KHARTOUM, SUDAN

Soft light for optimal contrasts

The Wendelin Sachtler Academy has held its first Lighting-Design Workshop in Africa. It took place in Karthoum, the capital of Sudan, in March 2008. Fifeteen camerapersons, set designers and lighting technicians participated and worked together with Leo W. Borchard, on the lighting design for Sudan-TV-Khartoum.

To begin, the team analyzed Sudan-TV-Khartoum's lighting design by watching some of its programes, in order to detect flaws and to develop alternative solutions. It was determined that by reconstructing typical lighting situations in the training studio and especially by using softer light sources, the lighting could be improved. The problems that had to be solved included extreme contrast, created by people wearing white and black clothing, extremely dark skin tones, and reflective areas in the studio setting itself. By using softer lighting these contrasts have been corrected and the result is a far more appealing look.

Changes while on air

Test illumination at the news studio was the next step. The spotlights were adjusted and then permanently installed. The actual set-up was quite difficult, because day-to-day studio operation continued. Borchard's team had only short periods of time to work around the live programes that had to be broadcast regularly and supplied with workable temporary illumination. Often there was not enough time to remove the no longer required spotlights to make room for new ones. Due to the high partition walls the hoists couldn't be lowered and work had to be done from a ladder. Moreover, optimum illumination was hindered by the studio's high partition walls and minimal floor space.

A result to be proud of

The new lighting design for Sudan-TV-Khartoum studio proved to be a successful solution. The rearranging of spots eliminated solitary glaring light sources and interfering shadows which had previously interfered with the talent's faces and caused clothing and backgrounds to disappear. Moreover, the image contrast has been clearly reduced and the Chroma Key with Backpro is significantly more brilliant, bringing about a more attractive overall impression. The large quantity of cool lights also has a positive effect on the consumption of electricity and the ambient temperature within the studio. "Not only the workshop participants, but above all the directors, presenters and technicians of the program are absolutely satisfied with the results of the new lighting design“, summarizes workshop leader Leo W. Borchard.