LiteGear: flexible LED lighting system on bendable circuit boards (10–50mm wide), cuttable in 2.5cm segments, CRI 95+, designed for hidden mounting in vehicles and architectural applications.
LiteGear systems are based on flexible printed circuit boards (Flex-PCB) with a width of 10-50mm and thicknesses under 2mm. LED density varies between 60 and 180 LEDs per meter, with modern systems offering color temperatures from 2700K to 6500K. CRI (Color Rendering Index) values are consistently above 95, with TLCI values reaching 98+. Dimming is stepless from 0-100% via DMX512 protocol or manual controllers. The systems are cuttable in 2.5cm segments and reconnectable via copper pads. Protection ratings range from IP20 for studio environments to IP67 for outdoor shoots.
LiteGear Inc. introduced the first film-ready flexible LED strips in 2012, after founder Charlie Wiser recognized the limitations of conventional LED panels in unconventional mounting locations. In 2014, the LiteMat system established itself as the standard for automotive scenes due to its ability to integrate into vehicle interiors. In 2017, LiteGear expanded its portfolio to include RGB and RGBW variants. The acquisition by Vitec Group in 2019 accelerated global distribution and led to the integration of Wireless DMX technology from 2020 onwards.
"Blade Runner 2049" (2017) utilized LiteGear strips for characteristic neon lighting in vehicle interiors and architectural integration. In "Ford v Ferrari" (2019), the flexible LEDs were hidden under dashboards to create natural-looking instrument illumination. Typical workflow: Gaffers place LiteGear strips in cavities, gaps, or curved surfaces where conventional fixtures don't fit. Dimmer racks remain compact due to low operating voltage. Disadvantage: limited light output requires close positioning to the subject; heat development at full load can cause adhesive mounts to detach.
Compared to rigid LED panels, LiteGear offers form flexibility but achieves only 30-50% of their light output per unit area. Astera Titan Tubes provide higher lumen output but are not bendable and are 20 times more expensive per meter. ARRI SkyPanels dominate for high light output, while LiteGear excels in confined spaces and for hidden installations. Quasar Science Rainbow develops similar tube systems with higher point load capacity. Modern alternatives like Creamsource Vortex8 combine flexibility with higher output power but cost three times as much per setup.
Ich verwende LiteGear hauptsächlich für Automotive-Arbeiten und enge Locations, wo ich weiches, gleichmäßiges Licht aus unmöglichen Winkeln brauche. Die geringe Tiefenschärfe-Beeinflussung durch die flache Bauform erlaubt mir, sehr nah am Motiv zu arbeiten, ohne dass die Lichtquelle ins Bild ragt. Bei Nachtszenen klebe ich die Bänder unter Tische oder in Wandnischen für subtile Konturenbeleuchtung.
LiteGear gibt mir die Freiheit, Licht als narratives Element in die Szenografie zu integrieren, ohne dass bullige Technik die Atmosphäre zerstört. Bei Intimitätsszenen kann ich warmes Licht aus Bettrahmen oder Vorhangschienen kommen lassen, das die Emotionalität unterstützt. Die RGB-Funktionen nutze ich für psychologische Farbdramaturgie - besonders in Thriller-Sequenzen, wo sich die Farbtemperatur unmerklich verschieben soll.
LiteGear reduziert meine Grip-Truck-Kosten erheblich, da die kompakten Systeme in Standard-Cases passen und keine schweren Stative benötigen. Setup-Zeiten verkürzen sich um 40% gegenüber konventioneller Beleuchtung, was mir bei engen Drehplänen echtes Geld spart. Die niedrigen Stromkosten und kühle Betriebstemperatur eliminieren zusätzliche Generator- und Klimaanlagen-Kosten, besonders bei mehrtägigen Studio-Sessions.
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