WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

RESEARCH FOR LIGHTING Assessing additional lighting needs As you progress with your lighting design, you will identify what additional resources you need, if any. In addition to basic equipment such as lanterns and safety bonds, you might find that you need, for example: • gel sheets in specific colours • gobos • filter and/or gobo holders for lanterns • small LED lights to use as part of a special effect. Budget Once you have an idea of the costs of these items, present this to your teacher. If your teacher agrees that these things should be bought, you will be given a small budget. Once this has also been agreed in your group’s design meetings, you need to stick to it. Finding the best deal It is well worth shopping around for the best-value products. The internet will be the place for much of what you are looking for. Local pound shops and charity shops, however, might be a cheaper source of some practical effect components, such as bicycle lights. Alternatively, you might be able to borrow or hire items like gobos and their holders from a local theatre. If so, make sure that their accessories fit your equipment. ASSESSMENT CHECK This research and decision-making shows that you can create and develop ideas to communicate meaning for theatrical performance (AO1). FOCUS Finding and costing additional items to complete your lighting designs. TASK 1.13 Find good sources – in terms of choice, availability and stock – of: a colour filter (gel) sheet a B-sized gobo of a window a replacement lamp (bulb) for a 1kw fresnel. DESIGN TIP Make sure you know exactly what you need before you begin shopping. A gobo over a precisely directed light can have a striking effect. Battery-operated bicycle safety lights can be useful in special effects. Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Lighting Design 29