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“I am Pia Mikkonen, a Makeup & Hair Designer. I have worked in the film industry since 1998. For many years, I worked as an assistant to several Finnish makeup designers. Those years taught me a great deal and helped me develop my own approach to makeup design — interpreting the script between the lines while listening closely to the director’s and actor’s ideas. Sometimes a character comes together easily; other times it takes a long search. Even the smallest detail can define how a person is perceived, and changes can be made right up until the first shot is filmed. The placement of a ponytail or even the shade of the hair tie can shape a character’s personality.
My most important tool is the script. During pre-production, schedules, chronologies, DOOD reports, and call sheet drafts are essential tools that must be carefully broken down from the perspective of the makeup department. On set important skills are following the flow of the production and maintaining a sharp eye for continuity.
Professionally, I am most inspired by the smallest details: the exact direction of a hair, the naturally uneven flush on cheeks, water droplets sparkling in a beard, sweat beading on a forehead, dirt stains splashed onto skin, smudges, tears, and blood splatter positioned just right. I carry the tools for all of this in my set bag.
Depending on the production, I travel with almost everything imaginable — beauty products, special effects materials, loose hair, false nails, sunscreen, toupee tape, tissues, hairspray, lip balm, hand fans, and countless other essentials. You have to be prepared for anything. The people I work with in the makeup department are also incredibly important to me. ❤️
When working in heat, freezing temperatures, snowstorms, rain, and harsh winds, the most practical set bag is actually a styrofoam cooler.”

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? Tell us! ✨

@pia_ilona #filmmaker #cinematography #muah

POV: You work at a cinema equipment rental house. Our technician Jaakko returning and doing some basic maintenance for an Arri Skypanel X. All our equipment is checked and tested by our staff after every single job to make sure everything is in tip-top condition for our clients.
Once cleaned, tested, and scanned, it’s sealed and stored in our warehouse, waiting for the next gig.

We’re providing film camera equipment alongside our digital selection! Through us you can access a range of film cameras in 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm formats. Whether you're shooting your first roll or returning to film, our team offers hands-on guidance backed by years of on-set experience. Give us a call and let’s make it happen! 🎥

Photos: Jouko Piipponen @josifsurma

We’re providing film camera equipment alongside our digital selection! Through us you can access a range of film cameras in 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm formats. Whether you're shooting your first roll or returning to film, our team offers hands-on guidance backed by years of on-set experience. Give us a call and let’s make it happen! 🎥

Photos: Jouko Piipponen @josifsurma

POV: You work at a cinema equipment rental house. Our technician Jaakko showing how it’s done. 😎 Did you know all our equipment is checked and tested by our staff after every single job? When cleaned, tested and scanned, it’s sealed and stored to our warehouse, waiting for the next gig! #cinematography #filmmaking #filmlight

Members of the Cutting Edges project from @turkuamk visited Helsinki-based camera rental company @valofirma to meet with two seasoned professionals: Antti Ahokoivu and Karri Takala. Representing TurkuUAS were Marko Luukkonen and Tommi Lehtonen.

The goal of the visit was to hear thoughts on virtual production (VP) from these two industry leaders, both of whom have been exploring VP possibilities from the early days.

Read the details of this visit on the Cutting Edges website.

#CuttingEdges #TurkuUAS #VirtualProduction #UnrealEngine #TechnoDolly #Filmaking

Members of the Cutting Edges project from @turkuamk visited Helsinki-based camera rental company @valofirma to meet with two seasoned professionals: Antti Ahokoivu and Karri Takala. Representing TurkuUAS were Marko Luukkonen and Tommi Lehtonen.

The goal of the visit was to hear thoughts on virtual production (VP) from these two industry leaders, both of whom have been exploring VP possibilities from the early days.

Read the details of this visit on the Cutting Edges website.

#CuttingEdges #TurkuUAS #VirtualProduction #UnrealEngine #TechnoDolly #Filmaking

Members of the Cutting Edges project from @turkuamk visited Helsinki-based camera rental company @valofirma to meet with two seasoned professionals: Antti Ahokoivu and Karri Takala. Representing TurkuUAS were Marko Luukkonen and Tommi Lehtonen.

The goal of the visit was to hear thoughts on virtual production (VP) from these two industry leaders, both of whom have been exploring VP possibilities from the early days.

Read the details of this visit on the Cutting Edges website.

