Tag: specialists in lighting

Trending Lighting Technology

Posted on by J3551CA

New and innovative technology is constantly evolving in the professional lighting field that’s changing the way venues are illuminated. Those revolutionary advancements have resulted in lighting methods that are more eco-friendly, cost effective, and formed the basis for the next great concepts. Some of the interesting and trending lighting technologies that are making an impact on the industry include the following.

Connected Tech

LEDs have become the gold standard in professional lighting for its durability, portability, and cost savings. Now LEDs have become “smart” devices with connectivity and are providing solutions as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). They can be controlled wirelessly for greater versatility.

LEDs

LED illumination for films, TV, concerts, sporting events, and even weddings was pioneered by Frank Gatto Lighting. The technology has a variety of advantages over traditional bulbs. His work in the area of LEDs has resulted in the technology being adopted by multiple industries and helped steer manufacturers in the direction of eco-friendly and cost saving LEDs rather than old-fashioned cold cathode and metal halide lighting.

Li-Fi

Light is being used for more than just illuminating surroundings. Li-Fi resembles Wi-Fi, but instead of transmitting data over radio waves, Li-Fi transmits data over the visible light spectrum. It’s a wireless technology that adherents claim is more reliable, less likely to be affected by interference, and more secure than cellular or Wi-Fi methods.

Power Tech

Drivers convert high voltages into lower voltages and protect against current fluctuations and interruptions. Drivers represent the first step in a lighting system or array, but they’re slowly being eliminated in favor of lights that don’t require drivers at all.

Sapphire

Nobel Prize winner, Shuji Nakamura, is moving LEDs from blue to violet with the application of gallium nitride on sapphire rather than an additional layer of gallium nitride. It enables better color rendering and providers longer bulb life. An LED lamp utilizing the technology is slated to hit the markets in the near future.

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

Lighting is a fundamental element in any production, whether it’s film, television, theater, or live events. The way light interacts with a scene or performance can dramatically alter the audience’s perception and mood, making it a crucial tool in storytelling. Once a lighting plan has been developed by the lighting director, the next step is to ensure the plan is executed to perfection. This is where the expertise of a lighting technician becomes indispensable.

A lighting technician plays a vital role in any production crew. From positioning light sources to ensuring equipment safety, their responsibilities extend far beyond flipping switches or setting up stands. They must have technical expertise, creative problem-solving abilities, and an extensive understanding of safety protocols—especially when working with heavy and potentially hazardous equipment. In modern production environments, the role of lighting technicians has evolved, requiring a unique blend of technical know-how and artistry.

The Importance of Lighting Technicians in Production

Once the lighting director has established the technical set-up and design plan, it’s up to the lighting technician to bring that plan to life. Lighting technicians are responsible for ensuring that lights are positioned correctly, managing any technical equipment, and adjusting setups based on changing needs during the production. They are not only expected to be skilled in handling complex lighting rigs, but they must also have a strong understanding of how lighting interacts with the camera or audience’s viewpoint.

Lighting technicians work closely with a wide range of professionals in the production, from directors and cinematographers to set designers and actors. Their ability to collaborate and adapt to the needs of various team members is crucial to the success of a production. If something goes wrong or adjustments are needed on the fly, lighting technicians are the first to jump in with solutions.

Essential Skills for Lighting Technicians

Being a lighting technician isn’t just about technical expertise. It’s a physically demanding job that also requires creativity, quick thinking, and collaboration. Here are some of the most critical skills lighting technicians need to succeed:

