Tag: studio lighting

Changing Studio Lights from Fluorescent to LED

Posted on by J3551CA

People watch programs for story lines and to see their favorite celebrities, but the lighting of that environment is a primary element in all studio broadcasts. Without the proper lighting, the subjects appear too dark or washed out. Improper lighting can change the color spectrum that’s captured by the cameras.

The lighting needs of broadcasts vary widely. Some companies utilize traditional fluorescent light bulbs, while others have opted to use LEDs. There are multiple facets to consider before making any changes. It doesn’t matter whether individuals are working in a broadcast studio or still photographers taking wedding photos, making an informed decision is essential.

Heat

Illumination isn’t the only thing that lights emit. Depending on the number of bulbs, the heat can be intense. Those working under the fluorescent lights can be extremely uncomfortable. Subjects sweat and makeup is ruined. Approximately 90 percent of the energy used by fluorescent lights produces heat. The other 10 percent produces illumination. Fluorescent lights are hot when in operation. LEDs remain cool to the touch through heat dissipation management and fewer lights are required to light the same area.

Eco-Friendly

Fluorescent lights contain toxic chemicals, such as mercury. They’re typically thrown in the trash when they’re no longer operational and that poses a hazard to the environment. LEDs don’t contain those elements and are 100 percent recyclable. An LED has a longer life span than a fluorescent and provides savings of approximately 25 percent through the use of less material and production costs.

Durability and Versatility

LED lights are stable and able to withstand vibrations, shocks and impacts. They perform in wind, rain and snow. Fluorescents can easily be damaged when bumped and are limited to indoor usage. LED lights can be used even in low voltage situations to produce the requisite amount of illumination, thereby preventing broadcast interruptions.

Informed Decisions

Studio work is comprised of closer range shots whether it’s in a photographic or broadcast studio. Making informed decisions about the type of illumination is essential. Companies must weigh the pros and cons of cost, heat management, and the impact on the environment.

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 Jobs in Film and Television Behind the Camera

Posted on by J3551CA

Ask anyone who’s worked in film and TV and they’ll tell you the real talent is behind the camera! Sure, the actors dish out the charm, looks and words but they would be nothing without an army of talented, highly-skilled individuals working feverishly in the background to produce a polished final production ready for the audience to enjoy.

If you’ve ever sat through the end credits of a show and wondered just what some of those strange job titles actually mean, the read on and we’ll give you a little inside knowledge…

The Gaffer

Every movie set requires electricity to function and a gaffer is the person responsible for everything to do with this. He or she will be fully responsible for making sure there is power on set, from making sure all the plugs are pushed in and flicked on to ensuring everything is safe and up and running before the talent arrives on set. If you’ve ever seen a movie set and noticed the amount of lighting and other powered devices, the gaffer is the person who feverishly makes sure all this works.   All hail the gaffer!

The Best Boy

It may be a strange job title, the best boy is the person who works directly under the gaffer, ensuring all their commands are carried out. In other words, the gaffer shoulders the responsibility whilst the best boy does the actual work!  If you need something electrical sorted on a set, chances are it’s the best boy you’ll deal with rather than their boss.

The Dolly Grip

Ever seen those little train tracks on movie sets? Those are dolly tracks. They usually carry a little platform with a camera crew on it, allowing a smooth transition of bulky camera equipment, delivering a seamless, smooth shot. A dolly grip is a much-loved individual who has to lay these tracks and push the dolly camera platform along. Often found between takes massaging their lower back while making “Oooh!” faces.

The Line Producer

A line producer is a mystery to anybody not actually involved in that day’s shoot. To those on set, however, the line producer is mother and father all rolled into one. They are the person responsible for handling all the logistics and running of the set on a day to day basis. They work tirelessly to ensure every element of the shoot is ready to go when needed, from camera operators and props, through to making sure that the cast is ready to be in their places when the director calls “Action”.