#CuttingEdges #TurkuUAS #VirtualProduction #UnrealEngine #TechnoDolly #Filmaking

Members of the Cutting Edges project from @turkuamk visited Helsinki-based camera rental company @valofirma to meet with two seasoned professionals: Antti Ahokoivu and Karri Takala. Representing TurkuUAS were Marko Luukkonen and Tommi Lehtonen.

The goal of the visit was to hear thoughts on virtual production (VP) from these two industry leaders, both of whom have been exploring VP possibilities from the early days.

Read the details of this visit on the Cutting Edges website.

#CuttingEdges #TurkuUAS #VirtualProduction #UnrealEngine #TechnoDolly #Filmaking

Members of the Cutting Edges project from @turkuamk visited Helsinki-based camera rental company @valofirma to meet with two seasoned professionals: Antti Ahokoivu and Karri Takala. Representing TurkuUAS were Marko Luukkonen and Tommi Lehtonen.

The goal of the visit was to hear thoughts on virtual production (VP) from these two industry leaders, both of whom have been exploring VP possibilities from the early days.

Read the details of this visit on the Cutting Edges website.

#CuttingEdges #TurkuUAS #VirtualProduction #UnrealEngine #TechnoDolly #Filmaking

Our technician Jaakko showing you how it's done in his POV. 😎Did you know all our equipment is checked and tested by our staff after every single job? When cleaned, tested and scanned, it’s sealed and stored to our warehouse, waiting for the next gig!

The Finnish Society of Cinematographers has honored our beloved gaffer, Timo Haapasaari, with its annual technical award. Their citation reads as follows:

“The board of the Finnish Society of Cinematographers (F.S.C.) grants the 2025 technical award to Timo Haapasaari for his progressive dedication to lighting design, both creatively and technically. His knowledge of new technology and mastery of equipment has pushed Finnish lighting toward the international cutting edge.”

Congratulations Timo on this well-earned recognition! ✨

@fscfinland @timohaapasaari @iclsociety

POV: You work at a cinema equipment rental house. 🎥

Did you know all our equipment is checked and tested by our staff after every single job?

Once cleaned, tested, and scanned, it’s sealed and stored in our warehouse, waiting for the next gig! The product tested in this video is called the Smoke Genie by PMI Gear.

Award season continues! Together with the Audiovisual Producers Finland and the Finnish Society of Cinematographers, we once again had the honor of presenting the Commercial Cinematographer of the Year award at Voitto Gala.

This year, the award was presented to Jean‑Noël Mustonen — a seasoned cinematographer with an impressive career and a highly respected body of work in commercial filmmaking.

Congratulations on the well-deserved win, Jean! 🎉📽️

Photo: Miikka Varila

@jeannoelmustonenfsc
@fscfinland
@apfi_ry
@voittokilpailu

Congratulations to Annika Miettinen, the winner of this year’s Kultainen Varjo Award! The prize was awarded for the short film Muistot liikkuvat kuin kaukaiset saaret, directed by Saarlotta Virri.

The jury justified their choice as follows: “Through the use of multiple techniques, the cinematography masterfully guides the viewer through marshlands and the dreamlike world of memories.”

Valofirma was once again delighted to collaborate closely with the Tampere Film Festival in presenting this award to an outstanding cinematographer from the national competition. Congratulations as well to all the other award winners! 🏆

POV: You work at a cinema equipment rental house. 🎥

Did you know all our equipment is checked and tested by our staff after every single job?

Once cleaned, tested, and scanned, it’s sealed and stored in our warehouse, waiting for the next gig! Product tested in this video is the Schulz Sprayoff Milli Rain Deflector ☔️🌧️

"I'm Kari Malmio, and I am a gaffer. I have been working in the film industry for 23 years. For the past 15 years, I have worked as a gaffer; before that, I worked as a lighting technician and best boy, and also took on smaller projects as a director and cinematographer.

As a gaffer, my most important tools are my eyes and my brain, but the equipment is always selected according to the specific needs of each production. Every project is unique and requires its own set of tools. I own a large number of basic tools that are usually with me, enabling problem-solving in various situations, but careful planning is the most important part of the job. A Leatherman and a powerful flashlight are always on my belt, and they often get you surprisingly far.

Nowadays, a smartphone has also become an unexpectedly important tool. With it, I can track the direction of the sun and the movement of clouds, take photos for reference, and share information within the lighting team. Despite relying on my phone, I always carry a compass and a good old light meter with me as well. In the end, however, careful planning is the most important tool I have at my disposal."

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! ✨

#cinematography #gaffer #filmmaker #valofirma