Sound body AMPS calls out impact of noisy LED film lighting

In a statement, the AMPS said it is increasingly concerned that some high-output LED lighting fixtures introduce audible mechanical noise directly into performance spaces on set.

The AMPS noted that an actor’s performance is “inseparable from the conditions in which it is delivered”, saying that the human voice carries emotion, intention, and nuance that must be captured live, in the moment, and without avoidable interference.

In dialogue-critical scenes, AMPS said the noise from some LED lighting fixtures competes with the actor’s voice, “masking subtle dynamics and compromising the truthful capture of performance.”

It noted that post-production tools can reduce noise but cannot restore performance detail that was never cleanly recorded. Dialogue replacement is not a creative preference, said AMPS, but often a consequence of avoidable on-set noise.

“Actors deserve an environment that supports concentration, vocal control, and emotional truth. Protecting that environment is a shared responsibility across all departments. AMPS calls on manufacturers and productions to treat acoustic neutrality as a fundamental requirement of lighting design and deployment. Silent or genuinely quiet operation is essential to respecting performance and preserving the artistic intent of the work.”

Established in 1989, UK-based AMPS champions the role of sound in screen storytelling and has over 600 members – including many BAFTA and Oscar nominees and winners.

F1: The Movie, which stars Brad Pitt, recently won the Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS)’s 2026 Award for Excellence in Sound for a Feature Film. Discover more here.