Tag: lighting production specialists

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.

      

3 Things you Should Leave to the Pros

Posted on by J3551CA

Special celebrations of any kind require a lot of planning whether it’s a corporate conference or an awards ceremony. Hosts have enough details to worry about and it’s essential that some services be provided by experienced professionals to ensure that guests have a superior experience.

Lighting

You may not be aware, but lighting will play a major role in your event and it’s equally important if the event is held outside during daylight hours. The angle of the sun is a critical factor and can result in speakers or presenters appearing washed out. Conversely, the sun can cast harsh shadows that detract from the moment at hand.

A professional lighting and design company has the ability to illuminate for any situation whether it’s indoors or outdoors. The typical types of lighting installed in indoor structures aren’t conducive to filming and can fall far short of the desired ambiance.

Entertainment

For any grand event, you want your guests to have a memorable experience and that can include a wide variety of entertainment options ranging from vocalists and bands to Cirque de Soleil acts or a light show, all of which requires the services of a lighting professional.

It can call for spotlight illumination and can encompass special effects for the performance or an all-out laser light display synched with music. Your lighting professional will also be able to provide that type of lighting and entertainment.

Food

Guests may be conversing, dancing or participating in the entertainments offered and one thing is for certain – they’ll work up an appetite. Food is always something that should always be left to the professionals. A caterer has the experience, staff and equipment to keep everyone in attendance happy and fed. They can provide chef-prepared international cuisine, custom menus, and trendy beverages to accommodate every need.

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 LED Lighting is Cost Effective

Posted on by J3551CA

One of the primary reasons that stadiums and entertainment arenas are transitioning to LED lights for their illumination needs is the many ways in which they’re more economical. The lights are revolutionizing everything from the illumination of TV and film sets to concerts and sports extravaganzas.

LEDs are especially popular in the entertainment industry where every dollar counts and budgetary concerns are a daily issue. They use far less electricity than traditional lighting methods so they’re less expensive to operate. LEDs have a much longer lifespan than traditional illumination methods so they don’t have to be replaced as often.

The lights are more reliable and durable than traditional bulbs. They’re not as susceptible to being bumped and or jarred and can withstand impacts that would shatter older style bulbs. The fixtures also require less maintenance. If a single bulb went out in an old-style array, all the lights were affected – a situation that doesn’t happen with LEDs.

An LED array produces more illumination than its old-style bulb equivalent. Lighting specialists can use fewer lights to obtain the same effect. LEDs take less time to set up and are easier to move, which saves money on productions of all types. The lights can produce multiple colors which can eliminate the use of expensive filters and other techniques.

Another cost effective benefit to LEDs is that they can be safely recycled since they don’t contain the dangerous chemicals found in other types of bulbs. In this instance, the cost effectiveness is found through the use of fewer resources and damage to the planet.

LEDs aren’t as affected by colder temperatures as their traditional counterparts. They can be operated in environments without the need to carry as many replacements, thereby mitigating the cost of transporting equipment.

Frank Gatto Lighting was one of the first companies to understand the value and benefits of LED illumination within a myriad of settings, along with the ability to save money for clients. The company’s innovative LED techniques for lighting venues ranging from sports to nature filmography continue to propel the entertainment industry forward.

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 Add Smoke to Enhance Lighting

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Smoke machines, are wonderfully versatile machines that can produce a variety of atmospheric effects, and it’s important to note that they’re not the same as a fog machine. The primary difference is that smoke rises, doesn’t take long to fill a room, and disperses quickly throughout an entire area whereas fog typically stays close to the ground.

A smoke machine will be the tool of choice for the spooky effects of TV and films in the horror genre, for concerts and theatre productions, and when shots require the entire room to be smoky. The smoke can be used for highlighting special lighting effects, especially for laser light shows, on dancefloors and concert venues.

The downside is that the smoke dissipates fairly quickly and can set off fire and smoke alarms. If not closely controlled, it can obscure images but it’s also one of the most cost effective special effects methods to use. Consumer models are available, in addition to fog machines, that are extremely popular as part of Halloween festivities.

A smoke machine is ideal for recreating the smoke-filled atmosphere of a speakeasy and a gently blowing fan will create air currents for a misty feeling reminiscent of “dream sequences.” The machines are appropriate for producing theatrical smoke for TV and the cinema, along with still photos and the theatre stage to create a specific mood or atmosphere.

