Author: J3551CA

How Lighting can Affect Colors Seen on TV

Posted on by J3551CA

We’ve all experienced watching a TV broadcast where the colors didn’t seem right. Maybe the hues were off, the images looked washed out, or shadows dominated the screen, leaving viewers questioning if it was time to replace their television. More often than not, the issue isn’t the TV itself but the lighting setup used during the broadcast. The problem can originate from various factors, such as the studio’s lighting arrangement, the camera technology, or even the lighting conditions in our homes. In some cases, curved screens can also distort the light in brightly lit environments, adding to the visual confusion.

How Lighting Affects TV Broadcast Quality

The quality of a television broadcast depends on several key factors, and lighting plays a critical role in reproducing images and colors on the screen. When lighting is not managed properly, it leads to color distortions that can make the viewing experience less enjoyable and visually off-putting. Let’s explore some of the core reasons why lighting plays such a significant role in broadcast quality.

1. Studio Lighting: The Core of the Issue

When the lighting problem originates in the studio, viewers can do little to fix it. In these cases, the issue stems from how lighting is set up to interact with the cameras used to capture the images. Broadcast studios rely on a highly controlled lighting environment to create the best possible picture quality. If the lighting is poorly positioned, unfocused, or the wrong type is used, it will directly affect how colors appear to audiences at home.

One common issue is the type of illumination being used in the studio. Different lights emit varying qualities of light, which can cause the camera to capture colors inaccurately. For instance, specific lighting setups may not highlight details or tones accurately, leading to unnatural skin tones, incorrect hues, or even dullness in the overall picture. This problem can be exacerbated if the filters applied to the studio lights are not suited for the job.

Lighting professionals need to be precise about where they place lights, what type of illumination they choose, and how they focus them to ensure the cameras capture the images as realistically as possible. Inadequate lighting or mismanagement of the lighting setup can lead to visual inconsistencies that ultimately affect the viewing experience.

2. Brightness and Color Accuracy

Another important aspect of lighting that affects TV broadcasts is brightness. The amount of light emitted in a studio setting can drastically alter the appearance of colors on screen. Too much illumination, for example, will create a washed-out effect, making images appear dull and devoid of rich contrast. This is why broadcasts shot under excessively bright lighting often look flat or lack the depth and vibrancy viewers expect.

On the other hand, too little light can result in unwanted shadows that obscure details and make it difficult for cameras to capture true-to-life colors. Insufficient lighting can also cause colors to appear darker or more muted than they should be. Striking the right balance in brightness is essential for producing a high-quality broadcast that accurately reflects the subject matter’s color and form.

3. The Role of Cameras in Color Reproduction

While lighting plays a foundational role in determining the quality of a broadcast, cameras also significantly impact how colors appear. Not all cameras detect and process color wavelengths in the same way, an important factor that professional lighting experts consider when designing the lighting scheme for a broadcast.

Cameras are designed to detect and capture color using a model based on primary colors, but they can only do so within their sensors and technology limitations. Suppose a camera needs help to detect a specific shade or hue. In that case, it may estimate the color based on primary colors or shades of gray, which can result in an inaccurate representation of what is being filmed.

Professional lighting experts work closely with camera operators to ensure the cameras can adequately capture the color spectrum within the lit space. This involves careful consideration of both the lighting equipment and the cameras’ technical capabilities.

4. Curved Screens and Ambient Lighting

In addition to studio lighting and camera technology, the environment in which viewers watch TV can also influence how colors appear on the screen. Curved screens, for instance, can distort light in brightly lit environments, leading to an uneven or skewed picture quality. This is because curved screens are designed to offer an immersive viewing experience by wrapping the image around the viewer’s field of vision. However, when placed in a room with significant ambient lighting, reflections can bounce off the screen in unusual ways, distorting the colors and contrast on display.

To mitigate this issue, viewers should be mindful of the lighting in their home environment. Dimming ambient light sources or rearranging the placement of lamps and other lighting fixtures can create a more consistent viewing experience on curved or flat screens.

Achieving Accurate Color Reproduction: The Role of Lighting Directors

Ultimately, ensuring accurate color reproduction on a TV broadcast comes down to the expertise of the lighting director. Lighting professionals are responsible for orchestrating the placement, type, and intensity of lights within a studio to achieve the desired visual outcome. A skilled lighting director must understand how different types of illumination interact with camera technology, the set, and the subject being filmed.

