A Century Stand, commonly known as a C-Stand, is a versatile grip stand designed to support lighting equipment, reflectors, modifiers, and other accessories used in professional film, photography, and AV production environments.
The Century Stand, or C-Stand, is an industry-standard support device essential to film, broadcast, and commercial audiovisual (AV) production. Constructed from heavy-duty steel or aluminum, it features a three-legged base for stability, an adjustable riser column for height control, and a grip arm for precise positioning. The design allows users to securely mount and angle lighting fixtures, flags, diffusion panels, or reflectors to achieve controlled illumination on set or in studio environments.
Its name originates from early film production, where the stand was used to support “century” reflectors, large metal sheets used to direct light. Modern C-Stands, manufactured and trademarked by Matthews Studio Equipment Corporation, preserve this heritage while incorporating enhanced adjustability and strength. The offset leg design enables multiple stands to be placed close together or on uneven surfaces, a key feature in tight studio layouts or complex lighting setups.
Today, C-Stands are widely used beyond traditional cinematography. They are common in commercial video production, architectural lighting installations, and industrial training environments requiring stable and flexible support for heavy or delicate equipment. Their robust design makes them suitable for holding monitors, sensors, cameras, or test instruments in controlled, high-performance AV systems.
While not governed by electrical codes, Century Stands are typically manufactured to meet ANSI and ISO mechanical safety and load-bearing standards for professional film and AV equipment.
The Century Stand dates back to early 20th-century Hollywood, where it was used to hold “century lights” and large reflective panels. As the film industry advanced, its design evolved to provide greater versatility and strength. Matthews Studio Equipment later trademarked the name Century Stand and standardized its design, establishing the C-Stand as the global industry benchmark for lighting and grip support.