Author: J3551CA

Why Add Smoke to Enhance Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

Smoke machines, are wonderfully versatile machines that can produce a variety of atmospheric effects, and it’s important to note that they’re not the same as a fog machine. The primary difference is that smoke rises, doesn’t take long to fill a room, and disperses quickly throughout an entire area whereas fog typically stays close to the ground.

A smoke machine will be the tool of choice for the spooky effects of TV and films in the horror genre, for concerts and theatre productions, and when shots require the entire room to be smoky. The smoke can be used for highlighting special lighting effects, especially for laser light shows, on dancefloors and concert venues.

The downside is that the smoke dissipates fairly quickly and can set off fire and smoke alarms. If not closely controlled, it can obscure images but it’s also one of the most cost effective special effects methods to use. Consumer models are available, in addition to fog machines, that are extremely popular as part of Halloween festivities.

A smoke machine is ideal for recreating the smoke-filled atmosphere of a speakeasy and a gently blowing fan will create air currents for a misty feeling reminiscent of “dream sequences.” The machines are appropriate for producing theatrical smoke for TV and the cinema, along with still photos and the theatre stage to create a specific mood or atmosphere.

They have the advantage of containing control panels that allows special effects professionals to accurately control how much smoke is added, when, and from what direction. Smoke reflects and refracts light, making it particularly effective when a special effect is required, but audiences aren’t supposed to detect it.

Smoke machines can simulate smoke coming from a wrecked vehicle, used as a scene transition on the stage, and to facilitate dramatic entrances at concerts and sporting events. It’s equally effective for sci-fi type effects or to create an alien landscape. The uses of a theatrical smoke machine are many and varied, making the devices a favorite of special effects creators.

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.

            

Taking Control: Becoming a Confident Lighting Director

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Confidence comes from knowledge, experience, and getting out of your comfort zone. Becoming a confident lighting director begins with obtaining the appropriate education and thoroughly understanding your craft. By the time most lighting directors make their career decision, they’ve already been playing and experimenting with lights and cameras for years.

Practice makes perfect and once you have the educational skills, work every job available to get the practical experience you’ll need. Education is essential, but it’s still difficult to get started in the business without some practical experience. No knowledge is ever wasted. Illumination of any event is an art and even though you won’t be the focus of the activities, your work will be center stage.

Innovation is also the mark of a confident lighting director. You’ll discover that you’ll often be asked to do much with little. Use what you’ve learned and pair it with your own ideas to illuminate venues and create special effects. Every gig is different and provides unique opportunities to expand your repertoire.

Be prepared for the unexpected, especially if you’re working with an event with which you’ve had minimal experience. Lighting directors are often required to make snap decisions and adapt to changes on the fly. Some ideas and requests may sound spectacular, but have no place in real-world applications. Always be honest with clients.

Practice, test and practice some more. Great lighting directors utilize their knowledge, talent and experience to constantly play with techniques, methods and equipment. What you conceive of today may be the solution to a specific illumination problem of the future.

Above all, get out of your comfort zone. If you typically work with high-end weddings, start by providing illumination for concerts or sporting events on a small scale. It provides you with perspective and valuable experience that you’ll take with you throughout your career.

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.

            

Managing Heat with LED Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

Economy of operation is one the primary reasons that many industries are installing LED lighting. The technology also has operating temperatures that are below that of traditional methods of illumination, but LEDs still require a heat distribution system to manage thermal output.

LEDs don’t produce heat through infrared radiation, so they remain cool to the touch, but heat is generated within the device itself. The level will depend on whether the light is pulsed, steady, the wattage of the LED units, and junction temperatures.

Heat must be dissipated from LEDs for them to operate at top efficiency. If that energy isn’t siphoned off in some way, they become less reliable, inefficient, and emit less light. The illumination output is higher in cooler environments, making it essential for some type of heat sink or means of dispersing the generated heat.

Most high-quality LED lamps and fixtures are equipped with heat sinks that reduce the build-up of heat. Additional assistance may be required when the lights are used for long periods of time or at maximum output. Altering the housing surrounding the LEDs or adding fins can provide better heat transference away from the lights.

