The word "klieg lights" is a term used to describe bright, powerful studio lights used in the film and television industry. The IPA phonetic transcription of "klieg" is /kliːɡ/. The spelling of "klieg" comes from its origin, as it was named after its inventor, John Kliegl. The use of the "ie" in the spelling represents the long "ee" sound in the pronunciation, while the "g" at the end is silent. Overall, "klieg lights" remain an important part of the film and television production industry today.
Klieg lights, also known as "Klieglights," refer to high-intensity carbon arc lamps used in the field of lighting design and stage lighting. They are named after their inventor, John Kliegl, who created the first prototype in the late 19th century.
Klieg lights consist of a powerful carbon arc lamp enclosed in a reflector, which is commonly a parabolic shape, designed to maximize the light output and direct it towards a specific area. The lamp consists of two carbon rods, known as electrodes, which are connected to a power source. When an electric current passes between these electrodes, it creates a luminous arc, producing an intense source of light.
Klieg lights are typically used in large-scale theatrical productions, movie sets, and outdoor events. Their high-intensity light output makes them capable of illuminating large areas effectively, enabling actors, performers, or objects to be prominently showcased on stage or in outdoor venues.
These lights are often employed to create dramatic effects, enhance visibility, or emphasize specific focal points during performances. Due to their brightness and versatility, Klieg lights are an essential tool for lighting designers to create atmospheric lighting arrangements, set moods, and manipulate the overall ambiance of a scene.
In modern times, Klieg lights have been largely replaced by more advanced lighting technologies, such as xenon or LED lamps. Nonetheless, their contribution to the development of theatrical lighting and their memorable appearance on stage still make them a notable element in the history of stage lighting.
The word "klieg lights" is derived from the name of its inventor, John Kliegl, who was an American inventor and manufacturer of theater equipment. John Kliegl, along with his brother Anton, founded the Kliegl Brothers Universal Electric Stage Lighting Company in the late 19th century. The company became known for producing high-quality lighting fixtures used in theaters, including the powerful carbon arc lamps that would later be referred to as "klieg lights". Over time, the term "klieg lights" became a general term for carbon arc lamps used in the entertainment industry, named after the Kliegl brothers and their groundbreaking contributions to stage lighting technology.