Lighting Always Makes A Difference

Lighting is used in a wide variety of different ways to enhance or change the way we see the action in front of our eyes or the landscapes that surround us.  Here at Frank Gatto Lighting, we know exactly which lighting works best for live events and how to use it effectively to create awesome looking television.  Because we are experts in our field, we also appreciate that there are many different applications for first-class lighting all around us.

On Stage

Any stage production will need great looking lighting to ensure that the audience never misses a moment of the action happening in front of them. Great stage lighting can draw the eye of the audience exactly where you want it to be, as well as helping to set the mood or emphasize particular pieces of the play.

Stage lighting is also used to work alongside audio effects, like a flash of lightning during the audio of a thunderstorm for example, and different colored lights can be used to enhance emotional aspects of any performance.

In the Studio

Carefully planned studio lighting is vital for producing high-quality footage.  Most of the lighting techniques used in a studio setting are based on the standard 3-point lighting arrangement that uses a key light, a fill light, and a backlight.  This type of set up offers the most effective studio lighting and is an excellent starting point for creating special effects. Spotlights are also useful in a studio setting and can be utilized to add drama to a scene or highlight a person talking or draw the viewers eye to a particular part of a scene.

In landscaping

It’s not just action and drama on stage and TV that can captivate an audience, as enticing design and beautiful surroundings are also enhanced by the use of great lighting.  Nowhere is this more evident than in the landscaping of outdoor spaces.  Lighting designers add depth and interest to landscaped areas with the clever use of high-quality lighting, strategically placed to maximize the overall aesthetic of the landscape design.  From streets scenes and public spaces to golf courses and private clubs, landscape design works so much better with well-planned lighting.

In photography

Lighting is a key element in the creation of high-quality photographic images.  Not only does it determine the contrast between the bright and darker areas of an image, but also the tone, the mood and the atmosphere of the piece.  Different types of photographs demand different types of lighting, and depending on the subject you are shooting, you will usually need special lighting to take good pictures.

For truly awesome images it is necessary to control and manipulate light correctly in order to get the best texture, vibrancy of color and luminosity on your subjects. By distributing shadow and highlights accurately, you can always create professional looking photographs.

Professional Event Lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

If you would like advice and assistance with the lighting for your next live event, speak to our experts today at (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.

            

Teamwork – The Important Relationship Between Lighting Director and Crew

Just like any successful team, the Lighting Director and the lighting crew must work in perfect harmony to ensure that every event, live show or outside broadcast is perfectly illuminated to enhance the action that the audience sees.

What Does A Lighting Designer Do?

A Lighting Designer – also known as an LD – works hard to create a comprehensive lighting plan, while working in conjunction with the director, set designer, costume designer, sound engineers and choreographer.  They plan every aspect of the lighting design taking into account a wealth of other important issues like visibility, safety and overall cost.

The LD will carefully read through the script and have extensive discussions with the director, designers, stage manager, and production managers to understand the show’s mood and the director’s vision when creating the lighting design.

How Does the Lighting Director Depend on His Crew?

While the LD may be the brains behind the operation with his ability to create beautiful lighting plans, without his crew behind him, he would not be able to execute any of these big ideas.

Every member of the lighting crew is equally as important as the next.  From new beginners helping out on set to learn their trade, to highly experienced old timers who know every type of light and rig, every member of the lighting crew is needed to ensure lighting perfection every time.

The size of the lighting crew needed to help turn the LD’s vision into a reality will depend on the size and type of production.  Lighting technicians are always needed to rig up the lighting equipment, carry out lighting tests, position lights during shoots, manage the supply of light bulbs and plenty of other on-set duties.

The lighting crew might report directly to the LD himself, or they may be working under the watchful eye of the Assistant Chief Lighting Technician – often referred to as the “Best Boy”.  He (or she) will help the LD coordinate the work of the lighting technicians and liaise with the rest of the production team to ensure the lighting plan is correctly set up and installed.

Another important member of the LD’s lighting team is “the Gaffer” who oversees all the practical lighting issues and tasks that arise. The Gaffer will oversee all the work undertaken by the Best Boy and the lighting technicians and work closely with the LD to help make big creative lighting decisions.

For the Lighting Director to be able to deliver the lighting effects and visual enhancements that he has outlined in his plan, he needs to be able to rely on his entire team.  Successful lighting crews often work together for many years and across a wide variety of projects.  Understanding the vision of the LD, and being able to work together as a team, is what transforms an efficient team of riggers, sparks, best bots and gaffers into a highly sought after, first-class lighting team that directors across the country want to work with.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, our teamwork is second to none.  We have over 30 years’ experience within the lighting industry and would be delighted to help your production come to life.

