Author: J3551CA

Projection Mapping – How It Works And Why It Is So Cool

Posted on by J3551CA

Projection Mapping – How It Works And Why It Is So Cool

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, videographers, advertiser and production companies can now produce amazing graphic images that can be displayed on virtually anything.  From the side of a building to the inside of a convention center, projection mapping can transform a plain surface into a wall of wonder.

What Is Projection Mapping?

Projection Mapping uses technology to project objects onto a surface. Using this kind of special technology, everyday objects are transformed into a display surface for video projection. These objects could be as complex as an entire landscape, or as simple as just a few shapes that help to enhance the ambiance of a room.

Unlike flat screen mapping, the objects are not just projected onto a flat surface, they are designed to wrap around buildings and mold into their shape,  turning common objects into interactive 3D displays.

How Does Projection Mapping Work?

By using a pre-production process during which images are fitted onto a 3D graphic model of the building, the same images appear to wrap themselves around the physical features of any structure. They give the appearance of being painted on and part of the same structure even though they are not.

This process can also be used on a smaller scale to project virtual images on anything from a mannequin to a car to completely change their color, structure and appearance.

Why Is Projection Mapping So Cool?

Creatives love projection mapping, and the advertising industry, in particular, has picked up on the uber cool environments that can be created using this unique tool.  From expensive and complex advertising campaigns to simple but effective projections used at conventions and product launches, projection mapping is huge in advertising and promotions right now.

If you have the budget for it, you can transform any space into something otherworldly and awe-inspiring simply by having a creative team of projection mapping professionals create a projection just for your organization.

From dancing butterflies on a wall, real-life dinosaurs on the escalator and even huge works of art projected onto city landmarks, projection mapping completely changes the way we view our surroundings.

Projection Mapping has fully evolved since its first outings in the early 2000s when it was used to project visual-art and enhance live-music shows.  It can now be used by production companies to incorporate the telling of entire stories, by using animated visuals and music to produce cinema style action and narratives.

Projection mapping can turn buildings, walls, floors and even common objects into something truly magical.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we provide awesome lighting for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor events.  From major league sporting tournaments through to intimate awards ceremonies and everything in between — we’ve got you covered.

We provide a full-service package, and absolutely everything you need to light up your event from start to finish.  Speak to our team today on 561-368-0101 to find out more.

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 Is IMAG And Why Is It So Great?

Posted on by J3551CA

What Is IMAG And Why Is It So Great?

It is usual these days to see a stage surrounded by big screens at a wide variety of events and productions.  As you would expect, these are set up to help everyone in the audience get a great view of the action on stage.  IMAG – short for image magnification – makes it possible for even those viewers in the cheapest of seats to still be able to see everything that’s happening on stage.

What Is IMAG?

IMAG is an umbrella name for a technique that uses one or more cameras, projectors and screens to enlarge the image on stage at a live show, in order to give the audience a much better view.

What IMAG isn’t however, is a zoomed in, super-sized picture of the person on stage, but instead a clever use of cameras to live stream the action as it happens.

How Does IMAG Work?

By using a specific type of camera, images on stage can be projected onto screens simultaneously.  This means they capture and display everything that those with a good vantage point can see close up.    The camera used is often a broadcast camera set in the middle of the auditorium, with a big long lens that is not designed to shoot close up.

Often, the same camera shots used for IMAG are also used for live streaming so it needs to be able to capture not just the speaker on stage, but also record close-ups, audience reactions and any pre-recorded graphics or presentations that are used.

By combining big projection screens and specially designed cameras, an experienced production company and a competent camera operator can show everyone what is happening on stage in great detail.

Where Is IMAG Used?

IMAG screens are often found in large assembly areas where views may be limited towards the back, or off the side of the stage.  Usually always seen at huge rock concerts or sporting events, they are now becoming just as prevalent at corporate events, awards ceremonies and audiences with a single speaker.  Sure, at a rock concert you can still dance to the music even if you can’t see your hero on stage, but for smaller, more intimate affairs seeing the person on stage is equally as important as hearing what they are saying.

Why Is IMAG So Awesome

Well, simply put, IMAG is awesome because it enables everyone in the auditorium to see what is happening on stage.  No more bad seats or cheap tickets for poor visibility, as the screens used in arenas and auditoriums are so technologically advanced that you can literally see everything.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates we regularly work to provide first class lighting rigs and solutions for events and productions of all sizes.  We work hard to ensure that everything is perfect, and that all of the action on stage is captured in the very best light.

