe ich damit ein natürliches Wrapped-Around-Light, das Schauspieler entspannter wirken lässt. Die stufenlose Dimmung hilft mir, die emotionale Intensität einer Szene subtil zu modulieren.
LiteCloths reduzieren meine Grip-Kosten erheblich, da sie ohne schweres Rigging auskommen und schneller aufgebaut sind als konventionelle Setups. Ein 2x2-Kit kostet 4000-6000€, rechnet sich aber durch gesparte Arbeitszeit. Transport wird günstiger, da fünf LiteCloths in eine Tasche passen, die früher ein ganzer Truck voller Tungsten-Leuchten füllte.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „LiteCloth"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.