Speak to 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 Your Event – Safely

Lighting an event is not just about impressive effects or wild light shows, it is also about keeping the perfumers, crew, and audience as safe as possible from huge lighting rigs and other equipment.  Accidents happen, and as a professional lighting company, it is our job to ensure that our lighting rigs and equipment is always 100% safe on every occasion.

Because we work on a wide variety of high-volume projects and events throughout the US and internationally it is always important to us that we always operate under the highest level of safety.  If you are worried about the safety of any lighting devices at your event, follow our checklist to ensure that you are always protected:

  1. Plan your lighting in advance

Just throwing a few tripods on stage and hoping for the best is never going to have the successful outcome you are looking for. It’s not just the way they look that will be a problem, but without proper planning, there is nothing to stop your performers from crashing into them or tripping over dangerous cables.  A lighting plan will not only ensure that the lighting looks on point throughout the production, but also ensure that every piece of lighting equipment is safely positioned on the stage, well maintained and safe to use.

  1. Check your equipment

This should obviously go without saying, but sometimes the pressure of pulling together a live event can see important safety checks overlooked.  At the very least, you should ALWAYS check the condition of the following:

Plugs

The cable clamps should hold the cable outer sheath firmly; the color code should be correct, and the wires should be fully inserted.  You should also ensure that the terminals are always tight.

Lighting Bars

Check that the lighting bars have at least 3 fixing points so that the bar can remain in position if one fixing fails.

Safety Chains

Always fit a safety chain directly between the luminaire and the bar or suspension point. You should also be sure the never simply rely on just a hook clamp or bolt and check that all accessories such as barn doors, color frames, and color changers are secure and cannot fall out of the guides.

Fire Precautions

Some lights can get incredibly hot and pose a risk of catching fire.  That is why you should never enclose a spotlight in scenery, and always ensure that the spotlight is at least 0.5m from the nearest flammable object. To protect yourself further, you should always be belt o locate the position of the nearest fire extinguisher when working on stage and find out how to use it in an emergency.

Fuses

When a theatre lamp reaches the end of its life, the filament frequently collapses on itself, causing a short circuit which blows the fuse. When this happens, you must never replace it with a larger one.  Always replace the fuse with one of the same size. If a fuse does fail, there could be a problem with the circuit so be sure to investigate this further before you change the fuse.

  1. Cable safety

Even if your electrical lighting equipment is in tip-top condition, having a performer trip over an exposed cable can result in injury and upset your production.  Always ensure that extension cables are tidy and are not left trailing across an entrance on stage. It is particularly easy to trip over a trailing cable in the darkness, and if that cable is connected to a spotlight on a tripod stand, it could result in an accident.

  1. Rigging Procedures

Climbing up high above the stage, with a spotlight in one hand and a color filter in the other is never a safe way to proceed.  Climbing rigging should be left to professional lighting crew only, but even then, they should look to use a tower that can be firmly locked in place, or at the very least a secure locking ladder with a fellow crew member stood at the bottom to prevent it slipping.

Call in The Professionals

Of course, the safest way to ensure that your lighting equipment is 100% safe for any event is to hire a team of lighting professionals to supply and work the lighting for you.  Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we can provide top of the range lighting equipment that is planned and operated by fully qualified and highly experienced members of staff.

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.

            

A Brief History of Stage Lighting

The use of lighting to enhance stage productions was first recorded as far back as the early Grecian and Roman times.  Even all those centuries before the invention of electricity, budding producers built their theaters facing east to west so that in the afternoons the sunlight would shine on the actors, without getting in the eyes of the orchestra.  Many centuries later, Shakespearean theaters were built with a circular opening in the roof to allow the natural light to flood in and illuminate the action on stage.

In 1880, Thomas Edison received the historic patent embodying the principles of his incandescent lamp that paved the way for the use of electric lighting in theatre. The Savoy Theatre in London was the first in the world to install new electric lights for their stage productions, swiftly followed by the Bijou Theatre in Boston as well as the Vienna State Opera.  The introduction of footlights, border lights, and strip lights completely transformed the way in which the audience could view the action taking place on stage.

Spring forward to mid-20th-century theatre and the evolution of moving pictures, and suddenly we start to see stage lighting take on a whole new meaning and become an art form. American theatrical producer and play write, David Belasco, worked tirelessly with his electrician, Louis Hartman, to develop a range of single source lighting equipment that was used to light the acting areas from above the stage as well as from the auditorium.

