Tag: television production lighting companies

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.

      

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.

            

LED Versatility

Posted on by J3551CA

Illumination professionals in the TV and movie industry no longer need to rely on old-fashioned lighting that’s bulky, costly, and emits levels of heat that’s uncomfortable to actors. LED lights have become the standard in film and TV due to the pioneering and innovation of Frank Gatto Lighting.

LED illumination has changed modern cinematography due to its highly versatile nature and has rendered gels almost obsolete. Where LED really shines is the ability to light more with less. LEDs now have RGB capabilities making it a simple matter of turning a dial to create any desired color for faster and more efficient shooting.

The use of LED lights is especially welcome for actors. Traditional illumination emitted enormous amounts of heat. LED lighting emits far less heat and can handle even small illumination changes with ease. It’s an especially important function for actors that must perform under the lights during multiple takes.

The efficiency of LEDs is amply demonstrated in the indie film industry. They’re less expensive to operate and save significantly on costs, no matter whether it’s a small budget production or a blockbuster film. LED panels can perform multiple jobs equally well and can be combined with a variety of lighting equipment for illumination in films, TV, and the theatre.

A bank of LEDs is easier to move and set up. It’s easier on the crew and the correct configuration takes less time to establish. That means shooting can proceed apace without wasting time or resources. They can be used to equally good effect indoors and outdoors, are durable, and extremely portable.

LED illumination has already changed the way sets are lit around the world. They’re eco-friendly and use far less power than lighting of the past. LED illumination allows even small filmmakers and studios on a budget to produce high-quality productions without sacrificing clarity or image quality.

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.

            

Frank Gatto – A Reputation for Excellence

Posted on by J3551CA

When you are planning your next awesome event, stage show or studio production, you need to be sure that only the best professionals are working on your team.  When it comes to your lighting, Frank Gatto and his crew have a reputation for excellence that is virtually unsurpassed.

With over 30 year’s experience of designing television and special event lighting, Frank Gatto & Associates have worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo and Univision. From sports telecasts, to live shows and everything in between, the expertise and skill of Frank and his team can be seen on the set of College Gameday, NFL Countdown, World Series, Ultimate Fighting Championships and many more.

Offering the highest quality of service in the lighting industry, the team at Frank Gatto & Associates have worked nationwide and even internationally to provide lighting for large scale events.  They also regularly undertake work close to their base in Miami and are the #1 choice for lighting events in the Caribbean and into South America.

Excellence Across All Disciplines

While Frank Gatto may be a big name in the lighting world, he ensures that everyone who works for and with him is versed in the same high standards of service as he is. From Lighting Directors to stagehands, every member of the team at are seasoned professionals, who can transform any kind of event or production using seamless, professional lighting techniques.

With so many years of experience, they understand the importance of effective lighting for every kind of event, and they only use the very best lighting equipment to ensure complete success every time. As a team, they have been on hand to provide award-winning lighting in a wide variety of venues and locations including Madison Square Gardens, the Home Depot Center, Staples Center and large Sports Arenas.  They have also worked in a plethora of smaller venues including Convention Centers and Theaters, to ensure that every event is perfectly illuminated, regardless of its grandeur.

Bringing Lighting Excellence Direct to You

Being able to travel to your location or venue adds an extra dimension to the services they offer.  Their tractor trailers are able to bring their first-class lighting rigs from the east coast to the west coast of the U.S. and Canada and are all fully equipped with the most up to date lighting equipment required to make your production a success.

The crew will transport everything you need and ensure it is set-up on time and in full working order, in readiness for your event.  This hassle-free turnkey lighting service is tailor-made to suit your requirements.

Leading the way in lighting

Because lighting is their life, Frank and his team only work with the very best lighting equipment on the market.  Their ability to provide and operate cutting edge LED lighting technology makes them a leader in the televised sports lighting arena.

Choose Frank Gatto & Associates for All Your Lighting Needs

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we can offer free lighting evaluations for your production. We are also available for consultation on lighting jobs as well as lighting sets still in the planning and pre-production stages. 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.

