Last week we talked about basic split gels. This week, we’re getting a bit more creative. Again with the help of GAM online, we bring you some more creative ways to use lighting gel in combination with gobo patterns. Fire and water special effects in theatre often take the most thought. There isn’t one particular way to put together a theatrical special effect and “BAM!” you have the best fire or water on the planet for every play your theatre is ever going to put on. Fire and water effects can be achieved in so many different ways; a little experimenting can expand your repertoire of available effects without busting the budget.
Multiple Split Gel – Fire versions
Achieving fire special effects can be simple to complex depending on the final effect desired. A simple way is just with a split gel similar to the one pictured above. It takes a little patience, few sheets of red, orange, and yellow gel, and a bit of tape. Add this to a flame pattern gobo and something like the following will be achieved:
If traditional fire isn’t quite what you’re after, adding a hint of blue to the split gel, like this:
And voila, you will have achieved a gas flame effect.
Some good fire colors to try include G280 Fire Red, G290 Fire Orange, G355 Amber Flame, and G450 Saffron. Remember- tread lightly with the yellows. A little goes a VERY long way.
Not sure if those colors suit you? Order a swatch book and see the colors in your space before placing your order.
Multiple Split Gel – Water effects
Water looks best using both lighter blues and cyans. You can also mix in a few no color spots to add a hint of reflection-like bits. There are lots of water and wave patterns available in stock gobo patterns, just waiting to bring life to your watery scene.
This one was created by using a hole punch to randomly remove bits of color from two gels- G710 Blue Green and G780 Shark Blue, and then taping the two colors directly over each other.
A bit of colorless light escapes the gel at various points adding in variation to the combined gel sheets. This makes an excellent surface water effect.
If a surface effect isn’t quite right for your design, deep-water effects might be more to your liking.
A small circle of G760 Aqua Blue is applied to a hole cut in the center of G725 Princess Blue.
As the beam of the fixture spreads out, the two colors mix together to suggest deeper water.
Given the wide variety of blues and cyans StageSpot carries from GAM, Rosco, and LEE, there are nearly endless ways to mix and match to achieve the perfect water effect.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your gel splitting needs.