IMAG enables everyone to see how carefully crafted out lighting techniques are, and more important, for everyone in the auditorium to thoroughly enjoy the entertainment before them.

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 Is A Green Screen And How Does It Work?

Posted on by J3551CA

What Is A Green Screen And How Does It Work?

These days, great cinematic performances are full of special effects that show actors flying through the air or walking on distant planets, as well as many other amazing feats that just would not happen in the real world.  These action-packed scenes make for an excellent movie, and even though we might be aware that a little bit of post-production magic is involved, they still manage to amaze and enthrall us every time.

If you are a real film buff, you may have heard all about green screen technology, or seen them featured heavily in programs that document the making of a movie.  The green screen is an integral feature of modern day cinematography and is a simple, but incredibly effective way of transforming what we see on screen.

What Is A Green Screen?

A green screen is a background in front of which moving subjects are filmed, that allows for a separately filmed background to be added to the final image during the editing process. Using a high-tech process called “chroma key,” the wizards in the editing suite can work their magic to transform an actor into anywhere in the world, and far beyond!

How Does A Green Screen Work?

The green screen process works by taking recorded videos or digitally transferred films and isolating a single color that exists only in a narrowly defined area of the spectrum – in this case, green.   Green screens, or even sometimes blue screens are preferred because these types of color are so far removed from the human skin tone that they set a very obvious outline to the action in front of them.

For the green screen process to work well, the entire area must be evenly lit with no shadows, so that the separation can be identified on film and digitally removed.  Once the green screen area has been removed, computer editing software can be used to insert virtually any background behind the actor.

The Chroma key process can even work for images that are streamed live by using specially designed software that can recognize and manipulate multiple video channels based on layers defined by color.   When it comes to enhancing footage using a green screen there are endless possibilities and ways to completely transform the picture we see before us.

Green Screen For Animation

Many of the most successful and elaborate animated characters we see in the movies and on television today are also filmed using green screen technology.  50 meter high dragons or giant killer robots are inserted into pre-corded footage using bright-green stand-in characters that the actors interact with during the shoot.  In post-production, the fully rendered animals replace the green characters to come alive in front of our very eyes.

Green screen technology has grown leaps and bounds in recent years and now enables us to turn any scene into a real work of genius.

Frank Gatto & Associates For All Your Lighting Needs

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we provide first-class lighting solutions for a wide range of indoor and outdoor events and film productions.  Speak to us today on 561-368-0101 to find out more about our first class film and TV lighting services.

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.

            

Everything Lighting For Every Event

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Frank Gatto & Associates – Everything Lighting For Every Event

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we have over 30 years experience of being the very best in the business.  We provide a one-stop-shop service for indoor and outdoor events and have worked with some of the biggest production companies, movie companies and broadcasters in the world.

We don’t like to name drop, but when you have worked with the likes of HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo and Univision, we sort of can’t help but tell the world all about it.

Lighting For Every Occasion

As a result of our first class reputation within the entertainment industry, you can find our lighting crews on the set of College Gameday, NFL Countdown, World Series, Ultimate Fighting Championships and many more sporting events.

But it’s not just the big boys that we work for.  We can also provide lighting solutions for more intimate affairs including corporate events, award ceremonies, parties and even weddings.

First Class Lighting Design

We understand that the way light is used to create mood and atmosphere can add a whole new dimension to any event.  That is why we cleverly craft entire lighting design strategies, that align perfectly with the production values of any live show, television set or outdoor event.

Our experienced team are wizards at the lighting desk and can illuminate shadows at the click of a finger. We have worked at such prestigious venues such as Madison Square Garden, the Home Depot Center, Staples Center and large Sports Arenas, but are just as happy to light up smaller venues, conventions centers, theaters and even large private houses.

Professional Rigging

Our lighting rigs are designed using only the highest quality components.  We work to pre-planned set designs and have extensive experience of using a wide array of lighting techniques and equipment.  We work with state of the art lighting equipment to make every production a success, and our acquisition and operation of new LED lighting technology make us a leader in the televised sports lighting arena.

Speedy Assembly

Our crews can set up and assemble lighting rigs in almost any environment.  Fully trained to work in collaboration with all other members of the production crew, they will work tirelessly away in the background to construct lighting rigs that really work.

Easy Transportation

Because of our unique Miami location, we are easily able to access almost every area of the United States and into the Caribbean and beyond.  Our transportation vehicles can carry everything needed for a single event, and our crews are always on time!

