Bright Ideas

Stage Lighting: Automated Fixtures

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:35:57 +0000

Automated fixtures, or “intelligent lights,” are different from traditional, stationary fixtures because they can perform complicated effects with minimal effort. Of course, it may be more appropriate to call it "obedient" lighting because the performance is really the result of the skills of the programmer or lighting operator.

An automated light is designed to replace multiple stationary lights. Depending on the venue and application, automated luminaires can be a great addition to traditional lights. When programmed effectively, they can alter the “personality” of the light. In fact, these lights can be pre-programmed and played back whenever needed. In addition, they can be controlled live if the operator has been well trained. Intelligent lights are used mostly in theatres, concerts and nightclubs, and are grouped into two categories: “active” and “passive”

Lighting Equipment for Corporate and Special Events

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:34:47 +0000

If you've ever been to a company Christmas party where there's lots of money to spend, you've seen the power of lighting at its finest. Strobes, spotlights, special effects—they all come together for a night of wonder and excitement.

Utilizing all the different types of lighting applications really is the best way to transform a meeting or gala into an exciting, elegant environment.

So, what are lighting steps you can take to ensure a successful corporate or special event?

Concert Lighting Design

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:33:45 +0000

Anyone who appreciates good music in all its many styles, can appreciate great concert lighting. Lights can take on a life of their own and become a central part of the concert experience. Any Pink Floyd fan can attest to this fact. Every show becomes a music and light experience.

But it wasn’t always this way. It's only been since the 1960's that this new type of lighting design was born. The Filmore clubs, both East and West, in New York and Los Angeles, gave popular music its first permanent venue. This then led to the concert lighting of large arenas and old music venue favorites like the Hollywood Bowl. To capture the true essence of the performance, lights were manipulated to provide greater impact to stage presence.

Lighting for the Theatre

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:32:55 +0000

Stage lighting is different from any other type of lighting because you are working with creating or supporting dramatic scenes by using the special qualities that only light can deliver. A big part of your job is to communicate emotion by combining the light with human expression. This is an important task in any production and can sometimes mean the difference between an audience walking away spellbound - or disappointed. A spotlight coming on at the wrong time would ruin a tender moment between the leading man and lady, for example. By working with the elements of composition, mood, naturalism and visibility, you can control a significant part of the overall experience.

Lighting Design for Dance

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:31:30 +0000

Dance lighting is a specialized field. Its main objective is to provide lighting for the human form - in terms of plasticity, interest and emotional impact primarily. Visibility of the face is a secondary concern. With dance, side lighting is a main source of illumination. Front lighting is reserved for color washes or specials. Because dance involves the entire body, it's critical to have light integrate with the fluid movements of the performer, or group of performers. Whether it's highlighting special moves, or helping to create emotional intensity, the dance lighting designer has an important role to play. In contrast, theatre lighting is first concerned with lighting the actor's face and the front lights usually provide the main source of lighting.

Trade Show Lighting

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:30:06 +0000

The two most important attributes of your trade show lighting? Make sure they are lightweight and portable. The majority of booths will use clamp lights because they are versatile fixtures that attach easily to your display. They also highlight specific areas very effectively and can be used for general illumination as well. Clamp lights shine in any direction without taking up a lot of surface space. What type to use? Halogen and fluorescent lamps because they provide bright and efficient lighting. Plus, they are relatively inexpensive.

Mechanics of Lighting

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:28:29 +0000

To be an effective lighting designer, it takes a lot of knowledge, understanding and practical experience. There are many good designers out there, making a decent living. But, there are only a few great ones. So, what makes them great? The first question of course is: what are you trying to light? What's the goal? The designer must have a good idea about the specific characteristics of the different lighting fixtures that are available so they can select the appropriate fixture for the task at hand. Have you taken classes on the physics of light? Have you studied along side a veteran pro? These are both good ideas if you want to take your craft to the very highest level.

Types of Stage Lighting: Lamps, Spotlights and Floodlights

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:27:24 +0000

A stage light refers to a complete lighting kit, which consists of a housing, lamp (bulb), socket, reflector, electrical cord, and connector. Occasionally, it includes a lens, mounting clamp and color frame. Luminaires used for stage, television and film lighting applications are either Spotlights or Floodlights. You can also have Projectors and special lighting effects. How are fixtures mounted? Usually from overhead pipes, vertical pipes or from floor stands. In addition, all fixtures are fitted with color frame clips to accept a square metal color frame, which can be used with other accessories including barn doors, top hats, donuts and color wheels. Stage lighting fixtures range in wattage from 300 watts to over 10,000 watts in size and capacity.

The larger the wattage, the larger the fixture. To get a better idea, consider the following: In the display lighting field, miniature fixtures range from 50 to 300 watts. Fixtures used for theatre lighting usually range from 500 to 2000 watts, and television and film lighting frequently employs fixtures of 1000 to 10,000 watts.

Small Church Lighting: Big solutions for a small space

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 00:23:17 +0000

By Tom Brown, Rental Manager, Angstrom Lighting
Reprinted with permission from Church Production Magazine

Between space limitations, power limitations, and budget restrictions, an extensive, sophisticated lighting system might be out of the question [for small churches]. However, that doesn't mean they have to settle for household track lighting or ancient, dingy chandeliers.