I have written before about how certain tools of the Internet have been useful to the automated lighting programmer, but recently I realized just how important YouTube is to our profession. The Internet has come a long way in recent years, and now surfing the web at high speeds is commonplace. Downloads of videos or large files no longer takes hours and many incredible things are possible using the phone in your pocket. I am continually amazed at how technology comes along that helps in many unexpected avenues of our lives. YouTube definitely has been one of those inventions that has changed my line of work. Video records of productions are occurring every day and are made available around the world.
A Permanent Record
First and foremost, YouTube is an excellent resource for accessing past material free for the asking. With a simple search, you can easily find past productions to view at your leisure. Do you need to know what a Jimi Hendrix show looked like in the early 1970s? No problem, just type that in and your video magically awaits! Were you just hired by a certain artists and you need to see what her previous tour looked like? YouTube to the rescue again. If you never saw what a rig full of Intellabeams could do, just search on YouTube for classic light shows.
I know of a student who often watches videos on line of various shows to see how the automated lights are programmed. Then he will try to figure out how he would program the same effect. Sometimes he will even email me a link and a specific time in the video and then ask a question about that programming.
Along the same lines, since many videos are readily available on YouTube, this means examples of your work are too. Whether you are a designer or programmer, there are generally video records of your work to find online. This can be a great thing as long as you are proud of your work; however, it can also be detrimental if your best work is not shown. Think carefully when you post videos to YouTube to ensure they are things that you want the world to see. It probably is not a good idea to post a funny video of you not paying attention during a show and missing an important cue!
Tubular Touring
I program the light for many tours and in recent years YouTube has had quite an impact. First, as a programmer, I usually program the show and then turn it over to the touring lighting director to operate for the duration. I have been able to use YouTube to see how the tour is progressing. I am amazed that the next morning there are videos available from each stop of the tour. Most of these videos are from camera phones, but they still enable me to see the show and see how the rig has changed or how the band is playing differently. Furthermore, lighting designers are doing the same to keep tabs on a tour. They can watch YouTube videos and then report to tour personnel changes that need to be made. For instance, I know of an LD that will watch videos and then contact the touring lighting director to comment on specific focuses or cue timings.
While watching videos shot by audience members, you can gain a new insight into how the fans view the show. For example, you can see their reactions, what they pay attention to, and what they think is cool. In years past this type of instant feedback was not available without interviewing audience members. Recently, I was watching a video shot by fans that not only enabled me to see their angle, but as they panned the camera around the stage I could see what was of interest to them. This insight would not have been possible without the feedback that YouTube provides.
And Now a Commercial Break
Another powerful function of YouTube is for automated lighting manufacturers to create videos that demonstrate their newest products. Manufacturers often create a “viral” video that appears on the Internet just prior to the release of a product. This type of free marketing shows customers what is coming and entices them to see the lights in action at the next opportunity. Once the product is released, the manufacturers will continue to create and distribute videos that showcase particular products on actual shows. The use of YouTube as a marketing tool for manufacturers has opened a new creative door that allows products to be seen by a larger audience in a much quicker timeframe than traditional marketing efforts.
Tactical Training
Automated lighting manufacturers and enthusiasts alike are creating YouTube videos to instruct and educate others. From professionally produced training videos with expert information to European DJ kids sitting in front of a Webcam trying to explain DMX512, you can find a wealth of educational opportunities through YouTube. My son sometimes gets stuck on his favorite adventure game on Wii. He has discovered that by searching YouTube he can find many examples that will walk him through the sections and teach him how to defeat the obstacles. In the same manner, you can search YouTube to learn how to program specific sequences, learn about tracking, or understand how DMX512 operates. However, be careful! Because YouTube is not regulated for accuracy, you can often find false information. (You can’t believe everything on the Internet.) Consider the source of the video carefully to determine if the information is likely to be correct. For instance, I watched a video by a DJ kid that did not even have any fixtures with him. He was trying to explain how DMX512 operates between a console and fixtures with hand drawn sketches. Many of his technical details were incorrect (but kind of funny in a sad way). On the other hand, videos produced by ETC, Martin, High End, and others all give detailed and accurate information on their products as well as general automated lighting principles.
Have Some Fun
I am sure that within the next few years we will see another concept appear that takes YouTube off the map and replaces it with even cooler technology. However until this happens, YouTube will continue to grow in popularity. I have seen cameras and phones that record videos directly in YouTube format and the phones even allow instant postings. So the immediate access of video from all types of shows will continue to grow. Let’s also not forget the fun that can be had with sending links to friends and family. Anyone who regularly reads the Light Network will know the value of “dropping a YouTube bomb” into the middle of a thread, and by clicking “Video” on ProLightingSpace.com, you can also see the dozens of links to YouTube video clips submitted by members.
YouTube videos can teach you new skills, show you how a tour looks on the road, and provide further insight into your programming. By searching for the latest videos once a tour goes out, you will be surprised by just how many are posted right after each show ends. Remember that the LD and other professionals will be able to access your work anytime and see what you are doing. Make the most of YouTube technology to showcase your talent and share experiences with others. If all else fails, follow this link for a true insight into the power of YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLmAPW39uE