Super Fast Load Out

We take the strain out of the cleanup operation by safely taking all of our rigging and equipment away from the venue, and restoring it to its former state quickly and without a fuss.

Eco-Friendly Disposal

We know that the safe disposal of lighting elements is important to both the environment and public safety.  That is why we always take our used and blown bulbs and lighting equipment with us for safe disposal.

Frank Gatto & Associates For All Your Lighting Needs

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we provide first-class lighting solutions for a wide range of indoor and outdoor events and film productions.  Speak to us today on 561-368-0101 to find out more about our first class film and TV lighting services.

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.

            

The Top 10 Ten Film Schools In The World

Posted on by J3551CA

Illuminating The Way With The Top 10 Ten Film Schools In The World

Becoming a professional lighting technical or director requires many years of experience that can only be gained by working on set. But in order to succeed in this highly competitive sector, you would also benefit from a qualification from one of the many respected film and cinematography schools in the world.

To become competent in the skilled art of lighting, you need to understand how to use illumination to add depth and ambiance, as well as how lighting works with cameras and on-set production as a whole.

Cinematography Classes

Cinematography is the art of storytelling in film and video.  It encompasses much more than just the way the cameras are used and covers every aspect of production including lighting. Many great lighting directors have studied the art of cinematography in detail and are able to use this knowledge to create the perfect lighting configuration for the cameras to work with.

If you are considering a career in cinematography and set lighting, these are the top 10 schools in the world that offer the lucky few the opportunity to study the craft in detail:

  1. The National Film and Television School, London

The NFTS offers the only specialist 2-year Cinematography course in the UK and is considered to be one of the best film schools in the world.  With extensive facilities and access to Britain’s thriving movie and TV industries, BFTS is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to study at a Masters level.

  1. Wesleyan University, Connecticut

Not one of the most well-known schools in the US, the Wesleyan’s Film Studies program is giving bigger schools a run for their money. Film department founder Jeanine Basinger makes her film majors learn to write, direct and edit a movie by hand, thus teaching them every single aspect of how to make great movies.

  1. Columbia University School of the Arts

With Oscar winners and established directors working as professors, this Ivy League university is considered one of the foremost film schools in America.  With James Schamus heading up Focus Features and Milos Forman, Barbara De Fina and Mira Nair on the staff, students have a rare opportunity to learn from the best.

  1. The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague

FAMU is the fifth-oldest film school in the world and one of the most prestigious. Offering classes in both Czech and English, it draws foreigners looking to study there from all over the world.

  1. California Institute of the Arts

CalArts was founded by Walt Disney and now occupies 11 acres’ worth of square footage,30 miles north of Los Angeles. It is famous for training animation talent, but also offers a class in dramatic narrative, documentary and experimental live action.

  1. University of California Los Angeles

UCLA has prestigious alumni that include the likes of  Francis Ford Coppola and Alexander Payne, and producer Peter Guber is a member of the teaching staff.  The school is one of the most prestigious in the world and is moving towards specializing in “humanistic storytelling and global diversity”, setting it apart from the competition.

  1. New York University Tisch School of the Arts

The Tisch School is highly acclaimed and has previously proved a direct route to the top for gritty artists like Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone and Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. Graduates of the school also have the opportunity to compete for a $200,000 prize to complete a debut feature film – a bonus that none of the other schools offer.

  1. Beijing Film Academy, China

The Beijing Film Academy is China’s most elite school for film direction, production, and writing. Only accepting around 500 applicants every year, it is incredibly difficult to get into and was once the old stomping ground of directors Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige.

  1. University of Southern California

USC probably has more graduates working in the industry than any other school in the world and has a huge amount of the support.  Regularly contributors include such luminaries as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Robert Zemeckis, meaning it is able to offer state of the art facilities to all of its students.

  1. American Film Institute

As well as being the most selective film school in America, it is also the best.  It is a smaller school than UCLA and USC, and most of its “fellows” are in their mid-twenties and upwards, but for first class, specialist tuition, the AFI teaches on the finer points of directing, producing and writing to some of the finest new talents in the world.

With over 30 years experience behind us, and working with some of the most talented lighting technicians in the country, Frank Gatto & Associates have all the skill you need to light your next event.

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.

