Tag: professional lighting design

Why Add Smoke to Enhance Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

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.

            

Managing Heat with LED Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

Economy of operation is one the primary reasons that many industries are installing LED lighting. The technology also has operating temperatures that are below that of traditional methods of illumination, but LEDs still require a heat distribution system to manage thermal output.

LEDs don’t produce heat through infrared radiation, so they remain cool to the touch, but heat is generated within the device itself. The level will depend on whether the light is pulsed, steady, the wattage of the LED units, and junction temperatures.

Heat must be dissipated from LEDs for them to operate at top efficiency. If that energy isn’t siphoned off in some way, they become less reliable, inefficient, and emit less light. The illumination output is higher in cooler environments, making it essential for some type of heat sink or means of dispersing the generated heat.

Most high-quality LED lamps and fixtures are equipped with heat sinks that reduce the build-up of heat. Additional assistance may be required when the lights are used for long periods of time or at maximum output. Altering the housing surrounding the LEDs or adding fins can provide better heat transference away from the lights.

Fans are also convenient for forcing air past the LEDs to dissipate heat, but won’t be feasible for all types of applications. Liquid coolants offer another method of heat distribution and can be placed in fairly close proximity to the lights. When liquid coolants are prohibited due to safety regulations, thermal electric cooling (TEC) can be utilized that allows individuals to precisely control the level of cooling desired.

LEDs offer a variety of benefits over traditional means of illumination, but professionals will still encounter problems with heat distribution. Any materials used to transfer heat away from the lights should be able to move that thermal energy both vertically and horizontally for optimal performance.

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

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

            

How to Become a TV Lighting Designer

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

How Lighting can Affect Colors Seen on TV

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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