Category: Articles

Renting Lighting Equipment can Save you Money

Posted on by J3551CA

It can be far more economical to rent lighting equipment than to purchase it, especially for companies just starting out in the industry. It’s especially beneficial when a job calls for specialty lighting equipment that can be particularly expensive. An added bonus is that lighting rental companies often have a crew that will perform the heavy lifting and work of setting up and dismantling the equipment.

Renting lighting equipment is especially advantageous if a highly specific specialty lighting array is required and it’s something unique or unusual to the lighting expert’s typical work. It’s convenient to own a wide range of equipment and have it on hand, but if it’s something that may only be used once a year or even less, renting can be much more cost effective.

Automated systems are real time savers. They’re also efficient and cost effective. It can be expensive to hire a crew to man the lighting. Automated equipment can require more up-front monetary outlay even when renting, but they save on labor costs.

Less is sometimes more and those responsible for lighting venues must use their knowledge and be creative. There’s a tendency toward pomp and circumstance in everything, but not every event has to be a multi-colored spectacular. Strategic placement of lighting equipment is essential. There are multiple types of less expensive lighting options that can be rented that use state-of-the-art technology.

Another way to save money is by renting wireless lighting technology. It has the potential of reducing costs by as much as 50 percent, but can be pricy to purchase outright. The same can be true of LED lighting, though pricing is coming down. LED lighting arrays use less energy, are easier to set up, and enables lighting professionals to do more with less.

Renting lighting equipment of any kind can be an economical solution for a wide range of lighting situations and requirements. Specialty illumination and technology can be expensive to purchase. Renting can soften the cost.

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

Posted on by J3551CA

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.

            

Lighting up the Night at Live Events

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

Fans Mad About Game of Thrones Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

Lighting Quality can Change your Photos and Videos

Posted on by J3551CA

When it comes to taking photos and videos, all light is not created equal. Almost everyone has shot a video that was too dark or taken photos that had a yellow tint. The problem isn’t the equipment – it’s the quality of the lighting.

When taking photos indoors, even flash and fill flash camera options won’t be enough to dispel the tones emitted by certain types of illumination sources. Undesirable light will adversely affect the entire mood and effect of the scene you’re trying to capture.

The angle of the light is equally important. Side lighting will throw harsh shadows and only illuminate one side of the subject, but can create some uniquely artistic perspectives. Frontal lighting makes it easy to reproduce colors, but can leave the subject looking faded, washed out or flat. Backlighting originating from behind the subject can make them seem nothing more than a silhouette, but can also produce some dramatic effects.

Taking photos outside in bright sunlight results in images that have sharp contrast, but it also increases the potential for dark shadows. A cloudy day produces softer, diffused light that minimizes shadows and reduces the amount of contrast.

The type of available illumination also affects videos and can create a vastly different effect than what was intended. A beautifully framed shot can easily transition into something that would be more appropriate for a horror movie or psychological thriller. The way lighting is placed can add texture, color and depth to the video and work to de-emphasize specific elements in the shot to guide the viewer where to look.

Light is even more important in photos and video than how the shot is framed. The way lighting is arranged creates different moods and effects within each frame whether it’s a still image or a video. Correct illumination seldom happens by accident. It’s one of the primary reasons that professional videographers and photographers are in such high demand.

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.

            

Top Jobs Behind the Camera

Posted on by J3551CA

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. considers lighting and angles every day in the production of TV programs, sporting events, award ceremonies, and the corporate world. The lighting professionals are essential to every on-camera production. To assist those contemplating a career in the industry, the Emmy award-winning company has released its list of top jobs behind the camera.

Lighting Director

A lighting director has extensive experience and technical knowledge. They share the director’s vision for each scene and are responsible for creating the lighting that demonstrates what the director is trying to convey. These are the professionals tasked with determining where lighting will be placed, what type of lighting will be utilized, and if the use of colored lights and combinations will add or detract from the actors and specific scenes. It requires the creation of highly complex and complicated plans for execution.

Best Boy

The chief lighting technician, a.k.a., best boy, is responsible for coordinating all the lighting for every shot and scene. They’re responsible for liaising with production teams and provide assistance to gaffers.

