RGB LED tube lights have transformed how filmmakers approach practical and creative lighting. The Nanlite PavoTube series — particularly the PavoTube II 15X and 30X models — has become one of the most widely used tube light systems in independent and commercial production.
Why Tube Lights Changed the Game
Traditional film lighting relies on large fixtures positioned off-camera, shaped with modifiers, and diffused through frames. Tube lights introduced a different approach: lights that are small enough to appear in the frame as practical elements while simultaneously serving as functional light sources.
Director and cinematographer Brandon Li demonstrated this approach when he lit significant portions of a short film using primarily Nanlite PavoTubes. As covered by No Film School, Li used the tubes as both visible set dressing and key lighting elements, creating a cohesive visual style that would have required significantly more equipment with traditional fixtures.
Practical Applications
In-Frame Practicals: Mount PavoTubes behind furniture, in doorways, or along walls to create motivated light sources that are visible in the shot. The RGB capability means you can dial in any color to match the scene's mood — warm amber for a cozy interior, cool blue for a night scene, or saturated colors for stylized sequences.
Background Separation: Place tubes behind the subject to create edge lighting or color contrast against the background. A single tube set to a complementary color can add significant depth to an otherwise flat shot.
Overhead Rigging: The lightweight design (the 30X weighs approximately 1.5 kg) makes PavoTubes easy to rig overhead using standard grip equipment. This is particularly useful for top-down lighting in tight spaces where traditional fixtures would be impractical.
Car Interiors: Tube lights are one of the most effective tools for lighting car interior scenes. Their slim profile fits easily on the dashboard, headliner, or door panels, providing soft, even illumination without requiring external lighting rigs.
Key Specifications
| Model | PavoTube II 15X | PavoTube II 30X |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 ft (60 cm) | 4 ft (120 cm) |
| Output | 1,300 lux at 1m | 2,350 lux at 1m |
| CRI | 96+ | 96+ |
| Color Range | Full RGB + CCT | Full RGB + CCT |
| Battery Runtime | ~2 hours | ~2 hours |
| Weight | 0.7 kg | 1.5 kg |
| Control | DMX, Bluetooth, CRMX | DMX, Bluetooth, CRMX |
Tips for Using Tubes on Set
Dimming matters: LED tubes can shift color temperature when dimmed. The PavoTube II series handles this well, but always white-balance after adjusting intensity if color accuracy is critical.
Multiples create impact: A single tube provides accent lighting. Four or more tubes create an environment. Budget for multiples when planning a tube-heavy lighting design.
Use the built-in effects: The PavoTubes include pre-programmed effects like fire flicker, lightning, police lights, and TV simulation. These are surprisingly convincing and save time compared to programming custom effects.
Battery management: Each tube runs approximately two hours on its internal battery. For all-day shoots, plan for charging rotations or keep AC adapters available as backup.
Nanlite PavoTube kits are available for rental at Chill Rental. We carry both the 15X and 30X models in multi-tube kits. Contact us for availability.
