The set uses a core rig and occasionally brings in additional fixtures to help create the different looks. Kempton described the challenging schedule: "Jonathan is very involved with the choice of music, always involved in choosing the band himself. It's a one day stand, so a very quick rig in the morning, minimal rehearsal in the afternoon and a record in the evening.
"For the lighting style we keep a basic standard rig based on wash lights to give a distinctive house style. We go for a very live look, high intensity, that leans more towards the looks of a live concert than a TV presentation, so coloured key lights or no key lights are always in the frame. Then, depending on the artist, we augment to achieve a different dynamic each week. Budget is a big consideration, there are 40 shows a year - not a light entertainment special."
A recent show featured Shakira, where the team added 20 Clay Paky Alpha Beam 700s to augment the high energy performance. Shakira performed her latest single She Wolf from her forthcoming album of the same name.
The Alpha Beam 700s were added to create the bars of light across the performance area. Kempton said of the Alpha Beam, "We were very impressed with the brightness, and the fact that they are lightweight, enabling us to hang a denser rig. The gobos also offer another dimension to the look," adds Kempton. "I look forward to using them again, they're an exciting new addition to the lighting designer's palette."
Lighting equipment for Friday Night with Jonathan Ross is supplied by Richard Martin Lighting, who has been supplying lighting to Jonathan Ross for the past 7 years and works with Chris Kempton on a number of other popular TV shows.
(Jim Evans)