Gaffer

The practicality of lighting tasks is the job of the gaffer. They aid in making innovative, creative and technical lighting solutions to make actors look good on camera and set the ambiance of scenes. They oversee and monitor the work of the lighting technicians.

Lighting Technicians

These are the individuals that handle the actual positioning and rigging of equipment. They conduct lighting tests to ensure the desired effect is achieved and manage the extensive array of equipment, filters, bulbs and accessories required. They also run the cable needed for operating all the lights.

Light Board Operator

A significant portion of lighting in today’s productions derives from the efforts of the light board operator. They’re highly skilled technicians that operate and/or program lighting effects to synchronize with visual and audio components.

Grip

The grips work with electricians and lighting technician to set up the rigging that will secure all types of production equipment. A grip helps “shape,” refine and control the light being used for spotlighting, diffusing, or creating shadows within scenes.

Making Magic with Light

There’s a wealth of opportunities behind the camera for anyone that has a passion for illumination and the interplay of light and shadows. Lighting jobs aren’t reserved for TV shows, movies and videos. Weddings, sporting spectaculars, corporate events, and high-profile celebrities and politicians also rely on specialized lighting expertise that can be found behind the camera.

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.

            

Dress Your Set to Impress with LED Video Walls

Posted on by J3551CA

These days, everyone is looking for the next big way to impress their audience, and set their own live production or studio event apart from the competition.  LED Video Walls are an impressive way to project the action on stage, or pre-recorded videos out to huge audiences while delivering the ultimate wow factor for anyone who sees it.

What are LED Video Walls?

LED video walls are made up of a number of Direct View LED displays that work together to produce a single display.  These LED screens work so well because each of them is responsible for conducting and emitting its own light.

The “light-emitting diodes” are tiny, two-lead semiconductor light sources, that can produce and emit their own light, making them long-lasting and incredibly durable. LED lights do not run hot or burn out as they are only illuminated by the movement of electrons in a semiconductor, and not a heat producing filament.

The LEDs used in video walls are also special because the displays can achieve “true black” because each screen is coated in black resin epoxy. Shades are then inserted in between the lights to separate the illuminations and eliminate reflectance.

The Benefits of Using an LED Video Wall

If you have space and the capacity to install an LED Video wall at your live music show, outdoor event or even indoor production, they can create the most amazing effects that are always truly memorable.

Lighting

LED Video walls are designed for high levels of illumination, making them perfect for night time events. They can also be displayed beautifully in a well-lit room or on a showroom floor, creating awesome effects for your business.

They are also able to handle ambient lighting far better than LCD can, and the runs on NIT, not Lux.

Reliability

LED Video walls are highly energy efficient and the light source they use is incredibly long-lasting, with a lifetime of at least 50,000 hours.  They also offer the very best refresh ranges of any video wall on the market, meaning they will always look crisp, clean and totally in synch with their surroundings.

Seamless Installation

LED panels have minimal bezels (seams) and can be tiled together to create a display that is totally tailor-made to fit the space it is needed for.  They also offer lower pixel density and wider viewing angles and can show any size or shape, not just 16:9.

High-Quality Pictures

Because LED video walls can achieve true black using epoxy coated LEDs and offer a wide color gamut, you can create the perfect picture for your entire audience to enjoy.

Use an LED Video Wall to Really Set the Scene

Whether you want to simply display your logo, a promotional short, or something unique to your brand, an LED wall is far more dynamic than just a plain old backdrop.

The same applies to live music events, fashion shows, parties and other big events, as only LED video walls have the sheer display quality, ease of use and affordability to create such dynamic effects across a wide range of applications.

Awesome Lighting Displays from Frank Gatto & Associates

With over 30 years’ experience in the lighting business, we can produce awesome LED wall displays for your event.  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.

            

Why We Love Vintage LED Light Bulbs

Posted on by J3551CA

These days, anything vintage and retro is most definitely back in style.  From old-fashioned light fittings that wouldn’t have been out of place at the turn of the century to exposed brick interiors and wooden floors, the hippest interiors are basically designed to transport you back in time.

