Recently, you may have read a report published by Bloomberg, which stated that the ARRI Group is exploring options that could include a full or partial sale of the business.
When I reached out to ARRI for a response, they told me:
As a matter of long-standing policy, ARRI does not comment on market speculation or rumors. Like others in the industry, ARRI is currently undergoing a transformation process in which we are structurally adapting to the lasting changes in the demands of our market. In doing so, we are building on our technological expertise, our strong brand, and our long-standing commitment to our customers and partners. As we are in the midst of this transformational phase, please understand that we do not wish to comment further on this matter publicly.
One of the divisions that some people speculated could be sold was lighting. However, ARRI has published an interview with its Managing Director, Chris Richter, where he explains the latest plans for ARRI Lighting.
While the interview doesn’t tell us that much, it does hint at ARRI’s need to pivot and that they want to move deeper into the live entertainment market and also have offerings in the midrange segment.
The lighting market has changed quite dramatically over the last few years, and we have seen a lot of industry staples starting to struggle, going out of business entirely, or merging with other companies. There has certainly been a shift where companies such as Aputure, Nanlite, and Godox have massively increased their market share, especially when it comes to getting their fixtures into higher-end productions and larger rental houses.
The original SkyPanels were very popular, but recent offerings arguably haven’t quite hit the mark. The Orbiter was, at least in my opinion, underpowered given its size and price, and it took way too long to bring out key lighting modifiers for it.
How ARRI plans to pivot when it comes to re-inventing its lighting division remains to be seen.
How is ARRI Lighting adapting to changing customer needs and challenging market conditions to stay competitive?
It’s no big secret that the motion picture industry is currently in a state of upheaval. Far-reaching structural changes have been affecting the market for some time now. Due to these circumstances, the management of ARRI has compiled a package of comprehensive, global measures to restructure ARRI for the future and to accommodate the lasting changes in customer requirements.
ARRI is changing in line with the market, and we are broadening our positioning. We are moving deeper into the live entertainment market and will also have offerings in the midrange segment. This will help us become a more integral partner along the entire content creation process.
Regardless of these necessary changes, our customers and partners will continue to receive the same high-quality products and services they have come to expect from ARRI and can even look forward to exciting new opportunities for expanding our mutual cooperation.
How does ARRI Lighting align with the overall strategic direction of the company, and what role should it play in the future?
Lighting is and has been an integral part of ARRI’s portfolio for over 100 years and our dedication to the lighting business is just as strong as ever. Our mission is to remain a trusted partner and producer of high-end camera systems and lighting products for motion picture and live entertainment. To best serve these exciting markets, premium lighting is a must, and our current and future portfolio reflects our commitment.
Our strategy is to stay a full-range provider on set and in studios. This includes, of course, our current lineup, such as the SkyPanel family and the L-Series Plus. Furthermore, we are deeply involved with working on new, cutting-edge products for both motion picture and live entertainment. ARRI’s customers and partners can look forward to receiving our cutting-edge lighting technology and premium services today and in the future.
Where has ARRI Lighting been behind the scenes recently?
The projects are really too many to mention, and we are so proud to be the chosen partner for every production that uses ARRI Lighting. Industry workhorses like ARRI’s SkyPanel, M-Series, and L-Series luminaires are on sets and stages around the world. A few examples that come to the top of my mind: like the hit show “White Lotus” Season 3 which took the SkyPanel X on board to Thailand and “Squid Game” Season 2 that relied on ARRI SkyPanels as well, especially the S60 and S360. One of Cannes flagship projects, Spike Lee’s latest film “Highest 2 Lowest,” was illuminated with SkyPanel S360, SkyPanel S60, and Orbiter lights. And I can’t leave out live sports broadcasts; they also benefit from ARRI Lighting. Over 50 SkyPanels and Orbiters from ARRI lit up Karate Combat 49 in Singapore and allowed for the seamless integration of live matches and virtual environment. Playing a role in these productions is what inspires us to go the extra mile at ARRI Lighting.
Anything you can share with us about what is coming down the pipeline for ARRI Lighting?
Since 1924, ARRI has been a world leader in professional lighting products for the motion picture and entertainment industries. Our dedication to offering the best lighting products for these markets has not wavered in all that time and will hold steadfast in the future. However, given our strong heritage and experience, we see that we now have the opportunity to provide our existing and new customers with even more.
Today, ARRI is looking forward to tapping into new markets as we increase our offerings for the midrange segment. To become a full-range provider of excellent lighting products, we are expanding our product portfolio. Stay tuned for exciting news to come.
