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Creating Neon Signs for Film, TV, and Music Videos: A Guide for Art Directors

LED neon has become a go-to lighting tool for directors, art departments, and set designers wanting to create bold, atmospheric, or nostalgic vibes. We’ve worked on custom LED signs for everything from Netflix productions, to YouTube shows, to local indie shoots, and we know what it takes to get a sign camera-ready.

Here’s what every art director should consider when using LED neon on set.

Color Choice Matters

Not all neon colors behave the same way under studio lights or through the lens.

  • Cool tones like blue and purple tend to bloom on camera, especially when shot wide open or with soft focus. This can create a dreamlike haze or, if unplanned, a blown-out mess.

  • Warm tones like red and orange often appear more intense in low light, but can sometimes distort, appearing oversaturated or slightly "off" depending on your camera’s white balance.

  • White neon (Warm White or Cool White) is often used for neutral signage, but it’s important to match it with the colour temperature of your other lights to avoid tonal shifts.

Dimmer Remotes = On-Set Flexibility

Lighting continuity is crucial, and our LED neon signs are bright. If you're shooting across multiple takes or lighting setups, you don’t want your sign creating unwanted contrast.

We always recommend adding a dimmer remote to your order. This gives you:

  • Brightness control during rehearsals and takes

  • Scene flexibility if you’re shooting both day-for-night and low-light setups

  • The ability to tweak on the fly without adjusting camera settings or replacing gels

You can easily dial the sign up or down depending on what your DP needs, no rewiring needed.

Always Screen Test Before the Shoot

Even with perfect specs, every set is different. Lighting, surfaces, lenses, and post-processing all affect how your sign will appear on camera.

That’s why we always suggest doing a quick screen test with your LED neon sign under your intended lighting setup. You’ll spot blooming, reflections, or flicker early, and can adjust before the full crew is rolling.

Need a Sign Fast? We’ve Got Your Back

We know that production timelines change and sometimes signage is needed yesterday. Our team can turn around custom LED neon signs quickly, which is why we ship our signs with protective packaging suited for studios, stages, and sets. With our expedited service, you can expect your sign in under 10 days!

Whether you're dressing a bar scene, creating a branded backdrop for a music video, or adding personality to a character's room, our team can help bring your vision to life. On time, on spec, and camera-ready.

Need help with your next production?
Get in touch with our design team and let’s light your scene the right way.