While our grandparents worked hard to afford fitted carpets, fully papered walls and soft, plush interiors, we are slowly stripping them back to enjoy the rustic simplicity an authentic or vintage fixtures and fittings.  One of the easiest and most effective ways to evoke the atmosphere of days gone by is by using old-fashioned light bulbs to create a warm, soft glow in our homes, as well as the bars we drink in and the cafes we eat in.

Vintage Edison Bulbs Are Hipper Than Hip

Filament light bulbs offer enduring style and are most definitely having a resurgence of cool in coffee shops and penthouse apartments up and down the country.

Dating back to the original incandescent bulb commercialized by Thomas Edison in the 1800s, the warm, romantic glow emitted by these beauties adds a true vintage feel to any room.  Unlike the original filament light bulbs, however, modern days Edison bulbs use an LED light source, meaning that they look as cool as ever, but are safer and more energy efficient than their old-fashioned counterparts.

LED Edison lights offer a beautiful and sustainable solution without losing out on that characteristic magical glow for two main reasons:

  1. LED Edison Bulbs are incredibly long lasting

Most incandescent light bulbs (that’s old-fashioned bulbs to you and me) only have an average lifetime of around 2,000 hours, if you are lucky.  LED Edison bulbs, however, can shine on for an impressive 20,000 hours of use, making your home feel soft and romantic for much, much longer.

LED’s don’t fail like incandescent bulbs eventually do either, so you could even achieve a greater lifespan, depending on how often you use your LED Edison bulb.

  1. They Are More Energy Efficient Than Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent bulbs have electricity running through their wire tungsten filaments, which heats up the elements to produce light.  This is why older style lightbulbs feel hot to the touch once they are turned on. It takes a lot of energy to make this happen every time you use the light bulb.

LED Edison bulbs, on the other hand, consume up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs do, making them more sustainable and much cheaper to run.

Vintage LED Bulbs – combining the retro look of times gone by with the technology of today.

If you like to picture yourself listening to vinyl, sipping coffee bathed in the light of a vintage Scandinavian pendant light, then the LED Edison bulb has probably already crossed your radar.

If you are looking for a way to add a soft, vintage feel to your home or public space, these beautiful looking LED lights offer all the familiar comfort of the good old days, perfectly combined with the affordable, energy-efficient values that are important to us all today.

Professional Event Lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

If you are looking for epic event lighting, either with a vintage feel or something totally modern, we can help.  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 the Tree – A History of Christmas Tree Lights

Posted on by J3551CA

Twinkling lights really make the holiday season feel special, and most of us couldn’t imagine seeing a Christmas tree without them.  But did you know that using lights to decorate trees only became commonplace at the turn of the 19th century, as more and more families started bringing trees into their homes to celebrate the festive season?

If you are about to start decorating your tree, consider the history of the tradition, while you decorate yours.

Back in the 1800s, wealthy homeowners would have their staff spend hours fixing lit candles to their trees using melted wax or pins.  They also had the good sense to keep a bucket of water or sand close by just in case the candles burn too far down and ignited the tree, although that didn’t always stop accidents from happening.  Despite the very obvious safety concerns of having lit candles precariously balanced on flammable pine needles, this type of decoration remained popular.

In 1848 the Illustrated London News ran a picture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert gathered around a lit Christmas tree with their children, spurring on the upper classes of British society to embrace and emulate the tradition. This image spread as far as America, where it gained popularity and became known as the first “influential American Christmas tree”.

Fast forward to 1888, and respected inventor of the light bulb Thomas Edison became involved in the story, although strangely enough, it was not him who invented the Christmas tree light, instead of someone who worked for him.

One year, Edison decided to forego the Christmas tree and opted to use light bulbs on a string to decorate his Menlo Park Laboratory, as a marketing ploy to help him secure the electric contract for Manhattan.  At the same time, Edward H. Johnson, the vice president of Edison’s Electric Light Company, decorated his tree with 80 specially made red, white, and blue bulbs that he displayed in the window of his Fifth Avenue home.

