Philips Lighting Hits the High Notes on the Set of Pitch Perfect 3

	Philips Vari-Lite luminaires meet the strict lighting demands on set of feature film Pitch Perfect 3. Photo: Quantrell D. Colbert - Universal

Philips Lighting announces that its stage lighting fixtures were chosen to meet the strict lighting demands on the set of 2017's popular feature film, Pitch Perfect 3. The tight shooting schedule called for excellent light quality, solid reliability, quiet operation, and the flexibility to perform multiple tasks.

With eight performances filmed across four locations, in both day and night shoots, the design team, including production lighting designer Trevor Burk and lighting directors Zach Matusow and Mat Stovall chose to use the Philips VL4000 Spot, VL3500 Wash, and VL550 Wash, due to their "impeccable" quality of light output, color range and versatility.

Burk said, "The VL4000 Spot performed well as a key light in the aquarium scene and in the finale. It was really important to have high-level color control and the super even field of the VL4000 Spot. In addition, we used the VL3500 Wash as a big, straightforward cannon of light in the aquarium scene, while for the festival performances at the Air Force base, it was obvious we had to flush the rest of the stage rig out with VL550 Wash."

Color control, versatility and quiet operation were particular features required from the Philips Lighting luminaires. "We had a lot of ground to cover and wanted fixtures that could do distinctly different jobs scene to scene," said Matusow. "We considered the VL4000 Spot to be a crucial component for whatever task came our way. By the end of filming, we were using it for key lighting, aerial concert effects, water effects, and for lighting scenery. The VL3500 Wash was great to have on hand when a scene called for lots of brightness and color being projected from afar."

The high performance and reliability of the Philips Lighting fixtures meant they were able to take on a multitude of roles throughout the production. This was a real benefit to the crew, given the strict timelines for load-in and filming. Burk said, "We needed fast, reliable, and quality lights that were ready to go when the filming was in progress. The VL4000 Spot could work in any part of the plot, and a feature-loaded profile fixture providing so much brightness was a joy to work with."

Stovall added, "The output is fantastic. Not many lights have enough punch to produce a usable amount of light in these conditions, but the VL4000 Spot delivers."

Martin Palmer, Vari-Lite product manager EMEA, Philips Entertainment Lighting, said, "Our Philips Vari-Lite range of lighting tools succeed in bringing outstanding benefits to lighting designers in a variety of set and stage lighting applications. By understanding their specific needs, we are able to deliver innovation with purpose."