The Enchanting World of “Wicked”

31st January 2025

“Wicked”, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, has captivated audiences across the globe. This video case study explores the lighting and cinematography employed by DP, Alice Brooks ASC and Chief Lighting Technician, David Smith to bring a new and fantastical world of Oz to life.

Step behind the emerald curtain and discover the magic behind lighting the Forbidden Forest, The Ozdust Ballroom and the Throne Room.

Watch the breakdown:

Universal Production Services supplied over 800 Gemini 2×1 Hards, which were rigged across multiple stages. These lightweight, high-output panels proved invaluable to Chief Lighting Technician, David Smith and the lighting team on Wicked. Selected for their exceptional colour, light quality, precise control, and smooth low-end dimming, the Geminis were versatile enough to handle a wide range of lighting tasks, from illuminating backings to providing soft, diffused spacelight.

“Litepanels were a big part of the production. They worked seamlessly for us. The Geminis never let us down.”

David Smith, Chief Lighting Technician