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University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Lighting Design
Lighting DesignLighting Design- a brief introduction- a brief introduction
BSc Sound,Light and Live Event Technology Stage 2 -Live Event Techniques
5EJ 040
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Introduction
• This lecture will cover:– Why the correct positioning of lights is
important– How this creates a basic method of lighting– Some conceptual issues on lighting design.
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Direction and Focus
• The most vital decisions in planning a lighting design are:– Where we place the instruments– What we point them at– How we adjust the beams of the
instruments
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Direction and Focus
• Where we place the instruments• What we point them at
– Creative decisions• How we adjust the beams of the
instruments– Technique, although should be considered
at the design stage
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Front light, side light, top light, back light, three quarter back light– all describe lighting positions
• Lecture will look at these terms more precisely.
• The example of theatre is used– could be any performance environment
Direction and Focus
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
What is Lighting Design?
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
What is Lighting Design?
• Selective Visibility
– “Each member of the audience must be able to see clearly and correctly those things that he is intended to see.”
– Richard Pilbrow, Stage Lighting Design, 1997
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
What is a Lighting Designer?
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
What is a Lighting Designer?
• The lighting designer needs to develop and maintain the visual logic of the piece, working with and enhancing the visual languages of the production
– Nick Moran, Performance Lighting Design, 2007
• The lighting designer should reveal the narrative of the event using the medium of light
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Lighting the Performer
• Unlike television or film, the audience at a live performance can look at the entire stage– In TV/film the camera shot tells the viewer what to
look at • One function of lighting is to direct the audience
where to look
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Generally we wish to make the performer/s distinct from the background– Ideal would be lighting for performers independent
of lighting for scenic elements.– Often desirable to highlight features of the set– Usual to try and stop spill and shadow as this is
distracting and visually undesirable.
Lighting the Performer
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Top Light
• The most natural place to put an instrument it may seem– Fixtures in rooms generally in the centre
above.
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
The Method
• A method of lighting the theatre stage was first codified by Stanley McCandless– McCandless, Stanley, A Method of
Lighting the Stage. 4 Ed. New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1958.(first ed 1934)
• Not the only way, but a good basis
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
The Method• McCandless proposed that :• The stage be broken down into areas
– 3m-4m wide, depending on luminaires available• Each area is lit from two sides
– 900 apart– 450 from the horizontal
• One unit in a cool shade • The other in a warmer shade• All units to have separate dimmers
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
The Method
• Added to this “general cover” or “wash” • Light from where the audience is
– lower angled front light• Light from the back
– adds form and atmosphere• Light from the side
– emphasises form
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
The Method
• Motivating light– any light source used onstage
• Motivated light– any lighting required to give the illusion of
light coming from an offstage source• Specials
– lighting required for a special effect; often merely a single luminaire.
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Motivating Light -1• Multiple sources
trying to be point source
• Motivational light is the bare lamp
• Steep lighting angle(note shadows) emphasising the hanging lamp
Othello - LD Ken Coker
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Motivating light - 2
Othello, The Cochrane Theatre, London/Dir:Chris Geelan/ Des:Bridget Kimak/ Photos:Bridget Kimak/Images: Ken Coker
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Motivated Light
• Good example of motivated light and special
• Dramatic moment emphasised by white light through a doorway.
Sleuth - LD Nick Richings
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Special• A special, a
backlight-all single point
• Combining to make striking image
• Starcloth in background
• Isolates a very small area
Romeo & Juliet - LD Patrick Woodroffe
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Top Light• Unit 5• May seem a
natural position, but creates heavy shadow under eye sockets, nose, chin.
• Dramatic but not helpful for definition.
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Top Light
http://lupus.northern.edu:90/wild/th241/ld02a.htm
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Unit 2• A useful position• Shows the important
features of a face• Looks relatively natural• Danger of flattening
features• Can “merge” figure into
back ground
Front Centre
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Front Light
http://lupus.northern.edu:90/wild/th241/ld02a.htm
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Unit 3• Start of the modelling
process• Good for features
– At least on one side• Does not flatten figures
into scenery• Can, depending on
elevation and angle, miss any scenic elements.
Front SR
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Unit 1• Complements Unit 3• Slide 10:
Each area is lit from two sides– 900 apart– 450 from the
horizontal• Frequently only
imperfect positions available.
Front SL
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Unit 4• Not great for facial
features– Shadows of nose etc
• Good for revealing form• Note emphasis on body
shapeDefinition of flower vase on the SL side.
Side SL
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Side SR• Unit 6• Complement to unit 4• This is high/pipe end
side light• Can be varied in
position from Pipe end to shin
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Side/ Cross Light• The figure on the left is
side lit by two lamps. One mounted on a boom in the stage left entrance and the other hung on a boom in the stage right entrance. Notice the edges of the figure are well lit, but the front of the body is in shadow.
http://lupus.northern.edu:90/wild/th241/ld02a.htm
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Side Light
• Even and from both sides
• Emphasises the line/movement of the body
The Seasons - LD Mark Jonathan
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Unit 8• Dramatic• Often a heavier colour
than front/side light• Emphasis on shape
Backlight
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Backlight
http://lupus.northern.edu:90/wild/th241/ld02a.htm
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Unit 9• Not good for features• Excellent for form• Dramatic• Useful dance angle
– Remember benefits of seeing beam
SR ¾ BL
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
• Unit 7• Complement of Unit 9• Often used in
– contrasting– complementary colour
SL ¾ BL
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Uplight• Another dramatic
position• Used for effect• Throws large
shadows behind figure– Depending on
closeness of unit
http://lupus.northern.edu:90/wild/th241/ld02a.htm
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
All• Balance is the
essence• Often trying to give
sense of light direction– Can be achieved by
balance of– Key– Fill– Backlight– COLOUR
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
(With that the sun came out between the clouds…)
CUE 18Rosco 07 pars very strong over the back of the barrells stage left, giving the sunlight direction.