They must also be well-versed in the cameras’ technical capabilities. For instance, some cameras may have a broader or narrower range of color sensitivity, which requires the lighting setup to be adjusted accordingly. The lighting director’s goal is to create a balanced environment where the colors captured by the camera reflect the true-to-life appearance of the scene.

In addition to technical knowledge, lighting directors must consider the artistic elements of the broadcast. For example, lighting can set a mood or convey a particular emotion, and this must be balanced with the need to reproduce colors accurately. The director’s expertise is essential in finding this equilibrium and ensuring that both the technical and creative aspects of lighting work in harmony.

In summary, while viewers may sometimes blame their TV sets for poor color quality during broadcasts, the real issue often lies in the studio’s lighting setup, camera technology, or home lighting conditions. Lighting in television production is far more critical than most people realize, influencing how images are captured, how colors are reproduced, and, ultimately, how viewers experience the broadcast. By paying attention to proper lighting techniques and understanding the interaction between light and camera technology, professionals can ensure that the final product is visually stunning and accurate to life.

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.

            

Changing Studio Lights from Fluorescent to LED

Posted on by J3551CA

People watch programs for story lines and to see their favorite celebrities, but the lighting of that environment is a primary element in all studio broadcasts. Without the proper lighting, the subjects appear too dark or washed out. Improper lighting can change the color spectrum that’s captured by the cameras.

The lighting needs of broadcasts vary widely. Some companies utilize traditional fluorescent light bulbs, while others have opted to use LEDs. There are multiple facets to consider before making any changes. It doesn’t matter whether individuals are working in a broadcast studio or still photographers taking wedding photos, making an informed decision is essential.

Heat

Illumination isn’t the only thing that lights emit. Depending on the number of bulbs, the heat can be intense. Those working under the fluorescent lights can be extremely uncomfortable. Subjects sweat and makeup is ruined. Approximately 90 percent of the energy used by fluorescent lights produces heat. The other 10 percent produces illumination. Fluorescent lights are hot when in operation. LEDs remain cool to the touch through heat dissipation management and fewer lights are required to light the same area.

Eco-Friendly

Fluorescent lights contain toxic chemicals, such as mercury. They’re typically thrown in the trash when they’re no longer operational and that poses a hazard to the environment. LEDs don’t contain those elements and are 100 percent recyclable. An LED has a longer life span than a fluorescent and provides savings of approximately 25 percent through the use of less material and production costs.

Durability and Versatility

LED lights are stable and able to withstand vibrations, shocks and impacts. They perform in wind, rain and snow. Fluorescents can easily be damaged when bumped and are limited to indoor usage. LED lights can be used even in low voltage situations to produce the requisite amount of illumination, thereby preventing broadcast interruptions.

Informed Decisions

Studio work is comprised of closer range shots whether it’s in a photographic or broadcast studio. Making informed decisions about the type of illumination is essential. Companies must weigh the pros and cons of cost, heat management, and the impact on the environment.

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.

            

Makeup and Set Lighting

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The right makeup techniques combined with set lighting can make all the difference in the world in how someone on camera is perceived. It’s one of the reasons why certain makeup artists are in such high demand. They have the knowledge, experience and expertise to know the type of makeup techniques that will best fit their subject in conjunction with the lighting being used.

Makeup professionals for TV and film do far more than enhance a celebrity’s appearance. They have a unique understanding of how different skin colors will look under specific types of lighting. The type of illumination that will be used on a set helps determine the colors and amount of makeup that will be used on each individual actor. Makeup artists work closely with directors, production designers and lighting specialists to achieve the desired look for everyone in front of the camera.

Many celebrities would be unrecognizable on the street. The appearance they present on camera is due to skillful lighting and talented makeup artists. All illumination methods aren’t created equal and neither are cameras. Certain types of lighting can make flaws more apparent or create unwanted skin coloration. Cameras can experience difficulty in detecting colors accurately.

As new lighting options have improved, the role of a makeup artist on-set or in the studio has become even more critical. The advent of high-definition TV has further increased the need for highly-talented makeup artists, since the skin’s every pore has the potential to be on display. The makeup used must make the subject look natural and enhance their physical attributes within the framework of the lights and camera.

