Valofirma - The Light House

11/11/2025

“I’m Anna Vilppunen, a costume designer. I design costumes for films, TV series, and commercials. I occasionally do styling work as well and have designed gowns for events such as the Finnish Independence Day Gala. I’ve been working in the industry for about twenty years.

A costume designer or stylist must always be prepared for anything on set. Anticipation is everything. I try to think through all possible scenarios in advance and be ready for them, from changing weather conditions and unexpected stains to last-minute creative changes. I always bring far more costume options than I’ll likely need, because plans can shift, a performer might need a different size, or the director might suddenly want a new color or style.

My on-set kit always includes sewing tools, scissors, a seam ripper, buttons, tapes, textile glue, a steamer, a hairdryer, aging materials, markers, a headlamp, an umbrella, a towel — and more. The most essential tool (besides patience and a good sense of humor) is probably my micro stitch tagging gun — a small device that shoots tiny plastic fasteners. It’s perfect for quickly shortening hems or pant legs and keeping ties or scarves in place. It makes on-set work much faster since there’s no need to sew everything by hand.”

This photo series highlights independent filmmakers and the personal gear they always bring to set. Is there someone you’d like to see featured — or would you like to take part yourself?

Drop a comment below or send us a DM! ✨

06/11/2025

“I’m Saana Kukkavaara, 2nd Assistant Camera. I’ve been working as a freelancer for five years, after spending a couple of years at Kamerafirma as a camera technician. My personal gear is there to support 1st ACs and other camera department needs. I find it important to have the tools that enable me to maintain and service equipment, keep things organized, and work independently when needed. In fast-paced situations, I want to be able to react quickly, which requires a systematic setup so I can locate the necessary tools immediately.

In addition to those tools, my kit includes the standard 2nd AC essentials, such as various slates and T-marks — the latter probably being my most used items. For me, the most essential pieces of equipment are my assistant bags and pouches, which make it possible to stay organized and keep the gear compact and mobile even in more challenging locations.”

This photo series highlights independent filmmakers and the personal gear they always bring to set. Is there someone you’d like to see featured — or would you like to take part yourself?

Drop a comment below or send us a DM! ✨

28/10/2025

“I’m Teemu Koivisto, a 1st Assistant Camera and focus puller. I’ve been working as an AC for 20 years. My philosophy with my personal gear is that it should support providing the best possible service for productions — and while that means having a lot of equipment, it ensures my setup works in any situation. I always bring my full kit with me, even though I only rent out what the production and DOP specifically need for each project. All crucial items — such as hand units, motors, monitors, and chargers — have at least one backup. This way, any technical issues are unlikely to cause major delays on set.

My kit also includes a few special components that might only come in handy once a year — but when they do, they can save the day. These are the items I’ve almost gotten rid of during gear overhauls, and I’m always glad I didn’t.

Having CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills has become increasingly useful, especially combined with my own 3D printing setup. I’ve designed and created custom technical solutions to support my gear whenever something I need isn’t available elsewhere.”

This photo series highlights independent filmmakers and the personal gear they always bring to set. Is there someone you’d like to see featured — or would you like to take part yourself?

Drop a comment below or send us a DM! ✨

22/10/2025

“I’m Kimi Seppänen, a film location manager and location scout. I’ve worked in the film industry for 40 years. Back in the day, I started in the art department, later moved to the SFX department, and in the mid-90s transitioned to working in locations. Since the late 90s, I’ve mainly focused on location management and scouting. Nowadays, my trusted tool is my drone — it has made scouting and presenting locations to productions so much easier.”

This new photo series highlights filmmakers and the personal gear they always bring to set. Despite Kimi working in-house, in this series want to showcase independent freelance film crew members. Is there someone you’d like to see featured — or would you like to take part yourself?

Drop a comment below or send us a DM! ✨

24/09/2025

TONTTU trailer is here! 🎄 We're happy to have been a part of the ride ✨🛷

Tonttu-elokuva kertoo tarinan sisaruksista, Lumista ja Talvista, jotka joutuvat lapsena eroon toisistaan. Siskoaan etsiessään Lumi päätyy tonttumaahan, missä...

12/09/2025

New ideas meet. 🎬 This year’s Screen Helsinki brought together Finnish film and TV professionals with keynotes, panels, and networking at BioRex Lasipalatsi. We were once again honored to help make this event possible and to present the Vuoden Screen -teko award. This year, the award went to NTRNZ Creative for their production Vaietut Arktiset Sodat.

Here are the jury’s remarks:

Vaietut arktiset sodat is a Finnish documentary series that has achieved exceptionally broad international distribution, sold to over 100 countries. The series unveils Arctic wartime events in an unprecedented way and stands out clearly from other productions dealing with World War II. It is an ambitious, international-level production that sparked wide global interest even before its release. NTRNZ Creative has boldly pushed its own vision and expertise, succeeding in today’s market by creating original non-fiction content that has attracted vast audiences both in Finland and abroad.

🏆 Voittajat 2025

Vuoden Musiikkioivallus – Aurinko laskee Lemmenjoella / Danish Bear Productions

Vientipalkinto Hulda – Anima Vitae

Soihdunkantaja – Jasper Pääkkönen

Vuoden Screen-teko – NTRNZ Creative & Vaietut arktiset sodat

Vuoden elokuvatuottaja – Jani Pösö, 100 litraa sahtia / It’s Alive Films

A huge congratulations to all the awardees, and thank you from our side as well to all participants ❤️ Photos: Miikka Varila

28/08/2025

Look at this cutie! Our newest Technocrane 10+ is in our lobby for you to take a look at. 🎥✨ It’s compact yet powerful – perfect for smooth, dynamic moves in tighter spaces.

14/08/2025

Valofirma Tampere is proud to support the semi-final judging of the International Emmy® Awards on August 18–19 in Tampere. The event will bring around a dozen top industry names from around the world to the city. Warm thanks to the organizers and partners: It’s an honor to be part of this story!