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure: Productions are fast-paced environments where things can change in an instant. Lighting technicians must remain calm under pressure and be prepared to address challenges on the spot.
  • Ability to Meet Deadlines: Productions often operate on tight schedules, and delays in lighting setup can throw off an entire shoot or performance. Technicians need to manage their time effectively to meet strict deadlines.
  • Teamwork: A lighting technician works closely with other crew members, including lighting directors, camera operators, and set designers. Being able to collaborate and communicate effectively is essential to ensure a seamless production.
  • Attention to Detail: Lighting requires precision, as even slight adjustments to the position, angle, or intensity of a light can alter the scene dramatically. Attention to detail is crucial for ensuring the desired visual effect is achieved.
  • Creativity: While the lighting director provides the overall plan, lighting technicians often need to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems that arise during setup or production.
  • Excellent Communication Skills: Whether it’s conveying ideas to the lighting director or coordinating with other crew members, strong communication skills are a must for lighting technicians.
  • High Level of Physical Fitness: The role of a lighting technician can be physically demanding. Technicians often work long hours, carrying heavy equipment, climbing ladders, or working in challenging environments. Physical fitness is important for maintaining the stamina required on set.
  • Manual Dexterity: Handling lighting equipment requires precise physical movements, from connecting cables to adjusting lights by hand. Technicians need to be skilled in working with their hands to ensure everything is positioned correctly.
  • Organizational Skills: With multiple lighting setups, cables, and equipment to manage, organizational skills are essential for ensuring that everything is in place and ready for use when needed.
  • Technical Knowledge of Lighting: A thorough understanding of different types of lighting, filters, rigs, and consoles is fundamental for a lighting technician. This technical expertise allows them to execute the lighting director’s plan with precision.
  • Time Management Skills: Production schedules are tight, and delays in lighting setups can have a ripple effect across the entire crew. Technicians must prioritize tasks effectively to ensure all lighting needs are met within the required timeframe.
  • Understanding and Familiarity with Equipment: From traditional tungsten lights to advanced LED setups, lighting technicians must be familiar with a wide range of lighting equipment, including their proper use and maintenance.

The Evolution of the Lighting Technician Role

In the past, many lighting technicians began their careers in entry-level positions, such as transporting equipment or assisting with basic tasks on set. Over time, they would work their way up the ranks, gaining experience and learning the trade hands-on. While this still holds true in some cases, the lighting industry has evolved significantly. Today’s production environments are much more complex, with advancements in lighting technology and production techniques requiring specialized knowledge and training.

For many lighting technicians, a formal education in theatrical production arts or a related field is now a common requirement. A bachelor’s degree provides the foundational knowledge and technical expertise necessary to work in modern, high-tech environments. Understanding computer-controlled lighting systems, digital consoles, and advanced lighting techniques is often a must in today’s industry.

This evolution in the role has also expanded the career opportunities available to lighting technicians. They’re no longer confined to working solely in traditional settings like theater stages or film sets. Today, lighting technicians find employment across a range of industries, including live concerts, corporate events, and even theme parks. Anywhere lighting is needed to enhance a performance, event, or experience, skilled lighting technicians are in demand.

Responsibilities Beyond Setup

The role of a lighting technician doesn’t end once the lights are set up. Depending on the production and budget, lighting technicians may also be responsible for operating the lights during the performance. This can involve manual operation of spotlights, adjusting lighting levels, or programming and operating lighting cues through computer consoles.

In many cases, lighting technicians are also responsible for the ongoing maintenance of lighting equipment. Ensuring that lights are functioning correctly, repairing any damaged equipment, and conducting regular inspections to prevent malfunctions is all part of the job. This adds an extra layer of responsibility, as any issues with lighting during a performance or shoot can be detrimental to the production.

Working on Location vs. Studio Setups

Lighting technicians may find themselves working in a variety of different environments. Studio sets offer a controlled space where lighting setups can be carefully planned and executed. These environments allow for the use of complex rigs and precise adjustments.

However, many productions take place on location, which presents its own set of challenges. When working on location, lighting technicians need to be adaptable and resourceful, often working in less-than-ideal conditions. Weather, time of day, and other environmental factors can all affect how lighting is set up and maintained. Regardless of the setting, the lighting technician’s role remains the same: ensuring that the lighting is executed safely and effectively, enhancing the overall production quality.

The Future of Lighting Technicians and Lighting Directors

As technology continues to advance, the role of lighting technicians and lighting directors will likely continue to evolve. The introduction of LED lighting, automated systems, and computer-controlled consoles has already transformed the industry, and future innovations will bring even more changes. Those who stay ahead of the curve by continually learning new techniques and technologies will find themselves in high demand.

Whether working in film, theater, or live events, lighting technicians and lighting directors play an essential role in the success of any production. Their ability to transform a set or stage with light is a unique skill that requires a blend of technical expertise, creativity, and adaptability. For those who love the challenge of creating visually stunning environments, a career as a lighting technician offers both professional fulfillment and exciting opportunities.

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.

      

Filming in Nature

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There’s a reason that nature filmography, especially of animals, is so highly prized. The shots can be incredibly difficult to capture. Cinematographers must first scout a location and even be prepared for hours of waiting while battling all the variables that Mother Nature can throw at them.

