Tag: set lighting experts

Lighting Design Jobs

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      

Lighting Technician are Essential

Posted on by J3551CA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      

Renting Lighting Equipment can Save you Money

Posted on by J3551CA

It can be far more economical to rent lighting equipment than to purchase it, especially for companies just starting out in the industry. It’s especially beneficial when a job calls for specialty lighting equipment that can be particularly expensive. An added bonus is that lighting rental companies often have a crew that will perform the heavy lifting and work of setting up and dismantling the equipment.

Renting lighting equipment is especially advantageous if a highly specific specialty lighting array is required and it’s something unique or unusual to the lighting expert’s typical work. It’s convenient to own a wide range of equipment and have it on hand, but if it’s something that may only be used once a year or even less, renting can be much more cost effective.

Automated systems are real time savers. They’re also efficient and cost effective. It can be expensive to hire a crew to man the lighting. Automated equipment can require more up-front monetary outlay even when renting, but they save on labor costs.

Less is sometimes more and those responsible for lighting venues must use their knowledge and be creative. There’s a tendency toward pomp and circumstance in everything, but not every event has to be a multi-colored spectacular. Strategic placement of lighting equipment is essential. There are multiple types of less expensive lighting options that can be rented that use state-of-the-art technology.

Another way to save money is by renting wireless lighting technology. It has the potential of reducing costs by as much as 50 percent, but can be pricy to purchase outright. The same can be true of LED lighting, though pricing is coming down. LED lighting arrays use less energy, are easier to set up, and enables lighting professionals to do more with less.

Renting lighting equipment of any kind can be an economical solution for a wide range of lighting situations and requirements. Specialty illumination and technology can be expensive to purchase. Renting can soften the cost.

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.

      

Common On-Camera Lighting Mistakes

Posted on by J3551CA

There are no do-overs in live broadcasts making proper illumination critical. It enables audiences to see the action and is used to focus attention. It also enhances the mood. Illumination quality is important for a variety of factors ranging from the type of camera being utilized to the intensity of the image being broadcast.

Appropriate on-camera illumination is an art form that requires extensive education and can require years to master. Lighting is an element that’s always present in broadcasts. The trick is to create illumination set-ups that are “invisible” to viewers.

Under Lighting

Insufficient lighting is the most common problem seen in on-camera broadcasts. Typically a mistake made by the inexperienced, it occurs when a light meter isn’t utilized. The problem is that cameras don’t “see” light the same way as the human eye. Trying to correct for insufficient light with the camera increases the noise and graininess of the images and affects the focus.

Harsh Light

Also known as hard light, many novices confuse harsh with bright. Hard light casts unwanted shadows and will make the entire broadcast appear like an amateur production. Bright lighting can be achieved with softer lighting that also works to make subjects look friendlier and approachable. It’s infinitely more flattering to subjects.

Flat Image

A flat image occurs when there’s not enough demarcation between the background and foreground. It’s a snafu that can be extremely difficult for beginners to discern and happens when the subject is too close to the background and there’s no sense of depth. Viewers don’t know where to focus their attention. It can be remedied in a variety of ways using light, color and distance.

Light Temperatures

Balancing warm and cold illumination is important and desirable, but not when it’s casting harsh shadows on one side of the subject. The balancing act is especially difficult in live shots that are taken near windows with sunlight. Viewers will be able to tell there’s something “off,” even if they’re not able to tell exactly why.

Know the Basics

Individuals can alleviate the most common on-camera lighting problems by thoroughly understanding the basics, using a good light meter and practice. Lighting difficulties can be easy to rectify by recognizing their potential before they occur. “Mistakes” can also be used to create special effects for certain types of productions. Practice makes perfect.

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 Lighting Attracts Bugs

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Whether it’s a campfire or a JumboTron, light sources attract insects. Traditional incandescent bulbs emit light in the color spectrum that’s particularly attractive to bugs. Bulbs that produce a yellow or orange-colored hue are less attractive to insects and it’s the primary reason that yellow “bug lights” were created.

Navigational Aid

The question of why insects are drawn to light sources is multi-faceted. Bugs use light to navigate their surroundings whether they’re apparent during the day or only come out at night. Nocturnal insects use any available light source as a navigational beacon. The larger the illumination source, the more forcefully they’re drawn to it.

Insects that are attracted to light are known as positively phototactic, a term used to describe bugs that are drawn to light. Insects navigate by keeping the moon or sun on a constant angle in relation to themselves. When confronted with the bright lights used by humans that emit in all directions, it confuses them and interferes with their inborn navigational abilities.

Food and Mates

Additionally, many insects utilize certain types of plants, along with evening-blooming flowers, as part of mating rituals and a food source. Many of those plants reflect a small amount of UV rays and traditional lights also emit small amounts of ultraviolet light, which further leads to the attraction.

