Luminous, a cutting-edge special effects engineering business based in Exeter, has earned a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. The award recognises the company’s exceptional contribution to the global events industry, marked by its innovative work on high-profile productions such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and major international events including the Commonwealth Games and Disney’s touring shows.
Founded in 2017 by Mike Badley and Edwin Samkin, Luminous has transformed the world of live performance with its extraordinary special effects, including record-breaking flames, water displays, and digital rain. The company’s breakthrough creations have illuminated stages across the world, from the USA and Canada to Japan and Australia. With its unique blend of engineering expertise and creative flair, Luminous has become a go-to name in special effects for both theatre and large-scale events.
From Exeter Science Park to Global Recognition
The journey began at Exeter Science Park when founders Mike and Ed—both qualified engineers—joined forces to revolutionise the way live events incorporate special effects. Mike’s experience in film special effects, including James Bond, Star Wars, and Batman, combined with Ed’s background in delivering live event effects for London 2012, set the stage for Luminous to emerge as a leader in its field.
“Our team’s ingenuity has allowed us to bring jaw-dropping moments to life in some of the world’s most iconic events and performances,” says founder Mike Badley. “From Hogwarts to the Commonwealth Games, we aim to create unforgettable experiences. This award recognises the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our brilliant team, who continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Pioneering New Special Effects Technology
Luminous continues to push the envelope with cutting-edge technology that transforms live events. Among their recent innovations are the HYDRA-TECH Digital Rain System, which delivers controllable rain effects, and the SMOKE-TECH Cryo Curtain, designed for large-scale smoke effects. Both systems are modular and can be deployed in even the biggest of events, further solidifying Luminous’ reputation as a leader in the field.
Looking ahead, Luminous plans to expand its product range with more groundbreaking systems in the next 12 months, continuing to innovate and elevate the live events industry with engineering solutions that are as bold as they are brilliant.
The King’s Award is a testament to the company’s global impact, its commitment to excellence, and its vision for the future of special effects engineering.