The Foley Artist

Most people don’t realize that movie sets are incredibly noisy. A studio set or an outdoor location has so much background noise that sensitive microphones and cameras can pick it all up, leaving most of the audio recorded on the day rendered useless. This is where the foley team steps in. They replicate the sounds needed, from walking on gravel and opening doors right through to all the squelchy sound effects used in horror films. They can be found doing these using ingenious methods, usually involving vegetables and hammers, and, once added to the film, it all gives a seamless extra layer of sensory enjoyment.

The Lighting Technician

Remember at the beginning we looked at a gaffer? Well, working closely under that person is the all-important Lighting Technician. This talented person is responsible for maintaining and utilizing the myriad of lights required to bathe a set in brightness (or gloom) to meet the Director’s requirements. Whether the need is for a gloriously sunny day or a moody, atmospheric night shoot, you can bet your last penny it’s all achieved through the use of lighting. The techs work under the watchful eye of the Lighting Director and are responsible for positioning the lights, making sure they stay working and all other aspects of illumination.  Without these unsung heroes, you might as well be making a radio show!

Studio Lighting from Frank Gatto

Our team provides first-class studio lighting to some of biggest names in the business including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo and Univision. Speak to us today to find out more about the services we offer 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.

            

How to Use Light and Sound to Tell a Story

Posted on by J3551CA

If you are putting on a production, making a movie or planning a performance of any kind, just booking a stage and some actors are often not enough.  The same applies to any organized events that you are hoping to capture on video.  A sporting event may be the highlight of your year, but it your video playback is dark or silent you will automatically lose the enjoyment of re-living those special moments.

Because we don’t just watch what is going on with our eyes, we need to recreate all our senses when it comes to recording live video too.  Great sound recording and effective lighting are all necessary to film high-quality footage, whatever the event.

The Importance of Quality Sound Recording

When used well, sound can evoke emotions, establish settings, develop characters, and advance the plotline of a story.  Throw in some background music and you can dramatically enhance the feel of a video within seconds.

Sound can work in subtle ways and can sometimes even go unnoticed.  Poor quality sound, lines that can’t be heard, or background music that is too loud, however, will always be noticed and can detract from the quality of your video.  Good sound helps to build up the atmosphere for the audience and every single piece of audio should be carefully planned and created, in the very same way the script and production will be.

Dialogue is not just enough to make a well-produced piece.  You should always consider the use of foley sounds as well as a score that rises and falls with the atmosphere of the story. Background sound is also vital if you wish to produce a believable piece of work.  A street scene, for example, will need traffic noise, people talking and other everyday sounds that you would hear in real life. Even quiet scenes will need audio enhancement.  A scene in a forest would still require the sounds of birds, the wind in the trees and footsteps on the ground to resonate with the audience.

When making your film, plan your audio as carefully as you do the other aspects of the overall production.  A film score and a foley script should be prepared before you start filming.

Why Lighting Is the Second Most Important Ingredient

Just as sound helps to tell the story, so does the correct use of lighting.  A well-lit set not only helps with the practicalities of great filming, it also adds depth and interest to every shot.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of video production because it helps to set the mood for the video.  Shining light on specific objects or people helps to focus the viewer on to the intended spot, while lighting effects can transform the way people and objects appear in a scene.

Lighting should never be a distraction and should always blend seamlessly into the scene surroundings.  Because lighting has so many facets and can be used in a variety of different ways, many videographers use a three-point system to describe the way lighting helps to tell their story. By using these three main types of lighting, the main subject in a scene can be properly illuminated and highlighted.

Key Lighting – that focuses on the main person or object in the scene and illuminates them to reduce shadows and make them stand out from other people or objects

Fill Lighting –  that helps to eliminate shadows and is used to “fill in” all dark areas.

Back Lighting – to provide a direct contrast between a specified person or object and the background environment.

Using all the above will help you to create a story that is watchable and believable and can transform a run of the mill piece of video into a first-class film experience.

Frank Gatto & Associates are television and event lighting specialists with over 30 years experience.  If we can help with the lighting for your next event, contact our team 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.