This year marks eight incredible years of creating show-stopping special effects at Luminous. What started as a small idea between two SFX professionals has grown into a company trusted by theatres, live productions, and attractions across the world. Over the past eight years, we’ve engineered, built, and delivered effects that have transformed countless shows and experiences.
To celebrate our journey, we’re sharing 8 things you may not know about us, a little look behind-the-scenes at what makes Luminous unique.
All design, engineering and manufacturing happens in our UK workshop
Everything we do begins and ends in our UK workshop. Every concept, prototype, and finished system is designed, engineered, and built by our own team. Keeping everything under one roof means we maintain full control over quality and innovation. This hands-on approach allows our engineers to experiment, refine, and continuously improve, ensuring that every product bearing the Luminous name meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Proud members of PLASA, IAAPA and Experience UK
We’re proud to be part of a vibrant global network of entertainment professionals. As members of PLASA, IAAPA and Experience UK, we have the privilege of connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and creatives who are shaping the future of entertainment. These memberships allow us to stay ahead of the curve, uphold best practices, and contribute to discussions that move our industry forward.
Our ethos is all about Engineering Emotion
Over the years, we’ve developed a signature range of special effects equipment that has become a cornerstone of the Luminous identity. The HYDRA-STORM Rain Machine, HYDRA-TECH Digital Rain Curtain, SHOCK-WAVE Water Cannon, and SMOKE-TECH Cryo Curtain each serve a unique purpose, and yet all share the same DNA of precision engineering, reliability, and impact. These systems have been used in everything from touring theatre productions to large-scale outdoor events, helping creators achieve amazing moments.
Luminous' Awards Cabinet
Our dedication to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed. Most recently, our HYDRA-STORM Rain Machine took home a PLASA Award for Innovation. As well as this, Luminous has been honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade) and the Made in the UK, Sold to the World award. These accolades recognise not only our international reach but also the ingenuity behind our UK-made products. They stand as a testament to our team’s hard work and to the strength of British engineering in the entertainment industry.
Experience that goes beyond our years
While Luminous may be celebrating its eighth anniversary, the experience behind it stretches much further. Co-founders Mike and Ed have spent decades in the world of special effects, with Mike working on blockbuster films such as Inception, Quantum of Solace and The Dark Knight, and Ed playing a key role in Olympic Ceremonies in London, Sochi and Rio. Along with our team of engineers, their combined knowledge shapes every decision we make, from design principles to safety standards.
Collaborations that fire creativity
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to work alongside some of the most respected names in the industry, including MagicFX, for whom we engineer and manufacture a range of their iconic flame systems. These partnerships allow us to merge engineering precision with creative ambition, resulting in effects that are not only reliable but truly unforgettable.
A range that spans every experience
This year, we have worked on some incredible projects, including theatre productions such as Paddington The Musical and The Hunger Games On Stage. Our work extends far beyond one type of venue or production. Luminous effects have appeared on theatre stages, concert tours, immersive attractions and even as install features. Whether indoors or outdoors, temporary or permanent, we adapt our technology to suit the creative vision and the demands of each environment. That versatility is what makes Luminous a trusted partner for so many clients around the world.
We thrive on challenges
At Luminous, every project starts with a challenge and that’s exactly how we like it. Whether it’s creating realistic rain in a confined theatre, projecting images through falling water, or launching vast water effects for outdoor events, our team thrives on pushing boundaries. No brief is too ambitious. We combine imagination with engineering precision to turn creative ideas into tangible effects that audiences remember.
Get in touch to see how we can help you bring your next project to life!