            

Show Your Best Side – Why Lighting Matters On Camera

Posted on by J3551CA

The correct lighting is essential for producing first class, highly usable footage.  Whether you are making a movie or recording a live event, the lighting that you use makes all the difference. It enhances the way the performance looks and the way it makes the audience feel.  It can create the illusion of depth by using a combination of highlights and shadows,  that help the viewer to really capture the essence of the footage, as well as giving them the best seats in the house.

Specially designed lighting will ensure that you have the right level of exposure throughout and will ensure that your audience is able to see everything that is unfolding before their eyes.  Outdoor events, as well as indoor lighting, can all be dramatically enhanced to give maximum impact when you use the services of a qualified lighting specialist on set.

Lighting is not only useful for ensuring that every aspect of the production is easy to see, a professional lighting expert can also use tricks and illusions to create mood and feeling.  Using the right combination of light placement and “hard” or “soft” light sources, a lighting director will be able to unsettle the audience for dramatic moments or lift the mood with glorious onscreen images.  “Hard” lighting creates sharp and distinctive shadows to accentuate tension and drama, while “soft” lighting adds warmth and ambiance.

Good Lighting Is The Key To Successful Video Footage

Carefully crafted lighting will increase the sharpness of the action and be the difference between a good video, and one that looks really poor quality on screen.

Badly lit footage will also need far more work in the editing suite.  Footage that is too dark will need to be re-shot, adding extra time and expense to your schedule, and in some cases, can even mean missing out on parts of the action.  Using the wrong lighting can lead to unnecessary costs and a longer production time, which could have been prevented.

The lighting design helps to set the mood for any movie scene or television pieces,  as it conveys the plot and creates the right atmosphere. The key to using the right lighting is to enhance and engage with the basic concepts of the “Three Point Lighting” system. This system consists of three different lights, which are placed in front and behind the object to ensure maximum exposure.

The Key Light is placed next to the camera and shines directly onto the object.

The Fill Light is opposite the Key Light and is used to fill in shadows and leaving the object well lit.

The Back Light is placed behind the object and gives it more depth.

This is the standard method of lighting that is used in all kinds of productions, from small-scale videos to live events that are watched all around the world. Once you have the mastered the basics, there are many more ways to enhance the look of on-screen action to capture the most perfect cinematic moments.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we have over 30 years experience of designing the ultimate lighting configuration to enhance every type of TV or movie shot.  Call us today at  561-368-0101 to find out more.

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 Engineers – Just What Is It That They Do?

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Being able to control the lighting in film or television is very important, and it can often take an entire team of lighting designers and engineers to get every shot just right. Their skills enable them to create lighting effects that change the viewer’s perception of the mood or the piece and the overall feel of the footage.

A lighting engineer will be on hand throughout filming to ensure that the lighting is just right at all times, and is just as important as any other member of the cast or crew.

Lighting Engineers – A Shining Light On Set

The lighting engineer is responsible for controlling all of the lighting and visuals that appear onstage by operating a lighting board.  They, and their fellow technicians are also responsible for rigging lights, hanging lights and moving equipment from place to place.

They oversee the transportation of the lighting equipment from one location to another – from a studio setting to an outside broadcast, for example – and make sure that everything is in excellent working order before filming begins.

A professional lighting company will only work with experienced and talented lighting engineers to ensure that the Producers vision is brought to life.  By working alongside them, they can create lighting designs that enhance the on-screen action.

An efficient lighting team is crucial to any successful production.  Lighting teams will work at live and pre-recorded media events such as concerts, television shows, movies and public events.

Taking Direction

Usually, the lighting team will be directed by the production director who will explain from the outset exactly what it is he wants from the lighting.  It will be the job of the lighting engineers to bring that vision to life.

During the production, the lighting engineer may sit at the lighting board and set different lighting effects in action at pre-determined cues. Often, series and sequences of effects are configured with computer programming, so the process involved a lot more skill than just simply knowing where to shine a light.

Depending on the type of production they are working on, lighting engineers may need to navigate their way around live events that can often be unpredictable and challenging affairs.  The key to great lighting is plenty of forward planning combined with the ability to adapt to any situation that unfolds in front of them.

Many lighting engineers start their careers by working backstage at local theaters or arenas.  This way they get to understand how lighting effects every aspect of the audience’s enjoyment of the performance.  Hard work definitely pays off in this industry, and those who are dedicated can have a long and highly regarded career ahead of them.

Frank Gatto Lighting Engineers

Our engineers routinely work with some of the biggest names in entertainment including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo, and Univision. They can also be found working on the set of College Gameday, NFL Countdown, World Series, Ultimate Fighting Championships and many more major sporting and television events.

