REAR FOLLOWSPOT

[RoyJ]

:** laughs out loud **: Hi lampies, I've been watching live at the apollo,and I've notice that this and other t.v. programmes seem to use two followspots one in front and one behind.My question is why the rear one? I've been doing lighting and followspotting for 20 plus years, but have never seen or operated a rear followspot.There must be a reason, but what is it? Thanks in anticipation Roy.

 

The beginning of wisdom is being able to say "I dont know"

[paulears]

It makes the subject stand out from the background, and produces a kind of 'halo' on their hair. TV people use a key at the front, a fill to fill in shadows created by the key and backlight - this is pretty much their standard set-up, and they modify it for tv with extra to light the stage, but the followspot out front becomes a moving key, and the rear spot the moving backlight, with the remaining stage lighting being fill and pretty dressing.

[Ynot]

It's unusual, but not unheard of, for theatre shows to have rear follows - unusual mainly because the majority of shows will have scenery and set pieces flying in and out for the duration and mostly there will be something in the way of an effective spotter.

 

However in theatre shows you'll quite often find side spots as well, which also add to the effectiveness of a design. Wicked, for example (at the other London Apollo...) uses them, partially hidden in the intricate scenery built around the prosc.

[LeeStoddart]

I've only used rear spots in one theatrical show previously but next month they will be making their second appearance for me.

 

In both shows the setting is VERY simple - open stage. In both cases I have added a scaff tower in the upstage corner with a follow spotter. As in the first reply the back light produces a separation from the background and a halo on the performer's hair and shoulders.

 

The main reason for doing it for me is the beam in the air - both these shows are more rock opera than traditional musicals.

[ralphy89]

It adds definition to the person being lit. Seperates them from the background... Someone once told me "You always light a show form the back". True.

[Wilflet]

:** laughs out loud **: Hi lampies, I've been watching live at the apollo,and I've notice that this and other t.v. programmes seem to use two followspots one in front and one behind.

 

Live at the apollo and similar programs also tend to use a shot from upstage as one comedian hands to the next, without the rear spot these would be backlit only and you wouldnt see much.

[RoyJ]

:** laughs out loud **: Thank you very much one and all,now I know.And thanks for the depth of explanation and not considering me too thick.There is certainly a wealth of knowledge out there,thanks again, Roy