Category: Lighting Directors

Lighting Design Jobs

Posted on by J3551CA

The interplay of illumination in any production is a significant contributor to the mood, how it will appear on screens or in person, and the comfort of the people working under those lights. Lighting directors have a wide range of work options and they can choose to specialize in particular fields.

Establishing the correct lighting for any production includes working with a diverse range of industry professionals ranging from costume designers and sound designers to choreographers and set designers. They utilize their wealth of knowledge to ensure optimal visibility while maintaining safety and minimizing costs.

Illumination is a key element for any project and the venues are almost endless. Lighting directors can find themselves in studios, at the Olympics, under water, or in the jungle providing lighting for a documentary.

Lighting directors maximize the potential and power of light. Advances in technology, the digital age, and an increasing tendency for people to make every event an extravaganza has opened new possibilities and exciting opportunities for lighting directors that include the following.

  • Theater
  • TV
  • Concerts
  • Sports
  • Movies
  • Corporate events
  • Product launches
  • Fashion shows
  • Political rallies
  • Weddings
  • Cruise ships
  • Museum art exhibitions

In recent years, exterior lighting for an increasing number of structures and architectural features have become popular. The Empire State Building is a prime example and those types of projects require the expertise of a lighting director. As with any project, it requires efficient and cost-effective solutions, along with the coordination of colors and even images.

Those that aspire to the level of lighting director should be prepared for rising early, working late, and ending the day exhausted. There’s no “typical” day for a lighting director. The work can be physically and mentally taxing, but seeing the fruits of their labors and how it affects others can be one of the most rewarding experiences ever.

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 Technician are Essential

Posted on by J3551CA

Once a lighting plan has been created for any type of production, it’s essential to have a lighting technician on any crew to ensure light sources are positioned correctly – among many other things. They have extensive experience working with equipment that’s heavy and very hot to ensure the safety of other crew members and actors.

Lighting technicians will follow the technical set-up and design plan established by the lighting director for appropriate illumination and is able to work creatively to solve any problems that arise. They’ll work closely with a wide variety of other industry specialists to orchestrate the lighting set-up needed for entire performances. Lighting technicians need a variety of skills that include:

  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Ability to work as a team
  • Attention to detail
  • Creativity
  • Excellent communication skills
  • High level of physical fitness
  • Manual dexterity
  • Organizational skills
  • Technical knowledge of lighting
  • Time management skills
  • Understanding and familiarity with a wide range of equipment

In the past, many lighting technicians began in lower-level positions such as transporting equipment and worked their way up the ladder. The range of equipment, techniques, and technology is much different in today’s industry. The professional environment is highly complex and a bachelor’s degree in theatrical production arts is typically required.

Anywhere illumination is required in venues ranging from movies and TV to the theatre – a lighting technician is an essential and integral part of the production. Depending upon budgetary concerns and available personnel, lighting technicians may also operate lights during a production either manually or through computer consoles. They may also be responsible for performing routine maintenance.

Whether a production is taking place on a studio set or on location in venues around the world, a lighting technician will ensure that lighting arrays are safely and properly installed. The lighting industry provides a variety of professional challenges for a highly rewarding career.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101
Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 
We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

      

Frank Gatto Lighting Offers a Team of Lighting Professionals

Posted on by J3551CA

Everyone has experienced an ill-lit venue where the light was in their eyes or it was so dark they couldn’t view the action. Correct illumination should be considered a guest at any event and Frank Gatto Lighting provides a team of lighting professionals for any event or production.

Frank Gatto pioneered a variety of techniques in the lighting industry and has won three Emmy Awards for his groundbreaking lighting design. The experts at Frank Gatto Lighting have worked around the world, bringing illumination to weddings, nature cinematography, major sporting events, concerts and award ceremonies.

The company has provided lighting for major networks around the globe, from HBO, Showtime and ESPN to Telemundo and Univsion, along with all the prime time TV networks. Frank Gatto’s work can be seen at venues that includes the World Series, NFL Countdown and Ultimate Fighting Championships. The company’s unique positioning in Florida enables it to provide services in South America and the Caribbean.

The multi-faceted company has also provided services for locations encompassing the STAPLES Center, the sports and entertainment center of the world, along with Madison Square Gardens and theatre productions. Turnkey lighting services and the use of efficient and cost effective LED technology has made them the No. 1 choice for any venue.

Frank Gatto Lighting also provides lighting evaluations and consultations for illuminating sets in the planning and preproduction phase. The company’s founder is also a highly in demand lighting master that conducts seminars on TV lighting, news sets, and sporting events.

With more than 30 years of experience in lighting venues around the globe, the name Frank Gatto Lighting has become synonymous for the highest level of professional lighting within a multitude of industries. He willingly shares his knowledge with others through his seminars to improve professional lighting opportunities for everyone.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101
Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 
We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

      

Taking Control: Becoming a Confident Lighting Director

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101
Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 
We can be found on Social Media at the following links.

            

How to Become a TV Lighting Designer

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

How Lighting can Affect Colors Seen on TV

Posted on by J3551CA

Everyone has seen a TV broadcast where the colors just didn’t look quite right and wondered if it was time for a new TV. The problem isn’t the TV. It can be the lighting used for the broadcast, their positioning, the camera, or the lighting in homes. A curved screen can distort the light that touches the screen in brightly lit environments.

When the lighting problem originates in the studio, there’s little that viewers can do to create a better viewing situation. One reason colors appear off to audiences is the type of illumination being used. Lighting must be placed properly and focused appropriately so the camera can capture the images correctly and reproduce the color accurately. The filters being used in the studio may not be the right devices for the job.

The second factor that affects broadcasts is the amount of light that’s being emitted. Too much illumination will make images look dull and washed out. Too little light will create unwanted shadowing and make it difficult for the cameras to capture images in true color.

Cameras also impact the way colors appear. All cameras don’t detect color wavelengths in the same way. When professional lighting experts undertake illuminating a specific space, they also pay attention to the cameras being used. If a camera can’t properly detect the specific color, it will result in an estimation of the shade based on a primary color model that also represents shades of gray.

Ultimately, proper lighting techniques that enable cameras to accurately reproduce colors are the responsibility of the lighting director. An experienced lighting professional understands the properties of different types of illumination, where best to position the lights, and even the capabilities of the cameras that will be broadcasting the images.

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.

            

Lighting Production Success from Coast to Coast

Posted on by J3551CA

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 Director Training

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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