Bright Solutions

Any light source will attract bugs, but switching to LED lights is one remedy that’s been successfully utilized in-home lighting arrangements. LEDs emit light in the yellow/orange spectrum that’s less attractive to the unwanted pests. The light difference is generally invisible to the average eye, since humans aren’t equipped to see in the same wavelengths and frequencies.

The downside to traditional bug lights is that they tend to attract insects that are larger. LEDs with a yellow hue are far better at not attracting insects than any other, though if individuals haven’t switched to a more energy-efficient LED, a yellow bug light is the second-best option. The yellow color in LEDs isn’t noticeable to humans, but makes a difference to bugs.

LED lights are eco-friendly, less expensive to operate, and emit illumination in the spectrum that’s least attractive to insects. That means fewer bugs at any gathering and more enjoyment for everyone involved.

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.

            

LED’s Offer so Much Versatility

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LED lighting for any type of production offers versatility with which other types of illumination can’t compete. They’re extremely cost-effective and energy-efficient, two primary considerations when working on projects where time and money are at a premium.

LED bulbs emit more light per watt than other types, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects. They heat up quicker, but remain cool to the touch. It mitigates the potential for painful accidents by lighting handlers, while providing more comfortable conditions for subjects. LEDs don’t contain mercury, making them an eco-friendly solution.

Their small size also enables the illumination of smaller spaces where traditional lighting wouldn’t fit. Conversely, their higher output means fewer lights can be used to illuminate larger sites. They can be controlled from a master board or with new apps that are available.

Lighting specialists can utilize fewer LEDs to get the same effect as old-fashioned units. That translates into savings on any project. An added benefit is that LEDs with RBG capabilities are able to produce colored lighting effects without the need for filters in exact hues, for quickly and precisely transitioning from scene to scene. The better CRI of LEDs renders more accurate and vibrant color.

LEDs have a much longer life than traditional bulbs that burn out quickly and have a relatively short life span. LED lights feature longevity and are highly durable. Bumping them or simply moving them around for positioning won’t result in the need for expensive replacements. They also perform much better in adverse climate conditions.

With so many LED options from which to choose, illumination professionals would do well to experiment to discover which units they prefer. It’s fun to do, provide hands-on practice and familiarity, and is an excellent way to prepare for upcoming projects.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

Lighting can Make or Break Your Event

Posted on by J3551CA

Everyone has experienced the disappointment and frustration of viewing a special event, only to discover upon playback that the once-in-a-lifetime event is too dark, there are distracting shadows, or glare. Proper lighting techniques and a thorough understanding of how illumination works is essential.

You want lighting that warms the environment and emulates natural illumination. The lighting sets the tone and mood for any event, whether it’s a wedding, seminar, trade show, or political rally. Always do a visual sweep of the venue you’ll be lighting. That examination will tell you where dark corners and shaded areas will occur and the type of lighting that’s already available.

It’s also essential as a lighting director to know if existing lights can be lowered or if any special illuminating features are already in place. That walk-through will also provide you with the lay of the land in regard to where the subjects and/or guests will be.

It’s important to talk with the company that will be doing the filming. The type of film and equipment used will have a bearing on the lighting and layout. Depending on the event, you may need spotlights or lower level illumination at various points throughout to create the correct ambiance.

Illumination has the power to reinforce décor, theme and mood whether you’re lighting a sporting event, a podcast, product launch, or a corporate gathering. While it’s important to highlight the principals of the event, you also need to plan for audience comfort. Illumination that blinds viewers won’t be appreciated.

Ultimately, no one will remember the lighting after the event – unless it was done poorly. What they will recall is how beautiful the bride looked or how the event made them feel. In many instances, the audience won’t even be able to put their finger on exactly what it was about an event that stood out for them because everything was perfect – but the lighting director will know.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

Fans Mad About Game of Thrones Lighting

Posted on by J3551CA

Game of Thrones fans took to social media after the Battle of Winterfell episode to voice their displeasure about the series’ lighting – or lack thereof. Lighting is an essential element for any scene, but recent lighting decisions by the show’s cinematographer made it extremely difficult for home viewers to see much of the action that was taking place.

Lighting delivers an emotional impact for every scene and the show’s cinematographer placed the blame not on the lighting, but the way that audiences were viewing it. He noted that Game of Thrones is lighted in the same way as a feature film and that home viewers didn’t know how to adjust their TVs properly.

He also sited watching on mobile devices that aren’t appropriate for cinematic filming techniques, watching in a brightly lit room, and compression of the episode by HBO that affected visual quality. The cinematographer also said the lighting was designed to give the impression of disorientation as it would be if the battle was real. The battle did take place at night so it was a low light environment, making the lighting decisions even more critical.