With the introduction of the moving picture, studios began to spring up all over the world, and advances in lighting took a new turn as mobile lighting devices were used to light the action on screen.  Soft focus lenses, basic effects and a deeper understanding of how images are seen by a movie theatre audience paved the way for investment in the lighting industry as a whole.

From the 1960’s onwards, new and more exciting lighting effects were becoming the mainstay of theatrical performances the world over.  With strobe lighting, parcans and automated variable color changing lights gradually becoming increasingly common up until the 1990’s, stage lighting had become an art form in its own right.

In recent years, the 21st century has seen a tremendous amount of technological advancements in the way stage lighting is used to enhance audience enjoyment.  Whilst the basic concepts still exist, LED technology and digital consoles allow much sharper, quicker and even more exciting illumination to take place at the touch of a button.

The Future of Stage Lighting

Without a doubt, the most innovative development in stage lighting over the last few years has been the introduction of LED light sources.  Being energy efficient, cost-effective and producing very little heat, LED is the future of stage lighting across venues of all shapes and sizes.  LED also offers endless color options that create atmosphere at every event from small intimate productions through to large scale rock concerts and beyond.

Lighting Solutions from Frank Gatto & Associates

As a team of lighting professionals with a thorough understanding of how lighting can complement every occasion, Frank and his team can supply you with every type of lighting solution for any 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.

            

The Evolution Of Broadcast Lighting

From the earliest days of television, lighting has been used to enhance the way a picture looks on camera.  What started out as a simple transition from stage to studio, has become a multi-million dollar industry that offers a huge range of powerful tools and advances in lighting technology.

As far back as the 1900s at the birth of television, the best source of illumination was considered to be natural sunlight. As technology moved on, studio lighting became a standard fixture in studios the world over.  Large lighting rigs that involved lots of heavy fixtures, plenty of power to illuminate them all and a heap of air conditioning to keep them cool, became an intrinsic part of studio filming.

In recent years, however, the lighting industry has found ways to produce lighting tools that illuminate entire studios and sets perfectly, but in a far more efficient and cost-effective way.

From Traditional Tungsten to LED – An Innovation In Studio Lighting

Traditionally studios were lit using tungsten lighting instruments.  These heat inducing, power guzzling lights were famously hot and difficult to work with. They were also potentially hazardous in the wrong hands or in cramped environments.

Tungsten lights were also renowned for producing off-white lighting meaning that color correction was often necessary after filming.

Innovations in studio lighting meant that more efficient light sources such as LED lighting became more readily available, leading to a new generation of lighting tools for both indoor and outdoor usage.

Another major advancement in studio lighting was the ability to operate lights remotely.  DMX control panels offer technicians complete control over every element of set lighting without them having to interfere with the action in front of the camera.

While the original LED lighting was not infallible,  advancements have been made since their introduction into. These days lighting crews have access to some of the most advanced and efficient lighting tools ever seen.

These include:

Punch Lights

Punch lights are one of the most powerful, daylight- balanced LED white light solutions available on the market today. These high-intensity luminaire lights flood an area with light whose color temperature is approximately that of daylight, making them perfect for studio filming.

Space Lights

Space Lights are usually used in concert with multiple other space lights to provide an ambient, soft lighting source from above.   They help to create a base daylight ambiance or an overall soft base exposure.

Fresnel Lights

 These are very common in studio environments and use a special type of lens that is divided into concentric circles, resulting in a much thinner lens than a conventional lens of the same power that evens out the light.  Lighting technicians can then easy vary from floor to spot by changing the distance between the lamp/reflector unit and the lens.

Practical Lights

 A practical light is considered any light source that will appear in the scene such as a table lamp, a car headlight or even just a handheld flashlight. Existing bulbs can be swapped out for those of a different wattage or color temperature depending on the needed effect and desired contrast ratios required within the scene.

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lighting is much more efficient than incandescent light and is capable of generating up to 100 lumens per watt, similar to the output of HMI. Fluorescent film lighting is most often used in fixtures containing banks of tubes, that are either tungsten or daylight balanced to produce a soft, even light that can be used in close proximity to the subject.

Frank Gatto & Associates – The Lighting Experts

Whatever your event or production, the team at Frank Gatto are all about harnessing innovations in lighting technology to ensure that we continue to offer the finest lighting direction in the business.

