Cine Gear Expo in LA
Posted on Jun 9, 2025 by Admin
Backlot buzz
We review what’s in store for Cine Gear LA, which hits the Universal Studios Lot in early June
Mark your calendar for 6 to 7 June, when Cine Gear Expo touches down at one of the most iconic filmmaking destinations in the world: the Universal Studios Lot in Hollywood.
This legendary location – featured in countless productions – will be the backdrop for two jam-packed days of gear, insights and networking under the California sunshine. Attendees can explore the Lot’s sound stages, screening rooms and outdoor sets – while getting hands-on with the latest kit from major brands and rising innovators across hundreds of booths, enjoying equipment demos, panel discussions, educational sessions, guild presentations and a host of film screenings.
Top of our list for a booth stop-off will be Vocas (stand 086), which creates a range of accessories to help camera crews make the most of their cameras. With a real focus on what those in the field actually need from their kit, and a reputation for quality design and affordability, there’s always plenty to check out from the brand – from matte boxes to supports and rigs. Highlights include the Vocas Cage for the Canon EOS C80, a lightweight yet rugged build that enhances rigging flexibility without blocking key camera access. Paired with the new Compact Top Handle, it’s a modular, field-ready solution for pro shooters. Over in the Bavarian Pavilion, check out bebob – the Munich-based battery specialist – which has teased some new launches for the show as well as promising a key announcement concerning its worldwide activities. Putting sustainability and customer needs at the fore, the bebob range includes the B-Mount system, now a cross-platform standard, and other innovations like the Coco-Double adapter for high-output lighting, and the ultra-compact Vmicro series.
Also on the battery front, Hawk-Woods will be showing off its BP-98X at stand 921. Offering superb flexibility, this compact power player boasts 98Wh capacity and 6600mAh – ideal when you need reliable power across long shoots. Quick, straightforward charging is on hand via laptops and mobiles thanks to the USB-C power delivery, plus it’s got diverse power outputs and offers clear monitoring, so you can check levels at a glance.
Another brand to watch is Aputure (S3219), which is pushing boundaries with its STORM series. The XT52 is a game changer, delivering 5200W of output and outshining traditional 6K HMIs, all while running on the BLAIR engine for exceptional colour fidelity across a 2500-10,000K range. IP65-rated, flicker-free and flexible in the field, it’s a serious upgrade for high-demand shoots.
On the Godox stand (S3091), the latest standout is the KNOWLED MG6K – a compact, powerful LED rivalling 6K HMIs with easier solo handling. Also new: its RS60Bi and RS60R lights with battery-optional units, plus the ML100R, a pocket-sized RGB LED for creative mobility.
We’ll see you on the Lot!
This article appears in the May/June 2025 issue of Definition