Many cinematographers are turning to assistance from drones to capture animal subjects in their natural habitat and obtain aerial shots. Drones can be equipped with different types of cameras, provide unique angles, and allows video capture that minimizes the danger to humans. However, drones are subject to the same types of environmental problems as traditional equipment.

Filmography is a day and night time endeavor, depending upon the subject. When filming at night, cinematographers may need a combination of remote, light intensifying starlight, and infrared cameras, along with thermal imaging.

Extremes of cold are challenging for people and are particularly hard on film equipment. From lights to cameras and batteries, they can all fail at a critical juncture. Those filming in very cold climates will benefit from bringing additional parts, batteries, and taking precautions that provide ways to warm equipment. It can be as simple as warming batteries with body heat or filming in short bursts.

Heat extremes can be encountered in jungles, deserts and grasslands. Aside from taking additional parts that can be interchanged if one fails, a space blanket can be used to shade and reflect heat from delicate equipment. Coolers are effective when power is available to operate them. Equipment will require protection from blowing sand or moisture in jungle environments. Don’t charge batteries if they’re hot.

Some natural phenomena, such as fog, clouds, rain and sun, can actually be used to an advantage in filming. It’s imperative that cameras and any equipment be waterproof for filming in locations that are prone to fog and unexpected rain.

In fog and snow, different camera settings will be required to pick out details rather than showing a solid wall of gray or losing the subject in the “noise” that snow creates. Clouds can appear quickly and while they can be great to mask overly bright sunlight, always travel with appropriate illumination methods to counter their effects.

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

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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.

            

Color LEDs vs. Gel Filters

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The award-winning firm of Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. has created innovations that have changed the way lighting is installed and used in arenas ranging from TV and movies to sports events and weddings. One of the biggest differences was the use of colored LED lights instead of traditional gel filters that were used for decades.

From the time of Shakespeare, filters have been used to set the tone or establish ambiance in a production. Those early lighting technicians used whatever was at hand, shining light through a glass of red wine or inserting silk material in front of the illumination source.

In modern times, gel filters were typically used. The thin sheets of heat-resistant material were simply placed in front of a lighting fixture to achieve a specific effect or color correct in specific environments. One of the major drawbacks to gel filters is that they have a short life and can represent a significant production cost when they need to be replaced.

Newer types of materials were developed that were less expensive to make, but still had limited life spans and had to be replaced with regularity. Another problem was that the colors varied substantially depending upon the manufacturer.

Frank Gatto is a pioneer in the use of LED lighting across multiple venues. LED lighting offers enormous savings and they use less power making them eco-friendly. The lights require far less maintenance, they provide better color consistency and facilitate better color rendering even in slow motion filming. LED illumination is more flexible and versatile than traditional forms.

LED lighting emits little heat compared to other types of lighting, which makes them much more comfortable for anyone that must work under them for long periods of time. They’re equally applicable for studio lighting, on film sets, and can be used for shooting in outdoor environments.

Less space is required when transporting the lights and they’re just as effective at establishing mood and ambiance. They can be combined efficiently with Fresnel lenses to highlight or scoops to reflect and have the same ability to diffuse light as old-fashioned lighting techniques.

The work done by Frank Gatto has revolutionized the way lighting is used. His techniques are utilized on TV and movie sets, for exclusive sporting events, corporate activities, award ceremonies, political debates and even weddings. LED lighting provides high-definition quality illumination for any event that’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

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.

            

Professional Lighting Rental for On the Road Productions

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If you are taking your production out on the road, you will need to make sure that all of the equipment you use is compact enough to travel, yet still powerful enough to be effective.

When it comes to lighting for indoor or outdoor events, you can hire pretty much everything you need to ensure that your audience never misses a moment.  In order to be sure that your mobile production is always perfectly lit and absolutely awesome looking, you will need to hire the right equipment for the job

Rigging

The first thing you will need to set on your mobile stage, runway or podium will be the rigging that holds you lighting in place.  Lighting trees and pipework speaker stands are fully mobile and can be used with ease on the road.  To ensure that your lighting trees or pipes are always safe, you should add extra support by way of sandbags at the base of each tree to prevent them from tipping.