Fans are also convenient for forcing air past the LEDs to dissipate heat, but won’t be feasible for all types of applications. Liquid coolants offer another method of heat distribution and can be placed in fairly close proximity to the lights. When liquid coolants are prohibited due to safety regulations, thermal electric cooling (TEC) can be utilized that allows individuals to precisely control the level of cooling desired.

LEDs offer a variety of benefits over traditional means of illumination, but professionals will still encounter problems with heat distribution. Any materials used to transfer heat away from the lights should be able to move that thermal energy both vertically and horizontally for optimal performance.

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.

            

Common On-Camera Lighting Mistakes

Posted on by J3551CA

There are no do-overs in live broadcasts making proper illumination critical. It enables audiences to see the action and is used to focus attention. It also enhances the mood. Illumination quality is important for a variety of factors ranging from the type of camera being utilized to the intensity of the image being broadcast.

Appropriate on-camera illumination is an art form that requires extensive education and can require years to master. Lighting is an element that’s always present in broadcasts. The trick is to create illumination set-ups that are “invisible” to viewers.

Under Lighting

Insufficient lighting is the most common problem seen in on-camera broadcasts. Typically a mistake made by the inexperienced, it occurs when a light meter isn’t utilized. The problem is that cameras don’t “see” light the same way as the human eye. Trying to correct for insufficient light with the camera increases the noise and graininess of the images and affects the focus.

Harsh Light

Also known as hard light, many novices confuse harsh with bright. Hard light casts unwanted shadows and will make the entire broadcast appear like an amateur production. Bright lighting can be achieved with softer lighting that also works to make subjects look friendlier and approachable. It’s infinitely more flattering to subjects.

Flat Image

A flat image occurs when there’s not enough demarcation between the background and foreground. It’s a snafu that can be extremely difficult for beginners to discern and happens when the subject is too close to the background and there’s no sense of depth. Viewers don’t know where to focus their attention. It can be remedied in a variety of ways using light, color and distance.

Light Temperatures

Balancing warm and cold illumination is important and desirable, but not when it’s casting harsh shadows on one side of the subject. The balancing act is especially difficult in live shots that are taken near windows with sunlight. Viewers will be able to tell there’s something “off,” even if they’re not able to tell exactly why.

Know the Basics

Individuals can alleviate the most common on-camera lighting problems by thoroughly understanding the basics, using a good light meter and practice. Lighting difficulties can be easy to rectify by recognizing their potential before they occur. “Mistakes” can also be used to create special effects for certain types of productions. Practice makes perfect.

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.

            

What it Takes to Light up a Stadium

Posted on by J3551CA

Illuminating a stadium is no easy task and lighting will depend on whether the event takes place during the daylight or nighttime hours. Around the world, those attending activities ranging from concerts to premiere sporting events are seeing a change from the HID lights that have been used for decades to the new, eco-friendly LED light technology that provides an enhanced experience for fans.

Metal Halide

Metal halide lights are a form of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. For years, metal halide lamps were standard fixtures in stadiums. It’s the type that was used during the Super Bowl Sunday blackout of 2013 that suspended play for over 30 minutes.

The drawback to the light source is that they require a warm-up time that can take 30 minutes. They provide a bright, white light that’s desirable for illumination, but they have a relatively short life span.

Metal halide also has a long cool down time if bulbs have to be changed. When a bulb malfunctions, all the lights automatically go off. Color distortions are also a problem as the bulbs age. HIDs generate UV rays, contain mercury, and they’re expensive to operate.

LED Lights

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) produce the bright, white light required for illuminating large venues at a fraction of the cost of HIDs. The cost savings was the motivating factor for many stadiums to convert to LEDs. They produce light by moving electrons around in a semiconducting material rather than the filament in HIDs.

They have a much longer lifespan than other types of lighting and are ready instantly when illumination is needed. If an LED malfunctions, it doesn’t affect the rest of the bulbs. The bulbs are also less likely to be damaged should they be bumped or jostled. They contain no mercury or similar materials and can be recycled.

Light shows are just one of the benefits that LED lights provide, along with enhanced visibility for those on the field. LEDs can produce multiple colors without the use of expensive filters. A bank of LEDs is much lighter in weight, easier to set up, and can be combined with control boards to produce a wide array of effects at a moment’s notice, making them extremely versatile and beneficial for stadium usage.

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.