They have the advantage of containing control panels that allows special effects professionals to accurately control how much smoke is added, when, and from what direction. Smoke reflects and refracts light, making it particularly effective when a special effect is required, but audiences aren’t supposed to detect it.

Smoke machines can simulate smoke coming from a wrecked vehicle, used as a scene transition on the stage, and to facilitate dramatic entrances at concerts and sporting events. It’s equally effective for sci-fi type effects or to create an alien landscape. The uses of a theatrical smoke machine are many and varied, making the devices a favorite of special effects creators.

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

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

            

Different Avenues for Lighting Design

Posted on by J3551CA

Anywhere an event is taking place, there’s an opportunity for a lighting design expert. Many individuals obtain their education in lighting design with the goal of working on blockbuster movies, only to find themselves following completely different avenues that are equally fulfilling and allows them to use their creative talents in unique ways.

One of the most obvious venues for lighting design is TV, movies and the theatre. Actors to newscasters always look bright and brilliant on the screen. That flawless appearance is partly makeup artists and the rest is due to the skills of lighting design professionals.

Illumination specialists understand the unique placement of lights to highlight subjects and the type of lighting required to eliminate harsh shadows. They also provide professional lighting design for commercials, infomercials, documentaries and music videos.

Concerts and sporting events offer a multitude of opportunities for lighting designers and they can find themselves working in locations around the world. Sports and concerts each have their own particular range of challenges. Concerts and some sports take place during nighttime hours and people that can illuminate those events properly are in high demand.

The corporate, political and religious arenas often overlap and lighting designers are needed for them all. Designers provide illumination for events that include political debates and state events, along with televised religious services, large corporate gatherings, webinars, seminars and conventions.

As brides demand more elaborate weddings, there’s an increasing demand for lighting designers that can create a cinema-like experience. Couples are even requesting that the experience of having their wedding photos taken be filmed for posterity.

Amusement parks, museums, planetariums and other entertainments are an often overlooked opportunity for lighting designers. Illumination is a key ingredient for setting mood and ambiance, whether it’s lighting for simulators, specialty rides or highlighting unique exhibits.

There’s a myriad of avenues for professionals skilled in lighting design, many of which often go overlooked when individuals first begin their careers. Those that revel in the interplay of light and shadow can paint their own story anywhere in the world.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

Lighting Should be Left to the Pros

Posted on by J3551CA

There are some tasks that are better left to professionals and one of those is illumination for theatrical productions, political rallies, trade shows, major sports competitions, and even high-profile weddings. It’s particularly essential when illuminating international events that can present unique challenges.

A professional lighting company has experts experienced in every aspect of illumination, technology and rigging to light every facet of an event to the best advantage while maintaining the highest level of safety for everyone involved. Lighting designers have the artistic eye and advanced technology for optimal placement of essential equipment for overall lighting, spotlighting and special effects.

Illuminating international events has its own set of challenges, some of which are cultural while others are physical. Residents of some countries prefer specific lighting types and brightness levels over others. Equipment in the U.S won’t work in Europe, and vice-versa, without the use of adapters or converters since the two electrical systems aren’t compatible.

Lighting for arenas and events that will be broadcast requires specialized knowledge that only lighting professionals can comprehend. A lighting designer will develop a plan for illumination and a lighting director will utilize his/her technical knowledge to implement that plan.

Professional lighting companies employ a highly skilled team of individuals that take on the practical tasks and solutions of lighting, along with technicians that position lights, securely rig equipment, and coordinate audio and visual components.

To ensure the best illumination options and safety solutions for any event, a professional lighting company is essential. Lighting is much more than simply a way to “light things up” so everyone can see. It’s an art form that requires skill, specialized knowledge, and an understanding of cultural differences wherever they may be working. They use innovative techniques that are cost-effective and environmentally-friendly while maintaining the highest level of safety at all times.

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 Affects Actors

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Lighting is an essential element for any performance whether it’s for a TV show, a blockbuster film, or a major theatre production. The illumination used affects an audience’s perception, but it also affects the actors and their performance. The award-winning company of Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. has an in-depth understanding of that and views illumination as a “character” in its own right.

Perhaps the most obvious effect of lighting is the way it affects actors physically. Traditional lighting methods emit a significant amount of heat. It can be difficult for an actor to give their best performance when they’re overheated and uncomfortable. It takes a toll on their mental, physical and emotional ability to provide accurate portrayals.