Dimming

You will need to be sure that you have enough power to operate all of your dimming packs.  Using a range of dimmer packs will allow you to have intensity control over your lights from a lighting console, allowing your lighting techs to create the affects you are looking for.

Because dimming packs run off of mains power, you will need to find out in advance where your nearest power source is.  You can then run the power to your lighting trees using extension cords, before taping them down to hold the cable secure and take the strain off the power connection.

Lights

The most important part of the whole lighting set up is, of course, the lights themselves.  When you are preparing a mobile lighting set up, you should still be able to produce professional lighting that is equally as impressive and effective as any major theatre or studio production.  Using a mixture of profiles and spotlights, fresnels, pars, floods and beam you can create magical moods and effects, no matter where you are performing.

Consoles and Cabling

Once you have hired all of the light trees, dimming packs and lighting equipment that you need to take your production on the road, you will then need to think about how you are going to control it all.  A DMX console will enable you to control the lighting, and make it dance to the music.  If you aren’t able to control the lights yourself, you can also hire a lighting technician to come on the road with you.

Professional Lighting Hire from Frank Gatto & Associates

Our experienced lighting team can provide you with everything thing you need to take your production out on the road. From cables and consoles through to complex lighting equipment and designs. We can even send our experience and highly efficient lighting technicians out on the road with you.  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.

            

Lighting the Tree – A History of Christmas Tree Lights

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Twinkling lights really make the holiday season feel special, and most of us couldn’t imagine seeing a Christmas tree without them.  But did you know that using lights to decorate trees only became commonplace at the turn of the 19th century, as more and more families started bringing trees into their homes to celebrate the festive season?

If you are about to start decorating your tree, consider the history of the tradition, while you decorate yours.

Back in the 1800s, wealthy homeowners would have their staff spend hours fixing lit candles to their trees using melted wax or pins.  They also had the good sense to keep a bucket of water or sand close by just in case the candles burn too far down and ignited the tree, although that didn’t always stop accidents from happening.  Despite the very obvious safety concerns of having lit candles precariously balanced on flammable pine needles, this type of decoration remained popular.

In 1848 the Illustrated London News ran a picture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert gathered around a lit Christmas tree with their children, spurring on the upper classes of British society to embrace and emulate the tradition. This image spread as far as America, where it gained popularity and became known as the first “influential American Christmas tree”.

Fast forward to 1888, and respected inventor of the light bulb Thomas Edison became involved in the story, although strangely enough, it was not him who invented the Christmas tree light, instead of someone who worked for him.

One year, Edison decided to forego the Christmas tree and opted to use light bulbs on a string to decorate his Menlo Park Laboratory, as a marketing ploy to help him secure the electric contract for Manhattan.  At the same time, Edward H. Johnson, the vice president of Edison’s Electric Light Company, decorated his tree with 80 specially made red, white, and blue bulbs that he displayed in the window of his Fifth Avenue home.

While the lit-up tree didn’t make the news at the time, local people love it and it wasn’t long before Johnson gained his place in history as the Father of the Electric Christmas Tree.  Those rich enough to afford the cost of renting a wireman to install the lights, and a generator to run them could enjoy them in their own homes, for the princely sum of over $300 per tree.

In 1917, things took an exciting turn as a called Albert Sadacca thought to repurpose the white novelty lights his family produced, switching them over to colored bulbs.  He instantly created the first Christmas lights safe for widespread use in the home, and history was made.   His family business cornered the market in Christmas tree lights, and he went on to form an organization called NOMA in 1925, which became the largest Christmas light manufacturer in the world.

During the war years, Christmas tree lights on outdoor trees became almost obsolete as large displays and even domestic decorations were toned down and switched off in line with blackout regulations.  The loss of interest in Christmas tree lights was further compounded following the rise of the aluminum Christmas tree in the 1950s, where electrical lighting was obviously not safe to use.

The mini bulbs that we know and love today, were first introduced in the 1970s and were produced cheaply overseas, meaning that their popularity grew once again as almost everyone in America had access to them. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Modern Day Christmas Light Displays

Nowadays, we have moved on from just electric string lights on trees, and many of us enjoy creating elaborate displays outside our own homes. Organized displays and Christmas light enthusiasts can now program complex displays using lights and strands with varying luminosity and even synchronized timing, making Christmas light displays that are absolutely awesome.

