Tag: television production lighting consultant

Common Lighting Attachments

Posted on by J3551CA

Lighting professionals will encounter a variety of commonly used attachments during their work. The sooner that aspiring lighting specialists know what they are and how to use them, the better they can provide the type of specialized illumination they will be called on to perform during their careers. The following are some common attachments used in modern cinematography.

Barn Door

A barn door is a light modifier that’s affixed to the front of theater or studio lights. The hinged doors are similar to old-style barn doors, hence the name. They enable operators to change the shape of the light without affecting the softness or hardness of the light source. Available in a wide variety of sizes, the positioning of the doors will dictate the shape and nature of the illumination.

Flags

These are also utilized to block and control light. They’re used to protect a lens from flare, produce a shadow, control reflections, and reduce contrast. They’re offered in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from a few inches to several square feet to minimize reflected light.

Filters

The translucent or transparent devices are affixed in front of a lens to modify and alter the characteristics of light. They’re also utilized to add colors and special effects. Filters are available as slot-ins and screw in types. They’re particularly effective when working with surfaces such as glass and water that are highly reflective, along with pollution or moisture in the air that can produce glare.

Gels

This is a colored and transparent sheet that changes the color of the light to create a specific mood or to correct for color. They became known as gels since gelatin was used for decades in the manufacturing process. Modern gels are actually a heat-resistant plastic, though colored glass filters are also used as the plastic-type has a limited life span.

Many Tools

The number of tools used to illuminate environments varies widely and any lighting professional will need to know how each can be used to obtain very specific effects. They can make the difference between an average project and an extraordinary one.

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 Director Training

Posted on by J3551CA

Many people that are fascinated with the nuances of lighting one day dream of becoming a master of the skill and working for TV, film or the Broadway stage. There’s a lot of practical knowledge that goes into the skill set of a lighting director, coupled with artistic vision.

A lighting director is responsible for all the aspects of lighting a stage, whether it’s in Hollywood or a royal wedding. It’s the individual that designs and arranges the lighting to create the mood for any type of production. They’re cognizant of lighting techniques, budgetary requirements, and works with everyone from actors and musicians to costume designers to discern the ideal placement for lights, the colors, and the safety of all concerned.

Those that aspire to be a lighting director will need to meet a variety of educational requirements that include a Bachelor’s degree in theatre production or lighting design. Depending upon what line of work the lighting director chooses, there are additional requirements for different levels of expertise. They’ll also need experience and training in electrical safety and construction.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program will include the design aspect and the technical elements. They can obtain a Master of Fine Arts in lighting design to continue their education. A master’s program will include classroom work and hands-on training that includes lighting technology and history.

Lighting directors must have technical skills with computer programs used within the lighting industry. A variety of universities and college have internship programs that enable budding lighting directors to work under professionals in the field, gain experience, and build their portfolios.

Lighting directors are the architects of the lighting world. The most revered lighting directors in the world are creative visionaries and innovators that work in venues that include broadcast media, live sporting events, and have lit pathways on the red carpet and royal events.

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 Should be Left to the Pros

Posted on by J3551CA

There are some tasks that are better left to professionals and one of those is illumination for theatrical productions, political rallies, trade shows, major sports competitions, and even high-profile weddings. It’s particularly essential when illuminating international events that can present unique challenges.

A professional lighting company has experts experienced in every aspect of illumination, technology and rigging to light every facet of an event to the best advantage while maintaining the highest level of safety for everyone involved. Lighting designers have the artistic eye and advanced technology for optimal placement of essential equipment for overall lighting, spotlighting and special effects.

Illuminating international events has its own set of challenges, some of which are cultural while others are physical. Residents of some countries prefer specific lighting types and brightness levels over others. Equipment in the U.S won’t work in Europe, and vice-versa, without the use of adapters or converters since the two electrical systems aren’t compatible.

Lighting for arenas and events that will be broadcast requires specialized knowledge that only lighting professionals can comprehend. A lighting designer will develop a plan for illumination and a lighting director will utilize his/her technical knowledge to implement that plan.

Professional lighting companies employ a highly skilled team of individuals that take on the practical tasks and solutions of lighting, along with technicians that position lights, securely rig equipment, and coordinate audio and visual components.

To ensure the best illumination options and safety solutions for any event, a professional lighting company is essential. Lighting is much more than simply a way to “light things up” so everyone can see. It’s an art form that requires skill, specialized knowledge, and an understanding of cultural differences wherever they may be working. They use innovative techniques that are cost-effective and environmentally-friendly while maintaining the highest level of safety at all times.

