Chinese film tech gains ground in Hollywood

On the Universal Studios Lot, where Hollywood backlots are typically reserved for film shoots, a section was transformed into a handson production playground. Cinematographers moved between soundstages and outdoor sets, testing lighting systems, camera rigs and virtual production tools from around the world.

Among the busiest exhibits at Cine Gear Expo LA were those of Chinese manufacturers, whose products have become increasingly common on film sets in Los Angeles and beyond.

Industry participants say Chinese companies are making professional filmmaking technology more accessible while driving innovation across the sector, reflecting China's growing influence in film production technology.

Chinese-made cameras, lighting systems and production accessories once struggled to gain acceptance in Hollywood. Today, they occupy some of the most prominent spaces at industry events and are widely used by major studios, rental houses and independent filmmakers.

"Chinese lighting products were not widely accepted in Hollywood in the past," cinematographer Shane Hurlbut said. "Now I'm seeing tremendous growth. Chinese companies are incorporating advanced technologies and achieving remarkable progress in areas such as color science. Their lighting products are truly changing the industry."

Hurlbut, whose credits include Terminator Salvation, Act of Valor and Into the Blue, said advances in lighting control, color accuracy and motorized systems are expanding creative possibilities for filmmakers.

Among the most prominent exhibitors were Chinese brands such as Aputure, Nanlux and Accsoon. Their exhibits stood alongside industry veterans such as Sony, ARRI and RED Digital Cinema.

Mitch Gross, director of marketing at Aputure, said the company's growth has been driven by close engagement with filmmakers and production professionals.

"We understand what their needs are, and by understanding that, we are innovators to create new technologies, so that we best serve them," Gross said.

Originally focused on motion picture production, Aputure has expanded into broadcast television and live-event production, becoming one of the most widely used lighting brands in North America.

Gross said the company's products are manufactured in China, while marketing, sales and distribution operations are managed through its United States offices, reflecting the interconnected nature of today's global film technology supply chain.

He acknowledged that tariffs have affected profitability, but said the company has maintained pricing by prioritizing long-term customer relationships.

Despite trade tensions between China and the US, Gross said industry cooperation remains strong.

Growing influence

The growing influence of Chinese manufacturers was evident throughout the Cine Gear Expo LA. Along New York Street on the Universal Studios backlot, Chinese companies demonstrated products ranging from professional lighting systems and monitors to wireless video transmission devices and robotic camera platforms.

At the booth of SmallRig, camera operator Colin Hudson, who previously worked with Chinese director Zhang Yimou on The Great Wall, lauded the practicality of Chinese-made equipment.

"The handles with a little wing are very important. It's easy to operate," Hudson said, adding that he hopes to see more collaboration between Chinese and US filmmakers.

Observers noted that Chinese companies now occupy a dominant position in the camera-rigging sector, producing cages, handles, baseplates and support systems used throughout the global film industry.

They are also expanding into emerging areas, such as virtual production, wireless workflows and AI-assisted content creation, all of which received significant attention at this year's expo.

Industry executives said one of China's competitive advantages is the speed at which companies can move from research and development to commercial production.

Malcolm Mills, director of business development and technology at Nanlux Americas, said major studios increasingly value that capability.

"They believe the innovation is very strong from China," Mills said.