Large-format tungsten lighting fixture delivering 24 kilowatts of warm color temperature for extensive fill lighting.
Technical Details
The core is a 24,000-watt halogen lamp (type FEP) with a G38 socket and a lifespan of 200 hours. The Fresnel lens has a diameter of 14 inches (356 mm) and allows for beam angle adjustment from 12° (Spot) to 60° (Flood). The anodized aluminum housing features a mechanical dimming function via a double-scrim holder and an integrated color filter frame for 20x24-inch filters. The power consumption is 100 amps at 240V, requiring a CEE form connector or hardwiring.
History & Development
ARRI introduced the T24 in 1987 as the flagship model of the True Blue D-series, to meet the growing demand for large-scale illumination of film sets. Development ran parallel to the first big-budget action films of the 1980s, which required extensive night shoots and daylight simulation in studios. In 1995, the model received revised electronics with improved heat dissipation. Since 2010, the T24 has been considered a legacy product, but it continues to be produced and used worldwide in film studios.
Practical Use in Film
The T24 primarily serves as a key light for expansive scenes or for daylight simulation through large studio windows. In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), DoP Roger Deakins used multiple T24 units to illuminate the vast Wallace Corporation sets. In TV production, the spotlight is used in talk show studios where uniform basic illumination of large areas is required. Setup requires at least two technicians and a crane or heavy stands, as the unit cannot be handheld. The extreme heat generation limits continuous operation to a maximum of 8 hours.
Comparison & Alternatives
The T24 competes directly with the Mole-Richardson 24K Senior and the K5600 Joker-Bug 24K HMI. While HMI alternatives are daylight-balanced (5600K) and consume less power, the Tungsten T24 offers more consistent color rendition for skin tones. Modern LED arrays like the ARRI SkyPanel S360-C achieve similar light output with significantly lower power consumption, but cost three times as much. For mobile productions, camera crews opt for 12K or 18K versions that can still be transported by two people.