Team Deakins LEDs - with Tim S. Kang
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Oct 29, 2025 Tim S. Kang, a cinematographer and principal engineer at Aputure, dives into the world of LED lighting. He shares his fascinating journey from engineering to cinematography, highlighting the historical evolution of cinema lighting from carbon arcs to modern LEDs. Tim discusses the significance of image-based lighting and how 360 cameras can help achieve consistent daylight. He also emphasizes the need for standardization in lighting technology and explains the importance of matching spectra to ensure accurate color reproduction, especially for skin tones.
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Turning Point: From Research To Cinematography
- Tim S. Kang described switching from biology research and music to cinematography after buying a camera and enrolling in film school at 30.
- He recounted early hands-on 16mm exercises that immediately revealed his aptitude for lighting and camera work.
How Family And Tech Led To LEDs
- Tim told how missing family on a feature in Duluth pushed him toward part-time engineering work and VR camera projects.
- That technical detour led him into lighting technology and ASC committees addressing LED problems.
Why LEDs Finally Took Off
- LEDs rose slowly from poor early units to widely adopted soft fixtures like SkyPanel around 2015.
- Convenience, DMX control and stable color drove rapid studio adoption despite earlier spectral shortcomings.