Lighting is a major factor in every scene of a production. It provides ambiance and makes any given scene more “real” to the actors. The right lighting enables actors to lose themselves in the scene and give a performance that’s more personal and emotional to the audience.

Illumination techniques have the power to highlight an actor, pull them to the forefront of an audience’s notice, and provide more depth to their character. Lighting also provides clues for actors to say certain lines or change positions. The correct positioning and use of lighting techniques also affects an actor physically to soften features or create a harsh counterpoint. Illumination is a gateway to the imagination.

Unlike acting in the theatre where an actor obtains immediate feedback from the audience, TV and film actors must rely on their own abilities, scenery and lighting for their portrayals. Actors must convince their audience to suspend belief for the duration of the TV show or movie and lighting enables them to accomplish that through the creation of effects that helps them portray any emotion and appear more believable.

Light is the foundation upon which movie magic is made. Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. is an innovator in the use of lighting and techniques. The company’s methods showcase actors to their best advantage, enabling them to tell their character’s story to the best of their ability without the draining heat of old-fashioned lighting strategies.

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.

            

Starting A Career in Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

If you want to begin a career in lighting, you should consider becoming a Lighting Technician.  As a lighting tech, you will be called upon to work in the lighting department on a film, stage production or television broadcast. You will work alongside the lighting designer to ensure that their vision is brought to life by the correct positioning of the lighting equipment and the programming of the lighting system.

Your day to day duties will vary dramatically depending on exactly what you are working on, but they could include anything from interpreting the lighting plot, to ordering more light bulbs. You will also be required to work alongside other members of the backstage or production crew, so you will need to have good communication skills and be a team player.

To become a lighting technician, you may consider getting a degree or working your way up from an entry-level position, gaining skills in lighting on the job. You can find lighting technician jobs at concert venues, theater, film studios, and in television broadcast production companies. Lighting technicians also manage the lighting needs for special events, such as speeches, outdoor concerts, and large receptions. In any lighting tech role, you need to know the fundamentals of electricity and design concepts.

The Hands-On Route

There are different ways to become a lighting technician, and however you get there you will need to be dedicated to providing first-class lighting solutions, as well as being prepared to work unsociable hours on productions and be available at a moment’s notice.

One of the most common ways to move into the lighting industry without direct training is to utilize your skills and experience as an electrician and diversify into specializing in theatre or set lighting. You could also take a lighting technician course or apprenticeship.

It is also helpful if you have some experience of working in theaters or live music venues too.  While at university or college, you could try working on a student film project or join dramatic companies or drama societies, as gaining an understanding of lighting for the stage will give you a good grounding in the technical aspects of the job.

The Degree Qualification Route

Alternatively, you could study to obtain a degree in theatrical production arts or similar.  These types of courses will teach you more about programming lighting, the use of new technology and how to operate sophisticated lighting tools, as well as offering an introduction to architectural and theatrical lighting design.

As a lighting technician, you will need to not only understand how lighting works, but also be able to demonstrate high-level technical and creative skills in order to follow instructions that ensure the desired production lighting is achieved.  These skills will also be worked on when you undertake a course that is designed specifically for individuals who want to work on lighting within the creative industry, as opposed to within the residential or commercial sector.

Could You Be A Lighting Technician?

As a lighting tech you will get to work on some super cool stage and television events, including live studio records, music concerts, and even world-class sporting events, but you will need to be flexible and when and where you work and be able to work long hours in a physically demanding job.

First Class Lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

With over 30 years of experience within the lighting industry, Frank and his team have all worked hard to be some of the very best in the business today.  Call the team at (561) 368-0101 to find out more about their leading lighting solutions here in Florida.

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 – A Reputation for Excellence

Posted on by J3551CA

When you are planning your next awesome event, stage show or studio production, you need to be sure that only the best professionals are working on your team.  When it comes to your lighting, Frank Gatto and his crew have a reputation for excellence that is virtually unsurpassed.

With over 30 year’s experience of designing television and special event lighting, Frank Gatto & Associates have worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo and Univision. From sports telecasts, to live shows and everything in between, the expertise and skill of Frank and his team can be seen on the set of College Gameday, NFL Countdown, World Series, Ultimate Fighting Championships and many more.

Offering the highest quality of service in the lighting industry, the team at Frank Gatto & Associates have worked nationwide and even internationally to provide lighting for large scale events.  They also regularly undertake work close to their base in Miami and are the #1 choice for lighting events in the Caribbean and into South America.