            

Some of The Best Light Shows in the World

Posted on by J3551CA

Many cities around the world are famous for their impressive seasonal or year-round light shows.  With it now being easier than ever to be able to capture the wonder of these events on cell phones and mobile devices, these types of events are becoming an increasingly popular part of any vacation.  The advancement of lighting technology has also added an extra dimension to light shows, as complex displays and patterns are able to be remotely controlled and set to music to create truly awesome light shows.

The next time you find yourself off around the globe, check out some of the best light shows this planet has to offer. After all, they’re usually free to watch and always look great on camera!

Dubai

Home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, this spectacular light show takes place at the base of the said building and use the towering skyscraper as a backdrop. Visitors head on over to the Dubai Fountain for a show that takes place every 30 minutes in the evenings. The combination of choreographed water and light displays marvels the crowds and adds yet another reason to visit this amazing city.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong goes big for their light show! They use 40 buildings spread along Victoria Harbor to flash and dazzle the entire waterfront in a show that can be seen from anywhere nearby. As one might expect, the best views are from across the harbor, especially in one of the designated music spots. The whole show is set to music, and even if you can’t make it to one of the best spots in the harbor to listen along, there is a downloadable app that you can play as you watch a whole city come to life with one of the most amazing light shows in the world.

Singapore

Head down to the Gardens by The Bay for an incredible light show put on by the huge ‘trees’ there. These amazing artificial trees gather solar energy throughout the day and transform it into a twice-nightly light and music show in the evenings.  These incredible light transitions and imaginative displays are all set to popular music, transforming a night out in Singapore into something truly magical.

Talking of Singapore, no piece on spectacular light shows would be complete without mentioning the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Three towers connected at the top by a huge infinity pool come to life of an evening in an amazing display of lasers and lighting that transforms the buildings and nearby waters into a multi-colored feast for the eyes.

Las Vegas

To go to Vegas and miss the Fountain Show at the Bellagio would be an absolute crime! Running throughout the evening, usually every fifteen minutes, the one-song length display of lights and water leaves visitors in awe as jets of water are blasted in perfect synchronicity 500 feet into the air and ‘caught’ by the jets next to them.  All of this is accompanied by a spectacular display of lighting that showcases the finest Sin City has to offer, and all in the middle of the desert!

Event Lighting from Frank Gatto & Associates

Our team has over 30 years experience of creating awesome lighting for a wide variety of events, televised occasions and outside broadcasts.  If you would like to find out how we can add a whole new dimension to 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.

            

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.

            

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

Posted on by J3551CA

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.

            

Why Choose an Emmy Award-winning Pro for Your Event?

Posted on by J3551CA

Whatever product or service you are looking for, it makes sense to choose a provider who is at the top of their game, right?  Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we are delighted to offer our Emmy Award-winning services to all of our customers.  With over 30 years experience in the entertainment industry, and with some of the very best lighting directors and technicians on our team, it is no surprise that our award-winning services are always in demand.

But don’t just take out word for it! We have been awarded the highly acclaimed accolade for best Lighting Designer/Director Award not just once, but an impressive 3 times so far!  And we are not planning on stopping there either.  Our services are always first class, meaning that there are still plenty of opportunities for us to win more awards – perhaps even while we are working for you.

What Is an Emmy Award?

The Emmy Awards are designed to recognize excellence in the television industry and are the equivalent of some of the most highly revered awards across the industry including the Academy Awards for film, the Tony Awards for theatre and the Grammy Awards for music.

The Emmys are given across all sectors of the American television industry, meaning that it is not just actors and actresses that take-home awards.  Every aspect of the production process is also recognized, and anyone that is talented enough to receive one really should be considered a true artist and one of the best in the business.

What Makes Award-Winning Lighting Design?

Lighting design can make a world of difference to the look and feel of any production, either live or pre-recorded.  The Emmy Awards recognize the skills required to produce first-class lighting design by awarding the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lighting Design / Lighting Direction for a Variety Series to one television series each year.

Our technical know-how, and ability to continually contribute to the success of live events using innovative lighting techniques and cutting-edge technology has led to us scooping up a variety of awards so far.

