Raygun Lighting's story is closely tied to the evolution of New Zealand's screen industry over the past three decades.

Founder Giles Coburn entered the industry through Wellington's Avalon Studios at a time when local television production was thriving. What followed was a career spent working his way through the lighting department, learning the craft on everything from local productions to some of the biggest films ever made in New Zealand.

Projects such as The Lord of the Rings, King Kong and the first Avatar proved particularly formative. Working alongside internationally respected cinematographers and lighting crews provided not only technical experience, but an understanding of how large-scale productions operate and what they require from the departments supporting them.

Those lessons would eventually shape the creation of Raygun Lighting.

Established with fellow industry veteran Pete Gilmore, the company was built around the practical realities of production. Rather than simply supplying equipment, the aim was to provide experienced crews capable of working alongside cinematographers to solve problems, adapt to changing circumstances and help realise a creative vision.

That approach continues to define Raygun today.

The company has since contributed to productions including The Hobbit, Sweet Tooth, Cowboy Bebop, M3GAN, as upcoming feature films Klara and the Sun, Heart of the Beat, The Legend of Zelda and numerous international feature films and television series. While the scale and scope of those projects vary considerably, they all demand the same thing: a crew that can be relied upon.

For Coburn, that has always been one of Raygun's greatest strengths.

At the centre of the business is a core team of lighting technicians and crew members who have worked together across multiple productions over many years. On larger projects, that core group is typically supported by additional crew, but the systems and culture remain consistent.

The benefits extend beyond familiarity. Many of the people working within Raygun were there as the industry transitioned from traditional lighting systems to today's highly sophisticated digital and LED-based workflows. Together, they developed new ways of working, adapting their processes as technology changed around them.

The result is a crew that understands not only the equipment, but also how to work efficiently together under pressure.

That pressure can come in many forms.

Sometimes it means supporting a major international production filming in remote South Island locations where getting equipment to set becomes a logistical challenge. Other times it means working overseas with local crews, adapting to different ways of operating and finding practical solutions in unfamiliar environments.

One production that stands out for Coburn is Wrecked, an American television series filmed over several months at a resort in Fiji. While the location may have seemed idyllic, it still required the same combination of planning, adaptability and teamwork that underpins every production.

Those experiences have reinforced a philosophy that runs throughout Raygun's work: every project is different, but preparation and collaboration remain constant.

That collaborative approach is particularly evident in the relationship between lighting crews and cinematographers. As a gaffer, Coburn sees part of his role as being a creative sounding board, helping directors of photography explore ideas while finding practical ways to achieve them on set.

It is a mindset reflected across the company. Raygun's role extends beyond supplying lighting equipment to becoming part of the wider creative and technical team supporting a production.

The company's continued investment in modern LED technology reflects that commitment. As lighting tools have evolved, Raygun has expanded its capabilities to ensure productions have access to both the latest equipment and the expertise needed to use it effectively.

Yet despite the advances in technology, the company's success still comes back to people.

In an industry known for long days, early starts and constantly changing conditions, Raygun has built a reputation around the quality of its crew, the strength of its relationships and a culture that values professionalism, adaptability and teamwork.

Those qualities have helped establish Raygun as one of New Zealand's most respected lighting companies. More importantly, they have created a business capable of supporting productions at every scale while remaining focused on the practical, collaborative work that happens behind the camera.

It is an approach forged through decades of experience and one that continues to guide Raygun Lighting today.

For more information visit www.raygunlighting.com

All imaged are owned by and used with permission of Raygun Lighting

Raygun Lighting:

Built on Experience

office@screennz.com

Screen NZ International