Professional lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

While we may not be able to light your tree for you, we can provide world-class lighting for your indoor and outdoor events all across the holiday season.  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.

            

Stage Magic – How To Light A Broadway Show

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Taking in a Broadway show is a magical experience for everyone.  A night out at the theatre can be whatever you want it to be – pure escapism, a fun evening out, or a journey to a magical land, far, far away.

Creating such an enjoyable experience takes the skill and expertise of many different professionals.  From the actors who enthrall us to the stagehands who keep the show going everyone has their part to play.

One of the most important elements of creating the magic we see on stage is the lighting that illuminates the set, creates the mood and adds all the more drama to the action in front of our eyes.

Stage lighting is a skill all of its own, and those that have perfected their craft to work on the stages of Broadway are some of the finest lighting directors and crew in the world.  Whether you are watching a dramatic stage show or an all-singing, all dancing musical extravaganza, only the very best lighting techniques will be found here.

What Is Stage Lighting and Why Is It So Important?

Stage lighting is a highly specialized area of theatre and there are many types of lights, special effects and techniques that enhance the look and feel of every Broadway performance.

Without excellent lighting, the magic of Broadway would be lost, and the experience would be nowhere near as amazing as it is.

By adding colored gels to the front of stage lights or lanterns, the mood on stage can be enhanced as they throw different lights onto the actors and the backgrounds.

Broadway lights can also be fitted with what is known as a gobo. This is a sheet inserted on a frame at the front of the light with a design cut into it. It filters the light, creating a picture effect on the stage. Gobo’s add incredible effects that could be used to create dappled lighting to look like the leaves of a forest or cut to create strips of light onstage which look like the bars of a prison.

The world-famous spotlight, on the other hand, has a hard-edged effect and is used to light characters or elements on the stage to focus all of the audience attention on one moment in time.

To create a romantic feel, the lighting experts of Broadway use Fresnel lights that offer diffused lenses, creating a softer lighting effect overall. To add drama, a highly skilled lighting director will add floodlights to produce a clear wide-angled light, that literally “floods” the stage with white or colored lighting for maximum effect.

Finally, the Broadway stage is a great place to use a Strobe light to create fantastic special effects or to give the look and feel of an old-fashioned movie.  By producing an intense flashing light, it can make the actor’s movement appear to be jerky, which adds drama when it is used on its own.

Whatever lighting effects you are lucky enough to see next time you catch a Broadway show, every single one of them is guaranteed to delight.

Epic Stage Lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

Frank Gatto & Associates offer first class lighting solutions for both television and stage.  We have worked with some of the world’s most famous networks including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo and Univision.

If we could help light your next event, speak to 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.

            

Have Your Own Lighting Equipment? We Can Provide the Crew for You

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If you are arranging an outdoor event, an awards ceremony or a studio production, you will have your work cut out for you.    Ensuring your lighting kit, audio recording equipment, camera operators and even performers are all working well and in harmony can be a daunting task.

When it comes to illumination, you need lighting that will enhance all of the action on the stage or screen, and no matter how much equipment you may own, getting the lighting design and operation just right is key to the most effective lighting for your production.

Here at Frank Gatto, we can provide you with a first class, highly experienced team of lighting operators and technicians who can make your lighting work for you.  That way, you can concentrate on the rest of the production, knowing that your lighting is always in safe hands.

What Does A Lighting Crew Do?

Our lighting technicians use their skills to prepare, rig, operate and maintain all of the stage and studio lighting and effects you need to make your production the very best.  They will also be able to produce a wide range of lighting effects that are usually seen in live theatre productions and in studio setups, and seamless transitions from one effect to the next.

Our technicians are on hand to assist with every aspect of your lighting requirements and they can work with everything from operating basic spotlighting through to strobes, lasers and even pyrotechnics that meet your exact specification.

Working with You to Achieve Perfection

From the outset, our lighting crew is on hand to assist with every aspect of your production.    They will work closely with the lighting designers, sound technicians, the director, and the stage manager to create a collaborative approach to complete lighting solutions.

By combing their skills with those of the other professionals working at your event, they can create a perfect live event or studio experience.

Comprehensive Lighting Solutions

Our crew will work with you to interpret the lighting designer’s plan and vision.  Once they understand your design goals, they will get to work on the creating the technical plan required to make it happen.

