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.
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.
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.
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.
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!