Color gel filters are typically used to enhance a dramatic effect or correct the color rendering of a light source. Diffusion softens a light beam and alters its shadow casting characteristics. Patterns (also known as gobos) are used with ellipsoidal spotlights to project images or provide textured light. We offer all the accessories you're looking for from top brands like Rosco, GAMProducts, Apollo, Lee, Altman Stage Lighting and City Theatrical.
Color filters, often referred to as color gels, help designers invoke a sense of time, place, or emotion. Traditional color filters use a process called subtractive color filtering to absorb unwanted wavelengths and pass only the color you want. These color filters are typically constructed of deep dyed polyester material as in the majority of Lee brand filters and Rosco's E-Colour or they can be made of body colored poly carbonate material as in RoscoLux and the majority of Lee's High Temperature filters. Dichroic color filters bend wavelengths and reflect unwanted frequencies to provide the color you need with higher transmission rates than traditional plastic color filters. Diffusion materials include frosts, whites, tough spuns, and general diffusion filters that shape the beam of light. The effect of diffusion material on the light beam is varied by the texture of the filter and its distance from the source. In general, heavier diffusions and whites will soften the beam, and the effect will be increased by placing the material further from the light source. Frosts and frosted diffusions tend to affect the beam more subtly, softening shadows without diminishing intensity significantly. Consider a "Silk" diffusion when you need to spread a light beam over a single axis (wider or taller, pick one). Templates and gobos are steel or glass patterns much like stencils block a portion of the beam casting shadows and textures onto your stage or other surfaces such as walls, cycloramas, and ceilings. Metal gobos are very cost effective and available in a variety of patterns from Manufacturers like Rosco, GAM, and Apollo. Glass gobos allow for finer detail and can be produced to project color imagery. Custom patterns are available for weddings where monogram gobos are very popular, but also for corporate events and meetings where a logo or other artwork may be required as an element of presentation. Similar effects are achieved in the TV/Film industry by use of "cookies" and cuculoris which can be found in our grip equipment section.