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

Phone: 561-368-0101

Email: frank@frankgattolighting.com 

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

            

How Lighting Affects Actors

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Lighting is an essential element for any performance whether it’s for a TV show, a blockbuster film, or a major theatre production. The illumination used affects an audience’s perception, but it also affects the actors and their performance. The award-winning company of Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. has an in-depth understanding of that and views illumination as a “character” in its own right.

Perhaps the most obvious effect of lighting is the way it affects actors physically. Traditional lighting methods emit a significant amount of heat. It can be difficult for an actor to give their best performance when they’re overheated and uncomfortable. It takes a toll on their mental, physical and emotional ability to provide accurate portrayals.

Lighting is a major factor in every scene of a production. It provides ambiance and makes any given scene more “real” to the actors. The right lighting enables actors to lose themselves in the scene and give a performance that’s more personal and emotional to the audience.

Illumination techniques have the power to highlight an actor, pull them to the forefront of an audience’s notice, and provide more depth to their character. Lighting also provides clues for actors to say certain lines or change positions. The correct positioning and use of lighting techniques also affects an actor physically to soften features or create a harsh counterpoint. Illumination is a gateway to the imagination.

Unlike acting in the theatre where an actor obtains immediate feedback from the audience, TV and film actors must rely on their own abilities, scenery and lighting for their portrayals. Actors must convince their audience to suspend belief for the duration of the TV show or movie and lighting enables them to accomplish that through the creation of effects that helps them portray any emotion and appear more believable.

Light is the foundation upon which movie magic is made. Frank Gatto & Associates, Inc. is an innovator in the use of lighting and techniques. The company’s methods showcase actors to their best advantage, enabling them to tell their character’s story to the best of their ability without the draining heat of old-fashioned lighting strategies.

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

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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.

            

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.

            

Is Outdoor Lighting Really Necessary for Your Production?

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You may think that when you are filming outside, that the natural sunlight will be enough to light your set.  The truth of the matter is that natural sunlight is not always enough to make your set shine.

The use of artificial lighting outside is just as important as it is when filming inside.  Every scene needs to be correctly illuminated from every angle to create ambiance and enhance the action.

If you are unsure of how best to get your outdoor lighting working well, try these tops tips from the experts at the award-winning Frank Gatto & Associates:

  1. Work with What You Have

While we agree that you do need extra lighting to enhance your film shoot or live event, you can still find ways to make the natural light work in your favor.  The big blazing ball of light in the sky does have its uses when it comes to location shots, and while you cannot control its position or intensity you can move the action down on the ground to make the most of it.  Where you stand will affect the way the footage looks, so move into the shadow if the light is too bright or shoot with the sun behind or to the side to create a more dramatic effect.

  1. Harness the Magic

Every photographer and cameraman worth their salt knows all about specific times of the day when the sun casts a magical light over everything below.  The “Golden Hour” as it is known, is a short period of daytime just after sunrise or before sunset, during which the daylight is redder and softer than when the Sun is higher in the sky.  If you can position the action down below just right, you can create intense lighting effects using nothing more than the sun at its highest point. Be ready, however, with your lighting rigs or stand-alone equipment to continue your filming as the light fades or changes.

  1. Be Bold

If you are holding an outdoor event during the day, the sunlight will mean that your audience can see the action on stage, but will they be able to “feel” it?  Festivals, concerts or sporting events often need much more than just a soft light to be a success. Add colors and strobes that dance to the beat, or pyrotechnics that explode when a goal is scored.  All of these effects require the addition of state-of-the-art lighting equipment and a competent team of technicians to make it happen.

  1. Control the light

Whether you are using portable lighting equipment or relying on the light from the sun, it is important that you are able to control the light and the shadows it casts as much as possible.  An experienced outdoor lighting crew will know exactly how and when to use light blockers, flags, reflectors, and bounce boards to control the direction of the light and add ambiance to your set or stage lighting.

  1. Be prepared

Any changes in the natural light can wreak havoc on your filming schedule.  Cloud cover, early sunsets and even changes in atmospheric conditions can all alter the way the light appears on film.  To limit time lost to poor lighting conditions have a portable lighting set up with you on the day.  Tripod lights, diffusers, and reflectors, as well as a variety of camera lenses, should help to protect you against poor natural lighting conditions.

Whatever you are planning to capture on film or whatever kind of outdoor event you are holding, Frank Gatto & Associates have all the experience you need to ensure that the light is always just right.  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.