While the lit-up tree didn’t make the news at the time, local people love it and it wasn’t long before Johnson gained his place in history as the Father of the Electric Christmas Tree.  Those rich enough to afford the cost of renting a wireman to install the lights, and a generator to run them could enjoy them in their own homes, for the princely sum of over $300 per tree.

In 1917, things took an exciting turn as a called Albert Sadacca thought to repurpose the white novelty lights his family produced, switching them over to colored bulbs.  He instantly created the first Christmas lights safe for widespread use in the home, and history was made.   His family business cornered the market in Christmas tree lights, and he went on to form an organization called NOMA in 1925, which became the largest Christmas light manufacturer in the world.

During the war years, Christmas tree lights on outdoor trees became almost obsolete as large displays and even domestic decorations were toned down and switched off in line with blackout regulations.  The loss of interest in Christmas tree lights was further compounded following the rise of the aluminum Christmas tree in the 1950s, where electrical lighting was obviously not safe to use.

The mini bulbs that we know and love today, were first introduced in the 1970s and were produced cheaply overseas, meaning that their popularity grew once again as almost everyone in America had access to them. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Modern Day Christmas Light Displays

Nowadays, we have moved on from just electric string lights on trees, and many of us enjoy creating elaborate displays outside our own homes. Organized displays and Christmas light enthusiasts can now program complex displays using lights and strands with varying luminosity and even synchronized timing, making Christmas light displays that are absolutely awesome.

Professional lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

While we may not be able to light your tree for you, we can provide world-class lighting for your indoor and outdoor events all across the holiday season.  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.

            

How to Light A Haunted House

Posted on by J3551CA

Nothing says Halloween like a super scary haunted house experience. Halloween is now the second most decorated holiday after Christmas here in Florida, and however, you are celebrating, creating a spooky atmosphere is essential for ensuring that your scare fest is the best ever.

The humble haunted house, for example, is one of the most popular Halloween attractions ever.  While haunted house attractions rely on props, sounds and actors, they would be nothing without the clever use of lighting. The use of shadows, bright flashes of light and craftily lit crevices create a feeling of drama and suspense as you travel along the attraction.

Here are some of the lighting techniques used to create some of the spookiest haunted house experiences even known:

Black Light

Black lighting goes hand on hand with fear when it comes to illuminating everything from stage shows to haunted houses.  The light throws a purple sheen over everything in the room, and also helps neon colors to really “pop”.  Blacklight is created via ultraviolet or infrared radiation, which is invisible to the human eye. Black lights can be as simple as single bulbs that can be plugged into an electrical socket or can be a huge back panel that illumines entire room at a time.

An interesting fact; lots of black light and neon paint can be found at the Black Sabbath “13” haunted maze at Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as in one of the haunts at Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare.

Red Light

Red is not only the color of passion, but it is also a color that creates fear.  Flooding a room with red light makes for a really tense and heavy atmosphere, perfect for Halloween attractions.  The use of colored lights can also conjure up images in the brain, and red helps to make the visitor think of the color of blood.

Spotlights

You usually think of a spotlight as a positive force for good, enlightening a single entertainer or piece of the action on the stage.  But, when you focus the same spotlight on something spooky, it takes the focus away from whatever is happening back there in the shadows, adding ambiance and increasing the fear factor.

Strobe Lights

Strobe lights are used to change the way the audience or visitor sees the action happening in front of them.  Fast, intense flashes of light create a jerky, blinking effect which disorientates the audience and transforms something innocent in something completely terrifying.

Candle Light

Candles are synonymous with everything spooky.  The flicker of candlelight creates an instant spooky feeling, and the can be used in a variety of ways to create atmosphere.  Hidden inside at light jack-o’-lanterns used to summon spirits, or dotted around an empty coffin, candles are an easy way to raise the fear factor.

Flashlights

Finally, flashlights can be used in a multitude of ways to make a haunted house feel super spooky.  They can be aimed through the middle of a fog machine to create a pathway of light or shone beneath a face or object to make it look really scary.

Call in The Experts

If you are looking to create the ultimate Halloween attraction, why not call in the experts here at Frank Gatto & Associates.  We produce first-class professional lighting design for events and live shows throughout Florida and beyond.

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.