            

Common Lighting Attachments

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Lighting professionals will encounter a variety of commonly used attachments during their work. The sooner that aspiring lighting specialists know what they are and how to use them, the better they can provide the type of specialized illumination they will be called on to perform during their careers. The following are some common attachments used in modern cinematography.

Barn Door

A barn door is a light modifier that’s affixed to the front of theater or studio lights. The hinged doors are similar to old-style barn doors, hence the name. They enable operators to change the shape of the light without affecting the softness or hardness of the light source. Available in a wide variety of sizes, the positioning of the doors will dictate the shape and nature of the illumination.

Flags

These are also utilized to block and control light. They’re used to protect a lens from flare, produce a shadow, control reflections, and reduce contrast. They’re offered in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from a few inches to several square feet to minimize reflected light.

Filters

The translucent or transparent devices are affixed in front of a lens to modify and alter the characteristics of light. They’re also utilized to add colors and special effects. Filters are available as slot-ins and screw in types. They’re particularly effective when working with surfaces such as glass and water that are highly reflective, along with pollution or moisture in the air that can produce glare.

Gels

This is a colored and transparent sheet that changes the color of the light to create a specific mood or to correct for color. They became known as gels since gelatin was used for decades in the manufacturing process. Modern gels are actually a heat-resistant plastic, though colored glass filters are also used as the plastic-type has a limited life span.

Many Tools

The number of tools used to illuminate environments varies widely and any lighting professional will need to know how each can be used to obtain very specific effects. They can make the difference between an average project and an extraordinary one.

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.

            

History of the JumboTron

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A staple at sports arenas and stadiums around the world, the JumboTron changed the way that people view everything from sporting events and concerts to church services. The technology is considered essential today and its history epitomizes the spirit of invention.

Though Sony is associated with the JumboTron today, Mitsubishi was an early pioneer in technology for large screen displays, with an early version debuting in 1980 at Dodger Stadium during the Major League Baseball Game in Los Angeles, CA. At that time, it was touted as “the biggest television in the world.”

The LED technology that’s now associated with the Kiss Cam at sporting events is the result of Yasuo Kuroki that was the creative director at Sony. The Sony JumboTron appeared at the Japan tech expo in 1985. The technology was an unequivocal success and soon sports teams wanted to have their own JumboTron.

The JumboTron has undergone a number of innovations and changes throughout the years to provide better picture quality. One of the first JumboTrons was at the former Tampa Stadium in FL. That screen measured 30 ft. diagonally with a visual resolution of 240×192 pixels. It was followed later by a screen that measured 72 ft. tall, 160 ft. wide, and with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

In the early days of its use, the JumboTron didn’t utilize an LED display. Blue LEDs weren’t available, only green. Colors didn’t always appear quite “right.” The screens were transitioned into LED technology when pure green and blue LEDs were developed. LED lights provide longer longevity, which makes them more cost effective.

The JumboTron hasn’t been without its share of controversy. As venues got larger and fans became farther away from teams and performers, they spent more time watching the screen than they did the action in front of them. The JumboTron took on a life of its own and became the centerpiece rather than an enhancement to the experience.

It’s interesting to note that author, Ray Bradbury, foresaw the rise of the JumboTron in his book “Fahrenheit 451” published in 1953. It only took a little over 30 years for the giant screens to become a reality and “part of the show.” Whether people love it or hate it, one thing is for certain – the JumboTron will continue to be part of the overall entertainment experience around the world for many years to come.

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.

            

How to Become a TV Lighting Designer

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If you’re one of the people that have a fascination for lighting and dream of a career in TV, be prepared to learn much more than techniques and methods. Your ultimate job will be to create and design lighting solutions that are innovative, cost-effective and energy-efficient for the production you’re working on. That may entail illuminating indoor and outdoor environments.

You’ll need a comprehensive education that encompasses topics ranging from architecture and theatre history to art and literature, along with industry-specific software. Education requirements can vary widely by employer and you may need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, while other companies will want a master’s degree.

High school theatrical productions are a good place to begin learning and don’t forget to look for internship opportunities whether you’re in high school or college. Film and photography clubs at the high school level will assist in understanding the interplay of light in different atmospheres.

