Developed with ASC cinematographer Manuel Billeter, the Lightbridge C-100 Grid system is a new modular mounting system for CRLS reflectors that aims to scale up indirect lighting capabilities while maintaining the precise control that has made their tools a staple of naturalistic cinematography.
Austrian lighting manufacturer Lightbridge has released the C-100 Grid System, allowing cinematographers to create expansive arrays of their CRLS (Cine Reflect Lighting System) reflectors. The system emerges from extended production testing by cinematographer Manuel Billeter, ASC, addressing the practical challenges of scaling indirect lighting for larger sets.
Production-tested development by Manuel Billeter, ASC
The CRLS platform, originally conceived by cinematographer Christian Berger, has gained traction in recent years as productions increasingly move away from traditional direct lighting approaches. The new Grid System extends the capabilities of the standard 100x100cm Precision Reflectors by introducing a modular mounting solution that interfaces with standard grip equipment.
Technical implementation of the Lightbridge C-100 Grid system
“I have been fascinated by the idea behind CRLS for over a decade now, and working with the system on set has only deepened my enthusiasm,” explains Billeter, who collaborated with Lightbridge throughout the development process. “The Grid System is versatile and provides for beautiful precision controlled soft lighting on a very large scale.”
The technical foundation of the system centers on purpose-built Grid Clamp Adapters. Each adapter combines a screw-on coupler baseplate with a dedicated truss clamp, designed to integrate seamlessly with industry-standard scaffolding tubes and grip hardware. The mounting system allows crews to construct various configurations, from simple linear arrangements to extensive rectangular arrays.
Lighting People – On Location
In this practical 4-hour workshop, master cinematographers Paul Atkins, ASC, and Stephen Lighthill, ASC, share tips and tricks on how to achieve naturally looking lighting on location, both outdoors and indoors, in front of a diverse audience of filmmakers from all over the world.
System configuration options
For basic setups, the system can create a 200x200cm/ 6.56×6.56ft reflective surface in “Quad mode” using four panels. More complex arrangements are possible through the modular design, with Lightbridge recommending three-point mounting for safety when working with crane-mounted configurations. This approach aims to provide rigidity while maintaining the quick deployment CRLS users have come to expect.
Reflector surface options
The system works with all five grades of CRLS Precision Reflectors, each offering distinct characteristics for different lighting scenarios. The range includes:
- Diff 0 Mirror: Maximum reflection for situations requiring intense indirect light
- Diff 1 Punch Black: Focused but slightly softened output
- Diff 2 Blue Sky: Balanced diffusion mimicking natural skylight
- Diff 3 Ambient Violet: Enhanced spread for broader coverage
- Diff 4 Super White: Maximum diffusion for ultra-soft light
Larger LED lights, bigger reflectors?
These aluminum-coated reflectors feature wrinkle-free surfaces that eliminate the need for additional diffusion frames or flags, a characteristic that has contributed to their adoption in high-end productions. The Grid System maintains this spill-free approach while allowing significantly larger coverage areas.
The release comes as the industry continues to evolve its approach to set lighting. While LED arrays have dominated recent lighting innovations, the CRLS Grid System suggests ongoing demand for refined indirect lighting tools. The system’s focus on modularity and integration with existing grip equipment can appeal to productions and rental houses already invested in the CRLS ecosystem.
C-100 Grid System – technical considerations
Notably absent from the announcement are specific details about weight limitations or wind resistance ratings – crucial information for grip departments planning overhead rigging. However, Lightbridge has launched a dedicated website offering technical documentation and tutorial content.
Founded by gaffer Jakob Ballinger, Lightbridge has maintained a steady pace of development in the indirect lighting space. Check out our other coverage of Lightbridge products in the past.
The company indicates that additional Grid System configurations are under development, suggesting potential expansion beyond the current 100cm/ 3.28ft form factor. For cinematographers already working with CRLS, the Grid System offers a standardized approach to scaling their existing lighting toolkit, which is particularly relevant for productions requiring extensive indirect lighting setups.
Have you worked with reflectors on your sets? What is your impression? Let us know in the comments below.