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.

            

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

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.

            

Everything Lighting For Every Event

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.

            

Make Your Event Your Biggest And Brightest Yet

The way in which lighting is used in event planning can completely change the mood and atmosphere of any occasion.  Get it wrong and your venue could look dark and unwelcoming, get it right and it could just be your biggest and brightest yet.

From small scale parties to huge corporate occasions, experienced lighting experts will be able to pull together a series of expert lighting hacks that will completely enhance the look and feel of your event.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we have many years experience of providing the perfect lighting solutions for every kind of event.  We painstakingly plan every aspect of our client’s lighting requirements in advance to ensure that we always provide the best lighting experience possible.

We also understand that you don’t always need big, expensive rigging to create unique or amazing effects, our creativity and imagination goes a long way to help transform your event or venue with lighting.  We work with a huge variety of lighting options and know all the best ways to make your event shine.  Here are just a few ways we can help with your event lighting:

  1. Plan Your Lighting Solutions

A team of lighting professionals will work in collaboration with you to establish the concept for your event, and how best to provide lighting that enhances the atmosphere and mood of the venue.  We will undertake a site visit and organize logistics with the venue to ensure a cohesive approach to your event lighting.

  1. Provide Bespoke Solutions

Because lighting is an integral part of event planning, a professional lighting company will be able to identify the most cost-effective ways to add style and grandeur to any space.  With a full-color spectrum at our disposal, we can provide lighting that is as subtle or bold as you need it to be.  By utilizing different styles we of lighting we can ensure that your event really is as amazing as you want it to be.  Whether you need festoon and fairy lights to create a calm romantic atmosphere or brightly colored uplighter that dance along with the beat, only a professional lighting company can provide you with lighting that really rocks!

  1. State Of The Art Lighting

A professional lighting company like us will have access to some of the best lighting in the industry  From huge spotlights to LED lighting and everything in between, we will provide you with state of the art lighting that you may not be able to access or afford on your own.

Whatever type of event you are organizing, make sure that you don’t leave your lighting to chance.  From television studios to huge outdoor sporting events, Frank Gatto & Associates have provided awe-inspiring lighting for a huge variety of events on a national and international scale.

So you can be sure that whatever you need to light up your event, we’ve got it covered.

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.

            

Big Events Need Even Bigger Lighting

As a nation, we love a big occasion. The bright lights, the loud music, the roaring cheers from the crowd — we literally cannot get enough of it.  Of all the events we love the best, nothing beats world-class sporting occasions.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we have been honored to supply first-class lighting for some of the biggest sporting events in the country, sometimes even the world!  We light up the sports fields and arenas so that you can see all the action.

Frank Gatto – Proudly Lighting Up The ESPN

As a global cable and satellite sports television channel, ESPN shows some of the biggest sporting events from all around the world.  With exclusive access to games, tournaments and championships, as well as behind the scenes action, ESPN is a world leader in broadcasting the best-loved sports in the world.

Our lighting Directors and Technicians are among the best known and most respected in the industry, which is why we are regularly asked to provide lighting for ESPN, whatever the occasion.

From Friday Night Fights to Game Day and College Basketball, and everything in between, we supply the lighting solutions that make help make ESPN the biggest in the business.

Baseball

Frank Gatto & Associates were asked to provide the lighting for the 2017 World Series, meaning we were in the spotlight to ensure that every inch of the action was seen by nearly 19 million viewers for every game, the highest ratings the sport has seen since 2005.

Boxing

Boxing arenas are usually housed in large buildings, and the ring and viewings areas are designed to pack a punch!  The lighting is particularly important in these types of settings, as it’s not just about the fight, it’s also about the show.  We can be seen on the set of HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, UFC Miami and were even there to illuminate world-class title matches like Mayweather vs. Canelo and Mayweather vs. McGregor.

Football

Huge outdoor events are also a specialty of ours.  Floodlit fields need the very best lighting to capture all of the action, whilst halftime shows need a light show that wows! Here at Frank Gatto, we have worked alongside media giant NBC to illuminate their soccer games so you can see the magic happen.

Super Bowl

The biggest and the best, the Super Bowl is the pinnacle of every player’s career and one of the most watched television events in the country.  We were truly honored to provide lighting for the Super Bowl in Miami, Fl that was watched by a staggering 85 million viewers, and have been involved ever since.

Whatever the occasion, Frank Gatto & Associates have got it covered. We provide state of the art lighting solutions for television and sporting events both in the USA and the world.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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