First of all, we will start with the simple basics. A gobo (or pattern) can only be used in an ellipsoidal as well as some moving light fixtures (and some specialty projectors). For this discussion we will talk about properly loading a gobo into an ellipsoidal fixture. I used to tell my students that if the fixture didn’t have shutters, then it wasn’t an ellipsoidal. Most current ellipsoidals have a pattern holder slot that will accommodate a pattern holder. Now this is where it gets a bit confusing, not all pattern holders fit all ellipsoidals! Be sure to check with your local theatre dealer about the proper holder for the fixture that you plan to use. Most dealers also have the pattern holders available for rental. What size should the gobo be? Most of the newer fixtures can project A size patterns BUT the optical quality will fall off and it is difficult to get a sharp focus across the entire image. If you are using a breakup and plan to do a soft focus on it then an A size will work great. If you need a sharp focus on a gobo with letters or a literal image then consider a B size pattern. These are a bit smaller but the image will project better with the optics. Whenever you order or purchase a pattern at most dealers, the pattern will be a B size unless you specify a different size. Now that we have discussed gobo size and holders, let’s talk about placing them in the lights.
The ellipsoidal has an arrangement of reflector and lens where the image is flipped upside down and reversed optically. If you place the gobo in the gate with the image set to what it should project (clouds on top, ground on bottom), it will be upside down and reversed when the light is turned on. The best way to set a gobo up properly in a light is to “become the lamp” and hold the gobo in front of you while standing next to the light that you are focusing. Look at it in the proper orientation that you want it to be in when it is projected and flip it over so the image is upside down and then turn the gobo a half turn to reverse the horizontal image. Place it in the gobo holder and then into the light in that orientation and it will project properly.
If this is how you want the projected gobo to read then ...
this is how the gobo should be oriented in the light as seen by the lamp.
Having the light come on with the gobo upside down and backwards is a rookie mistake and will bring on some chuckles from the veterans. Besides, if you have to pull the gobo out and reorient it, the darn thing gets very hot, very quick and will cause you to play “hot potato” solo. We have a nice video available showing you how to orient your gobo properly.
