Tag: lighting production specialists

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.

            

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.

            

Teamwork – The Important Relationship Between Lighting Director and Crew

Posted on by J3551CA

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.

            

Why You Should Consider Renting Your Lighting Equipment

Posted on by J3551CA

Why You Should Consider Renting Your Lighting Equipment Instead of Buying It

If you are considering buying the right lighting equipment for your venue, event or production you may already have discovered that great lighting requires more than just a couple of rigs and some colored bulbs.

Having all the elements that make up effective lighting design can be a costly business. You will need to spend a sizable amount of your budget and invest a lot of man-hours in finding the right lighting set up.

Being able to buy the right equipment is one thing but knowing how to use it in your specific venue to produce dazzling lighting effects is something else entirely.  When you rent your lighting equipment from a specialist, you will also get their expertise thrown in for free.

Rent Your Lighting Equipment – An Affordable Alternative to Buying

If you aren’t prepared to spend all your cash on your lighting or would like the assistance of a professional lighting team on the night, renting your lighting equipment is an affordable and effective alternative to buying.  Renting you lighting equipment means that you will always be sure of the following:

Custom Designed Lighting Solutions

All the internet research in the world won’t turn you into a lighting professional overnight.  A professional lighting director with years of experience, however, will be able to design an entire lighting plan that really makes your event shine.   All the equipment needed will be provided by the lighting director and his crew, delivered to your venue, set up and operated, then swiftly taken away again when your event is over.

The Right Lighting for Every Occasion

Different occasions call for different lighting. If you are looking to illuminate your wedding, for example, a lighting hire specialist will be able to provide you with uplighters for that soft, romantic glow, pinspots for tables and even LED parcans that dance to the music when your guests are enjoying the party portion of your big day.  Buying all these different types of lighting would be a big investment and take a large chunk out of your budget.

Alternatively, if you are looking to light up an outdoor event, then large rigs of floodlights will make sure that your spectators never miss any of the action.

Renting your lighting equipment from a professional lighting specialist means that you will have the right lighting to complement your event, whatever it may be.

  • Give Your Event That Professional Look

If you are holding a corporate awards night, ceremony or other occasion, Gobo projection can provide you with instant, illuminated branding solutions that add kudos for your clients. When you rent a Gobo, your logo or corporate message can be projected onto any surface and will act as a constant reminder that your event outshines the rest.

  • A Spot Light on Your Stage

Whether you are holding a one-off production, or a run of shows, renting your stage lighting can enhance the overall look and feel of your show.  A professional lighting company will be able to rent you everything you need including a wide range of effects, control systems, media servers, dimming, rigging and all the extras you need to make your vision come to life.

  • State of the art equipment

Lighting professionals are at forefront of lighting technology and have access to some of the most innovative and exciting lighting available today. This means that you don’t have to spend $1000’s on top of the range kit, as they will be able to provide it for you.

Lighting Rental from Frank Gatto & Associates

With over 30 years’ experience in the lighting business, Frank Gatto & Associates can provide you with the very best advice and recommendations to help your event glitter and shine.  Your lighting should enhance every aspect of your event and is as important as the action on the stage, the music, and the attendees.

Don’t blow your budget on basic lighting equipment, hire an expert to provide you with lighting solutions that really work.  Speak to us today at 561-368-0101 to find out about our rental services.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

The Evolution Of Broadcast Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

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.

            

What Is IMAG And Why Is It So Great?

Posted on by J3551CA

What Is IMAG And Why Is It So Great?

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

What Is IMAG?

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

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

How Does IMAG Work?

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

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

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

Where Is IMAG Used?

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

Why Is IMAG So Awesome

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

Everything Lighting For Every Event

Posted on by J3551CA

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.

            

Frank Gatto Lighting Has Your Event Covered

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

Lighting Design And Planning

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

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

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

Set Up And Construction

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

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

Transportation

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

Maintenance And Care

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

Frank Gatto – Working Together To Achieve Perfection

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

How To Light A Film Set Like A Pro

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

Key Light

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

Fill Light

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

Back Light

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

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

Sidelight

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

Practical Light

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

Bounce Light

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

Behind The Scenes, But In The Thick Of The Action

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

Sound Engineers

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

Camera Operators

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

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

Costume Department

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

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

Makeup Department

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

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

Set Designers

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

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

Lighting Department

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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