Why Choose Our Award-Winning Lighting for Your Next Production or Event?

Cleverly crafted lighting design, using a wide variety of state-of-the-art lighting techniques is what makes our lighting so effective it is award-worthy in its own right.

Great actors, spellbinding scripts and high-end performances all make for amazing television, but the light and sound that takes place throughout the production, are usually the unsung heroes of the show.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we are consistently breaking new ground within the lighting design profession.  Using a canny combination of experience combined with our obsession with ever-evolving lighting technology and digital desk operation, Frank and his team have everything in place to continue to produce award-winning lighting for many years to come.

If you are focusing on the world stage, we have worked with some of the biggest names in the business including world-renowned networks and companies such as HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo and Univision.

For more intimate affairs, we are adept at providing superior lighting systems for network television lighting, corporate industrials, award ceremonies, and sporting events.

You want your production to be the very best, and to do that you need the assistance of some of America’s finest lighting professionals.  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.

            

How To Creating Effective Lighting For Live Television

Posted on by J3551CA

There are very few elements of live television that have as profound an effect as lighting does.  Get it right, and you are adding a whole new dimension to the action taking place in front of the camera, get it wrong and everything is ruined.

Great lighting enhances the mood, focuses the viewer’s attention, and enables the audience to clearly see what the director wants them to see. It also controls the quality, color temperature, and intensity of the broadcast image, making it one of the most powerful elements of any television broadcast.

To ensure that live television lighting is on point and ready to handle anything that happens on set, the lighting needs to be carefully planned and executed just so.

Here are some of the ways in which a highly skilled Lighting Director and his team ensure that live television lighting really works.

Finding The Right Type Of Lighting

Studio lighting is not actually much brighter than the lamps and pendants you would find in your own home.  It is, however,  light years apart when it comes to quality.  Quartz lamps, Fresnel lenses, and LED lights are the most common types of light found in a studio environment or on an outside broadcast.

Quartz lenses are the most traditional type of lighting used in production work, and while they produce perfect illumination, they can also get very hot and use a lot of electricity.  LED lights, however, are a more recent addition to every Lighting Directors powerful inventory, and work just as well, but without the high temperatures and extreme power usage

The Use Of Spotlights

Fresnel lenses are used to convert a small amount of bright light on to one particular area of the set.  They can be remotely controlled to alter the direction and the intensity of the beam.  Used to focus the attention of the viewer on one area of the picture, spotlights can lead the viewing experience away from other events happening in front of the camera.

Eliminating Shadows

Bright lights create shadows that can completely wipe out areas of the set.  The trick to creating effective lighting is to find a way to reduce these shadows.  Lighting Directors use a technique called “diffusion” to diminish light that may otherwise be too bright and overpowering on the set. Diffusion is created by shading the light with a translucent or opaque fabric, made from heat-resistant material that won’t melt or catch fire due to long exposure and close proximity to powerful studio lighting.

Reflecting The Light

A “scoop” is a tool that is used to reflect the light. Reflected lights create a soft glow that casts its light over a general area.  Often used for background and standard set lights, these concave pieces can also be used with colored lenses and filters to create more subtle and flattering lighting effects.

Measuring The Light

Lighting meters are used to ensure that all of those lights and accessories don’t overwhelm the camera equipment of the action taking place.  Light meters assess the light intensity in one particular area that is on-camera so that the light technicians can make changes were necessary.

When your subject is the focal point of your live broadcast, they need to ensure the foreground lights are brighter than the background lights.  Light metering tells the operators how the lights are affecting the overall appearance on camera.

Controlling The Light

 Using remote DMX consoles, highly skilled lighting technicians can change the mood and look of the action in front of the camera with just the click of a button.  On a film set, the lighting team will usually have a lighting plan to follow, in live TV, however, situations arise that cannot be pre-planned.

Frank Gatto & Associates provide lighting solutions for live television events for some of the biggest names in the industry, including HBO, ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, Showtime, Telemundo, and Univision.

If you would like to find out more about the services we provide, 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.