Aputure strengthens footprint in PH film industry with the launch of STORM Series and NOVA II

Aputure is lighting up the Philippine film scene with its new STORM Series and NOVA II, featuring the advanced BLAIR and BLAIR-CG engines, which deliver unmatched color accuracy, cinematic versatility, and pro-level performance for both studio and on-location shoots.

At the launch event “The STORM Has Come” in Quezon City, filmmakers got hands-on with Aputure’s latest lighting equipment and explored the Sidus Link Pro 2.0 control platform. Top cinematographers also shared tips on storytelling through lighting, giving attendees insights into creating the perfect cinematic frame. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker or part of a large production team, these lights are designed to elevate every scene.

Global lighting brand Aputure is reinforcing its leadership in the Philippine film industry with the launch of its latest professional lighting systems, the STORM Series and the NOVA II, powered by its new BLAIR and BLAIR-CG light engines. These next-generation engines promise stronger output, improved color science, and a more reliable performance standard tailored for modern productions.

Frank Cao, Aputure’s Regional Manager for Asia-Pacific, said the STORM Series and NOVA II underscore the brand’s growing commitment to the local creative industry, not just as a technology provider but as a partner in filmmaking.

“Aputure has long led the way in lighting innovation, setting standards that filmmakers now rely on. With the STORM series and NOVA II, we continue our commitment to excellence, delivering fixtures built for precision, unmatched color accuracy, and true industry-standard performance,” he said during the launch.

Held in Quezon City, the immersive Aputure event titled “The STORM Has Come” brought together leading cinematographers Lee Briones-Meily, Neil Daza, and Noel Tehankee. Director Antoinette Jadaone moderated the program, with actress Sue Prado hosting, alongside key Aputure executives Yssa Valdes(Regional Brand Developer for the Philippines) and Marco Lazaro(Community and Social Lead for APAC).

Introducing the Aputure NOVA II panel light—making its Philippine debut.

STORM Series: High Output, High Durability

The STORM Series represents Aputure’s new flagship hard-light solution powered by the BLAIR engine. The Philippine launch spotlighted three models: the STORM 80C 3-Light Kit, STORM 700x, and STORM 400x, all engineered for demanding film environments.

The series brings a unified set of next-gen capabilities, including:

• Massive lumen output across the lineup, giving productions high-intensity punch even in daylight-balanced scenes

• Superior color accuracy, with industry-standard fidelity across the full CCT range

• Rugged, weather-resistant builds designed for outdoor or on-the-go shooting

• Ultra-fine 0.1% dimming for smooth, flicker-free precision control

• Advanced BLAIR engine processing, enabling consistent tonal quality and stable output across all fixtures

These features make the STORM 80C 3-Light Kit ideal for multi-point setups, while the STORM 700x and 400x offer flexible bi-color performance for cinematographers seeking powerful, reliable hard-light sources. Together, they provide a comprehensive toolkit for both studio installations and run-and-gun workflows.

NOVA II: Cinematic Soft Light Reinvented

Aputure also unveiled the NOVA II, its latest generation of soft-light panels driven by the BLAIR-CG engine. The NOVA II line expands on the beloved qualities of the original panels while delivering major performance upgrades:

• Stronger maximum output for brighter, richer soft-light coverage

• Advanced RGBWW color mixing, producing improved saturation, cleaner skin tones, and more cinematic rendering

• Expanded CCT range, giving filmmakers a wider palette for mood crafting

• Enhanced cooling and power efficiency, made for long shooting days on professional sets

• IP65 weather protection which should be good even in the rain

• Tested to work and compatible with EcoFlow power station

With its refined color science and signature soft, wraparound illumination, the NOVA II caters to indie storytellers and large-scale productions alike.

Beyond the product debut, the launch also served as a creative exchange. Veteran cinematographers discussed how lighting shapes emotion and narrative, while guests explored Aputure’s expanded ecosystem via Sidus Link Pro 2.0, which offers deeper, more intuitive control of lighting setups. The platform supports Aputure’s vision to empower the Filipino filmmaking community through innovation and education.

“Every frame tells a story, and light is what gives that story life. We’re honored to be part of the Philippines’ vibrant creative scene and to support the professionals who continue to raise the bar for cinematography,” Cao added.