Lighting specialists and makeup artists are two of the unsung heroes of TV and film production. They have the same goal, to show subjects in the best possible way. One accomplishes that through their lighting techniques, the other through the application of complementary makeup.

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.

            

Vegas Lighting Magic

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The Fremont Street Light Show in Las Vegas is a feast for the senses and a technological masterpiece. Over 22 million people visit the city each year to experience the sight. It’s composed of more than 12.5 million LED lights creating high-resolution images set to concert-quality sound of famous musicians. Best of all, the light and sound show is absolutely free.

The extraordinary, hour-long displays run throughout the evening in June, July and August across seven blocks. The event is a cooperative effort by hotel and casino owners. Construction for the extravaganza began with a $70 million budget in 1994 and was completed in 1995, but the location of the festivities has a much older history. The original concept for the event was a sky parade that eventually evolved into its current incarnation.

When Las Vegas was founded as a city in 1905, Fremont Street was the community’s first paved road. It’s only fitting that the light show would be designed around the historic street. In addition to the millions of lights, the event also has the largest video screen in the world measuring 1,500 long and 90 feet wide that are suspended above the mall below.

It’s an engineering feat of epic proportions and the Freemont Street Light Show is also home to the SlotZilla zip line. The original show utilized light bulbs that could display a full-color spectrum all housed under canopy constructed overhead.

In 2004, the expensive and traditional incandescent light bulbs were converted to LEDs that are less expensive to operate, more eco-friendly, and enabled an expanded range of color combinations. The LED lights provided a display that’s seven times brighter and more vibrant. The show is still held under a permanently constructed canopy, providing an immersive experience.

The Fremont Street Light Show required innovative technology to make images appear real, the syncing of music, and coordination of individual lights. It’s now all tied into a central control unit that enables pinpoint accuracy. The technology and innovative techniques behind the massive display are impressive and a testament to the creativity of professional lighting experts. For people around the globe, it’s become one of the essential must-see wonders of Las Vegas.

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 can Make or Break Your Event

Posted on by J3551CA

Everyone has experienced the disappointment and frustration of viewing a special event, only to discover upon playback that the once-in-a-lifetime event is too dark, there are distracting shadows, or glare. Proper lighting techniques and a thorough understanding of how illumination works is essential.

You want lighting that warms the environment and emulates natural illumination. The lighting sets the tone and mood for any event, whether it’s a wedding, seminar, trade show, or political rally. Always do a visual sweep of the venue you’ll be lighting. That examination will tell you where dark corners and shaded areas will occur and the type of lighting that’s already available.

It’s also essential as a lighting director to know if existing lights can be lowered or if any special illuminating features are already in place. That walk-through will also provide you with the lay of the land in regard to where the subjects and/or guests will be.

It’s important to talk with the company that will be doing the filming. The type of film and equipment used will have a bearing on the lighting and layout. Depending on the event, you may need spotlights or lower level illumination at various points throughout to create the correct ambiance.

Illumination has the power to reinforce décor, theme and mood whether you’re lighting a sporting event, a podcast, product launch, or a corporate gathering. While it’s important to highlight the principals of the event, you also need to plan for audience comfort. Illumination that blinds viewers won’t be appreciated.

Ultimately, no one will remember the lighting after the event – unless it was done poorly. What they will recall is how beautiful the bride looked or how the event made them feel. In many instances, the audience won’t even be able to put their finger on exactly what it was about an event that stood out for them because everything was perfect – but the lighting director will know.

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 Lingo

Posted on by J3551CA

Every industry has its own set of terminology and language. Those in other professions would be at a loss to explain what a Fresnel, gaffer or gobo is in the lighting lingo common within the TV and movie industry. The following provides a sample of the terminology used by industry pros when illuminating venues and events around the world.