With over 30 years experience, Frank and his team are able to design truly stunning special event lighting for network television, corporate industrials, award ceremonies, sporting events and much more.

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.

            

Frank Gatto Lighting Has Your Event Covered

Posted on by J3551CA

No matter what the occasion, Frank Gatto & Associates offer 30 years of expertise to capture your event in the very best light possible.  From large outdoor sporting events to intimate indoor ceremonies, the team is on hand to design and create the perfect lighting.

Covering all of the USA and the Caribbean, the team at Frank Gatto will ensure that every aspect of your lighting requirements is completely covered before the big day itself.  From the initial design to the transportation of equipment, everything will be carefully crafted to ensure that your audiences never misses a moment.

Lighting Design And Planning

Our Lighting Director will be able to create stunning visual enhancement for multi-camera productions.  Working closely with the director and the rest of the production team, we will deliver the type of pictures that they are hoping to see.

A lighting plan will be devised that sets out exactly what the lighting needs to achieve, by taking our directions from working from a cue list and complete plan of the set.  From here, we can design the most effective and awe-inspiring lighting for your entire production.  Our light desk operators will create a program that knows exactly when to move and change for maximum impact.

We will also undertake comprehensive risk assessments that will include all aspects of the rig, scale drawings of all lamps and their positions, and what lighting gels and circuits to use and when.

Set Up And Construction

Our “Gaffers”  are responsible for all the practical aspects of your lighting and location requirements.  They work closely with our Lighting Director to realize the creative vision for the production and will be involved during the pre-production stages to assess exactly how much crew and equipment will be required for filming.

Having studied the lighting plan, our Gaffers will brief the rest of their crew and advise them of all relevant health and safety requirements.  Having carried out a detailed risk assessment, they will then be charged with overseeing the setup and construction of lighting rigs and lamps, as well as the operation of the lighting board.

Transportation

Because we are experts in our field, we can advise on the best types of light to use for every kind of occasion, and will personally ensure that they reach your event or set in full working order.  We work alongside specialist contractors who transport lighting rigs and equipment on a regular basis, to ensure that they are ready to be installed and illuminated on arrival. Our team can also provide fast and efficient load-ins and load-outs, meaning that there is less time spent setting up, and more time spent filming.

Maintenance And Care

We want our lighting equipment to be perfect for every occasion which is why we only supply the very best technical specifications available to us.  All of our equipment is regularly tested and fully maintained to ensure our lighting services are second to none.  We never work with faulty or underpowered pieces of kit, and our risk assessments cover every aspect of any set, event or outdoor broadcast that we work on.

Frank Gatto – Working Together To Achieve Perfection

Because we understand that great television and video requires a wide range of talent, we work in collaboration with other members of the technical team and crew on every occasion.  In the preparation stages, we will meet with the producer, director and other department heads in order to be able to understand their vision and requirements.  Our team is able to integrate and assist with all other members of the crew as necessary, and you will never find us to be anything less than friendly, helpful and professional with everyone we work with. If we could help with your next event, call us today on 561-368-0101.

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 Light A Film Set Like A Pro

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If you have a yearning to produce a Hollywood blockbuster or your televisual debut, you may not even have thought about how best to light your set.  With your script written, actors on standby and cameras ready to roll, you may think you are ready for action.  But, in reality, lighting is an integral part of any film or television production, and one that is sadly overlooked by those that are new to the industry.

Whilst we don’t want to stifle your creativity, no production will be worth the paper it is written on if you can’t illuminate the set sufficiently to add atmosphere or simply allow you’re on-screen action to be adequately seen

If you are serious about your first film you will need to hire lighting professionals, but as a quick guide, here are the kind of lighting basics that you will need to consider:

Key Light

This will be the primary light of the scene and will offer the most intense and direct light on set. It will be used to illuminate the main focus of the scene, whether that is a subject or actor.  It will be the primary light in a three-point lighting set up and can be used to create a dramatic mood if it is placed to the side or back of an actor.

Fill Light

The fill light is used to illuminate the shadows created by the key light.  Fill lights are easy to create and can be as simple as a reflector that bounces the light back up onto your subject.

Back Light

A back light hits an actor or object from behind and is usually placed higher than the object it is lighting, giving the scene more shape and depth.

The key light, fill light, and backlight all come together to make up a three-point lighting setup.

