Amaran lights up the way
Posted on Sep 12, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
From YouTube tutorials to client shoots, the amaran lighting range allows content creators the freedom to focus on storytelling
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When it comes to lighting, few creators are more hands-on than British-based filmmaker and content creator Dan Grindrod. With over 15 years of experience behind the camera – spanning weddings, events, BBC documentaries and short films – his approach to gear is always practical, precise and creative. Which is why, when he says that amaran lights have transformed his workflow, it’s worth listening.
“Their combination of affordability and simplicity make them a natural choice for both my professional projects and personal content,” Grindrod says. “Now, as I shoot the majority of my own tutorials and videos, I’ve found that using amaran lights has streamlined my entire workflow.”
His set-up includes everything from amaran tube and panel lights to powerful COB fixtures, but the Pano 60c and 120c – the latest additions to Grindrod’s kit – have quickly become favourites.
“They’re incredibly bright, yet lightweight, and I can even power them cable-free using the amaran Peak,” he explains. That’s an 86.4Wh battery system for on-the-go creators, delivering up to 170W of output. The Pano 60c and 120c are full-colour RGBWW panel lights designed with portability in mind. The 60c is roughly the size of a tablet, while the 120c is similar to a 15in laptop. Despite their compact sizes, they deliver up to 6290lux and 13,490lux respectively at one metre, both at 6500K. With a CCT range of 2300-10,000K and full HSI colour control, they offer serious versatility.
“These have clearly been designed for creators to use on the go, wherever they are,” says Grindrod. The Pano kits include a soft case, power supply – either USB or mains depending on the model – a softbox and control grid, a diffuser and the new amaran Ace Lock system. It’s a quick-release mounting mechanism that makes set-up fast and reliable. “This really speeds up the whole process, especially when working on location.”
Managing multiple lights is even easier with the amaran app, which is vital for Grindrod, as he often shoots tutorials on his own – like many content creators. “I can control all my lights from my phone, allowing me to set up shots and adjust exposure without having to move. I can’t overstate how much simpler this has made my creative process.” The control interface on the lights themselves is intuitive, with push buttons and a dial for full functionality. The on-board display is clear and easy to navigate, which is important when lighting is just one of many factors self-shooting filmmakers have to juggle.
Grindrod often uses the 120c as a key light, softened with the included softbox and shaped via the control grid. The 60c typically serves as a hair light for subject separation. “Once in position, I can easily adjust settings as needed via the app to get the exposure and look I’m going for.”
He also values the practical impact of smaller, lighter fixtures. “I don’t always want to be carrying around my big heavy lights. I would much rather be reaching for something like this. Whether I’m shooting some content for myself or need to film a quick corporate talking-head interview, I can quickly set these up and I’m good to go,” he says. “Even if I haven’t got access to a plug socket on a particular location, I can run them off a power bank, via USB.
“If you’re a content creator, these lights are definitely worth considering, especially for filming in smaller spaces.”
For Grindrod, the amaran range – and the Pano 60c and 120c in particular – has proved to be the perfect match for both professional work and creative exploration. They provide the power, portability and control that modern filmmakers demand, whether they’re filming solo or lighting a more ambitious shoot on location.
More information amarancreators.com and danielgrindrod.com
This article was first published in the September/October 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
