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by PORT on Sep 16, 2022 8:00:00 AM
In the world of theatrical productions and events, event lighting does far more than simply illuminate. They create a sense of drama, enhance branding, and provide visual interest. One of the ways lighting designers can create a truly distinctive experience for audiences and event attendees is with Gobos.
What is a gobo?
A gobo is a template that is placed in a light fixture to project an image or design onto a surface. The term gobo is short for “Go Between Optics,” which describes the location where the gobo is placed, inside or in front of a lighting source. This blocks the light and creates a pattern or design where the light hits. Placing a gobo in the point of focus can show fine details. Gobos are typically made of steel or glass and range in size from 25 to 100 millimeters, depending on what type of light you’re using.
A tool like the modern-day gobo was first used in the 1930s when stage lighting designers began experimenting with lantern designs to keep certain areas of the stage in the dark.
Today, gobos are being used in increasingly imaginative ways as technology allows for more striking images. Gobos can even go anywhere on a stage or in an event space if installed in a movable, intelligent light fixture.
Gobos come in every shape you can imagine, including geometric patterns, foliage, architectural elements, fireworks, logos, and more. Read on to learn about the innovative ways lighting designers are using gobos.
Theatre
Stage designers use gobos to create an impression of a location or a more realistic scene. For example, if a scene is set in a bedroom, they may project a window-shaped gobo onto the stage to give the impression that there are more walls. Or a scene set in a forest may include a pattern that creates the impression of sunlight filtering through the trees.
Weddings
Gobos can enhance wedding receptions in myriad ways. You can project the bride and groom’s initials on the wall to create a customized look. Patterns on the dance floor create ambiance and encourage even the most reluctant guests to get out of their seats and cut a rug. For extra drama, gobos can be highlighted or be used instead of elaborate centerpieces on dining tables. A gobo can even mimic a luminous moon gradually rising over the night sky on a tented ceiling.
Corporate events, trade shows, and product launches
Because they can be used repeatedly, are set up easily, and can be projected onto any surface, gobos are a cost-effective way to enhance your brand image at corporate events or trade shows. A gobo is also a fantastic way to draw attention to a new product during a launch event in a retail store, by “spotlighting” your product.
PORT – Creative gobos for events and productions
At PORT, we love coming up with imaginative ways to use gobos for our clients. And we always go above and beyond to create the event or production of their dreams.
Several years ago, our service manager, Paul Fitzgerald, designed lighting for a fashion show. We worked with the client and a manufacturer to create custom gobos to project the names of the participating fashion designers on the stage. During a dress rehearsal the night before the show, it turned out that the event producers had given us incorrect spellings for the names of the designers.
With only one night to go until the live event and no time to send the gobos back to the manufacturer, Paul brought the designs back to our shop and used pieces of sheet metal and high-heat glue to correct the spelling himself. The gobos worked flawlessly, and the client was thrilled.
Want to learn more about how PORT can create distinctive lighting designs for your event or production? Contact us today!
- Theatrical Lighting Design/Specification
- Theatrical Lighting Installation
- Stage Curtain & Rigging Installation
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