Excellence Across All Disciplines

While Frank Gatto may be a big name in the lighting world, he ensures that everyone who works for and with him is versed in the same high standards of service as he is. From Lighting Directors to stagehands, every member of the team at are seasoned professionals, who can transform any kind of event or production using seamless, professional lighting techniques.

With so many years of experience, they understand the importance of effective lighting for every kind of event, and they only use the very best lighting equipment to ensure complete success every time. As a team, they have been on hand to provide award-winning lighting in a wide variety of venues and locations including Madison Square Gardens, the Home Depot Center, Staples Center and large Sports Arenas.  They have also worked in a plethora of smaller venues including Convention Centers and Theaters, to ensure that every event is perfectly illuminated, regardless of its grandeur.

Bringing Lighting Excellence Direct to You

Being able to travel to your location or venue adds an extra dimension to the services they offer.  Their tractor trailers are able to bring their first-class lighting rigs from the east coast to the west coast of the U.S. and Canada and are all fully equipped with the most up to date lighting equipment required to make your production a success.

The crew will transport everything you need and ensure it is set-up on time and in full working order, in readiness for your event.  This hassle-free turnkey lighting service is tailor-made to suit your requirements.

Leading the way in lighting

Because lighting is their life, Frank and his team only work with the very best lighting equipment on the market.  Their ability to provide and operate cutting edge LED lighting technology makes them a leader in the televised sports lighting arena.

Choose Frank Gatto & Associates for All Your Lighting Needs

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we can offer free lighting evaluations for your production. We are also available for consultation on lighting jobs as well as lighting sets still in the planning and pre-production stages. 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 Communication Is Key Between Client and Lighting Director

Posted on by J3551CA

Hiring an experienced lighting director can bring a whole new dimension to your live show, corporate event or studio performance.  From the outset, they will bring their expertise to ensure that the lighting becomes an integral part of every performance. But, like every other member of your events team, they need to have a full understanding of what you are trying to achieve.  From the initial planning stages through to the main event, working in sync with your lighting director is key to making your event a success.

Whatever the occasion, keeping the lighting director on board at all times is crucial.  The expertise they bring to the table is worth so much more than just making sure the lighting looks good on the day.  Whether you are planning a live event, a studio production or are heading out on location, keeping your lighting director and his crew by your side will add value.  His crew will also be on hand to set up rigs, run cables and even help to ensure that your set is safe at all times.

Establish your lighting requirements

This is probably the most obvious reason to work alongside your lighting director.  He is the expert at knowing which types of lighting will work best for your event.  From spotlights to wall lights and everything in between, he knows it all.

Interpret your creative vision

Your script, your setlist or even your motivational speakers will all benefit from a full lighting plan that will enhance all aspects of their performance.  A professional lighting director will liaise with the producer and their team to understand their goal from the outset.

Creating a lighting plan

Great lighting techniques never happen by accident.  Every flash and pop of color is planned down the last second to ensure that the lighting runs in sequence with the action on stage or screen.

Assembling lights and planning locations

Again, you can’t just throw a load of lights on a stage and hope that they look awesome. Every can, rig and stand-alone needs to be mapped out to ensure that the light they create matches the atmosphere you are hoping to achieve.

Testing and safety

Lighting directors spend a long time ensuring that their crew always provide equipment that is in good working order and that can be relied upon to perform.  They will also be responsible for ensuring that everything is safe, down to tidying cables away and ensuring every switch is safe to use.

Building rigs

Large events call for a lot of lighting.  In many cases this also involves lighting being hung up high to illuminate to stage below or shine out onto the audience.  A professional lighting director will be able to plan a rig that his crew can assemble to ensure that every aspect of the action can always be seen.

Integrate with the rest of the crew

On large productions, the lighting director will have his team integrate with the rest of the crew to ensure that they are there when they are needed.

Become an integral part of the team

The lighting director will become as important as any other member of the team.  Where necessary, they will visit locations to assess the feasibility of lighting plans and work alongside the floor manager, producer and sound technicians throughout the course of the event or production.

Program light effects

Using complex and technologically advanced DMX consoles, the lighting director will be able to program entire lighting routines that will run throughout the course of the event.

Professional Lighting Direction from Frank Gatto & Associates

If you would like to work with our world-class lighting director and his team, call us 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.