The Driver’s Seat
As a lighting programmer, we have been put in the proverbial driver’s seat, with total control of very expensive equipment. Not many professions allow a single person to command hundreds of thousands (or over a million) dollars worth of state-of-the-art technology. Most robotics engineers rarely get to program 100+ robots at the exact same time, yet this is exactly what we do on every production! I am grateful for the technology that I work with, the companies and people that produce it, the rental companies that purchase it, and the technicians that install and maintain it.
It’s Show Business!
Like the song says, “there is no business like show business.” As a programmer, we get to work on a multitude of different production types and sizes. I have been fortunate to have worked on concerts, television shows, corporate events, architectural installs, movies, theatrical events, car shows, parties and much more. I love that as a programmer you have the opportunity for a diverse range of production types. I think it is very important to work between different genres as it keeps our minds fresh and lets us adapt to new situations and requirements.
Working with talented entertainment professionals is also very satisfying. Programming for a favorite band or working with a talented actor, scenic designer, or other professional is always rewarding and often extremely interesting. Furthermore, we get to see and experience many different things that the general public only wishes to ever learn about. The next time you are walking backstage at an event, stop and think about what a privilege a backstage tour is to most people in this world.
Contributing to the success of an entertainment event is also extremely fulfilling, as you have helped to bring joy to a large number of people. The rush you can feel when you take a cue that adds magic to a performance and evokes a reaction by the audience is pure magic that is nearly indescribable. The entertainment industry is huge and we must always remember our part in the complete picture.
We Are Creative
Prior to automated lighting, lighting programming was thought of as mostly a data entry job. The LD would call out what was desired, and the programmer would enter the values. There was very little creativity coming from the “lighting board operator” (they were not even called programmers). Then, in the 1990s, things began to change as automated lighting took hold. Suddenly the “programmer” had more knowledge and experience than the LD about the fixtures and thus was providing important creative input. Now, almost every automated lighting programmer is a key part of the creative team, working alongside the LD to create the visual looks on stage. While the LD may suggest a certain type of chase or look, it is often the programmer who will try ideas, recommend looks and more.
I absolutely love being creative with light and the tools of the trade. Whether co-orientating to music, lighting a scene or illuminating a building, I find it very fun to see what can be developed. Understanding timing, color theories, symmetry vs. asymmetry, artistic aesthetics, and emotions are just some of the creative stimuli that we get to interact with on each show.
We Are Technical
I fully admit to being a lighting geek, but I am also a pure nerd at heart too. This is why programming is such a great activity. It not only is a creative outlet, but it also allows us to get our geek on by working with numbers, math, computers, data and so much more. When tasked with making a unique dimmer chase that aligns with a particular tilt move, we must put our skills to the test to best determine how to command and organize the syntax and features of the desk and lights to make this look a reality. I don’t think a purely creative person could ever be a programmer, as they would be lacking in the technical wizardry that is required to achieve the desired looks. I am extremely grateful that lighting programming is an outlet for my technical knowledge and skills.
The World is Our Office
Automated lighting programmers get to work in a multitude of different venues including theatres, arenas, stadiums, clubs, open fields, parking lots and much more. In addition, we often get to travel to locales all around the globe. The opportunities to see the world are abundant, and one of the key factors for many starting out in the business. If you don’t have gratitude for the paid travel that is available, then you need to consider a different job.
I am also appreciative that during the travel I get to make the most of frequent flier programs, hotel rewards and more. Avoiding lines, getting upgrades, enjoying lounges and more make travel much more comfortable. Sometimes we even get to travel “like stars” on tour busses, private planes and limos.
Daily Gratitude
Recently my son has started his career in our industry and I am very proud of his choices and plans. I often share this information with colleagues and friends and am often shocked to hear comments such as “you didn’t warn him to stay away” or “you couldn’t talk him out of it”. When I hear these statements, I know that they are coming from someone that has forgotten how wonderful we have it in our industry. Sure there are long hours, stressed moments and bad days, but really we have nothing to complain about. Automated lighting programmers have wonderful opportunities that should never be taken for granted. Over the last 20-plus years I have seen the position grow and become highly valued and desired. You can make a great living as an automated lighting programmer.
The next time you find yourself stressed or burned out, stop and think about all that you have to be grateful for as a lighting programmer. We really do have the best job around; most people in this world don’t get paid for a job they love. I look forward to learning and discovering more as the industry and my career continue to grow. Don’t let others bring you down, and help remind them of just how lucky we are!
