There is no question that lighting can either make or break a performance. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about a film set, theater, or any other production. So, when it comes to outfitting yourself with studio and grip equipment staples, you’re going to need stands. For the most versatile and dependable stand in the industry, you can’t go wrong with C-stands.

In 1974, Matthews Studio Equipment was the first company to manufacture the first folding leg C-stands. Later on, they also became the first to make C-stands with spring loaded folding legs.

The Evolution of Matthews Hollywood Century C-Stands: Before We Had C-Stands, We Had the Sun

Before the advent of artificial light and light stands, early films were all shot either outside or in studios that were specifically designed to let in large amounts of sunlight. This is because filmmakers relied almost entirely on bright sunlight to light their sets. Early filmmakers did not adopt the range of artificial light that photographers were using in their studios. Because of this, there was no nighttime filming and very little indoor filming. In fact, some credit California’s plentiful sunlight as the reason why the American film industry shifted from New York to the West Coast.

The first uses of artificial lights for the film industry began at the end of the 19^th century. It wasn’t until 1905, however, that filmmakers began to explore all of the creative possibilities for light. Today, we know that lighting goes beyond simple exposure; lighting techniques are just as vital to visual storytelling. Additionally, using diffusers and filters with lighting can create your desired aesthetics.

The Century Stand is a Timeless Piece of Studio Equipment

Thankfully, we don’t need to worry about the sun nearly as much when it comes to filmmaking. Even when it comes to on-location shooting, we can fake it. Just because we’ve abandoned the simplicity of early film lighting, it doesn’t mean we don’t pay homage to it daily.

Take the C-stand, for example. This light stand, also known as a Century stand, is arguably one of the most important pieces of studio equipment you’ll find on set. The name itself is a tribute to the early days of filmmaking. When productions relied on continuous overhead lighting from the sun, filmmakers used large reflectors to bounce this light. The most popular size was the 100”, or century-sized reflector.

Part of what makes C-stand light mounts so popular is their versatility. Century stands can be used to hold a light, support a bounce board, position reflectors, block light with flags, and even organize clothing in the wardrobe. More than just a throwback to early film, these C-stands also have over one hundred uses.

Components of a C-Stand

A C-stands complete refers to a stand with an extension arm. These are the components that make up a complete C-stand:

• Grip head and extension arm: The grip head holds the extension arm at the top of the C-stand. There is typically another grip head at the end of the extension arm. This will commonly hold a flag to manipulate light. Knobs tighten and loosen the grip head.

• Risers: The extension arm attaches to the stand’s risers which extend the height of the stand.

MATTHEWS JUNIOR STAND DOUBLE RISER – ROLLING

• Base: C-stands have three legs of different heights that collapse flat for transportation. These legs are specially designed to bear a lot of weight with the high leg being the primary leg that is to face in the direction of the flag or light.

A regular C-stand, on the other hand, does not include an extension arm. These regular C-stands are used to holding light fixtures.

A “baby C-stand” measures only 20” at its shortest height and are sometimes called a "Gary Coleman" or a "Billy Barty" in the US.

A C-stand with a “turtle base” has a removable base. The opening at the top of the turtle base takes the base of either a C-stand upright or a junior pin. Stands with this type of base are great for setting up lights very low to the ground.

A “Stair Leg” C-stand or “Rocky Mountain leg” has an uppermost leg that is movable on the vertical axis.

Matthews Lightweight C-Stands Promise Dependability  

If you do plan on taking advantage of Century stands’ one hundred uses, reliability is key. If you’re looking for the best of the best, it doesn’t get much better than Matthews Studio Equipment. They are the ones who made folding C-stands what they are today, after all.

At MTN Shop, we carry Matthews C-stands in a variety of configurations to meet your on-set demands. From adjustable C-stands with a spring-loaded turtle base to those with a low-profile base, we’ve got you covered. We even offer the new specifically designed for the run and gun shooter who’s always on the move.

You can find the following Matthews C-stands at MTN Shop:

• Matthews 20" C-Stand w/Spring Loaded Turtle Base, includes Grip Head & Arm
• Matthews Hollywood Pro 40" C-Stand w/Sliding Leg, Low Profile Base, Includes Grip Head & Arm
• Matthews 20" C-Stand w/Sliding Leg, Includes Grip Head & Arm
• Matthews 40" Double Riser Spring Loaded Folding C-Stand w/Grip Head & Arm
• Matthews 40" C-Stand w/Sliding Leg, Includes Grip Head & Arm
• Matthews 40" C-Stand w/Spring Loaded Turtle Base, Includes Grip Head & Arm