            

Why You Should Consider Renting Your Lighting Equipment

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Why You Should Consider Renting Your Lighting Equipment Instead of Buying It

If you are considering buying the right lighting equipment for your venue, event or production you may already have discovered that great lighting requires more than just a couple of rigs and some colored bulbs.

Having all the elements that make up effective lighting design can be a costly business. You will need to spend a sizable amount of your budget and invest a lot of man-hours in finding the right lighting set up.

Being able to buy the right equipment is one thing but knowing how to use it in your specific venue to produce dazzling lighting effects is something else entirely.  When you rent your lighting equipment from a specialist, you will also get their expertise thrown in for free.

Rent Your Lighting Equipment – An Affordable Alternative to Buying

If you aren’t prepared to spend all your cash on your lighting or would like the assistance of a professional lighting team on the night, renting your lighting equipment is an affordable and effective alternative to buying.  Renting you lighting equipment means that you will always be sure of the following:

Custom Designed Lighting Solutions

All the internet research in the world won’t turn you into a lighting professional overnight.  A professional lighting director with years of experience, however, will be able to design an entire lighting plan that really makes your event shine.   All the equipment needed will be provided by the lighting director and his crew, delivered to your venue, set up and operated, then swiftly taken away again when your event is over.

The Right Lighting for Every Occasion

Different occasions call for different lighting. If you are looking to illuminate your wedding, for example, a lighting hire specialist will be able to provide you with uplighters for that soft, romantic glow, pinspots for tables and even LED parcans that dance to the music when your guests are enjoying the party portion of your big day.  Buying all these different types of lighting would be a big investment and take a large chunk out of your budget.

Alternatively, if you are looking to light up an outdoor event, then large rigs of floodlights will make sure that your spectators never miss any of the action.

Renting your lighting equipment from a professional lighting specialist means that you will have the right lighting to complement your event, whatever it may be.

  • Give Your Event That Professional Look

If you are holding a corporate awards night, ceremony or other occasion, Gobo projection can provide you with instant, illuminated branding solutions that add kudos for your clients. When you rent a Gobo, your logo or corporate message can be projected onto any surface and will act as a constant reminder that your event outshines the rest.

  • A Spot Light on Your Stage

Whether you are holding a one-off production, or a run of shows, renting your stage lighting can enhance the overall look and feel of your show.  A professional lighting company will be able to rent you everything you need including a wide range of effects, control systems, media servers, dimming, rigging and all the extras you need to make your vision come to life.

  • State of the art equipment

Lighting professionals are at forefront of lighting technology and have access to some of the most innovative and exciting lighting available today. This means that you don’t have to spend $1000’s on top of the range kit, as they will be able to provide it for you.

Lighting Rental from Frank Gatto & Associates

With over 30 years’ experience in the lighting business, Frank Gatto & Associates can provide you with the very best advice and recommendations to help your event glitter and shine.  Your lighting should enhance every aspect of your event and is as important as the action on the stage, the music, and the attendees.

Don’t blow your budget on basic lighting equipment, hire an expert to provide you with lighting solutions that really work.  Speak to us today at 561-368-0101 to find out about our rental services.

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.

            

Behind The Scenes, But In The Thick Of The Action

Posted on by J3551CA

No doubt about it, being involved in the entertainment industry is a buzz! Becoming a Hollywood star may not be for you, but for many people working in the industry is completely achievable if you enough talent and dedication to get you noticed.

Big television productions aren’t just about the big names in front of the camera.   There are armies of support staff behind the scenes who come together to make the magic happen.  From runners and caterers to costumiers and cameramen, everyone involved in a production has a vital part to play.

Not quite ready to become the next big thing?  Here are just a few of the important roles that take place behind the scenes:

Sound Engineers

Sound engineers have a very important part to play, after all, unless you are making a silent movie, the sound needs to be crystal clear without being deafening.   It is their responsibility to set up and operate all of the audio equipment that is right for the particular type of industry or production they are working on.   It will also be up to them to connect all the wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards throughout the audio recording.   They can be responsible for mixing the audio when the production has been recorded and added voice-overs where necessary.  They work with microphones, speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, and recording equipment to ensure that the sound levels are always just right.

Camera Operators

Camera operators are responsible for filming what will be shown on the screen.  Whether they are in a studio environment, or out on location, the skills they require are more or less the same.  Advances in modern technology have changed the way in which camera operators record footage.  What was once dependent on shooting and editing rolls of film, is now mostly recorded using digital cameras and editing software.

