Automated lighting programmers are, of course, always working with light, but often they are required to work in the dark. Most lighting consoles have a button and function known as "Blind." When activated, any edits or modifications to fixture data will not directly affect the output of the console. Furthermore, there are times that automated lighting programmers must program data without any lights or visualizers attached to the console. In either case, the programmer is working blindly, having to determine the outcome of the data when it is finally played back. Programming in the blind can be highly advantageous; however the programmer must also be skilled in determining the final results.
Blindly Going Where No One has Gone Before
The Blind key on a lighting console will deactivate the output of the active editor or programmer window. This allows the operator to make changes to cues without changing the look on stage. For instance, let's say the current cue on stage is cue 5 and it is a blue wash. Cue 6 is a change to a red wash in five seconds. The programmer could open cue 6 for editing, change the color to green and re-record cue 6 while cue 5 is still active on stage. Then when cue 6 is played, it will have the new data — a green wash. The programmer never had to physically see the change, but was able to edit the upcoming cue accordingly.
This is a simple example, but the programmer is actually able to access all programming functions while the Blind mode is activated, providing the programmer with the ability to create and edit anything he or she desires without affecting the output on stage.
Making Good Use of Blind
The abilities of the Blind key go beyond just programming with no output. A programmer can also enable the Blind function to "pause" something he or she is currently working on. For example, if you are building a chase on stage to add to the current look, you may want to activate Blind so that you can view the stage without your chase; then disable Blind to see how the cue will appear once you add the chase. You can also use the Blind mode to turn off what you are currently working on, which can be useful if it is audience blinders or strobes. You might set the intensity level and position, then activate blind while you adjust the color, timing, etc. This way you and the LD are not staring at obnoxious blinding strobes and trying to work at the same time!
The Blind Leading the Blind
If you find yourself busking a show (running it on the fly), then you can use Blind to help with transitions, adding data and so on. I will often be playing back various things from my faders and keys, then adjust something further in my programmer/editor for the moment. Once that moment has passed, I will use Blind to deactivate the programmer information. I can then reactivate it again at any time, as long as I do not clear out my programmer/editor. In fact, I will often cycle the Blind key on and off to flash certain looks or content. For instance, I might dial up some unique content in my media server and keep this live in my editor. Then I can toggle the Blind mode to flash this piece of content on and off with the music.
Most consoles also have an ability to allow you to enable a fade in and out of Blind mode. Usually, this fade will occur at the time specified in the programmer/editor data, but some consoles also have dedicated faders to set the Blind fade time. Being able to "sneak" data in and out of the live look on stage is a very valuable tool. Be sure to refer to the user manual for your console for specifics of the Blind timing capabilities.
Giving the Blind Sight
Some automated lighting consoles offer something usually called "Blind Preview." It works with a visualizer (either built in or outboard) to provide a graphical representation of the contents of the Blind programmer/editor. This allows the programmer to see what will happen when the data becomes live on stage. With a Blind Preview function, the programmer can view cues before they happen, make edits, and even create new cues knowing that what is seen on the monitor will appear on stage.
Another Type of Blindness
Up to now, I have been discussing making use of the Blind key and functionality. However, there is another type of blind programming that can be extremely useful to an automated lighting programmer. There are often times when you will find yourself programming data with no lights and no visualizer attached. I often will set up a show file and do some basic programming on an off-line editor while flying on a plane. During these times, I am able to create groups, palettes/presets, cues, effects, etc. I rely on my knowledge of the fixtures and the layout of the stage to imagine what the cue will look like. I also utilize the power of palettes (presets) to record cue data that is easy to update when I plug in the fixtures. For example, I can create a palette/preset for Downstage Center with data of 50 percent pan and 50 percent tilt. I can also create a palette/preset for the color amber with my best guess at the color values. Then, I can write a cue that places fixtures in the Downstage Center position and amber color, knowing that I only have to update the palette/preset information later.
Since I program many concert tours, I often find myself taking notes during a show and then wanting to update information during load out. As long as I can have FOH power, I will be at the desk making changes. All of these changes can occur blindly as the crew loads out the fixtures on stage, because I will use my mind and knowledge of the show file to imagine what I am doing. In this manner, I am able to make many important changes to the show without actually seeing them live as I create them.
If You Keep Doing That, You Will Go Blind
I find blind programming an extremely important tool when programming any type of production. By using the Blind key functionality, I can edit discretely, sneak data in and out of the active look, pause what I am working on and much more. At other times, I will blindly program cues and looks by imagining what the final result will look like with actual fixtures. It is essential for automated lighting programmers to become familiar with the Blind programming functions of their console and to learn the associated capabilities. Once you master Blind programming, then you can see an entire new vision with your programming and console operations.
