SCENE 01 / HMI TUNGSTEN LIGHTS
HMI & Tungsten Lights
Professional film lighting for your German production.
HMI and tungsten lights are industry-standard fixtures that deliver powerful, consistent illumination for film and television production. HMIs produce daylight-balanced output with high efficiency, while tungsten fixtures offer warm, dimmable light that remains a staple for controlled interior and studio work.
We source HMI and tungsten lighting fixtures in the wattages and configurations your gaffer specifies, drawing from local rental inventories. Our team coordinates power distribution planning and ensures spare lamps and accessories are available so your lighting setups proceed without interruption.
Capabilities
Lighting Equipment
Professional HMI and tungsten fixtures with complete grip and power support.
Professional Lighting Solutions
Capabilities
Our Process
Lighting Design
Reviewing your lighting requirements, locations, and available power to recommend the right fixtures.
Package Assembly
Building a comprehensive lighting package with all necessary fixtures, grip, and power distribution.
Prep & Testing
Thorough testing of all fixtures and ballasts before delivery to ensure reliable performance.
Production Support
Technical support, gaffers, and backup equipment available throughout your production.
On Location
ARRI Munich M-Series HMI, T-Series Tungsten & 230V/50Hz Schuko Type F Ballast Standard
Here is how this works in practice. HMI and tungsten packages across Germany are dominated by ARRI Munich-engineered fixtures — the ARRI M-Series HMI line (M18, M40, M90 PARs with hybrid Pulsed/Square Wave ballasts) is the global film-set HMI standard, and ARRI L-Series + T-Series tungsten fresnels remain widely used for warm interior and period work. We field full ARRI M18 + M40 daylight HMI packages from ARRI Rental Munich + ARRI Rental Berlin, supplemented by ARRI ARRISUN 12 + 25 + 60 classic HMI fresnels and ARRI True Blue ST PAR fixtures.
Here is the short of it. Tungsten coverage runs ARRI T-Series (T1, T2, T5, T12, T24) fresnels and ARRI Junior + Senior tungsten heads, with Mole-Richardson + Desisti supplements cross-bordered from London ARRI Rental + Studio Babelsberg + Bavaria Film in-house pools. All ballasts run 230V/50Hz Schuko Type F European standard (matching AU/NZ/UK/EU but distinct from North American 110V/60Hz). This includes bg ETEM (Berufsgenossenschaft Energie Textil Elektro Medienerzeugnisse) electrical safety certification mandatory on every lamp operator.
Here is the breakdown. Heritage global productions at Babelsberg + Bavaria Film + MMC Köln ran heavy ARRI M-Series + T-Series packages: Inglourious Basterds (Tarantino 2009, Robert Richardson ASC at Babelsberg — heavy tungsten and HMI period look), Cloud Atlas (Tykwer + Wachowskis 2012), Bridge of Spies (Spielberg 2015, Janusz Kaminski Cold War palette), Captain America: Civil War (Russo Bros 2016), Grand Budapest Hotel (Wes Anderson 2014 — Robert Yeoman BSC built distinct pastel tungsten interior look at Görlitz + Babelsberg), All Quiet on the Western Front (Berger 2022 — Best Cinematography Oscar James Friend BSC), Wonka (2023), Argylle (Vaughn 2024).
We staff German gaffers + best boys + electricians fluent in Hochdeutsch + English (Bayerisch, Schwäbisch, Plattdeutsch, Sächsisch dialect crew also fielded), with cross-border supplements arriving same-week from London + Vienna under EU Schengen via Frankfurt FRA + Munich MUC + Berlin BER cargo.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What HMI sizes do you stock?
We carry a full range of HMI fixtures from 575W through 18K, including ARRI M-series and K5600 Alpha. Most productions use a mix of 1.2K, 2.5K, and 4K units, with larger fixtures for exterior work or large interior spaces.
Do you provide generators?
Yes, we can arrange generators sized to your lighting package, from small portable units to large tow-behind generators for substantial HMI loads. We coordinate generator placement and fuel for your production.
What tungsten options are available?
We stock ARRI tungsten Fresnels from 150W to 20K, Mole-Richardson units, and specialty fixtures like Dedolights. Tungsten remains popular for interior scenes requiring warm, controllable light.
Can you provide gaffers and electricians?
Yes, we work with experienced German gaffers and electricians who know both the equipment and local power systems. Having local lighting crew ensures efficient setup and safe operation.
What about power distribution?
We supply complete power distribution including distro boxes, cable runs, and dimmer systems. Our team can advise on power requirements and coordinate tie-ins where appropriate.
Do you offer mixed HMI/tungsten packages?
Yes, many productions use both HMI (daylight-balanced) and tungsten (warm) fixtures. We build mixed packages and include the gels and correction needed to balance between sources.
Related Services
Productions in Germany that need this often pair it with Lighting Equipment Rental and Lighting Modifiers for full coverage. Most projects also draw on LED Lighting Systems and Cinema Lens Kits.
On Set
Need Film Lighting?
Tell us about your lighting requirements and we'll build the right package.