Stepping onto the IBC show floor, one of the most intriguing developments in location lighting was getting hands-on with GVM’s new flathead F-S series. Standard point-source lights offer immense power and punch, but their deep, heavy housings often make transport and tight-space rigging a constant struggle. GVM addresses that pain point directly with a lineup ranging from the portable F-150 up to the heavy-hitting F500, packing 500 Watts of COB output into a housing almost as flat as a standard LED panel.
The primary advantage here is how this form factor fundamentally changes set logistics. Traditional high-output COB lights usually require dedicated, heavy-duty rolling cases and significant clearance when boomed overhead or tucked into low-ceiling interiors. By flattening the head and integrating the power supply directly into the chassis—eliminating the external ballast on most models—GVM has created a high-output point source that slips into slim transport cases, reduces floor-stand footprints, and drastically speeds up setup and tear-down times.
That physical adaptability extends across the entire lineup. The F-S series creates a consistent, uniform platform across various power tiers, offering B versions for dedicated bi-color output and C versions with full RGBW color control. Because the controls and form factor remain predictable whether rigging an F-150 as an accent or an F500 as a key, gaffers and solo operators can build a scaled workflow without relearning interfaces or juggling disparate mounting hardware.
Handling the fixtures on the show floor reveals several pragmatic mechanical upgrades aimed at fast-paced production environments. GVM demonstrated a newly redesigned quick-release yoke on its smaller fixtures. Utilizing secure locking pins, the mechanism moves from completely released to fully locked in just a half-turn, eliminating the tedious screwing and unscrewing typically required when re-angling or breakdown is needed mid-scene.
Crucially, the ultra-slim housing does not trade off core modifier support or professional control integration. The front of the fixture retains a standard full-size Bowens mount, paired with a custom softbox attachment design that releases and locks into place with a single click. For networking, GVM implemented a modular control system: swappable expansion units (sold separately) let creators equip the lights with Bluetooth, DMX, CRMX, or Ethernet as required by the shoot.
By combining the shallow, packable footprint of an LED panel with the punch, throw, and modifier versatility of a traditional COB fixture, the F-S series presents a truly flexible lighting tool—one capable of serving as a nimble setup for a solo shooter or scaling directly into a fully networked studio grid.