Power Gems joins the International Cinema Lighting Society
Are you a gaffer, rigging gaffer, or console programmer? Then you might be interested in the International Cinema Lighting Society (ICLS), an exciting new initiative that arose out of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2020, as the world shut down, gaffers Mike Bauman, Raffi Sanchez and Martin Smith established the ICLS online platform as a way for the lighting community to stay in touch and share knowledge and expertise beyond borders. Today, the ICLS is a thriving collective, a global network of over 200 members in 40 countries.
Patrick discovered the ICLS when he bumped into co-founder Martin Smith at the BSC Show in January this year (2023). Ironically, the ICLS came into its own during the years when the trade shows were cancelled, but the benefits are ongoing and translate into meeting members in real life.
Patrick says, “The trade shows are a chance to hear first-hand how the Power Gems range of high speed ballasts is performing, which was missing during Covid. The Society is all about connecting those who make lights with those who use them, and we see real value in becoming corporate members of the programme for vendors and rental houses.”
Benefits of ICLS membership
Discord access
Discord is an online chat service more akin to an online community with real-time video and audio conversations. More commonly associated with gamers, the Discord Server is an online component of the ICLS community where members can network with each other, look for crew recommendations and jobs, and tap into the group’s knowledge about any lighting topic in the answer/question channels.
The ICLS Discord Server gained hundreds of people working in the lighting industry seeking to connect with others while stuck indoors. What was borne out of the pandemic has been adopted as a way to have conversations across country borders – and even led to real-life meetups.
First looks
ICLS brings in vendors regularly, from RatPac Controls to LiteGear and more. Members can see live demos and ask questions about products that are either newly released or get a sneak peek of those yet to be released.
Networking opportunities
By joining ICLS, you will be part of a community of lighting professionals that reaches around the globe, allowing for networking opportunities, increased job awareness, and potential crew connections when working abroad.
How to become a member of ICLS
If you are looking to join an international lighting community, check out the Membership Programs page
New members are always welcome.
Applications are reviewed to make sure you get the most from your membership – as a full member, associate member, or observer member. Find out more about the application process here
Industry affiliations
Power Gems are associated with many of the trade bodies representing the film and TV, events and entertainment industries.
PLASA, the Professional Lighting and Sound Association, is the lead international membership body for those who supply technologies and services to the event and entertainment industries.
At the start of the lockdown in the Spring of 2020, PLASA spearheaded #WeMakeEvents, a cross-industry campaign calling for urgent government support for the live events sector.
We are proud to be members of PLASA as it continues to campaign behind the scenes to ensure the sector gets the recognition and support it deserves.
ESTA, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, is a not-for-profit trade association for the entertainment technology industries.
ESTA’s Technical Standards Program (TSP) is the only ANSI-accredited standards programme dedicated to the needs of the entertainment technology industry. The standards created under the TSP are used directly or indirectly by almost every manufacturer, dealer, installer, production company and end user.
Power Gems supports the TSP by becoming a visionary-level Investor in Innovation, demonstrating our commitment to quality and safety in the entertainment industry.
