Gobo - Definition
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Gobo - Description :
A gobo is a thin circular plate with holes cut in it to create patterns of projected light. The name may be derived from a contraction of "go between", or from "GOes Before Optics". Another possible origin is from the early days of Hollywood. When the Director of Photography wanted daylight excluded from some area of the set, he'd say "GO BlackOut". Members of the crew would run around putting black material between the sun and the set.
A gobo may be made from thin metal sheet, usually steel, or from etched glass, depending upon the complexity of the design. Glass gobos often include colored areas (much like stained glass windows on a small scale). For simple designs needed in a hurry, old soda cans or pie plates can be used and patterns cut out with any handy cutting tool. The latest commercial technology permits very finely dithered patterns that give the illusion of shading.
A number of simple and complex stock patterns are manufactured and sold by various theatrical and photography supply companies, and some suppliers are also willing to produce custom gobos from customer-created patterns for an additional fee.
The gobo is placed in the focal plane of the lantern (generally an ellipsoidal reflector spotlight). The desired pattern is then projected by the lantern onto whatever surface it is pointed at such as a wall or dancefloor.
Gobos can be used to provide everything from abstract dappled light effects to complex night-time cityscapes. They are commonly used in stage lighting or television and film production to create texture, affect mood, or set a scene. Specialized attachments are available that rotate multiple gobos in different directions or at different rates to create an illusion of motion, such as that of light reflected off of moving water. |
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 PRO PRODUCTION GEAR DEALS |
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