As one of the most innovative companies in the world of film lighting, Astera has revolutionized the way cinematographers work—bringing wireless freedom, intuitive control, and rugged reliability to sets worldwide. Now, Astera brings this same spirit of innovation to Terre di Cinema, joining as a technical partner for the 2025 edition of the CineCampus. In this exclusive interview, Robert Purkarthofer-Kornwebel, the company’s Content Manager, shares insights into Astera’s evolution, the values driving their product development, and why empowering young filmmakers through initiatives like Terre di Cinema is central to their mission.

Question: Could you share some pivotal moments in Astera’s journey that have significantly shaped its identity and success in the industry?

Our Answer: Astera’s journey from an pure Event focused manufacturer to a global leader in wireless lighting has been marked by several pivotal moments. Early on, our deep understanding of LED technology, honed through experience from the Event lighting sector, gave us a unique foundation. However, the real turning point came with the realization that the film market  craved wireless, battery-powered, and robust lighting solutions that offered unparalleled flexibility.

One significant moment was the development of our first truly portable, high-CRI LED fixtures. This wasn’t just about putting a battery in a light; it was about designing a complete ecosystem that integrated power, control, and wireless DMX seamlessly. This commitment to an integrated, user-centric approach really set us apart.

Another crucial juncture was the decision to focus intensely on the film and events industries. We saw a clear need for reliable, versatile lighting that could withstand the demanding environments of a film set or a live event. This specialized focus allowed us to tailor our innovations precisely to these industries’ unique requirements, leading to products that truly solved problems for professionals.

Question: What core principles and innovations have driven Astera’s product development, and how do you ensure they meet the evolving needs of cinematographers and lighting professionals?

Our Answer: Our product development, epitomized by the success of the Titan Tube, is driven by a few core principles:

1. Wireless Freedom: This is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in liberating lighting professionals from the constraints of cables, offering unparalleled speed and flexibility on set.
2. Uncompromising Quality and Reliability: Our fixtures are built to be robust, durable, and consistent. Film sets are demanding environments, and our products are engineered to withstand the rigors of professional use.
3. Intuitive Control: We strive for simplicity and efficiency. Our AsteraApp, for instance, provides incredibly powerful yet intuitive control over complex lighting setups, allowing cinematographers to focus on their creative vision.
4. Innovation Driven by User Feedback: We maintain a very close relationship with cinematographers and gaffers worldwide. Their feedback is invaluable in our R&D process, ensuring our products evolve to meet their evolving needs.

Question:  What motivated Astera to collaborate with Terre di Cinema, and how does this partnership align with your company’s vision and values?

Our Answer: Our collaboration with Terre di Cinema as a technical partner was a very natural fit and something we are incredibly excited about. Astera was motivated by several factors:

Firstly, it aligns perfectly with our company’s vision of empowering creative professionals. Terre di Cinema’s dedication to fostering new talent and supporting independent filmmaking resonates deeply with us.

Secondly, it’s an excellent opportunity to directly support the next generation of cinematographers. Providing our lighting products for the CineCampus short film productions means these emerging filmmakers get hands-on experience with industry-standard, cutting-edge technology right from the start of their careers.

Finally, it’s a chance to give back to the community that has embraced our products. We believe in investing in the future of the industry, and initiatives like Terre di Cinema CineCampus are vital for its continued growth and innovation.

Question: How does Astera view its role in nurturing new talent in the cinematography field, and what do you hope young filmmakers gain from hands-on experience with your lighting technology?

Our Answer: Astera views its role in nurturing new talent as a crucial part of our commitment to the cinematography field. We believe that by providing access to advanced tools and technologies, we can help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

We hope that young filmmakers gain several key benefits from hands-on experience with our lighting technology:

• Practical Proficiency: They’ll develop a strong understanding of how professional wireless LED lighting works in a real-world production environment.
• Creative Confidence: Having access to versatile and intuitive tools like Astera lights will empower them to experiment, innovate, and bring their creative visions to life without being limited by technical constraints.
• Efficiency and Speed: They’ll learn the immense benefits of wireless setups in terms of speed of deployment and flexibility, which are critical skills in fast-paced film productions.
• Understanding of Industry Standards: By working with the same equipment used on major film sets, they’ll be better prepared for their professional careers.

Ultimately, we want to inspire these young filmmakers and equip them with the tools and knowledge that will help them shape the future of visual storytelling. We’re proud to be a part of their journey.