Rigging and lighting will be erected in the appropriate positions to highlight the action for the audience or on screen, and our lighting crew will liaise with performers and other crew to keep them in the loop.

Taking their cues from the producer or stage manager, our crew will program consoles and load automated color change systems in advance of your opening night, so that every lighting effect and transition is completely seamless.

It’s not just the way the lighting looks that is important to your production, you also need to ensure that all of your lighting equipment is safe and well maintained.

Our crews are will check that all your equipment is in safe working order and can help with front-line electrical duties when required. They are also well versed in current health and safety regulations and always work to ensure that the lighting in every production strictly adheres to them.

If you would like to hire our experienced and professional crew to take charge of the lighting at your next event, speak to our team today at (561) 368-0101 to see how we can help.

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 Top 10 Ten Film Schools In The World

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Illuminating The Way With The Top 10 Ten Film Schools In The World

Becoming a professional lighting technical or director requires many years of experience that can only be gained by working on set. But in order to succeed in this highly competitive sector, you would also benefit from a qualification from one of the many respected film and cinematography schools in the world.

To become competent in the skilled art of lighting, you need to understand how to use illumination to add depth and ambiance, as well as how lighting works with cameras and on-set production as a whole.

Cinematography Classes

Cinematography is the art of storytelling in film and video.  It encompasses much more than just the way the cameras are used and covers every aspect of production including lighting. Many great lighting directors have studied the art of cinematography in detail and are able to use this knowledge to create the perfect lighting configuration for the cameras to work with.

If you are considering a career in cinematography and set lighting, these are the top 10 schools in the world that offer the lucky few the opportunity to study the craft in detail:

  1. The National Film and Television School, London

The NFTS offers the only specialist 2-year Cinematography course in the UK and is considered to be one of the best film schools in the world.  With extensive facilities and access to Britain’s thriving movie and TV industries, BFTS is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to study at a Masters level.

  1. Wesleyan University, Connecticut

Not one of the most well-known schools in the US, the Wesleyan’s Film Studies program is giving bigger schools a run for their money. Film department founder Jeanine Basinger makes her film majors learn to write, direct and edit a movie by hand, thus teaching them every single aspect of how to make great movies.

  1. Columbia University School of the Arts

With Oscar winners and established directors working as professors, this Ivy League university is considered one of the foremost film schools in America.  With James Schamus heading up Focus Features and Milos Forman, Barbara De Fina and Mira Nair on the staff, students have a rare opportunity to learn from the best.

  1. The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague

FAMU is the fifth-oldest film school in the world and one of the most prestigious. Offering classes in both Czech and English, it draws foreigners looking to study there from all over the world.

  1. California Institute of the Arts

CalArts was founded by Walt Disney and now occupies 11 acres’ worth of square footage,30 miles north of Los Angeles. It is famous for training animation talent, but also offers a class in dramatic narrative, documentary and experimental live action.

  1. University of California Los Angeles

UCLA has prestigious alumni that include the likes of  Francis Ford Coppola and Alexander Payne, and producer Peter Guber is a member of the teaching staff.  The school is one of the most prestigious in the world and is moving towards specializing in “humanistic storytelling and global diversity”, setting it apart from the competition.

  1. New York University Tisch School of the Arts

The Tisch School is highly acclaimed and has previously proved a direct route to the top for gritty artists like Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone and Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. Graduates of the school also have the opportunity to compete for a $200,000 prize to complete a debut feature film – a bonus that none of the other schools offer.

  1. Beijing Film Academy, China

The Beijing Film Academy is China’s most elite school for film direction, production, and writing. Only accepting around 500 applicants every year, it is incredibly difficult to get into and was once the old stomping ground of directors Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige.

  1. University of Southern California

USC probably has more graduates working in the industry than any other school in the world and has a huge amount of the support.  Regularly contributors include such luminaries as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Robert Zemeckis, meaning it is able to offer state of the art facilities to all of its students.

  1. American Film Institute

As well as being the most selective film school in America, it is also the best.  It is a smaller school than UCLA and USC, and most of its “fellows” are in their mid-twenties and upwards, but for first class, specialist tuition, the AFI teaches on the finer points of directing, producing and writing to some of the finest new talents in the world.

With over 30 years experience behind us, and working with some of the most talented lighting technicians in the country, Frank Gatto & Associates have all the skill you need to light your next event.

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

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