Many high schools perform stage productions that provide valuable experience. Even small communities often have theatre groups that would welcome assistance designing and creating sets. Lighting tradeshows are also an opportunity to learn about the newest techniques, technology, and methods. Manufacturers demonstrate their products and experienced design professionals are often in attendance to hold discussions.

Math is also an essential skill since one of your responsibilities as a lighting designer will be to create the most cost-efficient projects. The grounding in math will also be utilized to measure and calculate the illumination required and the positioning of different types of lights for each project.

The future illumination you’ll provide will incorporate multiple factors that include the size of the venue to whether it’s an event that takes place in the daylight or nighttime. You’ll also need to know how to perform lighting simulations and a myriad of other tasks.

A TV lighting designer has a wealth of opportunities for creativity and innovation within the industry. It’s also a profession that offers a high degree of satisfaction that will enable you to stretch your talent and skill to the limit.

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.

            

Why Lighting Attracts Bugs

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Whether it’s a campfire or a JumboTron, light sources attract insects. Traditional incandescent bulbs emit light in the color spectrum that’s particularly attractive to bugs. Bulbs that produce a yellow or orange-colored hue are less attractive to insects and it’s the primary reason that yellow “bug lights” were created.

Navigational Aid

The question of why insects are drawn to light sources is multi-faceted. Bugs use light to navigate their surroundings whether they’re apparent during the day or only come out at night. Nocturnal insects use any available light source as a navigational beacon. The larger the illumination source, the more forcefully they’re drawn to it.

Insects that are attracted to light are known as positively phototactic, a term used to describe bugs that are drawn to light. Insects navigate by keeping the moon or sun on a constant angle in relation to themselves. When confronted with the bright lights used by humans that emit in all directions, it confuses them and interferes with their inborn navigational abilities.

Food and Mates

Additionally, many insects utilize certain types of plants, along with evening-blooming flowers, as part of mating rituals and a food source. Many of those plants reflect a small amount of UV rays and traditional lights also emit small amounts of ultraviolet light, which further leads to the attraction.

Bright Solutions

Any light source will attract bugs, but switching to LED lights is one remedy that’s been successfully utilized in-home lighting arrangements. LEDs emit light in the yellow/orange spectrum that’s less attractive to the unwanted pests. The light difference is generally invisible to the average eye, since humans aren’t equipped to see in the same wavelengths and frequencies.

The downside to traditional bug lights is that they tend to attract insects that are larger. LEDs with a yellow hue are far better at not attracting insects than any other, though if individuals haven’t switched to a more energy-efficient LED, a yellow bug light is the second-best option. The yellow color in LEDs isn’t noticeable to humans, but makes a difference to bugs.

LED lights are eco-friendly, less expensive to operate, and emit illumination in the spectrum that’s least attractive to insects. That means fewer bugs at any gathering and more enjoyment for everyone involved.

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.

            

LED’s Offer so Much Versatility

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LED lighting for any type of production offers versatility with which other types of illumination can’t compete. They’re extremely cost-effective and energy-efficient, two primary considerations when working on projects where time and money are at a premium.

LED bulbs emit more light per watt than other types, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects. They heat up quicker, but remain cool to the touch. It mitigates the potential for painful accidents by lighting handlers, while providing more comfortable conditions for subjects. LEDs don’t contain mercury, making them an eco-friendly solution.

Their small size also enables the illumination of smaller spaces where traditional lighting wouldn’t fit. Conversely, their higher output means fewer lights can be used to illuminate larger sites. They can be controlled from a master board or with new apps that are available.

Lighting specialists can utilize fewer LEDs to get the same effect as old-fashioned units. That translates into savings on any project. An added benefit is that LEDs with RBG capabilities are able to produce colored lighting effects without the need for filters in exact hues, for quickly and precisely transitioning from scene to scene. The better CRI of LEDs renders more accurate and vibrant color.

LEDs have a much longer life than traditional bulbs that burn out quickly and have a relatively short life span. LED lights feature longevity and are highly durable. Bumping them or simply moving them around for positioning won’t result in the need for expensive replacements. They also perform much better in adverse climate conditions.

With so many LED options from which to choose, illumination professionals would do well to experiment to discover which units they prefer. It’s fun to do, provide hands-on practice and familiarity, and is an excellent way to prepare for upcoming projects.

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.