Rosco 57

Overview

Rosco 57 (also written as R57, #57, or Roscolux 57) refers not to a light source or a grip device, but to a colored light filter (gel) from the manufacturer Rosco. The official color designation is "Lavender". The filter is part of the widely used Roscolux color filter series (also found in identical numbering within the Supergel line) and is used in front of lighting fixtures in theater, film/TV, photography, and live events.

Rosco gels are manufactured as body-colored plastic sheets. The Roscolux series includes two material variants: extruded (body-colored) polycarbonate and deep-dyed polyester. Rosco does not specify which material is used for #57 on its official product page. Rosco color filters are flame-retardant tested for use close to hot lighting fixtures; the extent varies depending on the material (Rosco advertises the polycarbonate/Supergel variant as inherently flame-retardant, while the deep-dyed polyester filters meet the flame protection standard BS3944 Part 1 1992).

Technical Data

The most common sheet size in the Roscolux series is 20" x 24" (approx. 50 x 60 cm); additionally, the filter is available by the meter on rolls.

Set Usage

Rosco describes #57 as an excellent backlight gel: it provides good visibility without destroying the night illusion. A typical application is therefore coloring edge and backlight in night scenes to make contours visible while maintaining the cool, dark impression of the night.

• Lavender is positioned color-wise between cool blue and magenta and can make skin edges in backlight appear more three-dimensional without distinctly coloring them blue.
• As with any color filter, the gel noticeably reduces the amount of light (24% transmission); light loss must be factored into the lighting design.
• The filter is mounted in color frames, gel frames, or filter holders in front of the lens or reflector of the lighting fixture; for hot equipment, ensure adequate distance and ventilation to prevent premature fading.