Playboy of the Western World, Liverpool Playhouse/Dir:Robert Delamere/ Des:Simon Higlett/ Photos:Johanna Town
Some Examples
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Some Examples
• Strong point source from stage left
• Clearly some light from right
• Harsh dramatic shadow
Wozzeck - LD Rick Fisher
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Some Examples
• Motivated light• Daylight
– diffuse light from an unseen sun
• Note light fading away downstage away from the window.
Popcorn - LD Johanna Town
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Some Examples• Same setting
– small hours of the morning
• Hint of dawn or city through the window
• Shadow from unseen light sources - through door?
Popcorn - LD Johanna Town
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Plan
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
The Plan
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting• What are we trying to achieve when we
light an event/show?
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting
• Composition• Visibility• Modelling• Focus• Information: • Mood
• Selective Visibility
• Revelation of form.
• Composition• Mood• Information
• Illumination• Sculpture• Selectivity • Atmosphere • Interaction• Fluidity• Style
Gillette Pilbrow Reid
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting
• Composition• Visibility• Naturalism• Atmosphere
Stanley McCandless
• Selective Visibility• Establishing Given Circumstances• Colouring the Stage Picture• Shaping Space and Form• Focussing Attention• Composition of the Stage Picture• Establishing Rhythm• Establishing Style
Richard Palmer
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting• Selective Visibility
– “Each member of the audience must be able to see clearly and correctly those things that he is intended to see.”
– Richard Pilbrow, Stage Lighting Design, 1997
• The LD’s first and most important task is to achieve visibility (ibid)
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting• Selective Visibility• Only for effect should the audience need to strain to
see • Balance is a key concept
– Each object should receive the proportionally the correct amount of light
– This balance is reflected in our use of lighting angles and positions and other dynamics
• This balance is altered to emphasise different parts of the performance area
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting
• Revelation of Form• “Shade and shadow are equal in importance to light itself”
– Adolphe Appia• Performers and objects should be lit adequately and correctly• Their shape and form should be revealed as desired by the
visual team• People generally do not speak in the dark• Scenic elements are there to give their own visual clues
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting• Composition• “The intensity,colour and distribution of the light create
compositions of light shade and colour in the performance space.”
– Pilbrow
• Pilbrow goes on to say that an LD should never sacrifice visibility for the sake of an attractive visual picture
• I would disagree– Brighter and different instruments– Visually more literate
• Images from music videos, advertising
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting
• Composition• By lighting design the overall visual aims of the design team are
achieved• Light is used as an element of design in space,but it is dynamic-
unlike painting • Lighting design is visual design in space and time
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting• Mood• Mood should be the result of getting visibility,form, and composition right
• A hard task• By using intensity colour,distribution and movement the LD can exploit
the fundamental emotional and psychological effects inherent in light; we can mirror the complexities of the text.
How sweet the moonlight sits upon this bankHere we will sit, and let the sounds of musicCreep in our ears; soft stillness and the night Becomes the touches of sweet harmony.Sit Jessica. Look how the floor of heaven Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Aims of Lighting
• Information • Lighting supports the storytelling/information that the event has
• We can use what the audience expects to see
• We can jog their visual memories
• We can surprise them by showing them the unexpected
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Texts – Must Reads!
• Performance Lighting Design : how to light for the stage, concerts, exhibitions and live events
– Nick Moran, Methuen – ISBN 9780713677577 (2007)
• The Stage Lighting Handbook– Francis Reid, A & C Black, Sixth Edition– ISBN 0 7136 5396 5 (2001)
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Texts • Stage Lighting Design
– Richard Pilbrow,Nick Hern Books– ISBN 1 85459 273 4 (1997)
• The Lighting Art : the aesthetics of stage lighting design – Richard H. Palmer,Englewood Cliffs– ISBN 013536566X (1985)
• Theatrical Design and Production – J. Michael Gillette, 4th edition. – Mayfield Publishing Company. (1999). – Chapter 12: Lighting Design
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
References
• http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~pacshop/lab/lab.html
• http://lupus.northern.edu:90/wild/th241/ld02a.htm
• Both links, sadly, now expired
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Light A Car
• KC has been asked to light a car reveal– One speaker at lectern– One car on riser
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Light A Car
• Before I start– Ascertain physical resources
• Place;budget;kit; duration ……
• Then apply • Selective Visibility
• Revelation of form.
• Composition• Mood• Information
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Light A Car• Selective Visibility
• Who has got to see what, when?• Revelation of form.
• What are we trying to show?• Composition
• Overall stage picture• Mood
• Quiet?• Brash?
• Information• Speaker needs to be seen + heard• Car needs to be seen
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Exercise
• You have been asked to light a small conference/presentation for the UOD
• Stage is 10m x 8m x 0.6m• Two tables• Lectern• BP Screen – short video only
– 4m x 3m
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Exercise
• Create a list of questions you should ask the client
• Create an initial lighting design– Assume lighting positions, power are Ok– Budget reasonable….for UOD
University of Derby Faculty of Arts Design and Technology
Electronics & Sound Subject Group
Ken Coker
October 2009
Layout10m
8m
Table
Table
Chair
Chair
Chair
ChairChair
Lectern
Screen