SCENE 01 / HMI TUNGSTEN LIGHTS
HMI & Tungsten Lights in Saudi Arabia
Professional film lighting for your Saudi production.
Here is how this works in practice. HMI and tungsten lights are industry-standard fixtures that deliver powerful, steady lighting for film and television production. HMIs produce daylight-balanced output with high efficiency. While tungsten fixtures give warm, dimmable light that stays a staple for controlled interior and studio work.
Here is the short of it. We source HMI and tungsten lighting fixtures in the wattages and configurations your gaffer specifies, drawing from local rental inventories. Our team sets up power distribution planning and makes sure spare lamps and accessories are ready 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 needs, locations, and ready power to recommend the right fixtures.
Package Assembly
Building a full lighting package with all needed fixtures, grip, and power distribution.
Prep & Testing
Thorough testing of all fixtures and ballasts before delivery to make sure reliable performance.
Production Support
Tech support, gaffers, and backup gear ready across your production.
On Location
ARRI Max 18K/12K, K5600 Joker, and Mole-Richardson tungsten packages sourced through MBC Studios with 220V/60Hz ballast configurations for Saudi power.
We source Saudi HMI and tungsten lighting from MBC Studios' Riyadh and Jeddah lighting divisions. HMI heads have the ARRI Max 18K and 12K, plus ARRI M-Series and L-Series fixtures. K5600 Joker 800, 1200, and 1600 packages are also standard. The Joker Bug 400 and 800 are the most-rented units across Saudi commercial sets.
Tungsten inventory is deep too. Mole-Richardson covers 1K, 2K, 5K, 10K, and 20K Senior heads. Matching Solar 1000 and 2000 fresnels round out the kit.
Ballast setup is the Saudi-specific working detail. Domestic power runs at 220V/60Hz. That is NOT the 220V/50Hz European standard most global HMI ballasts ship configured for. So we pre-flag each imported fixture. We either source 60Hz-compatible ballasts through MBC's electrics department, or route 50/60Hz auto-switching ARRI EB MAX 18K ballasts on the booking.
NEOM has an independent Acwa Power grid that runs at the same 220V/60Hz standard. We cross-source overflow HMI through Filmquip Dubai and Picture Works Dubai via the 12-hour E11 highway corridor.
Here is how this works in practice. Several major shoots have leaned on ARRI Max 18K and K5600 Joker 1600 packages. Examples have Kandahar's NEOM exteriors, Desert Warrior's AlUla day-for-night work, Cherry's Apple TV+ unit, and the Telfaz11 commercial pipeline. AlUla canyon depth and the Empty Quarter's open horizon both demand high-output daylight-balanced sources.
Here is the short of it. Our coordinators specify Aggreko Saudi or SEC (Saudi Electricity Company) tie-in permits when HMI loads cross 100A per phase. We plan haboob-covered fixture covers for desert sets — fine quartz dust embedded in HMI envelope housings can cause arc-tube failures.
Here is the breakdown. Mole-Richardson tungsten Seniors arrive on shoots when DPs need warm 3200K practical sources. That covers most Riyadh interior builds. Saudization (Nitaqat) hiring of Saudi-national gaffers and BBs qualifies shoots for the 5% rebates uplift on the 40% Saudi Film Commission cash rebates.
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 shoots 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 power packs sized to your lighting package, from small portable units to large tow-behind power packs for substantial HMI loads. We set up power packs 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 stays popular for interior scenes needing warm, controllable light.
Can you provide gaffers and electricians?
Yes, we work with skilled Saudi gaffers and electricians who know both the gear and local power systems. Having local lighting crew makes sure fast setup and safe operation.
What about power distribution?
We supply full power distribution including distro boxes, cable runs, and dimmer systems. Our team can advise on power needs and set up tie-ins where appropriate.
Do you offer mixed HMI/tungsten packages?
Yes, many shoots use both HMI (daylight-balanced) and tungsten (warm) fixtures. We build mixed packages and have the gels and correction needed to balance between sources.
Related Services
Productions in Saudi Arabia 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.