Slides for nightclubs, shows and gobo spot projectors

If you are using regular carousel type projectors thenall you need to do is load up the magazine with slides. If you are using something like an Optikinetics Solar or GoboShow then you will find a specification of '50mm slide'. This is just a regualar 35mm slide! Please ask you supplier or hirer whether they recommend plastic or glass mounted slides - if you don't know then choose glass mounted by default.

Preparing diital files for gobo slides
Design
Most images used for this application will be logos - the idea being to 'float ' the logo across wall, floors or screens. This requires a different way of working to normal print media.
35mm slides have a dimension ratio of 3:2 - we output slides at 4096x2732 pixels (exactly that and always that) so if you are creating artwork in Photoshop then this is the resolution you need to use for best quality - dpi or ppi are irrelevant, it is pixels that count!
Start with a black background and work in RGB - converting from CMYK will turn black to very dark grey. The logo can be place on this background - should the logo have black elements and merge with the background then you will either have to use a 'reversed out' logo or use some other device such as outlining in white or use something like a glow.
Maximise the logo size to pretty much the edge of the artwork - there is no need to leave space, it will just make your projected image smaller.

Compression
If you are sending your images on CD then by all means save as TIFF or PSD. If you are sending images over the wires then please use JPEG (even if you are using FTP and Broadband there is no point hogging valuable bandwidth, and anyway life is too short). A 4096x2732 pixel image is about 32Mb - save as JPEG using 'maximum' or 'high' quality settings (8-10) that will result in files a tenth of the size or less and give NO visible compression artifacts on your final slides. Remember that you are sharing bandwidth with your neighbours - be considerate!

Colour management
If your head spins at the concept of colour management don't want to worry, your images are going to look fine so skip to the next paragraph.

If you DO use colour management, that is great too. We accept files with any embedded profile. Remember that colour profiles are used to adjust colour throughout the workflow, from image creation to final output with the aim of producing consistent, expected and repeatable colour regardless of the device used relative to the potential of the final output media. In other words what you see on screen is what you should get on film. However, do not use CMYK in your workflow at all or else you will have to be shot - this is only appropriate for litho print and will seriously degrade the quality of your images.

Simple solution - most digital cameras and inkjet printers are calibrated to sRGB - make sure you screen is too and Bobs your Uncle - simple, foolproof colour management.

Summary
Use a black background to the artwork
Work in RGB
Work close to the edges, make full use of the working area
We output at 4096x2732 pixels - dpi or ppi are irrelevant, it is pixels that count!
35mm slides have a dimension ratio of 3:2
Save as high quality (level 10) JPEG
Ask first - if you are not sure send a quick email and we will advise