Most camera operators work in teams to ensure that every angle of the drama is captured perfectly.  They work closely with the Director or Producer as they need to follow directions that give the order of the shots.  They may also have assistants who help to set up the camera equipment and find the best angles from which to shoot.  If they are shooting a live event, they must be able to make adjustments at a moment’s notice and follow the instructions of the show’s director.

Costume Department

The costume department is responsible for creating the look and mood for actors and actresses in film, television and stage productions.  By undertaking extensive research and learning more about the characters on screen they add authenticity to every production. They will either buy the clothes, make them themselves or commission them to be made by a fashion house or design team.

From the costume designer, through to dressers and even those who are simply responsible for ensuring that the right clothes are on the right hangers, the wardrobe department plays an important role in bringing characters to life on screen.

Makeup Department

The makeup department ensures that all performers have suitable makeup and hairstyles before they appear in front of a camera.  They work across all types of productions and are usually freelance artists that bring their own equipment with them. They work to a brief that has been provided by the producer, and work along side the costume department to create the right “look”.

Whether they are simply adding basic makeup to keep presenters or performers looking fresh and shine-free under studio lighting, or using prosthetics and special effects make up for movies, they are highly skilled and talented artists in their own right.

Set Designers

A set designer is in charge of designing and creating sets for films, television, and theatre productions.  Working from rough drawings that are provided by the production team, they design and build realistic looking scenery for the production.

From working with miniature three-dimensional models of the set, to building believable backdrops for the actors to work with, set designers ensure that the scenes we see on screen look as authentic as possible.

Lighting Department

Effective lighting is essential for every type of production.  The lighting team are one of the most important crews on set and are involved in every stage of the production.  From the outset, they will make extensive preparations before recording days, including script reading and taking part in discussions about the type of lighting that is required.

They will work with the rest of the crew to discuss the logistics of the production, and usually prepare a lighting plan which provides information about the position, type, and color of all the lights to be used.  They will be on set on a daily basis and will set up and operate the lights that have been chosen for each shot, as well as add any lighting effects using equipment in the gallery. During recordings or live transmissions, any final adjustments are made as and when required.

Frank Gatto & Associates have almost 40 years experience of working with some of the best crews in the business.  Providing first class lighting solutions is what we do best.

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.

            

Make Your Event Your Biggest And Brightest Yet

Posted on by J3551CA

The way in which lighting is used in event planning can completely change the mood and atmosphere of any occasion.  Get it wrong and your venue could look dark and unwelcoming, get it right and it could just be your biggest and brightest yet.

From small scale parties to huge corporate occasions, experienced lighting experts will be able to pull together a series of expert lighting hacks that will completely enhance the look and feel of your event.

Here at Frank Gatto & Associates, we have many years experience of providing the perfect lighting solutions for every kind of event.  We painstakingly plan every aspect of our client’s lighting requirements in advance to ensure that we always provide the best lighting experience possible.

We also understand that you don’t always need big, expensive rigging to create unique or amazing effects, our creativity and imagination goes a long way to help transform your event or venue with lighting.  We work with a huge variety of lighting options and know all the best ways to make your event shine.  Here are just a few ways we can help with your event lighting:

  1. Plan Your Lighting Solutions

A team of lighting professionals will work in collaboration with you to establish the concept for your event, and how best to provide lighting that enhances the atmosphere and mood of the venue.  We will undertake a site visit and organize logistics with the venue to ensure a cohesive approach to your event lighting.

  1. Provide Bespoke Solutions

Because lighting is an integral part of event planning, a professional lighting company will be able to identify the most cost-effective ways to add style and grandeur to any space.  With a full-color spectrum at our disposal, we can provide lighting that is as subtle or bold as you need it to be.  By utilizing different styles we of lighting we can ensure that your event really is as amazing as you want it to be.  Whether you need festoon and fairy lights to create a calm romantic atmosphere or brightly colored uplighter that dance along with the beat, only a professional lighting company can provide you with lighting that really rocks!

  1. State Of The Art Lighting

A professional lighting company like us will have access to some of the best lighting in the industry  From huge spotlights to LED lighting and everything in between, we will provide you with state of the art lighting that you may not be able to access or afford on your own.

Whatever type of event you are organizing, make sure that you don’t leave your lighting to chance.  From television studios to huge outdoor sporting events, Frank Gatto & Associates have provided awe-inspiring lighting for a huge variety of events on a national and international scale.

So you can be sure that whatever you need to light up your event, we’ve got it covered.

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.