Month: May 2019

Lighting up the Night at Live Events

Posted on by J3551CA

Illuminating a live event presents special challenges for lighting directors. From sporting events to concerts there must be sufficient lighting for audiences to see what’s happening without blinding viewers or performers. Subjects must be highlighted, while providing sufficient light for events that are recorded for later viewing or broadcast live.

Simply employing more lights doesn’t mean a venue will be any brighter. Professional lighting directors are intimately acquainted with the interplay of light and shadows, reflection techniques, cameo lighting, and the relationship between filming methods and the light required. They’re also well-versed in the application of LED lighting and have the ability to see from the camera’s perspective and not just what’s apparent to the naked eye.

It’s important for the lighting director to actually examine the arena in the dark and discover what type of illumination options may or may not already be available at the venue. LED lights allow an elevated level of lighting that’s eco-friendly and can be deployed in a vast array of arrangements. Light balloons are another option that can be employed alone or in combination with other methods to achieve the desired effect.

Digital cameras react differently to low light situations, making it important to know how the cinematographer will be filming. The use of industry-specific sensors is indispensable for gauging illumination levels in different areas, eliminating graininess, and detecting unwanted areas of shadows.

Creating pools of illumination rather than trying to saturate an entire venue provides a more realistic appearance. Less lighting can be used with the strategic positioning of reflectors that result in a softer look. Even wetting down concrete can act as a reflector. Lighting directors are also familiar with the camera techniques used for nighttime filming and the lighting requirements for each.

Keep in mind that even the best lighting directors at the pinnacle of their careers check and recheck every aspect of their lighting plans and run simulations. They leave nothing to chance, especially during demanding night shoots. They utilize all their creative skills and technical knowledge to illuminate venues that enables viewers to feel as if they’re actually there and part of the action.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

            

Different Avenues for Lighting Design

Posted on by J3551CA

Anywhere an event is taking place, there’s an opportunity for a lighting design expert. Many individuals obtain their education in lighting design with the goal of working on blockbuster movies, only to find themselves following completely different avenues that are equally fulfilling and allows them to use their creative talents in unique ways.

One of the most obvious venues for lighting design is TV, movies and the theatre. Actors to newscasters always look bright and brilliant on the screen. That flawless appearance is partly makeup artists and the rest is due to the skills of lighting design professionals.

Illumination specialists understand the unique placement of lights to highlight subjects and the type of lighting required to eliminate harsh shadows. They also provide professional lighting design for commercials, infomercials, documentaries and music videos.

Concerts and sporting events offer a multitude of opportunities for lighting designers and they can find themselves working in locations around the world. Sports and concerts each have their own particular range of challenges. Concerts and some sports take place during nighttime hours and people that can illuminate those events properly are in high demand.

The corporate, political and religious arenas often overlap and lighting designers are needed for them all. Designers provide illumination for events that include political debates and state events, along with televised religious services, large corporate gatherings, webinars, seminars and conventions.

As brides demand more elaborate weddings, there’s an increasing demand for lighting designers that can create a cinema-like experience. Couples are even requesting that the experience of having their wedding photos taken be filmed for posterity.

Amusement parks, museums, planetariums and other entertainments are an often overlooked opportunity for lighting designers. Illumination is a key ingredient for setting mood and ambiance, whether it’s lighting for simulators, specialty rides or highlighting unique exhibits.

There’s a myriad of avenues for professionals skilled in lighting design, many of which often go overlooked when individuals first begin their careers. Those that revel in the interplay of light and shadow can paint their own story anywhere in the world.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

            

Fans Mad About Game of Thrones Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

Game of Thrones fans took to social media after the Battle of Winterfell episode to voice their displeasure about the series’ lighting – or lack thereof. Lighting is an essential element for any scene, but recent lighting decisions by the show’s cinematographer made it extremely difficult for home viewers to see much of the action that was taking place.

Lighting delivers an emotional impact for every scene and the show’s cinematographer placed the blame not on the lighting, but the way that audiences were viewing it. He noted that Game of Thrones is lighted in the same way as a feature film and that home viewers didn’t know how to adjust their TVs properly.

He also sited watching on mobile devices that aren’t appropriate for cinematic filming techniques, watching in a brightly lit room, and compression of the episode by HBO that affected visual quality. The cinematographer also said the lighting was designed to give the impression of disorientation as it would be if the battle was real. The battle did take place at night so it was a low light environment, making the lighting decisions even more critical.

It’s a perfect example of how lighting decisions can make or break an episode or an entire film. It’s also an illustration of how light can be used to represent the clash between good and evil. The points made by fans and the cinematographer were all valid. Compression does degrade quality and mobile devices are not ideal for viewing TV or films shot in certain ways.

Conversely, today’s TVs have multiple settings. Any program or movie typically displays well enough for audiences to catch all the action. Home viewers have no way of knowing ahead of time that they’ll need to adjust their TV settings. It’s entirely possible to light scenes that establish mood while utilizing shadows to demonstrate the same effect that the Game of Thrones cinematographer was trying to accomplish.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

            

Lighting Director Training

Posted on by J3551CA

Many people that are fascinated with the nuances of lighting one day dream of becoming a master of the skill and working for TV, film or the Broadway stage. There’s a lot of practical knowledge that goes into the skill set of a lighting director, coupled with artistic vision.

A lighting director is responsible for all the aspects of lighting a stage, whether it’s in Hollywood or a royal wedding. It’s the individual that designs and arranges the lighting to create the mood for any type of production. They’re cognizant of lighting techniques, budgetary requirements, and works with everyone from actors and musicians to costume designers to discern the ideal placement for lights, the colors, and the safety of all concerned.

Those that aspire to be a lighting director will need to meet a variety of educational requirements that include a Bachelor’s degree in theatre production or lighting design. Depending upon what line of work the lighting director chooses, there are additional requirements for different levels of expertise. They’ll also need experience and training in electrical safety and construction.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program will include the design aspect and the technical elements. They can obtain a Master of Fine Arts in lighting design to continue their education. A master’s program will include classroom work and hands-on training that includes lighting technology and history.

Lighting directors must have technical skills with computer programs used within the lighting industry. A variety of universities and college have internship programs that enable budding lighting directors to work under professionals in the field, gain experience, and build their portfolios.

Lighting directors are the architects of the lighting world. The most revered lighting directors in the world are creative visionaries and innovators that work in venues that include broadcast media, live sporting events, and have lit pathways on the red carpet and royal events.

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. are specialists in lighting for television events of all kinds.  If you have an event that needs expert lighting, please call us today to see how we can help.

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

We can be found on Social Media at the following links.