It’s a perfect example of how lighting decisions can make or break an episode or an entire film. It’s also an illustration of how light can be used to represent the clash between good and evil. The points made by fans and the cinematographer were all valid. Compression does degrade quality and mobile devices are not ideal for viewing TV or films shot in certain ways.

Conversely, today’s TVs have multiple settings. Any program or movie typically displays well enough for audiences to catch all the action. Home viewers have no way of knowing ahead of time that they’ll need to adjust their TV settings. It’s entirely possible to light scenes that establish mood while utilizing shadows to demonstrate the same effect that the Game of Thrones cinematographer was trying to accomplish.

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.

            

Set Lighting Techniques

Posted on by J3551CA

At some point, everyone has viewed a film and talked about certain scenes, how they especially liked a romantic interlude or how sinister the villain looked. While the actors’ portrayal of the characters is extremely important, lighting plays a significant role in the way audiences view the characters and scenes.

The illumination of sets, scenes and even special events is the result of careful planning and a working knowledge of how lights and cameras work in harmony. It’s a task that relies on equal parts of creativity, artistic flair, and technical knowledge. Professionals work with a myriad of techniques to ensure every seen is picture perfect.

A three-point lighting set-up is comprised of key lighting, fill lighting, and backlighting – and fulfills a variety of essential functions. It illuminates subjects from three directions and focuses attention on the actors. The technique is used to control shadowing. It can also be combined with backlighting for a four-point system.

Key lighting will be most prominent and will be focused on the area or individual that is to be emphasized. Fill lighting penetrates the dark corners and shadows, while backlighting is used to the rear of the subject and typically from a higher angle to add depth.

Two types of illumination utilized by filmmakers are soft lighting and hard lighting. This lighting is emotional in nature and contributes to how audiences perceive a scene. Soft lighting makes use of increased key lighting to balance the light ratio, thereby creating a scene that has virtually no shadows at all. Diffused overhead lighting is also soft and is especially effective for close-ups and conversations between actors.

In contrast, hard lighting utilizes bright sunlight or smaller light sources to create and heighten shadows. It’s used to great effect for heightening scary and dramatic scenes, along with volatile, suspicious and dangerous situations in filming.

Motivated lighting is a technique that enables shooting in an enclosed studio while imitating other types of existing lights that might be experienced in everyday life situations. This type of lighting can emulate everything from an 18th-century lamp to sunlight from a window.

Last but not least is natural lighting that’s especially effective when shooting on location. Mother Nature creates some stunning effects, but they can be enhanced with carefully placed lights and illumination techniques that are benchmarks of a professional.

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.

            

Top Jobs Behind the Camera

Posted on by J3551CA

Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. considers lighting and angles every day in the production of TV programs, sporting events, award ceremonies, and the corporate world. The lighting professionals are essential to every on-camera production. To assist those contemplating a career in the industry, the Emmy award-winning company has released its list of top jobs behind the camera.

Lighting Director

A lighting director has extensive experience and technical knowledge. They share the director’s vision for each scene and are responsible for creating the lighting that demonstrates what the director is trying to convey. These are the professionals tasked with determining where lighting will be placed, what type of lighting will be utilized, and if the use of colored lights and combinations will add or detract from the actors and specific scenes. It requires the creation of highly complex and complicated plans for execution.

Best Boy

The chief lighting technician, a.k.a., best boy, is responsible for coordinating all the lighting for every shot and scene. They’re responsible for liaising with production teams and provide assistance to gaffers.

Gaffer

The practicality of lighting tasks is the job of the gaffer. They aid in making innovative, creative and technical lighting solutions to make actors look good on camera and set the ambiance of scenes. They oversee and monitor the work of the lighting technicians.

Lighting Technicians

These are the individuals that handle the actual positioning and rigging of equipment. They conduct lighting tests to ensure the desired effect is achieved and manage the extensive array of equipment, filters, bulbs and accessories required. They also run the cable needed for operating all the lights.

Light Board Operator

A significant portion of lighting in today’s productions derives from the efforts of the light board operator. They’re highly skilled technicians that operate and/or program lighting effects to synchronize with visual and audio components.

Grip

The grips work with electricians and lighting technician to set up the rigging that will secure all types of production equipment. A grip helps “shape,” refine and control the light being used for spotlighting, diffusing, or creating shadows within scenes.

Making Magic with Light

There’s a wealth of opportunities behind the camera for anyone that has a passion for illumination and the interplay of light and shadows. Lighting jobs aren’t reserved for TV shows, movies and videos. Weddings, sporting spectaculars, corporate events, and high-profile celebrities and politicians also rely on specialized lighting expertise that can be found behind the camera.

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.