Know You Know | Lighting Your Event « Initial Production Group

Know You Know | Lighting Your Event

Lighting can dramatically add to your event and can be reasonably priced to very expensive. Like most things, it needs to be planned out. Here are some basics.

StageWash

A stage wash is just what the name implies: general lighting covering a stage area. BUT, although it may sound simple, ha ha, it’s not. A stage wash needs to be even, especially if you are using cameras. That means you need enough lighting instruments to cover the size stage you have, not only from side to side but front to back. The number of lights needed varies depending on the type of lights used (ellipsoidals, par cans, parnels, fresnels, there are all kinds). Positioning of the lights is also important. If the lights are hung to low or too far away then they tend to blind the people on stage. To high and the lights cast shadows on people’s faces under eye sockets, noses, and chins, which just plain looks bad. Ideally, lights should aim down at a 45 degree angle. So (this is the part where those high school geometry classes pay off), if the lights are hung 16 feet above the stage, they should also be 16 feet in front of the stage. If you have a really deep stage then you may need multiple rows of lights.

Specials

Specials are fixed lights used for a specific purpose, say a podium special or a talent special. Maybe someone is going to sing a solo on stage and you want to light just them and not the entire stage. That’s where you need a special (even though the solo may not be, if you get my drift). Specials can also have gobos, which are patterns or logos. Specials are easy to do but need to be planned in advance. Once the light rig is in the air and focused it’s a real pain (and a costly one) to add lights later.

Movers

Yep, you guessed it. Lights that move. Moving lights technology has exploded over the last 10 years or so. Some movers just add color washes to the stage and scenery. Some movers have amazingly sophisticated patterns and effects capabilities. These lights can shine on objects for effects, such as backdrops or scenery. But with a little haze in the room the movers shoot beams of lights of every conceivable sort that add big WOW factor.

Considerations

Naturally, there are associated costs beyond the cost of the lights. In addition to rigging and cabling, lights require lots of power. And, if you want to use haze (which lighting companies love to propose) then it MUST be planned with the venue. Use of hazers and fog machines require that fire detectors be disabled, which usually also requires hiring a dedicated person to stand guard and pull a fire alarm in case of a real fire. So when you get your bid, ask lots of questions about additional requirements.