Sidelight

A sidelight comes from the side parallel to the actor and is used for creating dramatic moods and revealing texture.This type of lighting uses strong tonal contrasts between light and dark to light three-dimensional forms

Practical Light

These lights don’t light up the set but are actual working lights within the scene itself. It could be a lamp, a TV or even police lights in an action scene.  These increase the depth of the scene and are usually dimmer that stage lights to prevent glare.

Bounce Light

A bounce light is a light that has been reflected using a specially designed piece of equipment, or by simply facing a light towards a wall or ceiling.  Bounce lights are very flexible and you can create a key, fill, backlight, and even illuminate objects in the background simply by using reflective material.

Whatever kind of lighting you need for your filming occasion, Frank Gatto & Associates can provide state of the art lighting equipment for events of all kinds.  We are one of the biggest in the business, but not so small that we don’t remember what it feels like when you are first starting out.

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.

            

Behind The Scenes, But In The Thick Of The Action

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No doubt about it, being involved in the entertainment industry is a buzz! Becoming a Hollywood star may not be for you, but for many people working in the industry is completely achievable if you enough talent and dedication to get you noticed.

Big television productions aren’t just about the big names in front of the camera.   There are armies of support staff behind the scenes who come together to make the magic happen.  From runners and caterers to costumiers and cameramen, everyone involved in a production has a vital part to play.

Not quite ready to become the next big thing?  Here are just a few of the important roles that take place behind the scenes:

Sound Engineers

Sound engineers have a very important part to play, after all, unless you are making a silent movie, the sound needs to be crystal clear without being deafening.   It is their responsibility to set up and operate all of the audio equipment that is right for the particular type of industry or production they are working on.   It will also be up to them to connect all the wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards throughout the audio recording.   They can be responsible for mixing the audio when the production has been recorded and added voice-overs where necessary.  They work with microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment to ensure that the sound levels are always just right.

Camera Operators

Camera operators are responsible for filming what will be shown on the screen.  Whether they are in a studio environment, or out on location, the skills they require are more or less the same.  Advances in modern technology have changed the way in which camera operators record footage.  What was once dependent on shooting and editing rolls of film, is now mostly recorded using digital cameras and editing software.

Most camera operators work in teams to ensure that every angle of the drama is captured perfectly.  They work closely with the Director or Producer as they need to follow directions that give the order of the shots.  They may also have assistants who help to set up the camera equipment and find the best angles from which to shoot.  If they are shooting a live event, they must be able to make adjustments at a moment’s notice and follow the instructions of the show’s director.

Costume Department

The costume department is responsible for creating the look and mood for actors and actresses in film, television and stage productions.  By undertaking extensive research and learning more about the characters on screen they add authenticity to every production. They will either buy the clothes, make them themselves or commission them to be made by a fashion house or design team.

From the costume designer, through to dressers and even those who are simply responsible for ensuring that the right clothes are on the right hangers, the wardrobe department plays an important role in bringing characters to life on screen.

Makeup Department

The makeup department ensures that all performers have suitable makeup and hairstyles before they appear in front of a camera.  They work across all types of productions and are usually freelance artists that bring their own equipment with them. They work to a brief that has been provided by the producer, and work along side the costume department to create the right “look”.

Whether they are simply adding basic makeup to keep presenters or performers looking fresh and shine-free under studio lighting, or using prosthetics and special effects make up for movies, they are highly skilled and talented artists in their own right.

Set Designers

A set designer is in charge of designing and creating sets for films, television, and theatre productions.  Working from rough drawings that are provided by the production team, they design and build realistic looking scenery for the production.

From working with miniature three-dimensional models of the set, to building believable backdrops for the actors to work with, set designers ensure that the scenes we see on screen look as authentic as possible.

Lighting Department

Effective lighting is essential for every type of production.  The lighting team are one of the most important crews on set and are involved in every stage of the production.  From the outset, they will make extensive preparations before recording days, including script reading and taking part in discussions about the type of lighting that is required.

They will work with the rest of the crew to discuss the logistics of the production, and usually prepare a lighting plan which provides information about the position, type, and color of all the lights to be used.  They will be on set on a daily basis and will set up and operate the lights that have been chosen for each shot, as well as add any lighting effects using equipment in the gallery. During recordings or live transmissions, any final adjustments are made as and when required.

Frank Gatto & Associates have almost 40 years experience of working with some of the best crews in the business.  Providing first class lighting solutions is what we do best.

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.