  • Gaffer – The person that oversees operation or luminaire equipment.
  • Luminaire – An electric light unit.
  • Gobo – This is a general term for an opaque item that’s placed in front of a luminaire to block all or a portion of the beam.
  • Color temp – Rated on the Kelvin scale, it’s the color appearance (warm or cold) of different types of lighting, from candlelight and tungsten lights to electronic flash and a clear, sunlit day.
  • Fresnel – It’s a flat lens constructed in multiple concentric rings to reduce the loss definition and used to adjust the focus from spotlight to floodlight.
  • Card – A circuit board.
  • Saturation – The amount of white light – from low to high levels – that affect the overall color.
  • Graduated scrim – A round and framed metal screen, it increases or decreases density from one side of a frame to the other.
  • Barn doors – It’s a device with adjustable flaps, attached to the front of a luminaire to shape or block the beam as needed.
  • Egg crate – A rectangular device with partitions attached to luminaires to reduce glare.
  • Accent light – Lighting to highlight a person in a scene through the intensity of illumination or color.
  • Key light – The primary source of light used to establish the mood in a scene.
  • Fill lights – Supplemental lighting used to fill in shadows.
  • Back light – Illumination to artfully separate the actor or subject from the background.
  • Bleed through – An effect created by the intensity of illumination.
  • Cold mirror – This is a mirror that transmits infrared radiation while blocking light.
  • Snoot – A metal tube in various sizes that’s mounted to luminaires to control light spillage.

There are hundreds of other lighting lingo terms used within the illumination industry that every member of a professional lighting crew will know and use. It may seem confusing at first, but it’s the language of lighting that every professional will know.

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 Versatility

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Illumination professionals in the TV and movie industry no longer need to rely on old-fashioned lighting that’s bulky, costly, and emits levels of heat that’s uncomfortable to actors. LED lights have become the standard in film and TV due to the pioneering and innovation of Frank Gatto Lighting.

LED illumination has changed modern cinematography due to its highly versatile nature and has rendered gels almost obsolete. Where LED really shines is the ability to light more with less. LEDs now have RGB capabilities making it a simple matter of turning a dial to create any desired color for faster and more efficient shooting.

The use of LED lights is especially welcome for actors. Traditional illumination emitted enormous amounts of heat. LED lighting emits far less heat and can handle even small illumination changes with ease. It’s an especially important function for actors that must perform under the lights during multiple takes.

The efficiency of LEDs is amply demonstrated in the indie film industry. They’re less expensive to operate and save significantly on costs, no matter whether it’s a small budget production or a blockbuster film. LED panels can perform multiple jobs equally well and can be combined with a variety of lighting equipment for illumination in films, TV, and the theatre.

A bank of LEDs is easier to move and set up. It’s easier on the crew and the correct configuration takes less time to establish. That means shooting can proceed apace without wasting time or resources. They can be used to equally good effect indoors and outdoors, are durable, and extremely portable.

LED illumination has already changed the way sets are lit around the world. They’re eco-friendly and use far less power than lighting of the past. LED illumination allows even small filmmakers and studios on a budget to produce high-quality productions without sacrificing clarity or image quality.

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 Production Success from Coast to Coast

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One of the keys to successfully illuminating any venue is having the equipment needed ready to go and use upon arrival at the destination. To accomplish that, lighting directors need equipment that’s ready to travel. It needs to be compact, lightweight, durable and adjustable to meet the variety of requirements that may be encountered.

Every lighting director has their favorite equipment, so there’s no one-size-fits-all go-bag. Each project will have specific requirements dependent upon variables such as the locale and budget, whether it’s a documentary in the desert or a newsfeed from a mountaintop. Each illumination expert needs to experiment and assemble a kit that works best for them, but there are a few things that will be on the list of must-have items.

One of the greatest innovations for modern lighting is LED lights. They require considerably less space and emit more illumination with less equipment. They’re more economical to operate and lightweight, enabling them to be moved and positioned in less time and with fewer people.

Air travel isn’t cheap. Add to that the cost of transporting production equipment and the cost can quickly skyrocket. The gear that’s taken will need to be easily maneuverable so it won’t cost a fortune to move. Above all, ensure it’s packed safely and securely. Smart lighting specialists travel light, but take everything they think they might need for multiple contingencies.

The crew responsible for operating all the equipment is equally important. It makes the entire process go quicker and smoother if it’s people that the illumination master has worked with before. It’s even better if they’ve worked in the types of conditions in which shooting will be conducted. They’ll know what to expect and have workarounds if needed to alleviate any difficulties that arise.

Production success is dependent upon the lighting director being able to plan ahead and utilize equipment that meets the greatest variety of needs in multiple conditions. It needs to be light, portable and utilize modern methods for savings and ease of use.

If you have the need for lighting equipment and design far away from home base, Frank Gatto and Associates can help.

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 up the Night at Live Events

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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

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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.