Most of today's television game shows utilize a large amount of automated lighting. This trend started many years ago with innovative looks on shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Now it is standard to see lights moving and changing state as contestants play for amazing prizes. Looking at this, I came to the realization that working as an automated lighting programmer is actually a lot like being a contestant on one of these game shows. The tasks required to win big are often very similar to those used daily when programming automated lights for a variety of production types. Minute to Win It
In the popular Minute to Win It show, contestants are given one minute to complete a task using common household items. The more rounds they complete, the more money they win. An automated lighting programmer usually has to work under extreme time constraints to complete the programming of a show. For instance, you might have to program 20 songs for a tour in just a few days. In many cases, the LD will describe the task at hand (a particular chase for instance) and expect it to be programmed in the next few minutes using the tools within your desk. If you cannot complete the programming to his expectations, then you will lose the round and likely not work with this LD again. However, if you complete all the programming tasks in the allotted time, then you become a champion and will get to move on to further rounds and possible continued employment.
The Amazing Race
The game show, Amazing Race, pits teams of contestants against each other as they travel the world completing daunting tasks. If you have ever taken part in any type of touring show, then you know that you easily have the skills to win at this game. Whether touring a concert, theatrical show or circus act, you will find yourself moving about on multitudes of airplanes, buses, vans and other modes of transportation, usually with very little sleep. Upon your arrival at the daily destination, you are thrust into activities that include updating palettes/presets, programming additional cues and running shows. Once completed, you must move on to the next location to once again take on these and other tasks.
Deal or No Deal
From the moment we are first contacted about a gig, we begin negotiations with the producers or lighting company to determine the amount we will be paid and other benefits. Usually the programmer will explain his or her rate structure and other requirements (per diem, travel expenses, etc.). Then the producers will return with an offer that the programmer can either accept or turn down. This is very much like the game show Deal or No Deal, where contestants must decide if they want to take the chance of getting more money or accept the offer made by the producers. Quite often on the show, the contestant will go away with less money than the producers were offering. This is the equivalent of turning down a gig because the production did not want to pay a reasonable rate for your services. The choice is always yours to decide when to take a deal. In many cases, you might make an offer and the producer will determine that "The Price is Right" and immediately agree to pay your standard rate.
American Idol
The extremely popular show, American Idol, is basically a talent show where contestants perform for judges and the winners often go on to great careers in the entertainment industry. Much in the same manner, lighting programmers are often judged by lighting designers and these decisions will have a vast effect on the programmer's career in the entertainment industry. A lighting programmer must out perform all previous programmers that have worked with the LD. If successful, then the programmer will likely be called back by the LD to perform again. With each subsequent performance, the programmer needs to exceed the previous performances and expectations. This is not always easy as each programming project has its own pitfalls and challenges.
Fear Factor
In the classic show, Fear Factor, contestants took on extreme physical tasks, were asked to eat incredibly bizarre things and face seemingly impossible challenges designed to test every bit of their core. I think that every lighting programmer has faced astonishing challenges when sleep-deprived and asked to program an insane amount of cues. I remember being exhausted from many long nights of programming and then having to program strobe chases that felt like they were burning my eyes. Then I stepped away to grab a bite from catering and found that the food was a mix of exceedingly scary items that I had not seen before. However, I ate them, because I knew I needed intake before continuing on with the long rehearsal scheduled planned for that day.
Million Dollar Money Drop
I recently saw a new show called Million Dollar Money Drop that started off by giving contestants a million dollars. Then they had to answer questions to protect their prize from dropping into oblivion. An automated lighting programmer is given a huge responsibility to maintain the lighting data of a show. Without proper saving and archiving routines, portions of the show may disappear into a dark hole. While it is important for the game show contestants to correctly answer questions to protect their investment, a lighting programmer must correctly back up and store the show's data to protect the integrity of the show. If all goes well, there are some "wild cards" to help the programmer restore accidental loses of data. For instance, if a cue is deleted and must be restored, it can often be merged in from a previous save, thus allowing the programmer to continue without consequences.
The Newlywed Game
I bet you are wondering how I am going to compare The Newlywed Game to the job of programming automated lighting. Well, the game has newly-married couples test their knowledge of each other to see who has the best relationship. One of the most important aspects of working as an automated lighting programmer is your relationship with the LD. You need to get to know the designer and understand how this person works and what he or she is looking for. Some of the best-looking shows are due to fantastic relationships between a designer and programmer. If you can get along with the designer in a fun manner while also completing your work, then you will surely win the game and continue to improve the relationship.
Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?
Jeff Foxworthy hosted the show, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader, which tested the knowledge of players against grade school children. Very often the children would have better answers than the adults, thus proving that continued education and practice is much better than assumed knowledge. The most successful programmers take the time to study their craft and learn all they can. Anyone can learn to press the buttons on desk, but it takes much reading, practicing and experience to truly master automated lighting programming. The children on the game show would win because they were in the middle of studying the materials, while the adults were trying to remember from years past. This demonstrates why it is important to read console and fixture manuals as well as other industry books, magazines and resources.
Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?
Television game shows will continue to be enhanced with automated lighting and many programmers will have fun working on these productions. All lighting programmers can feel as if they are participating in various game shows by participating in our craft on a daily basis. In many ways, the skills required for game shows overlap those of an automated lighting programmer. With lots of work, experience and patience, maybe you can become a millionaire from automated lighting programming!
