Feeding the Machines

I have just returned from my sixth trip to Las Vegas in less than a year. I never go there for fun, always for work (which is my kind of fun). I have been fortunate enough to work on quite a few projects in this town, and many of them have been permanent architectural installations. Some are still there, while others have changed into new stores or attractions and all previous lighting was removed. At any rate, one of my favorite things about working on a permanent installation is that, just like the name implies, the show lives on for a long time. On this last trip, I was there to freshen up an installation from 1997.

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.

It is very common for an automated lighting programmer to be hired to program and operate for a one-time concert. These "one-off" events are often tied to other productions such as corporate events, houses of worship, parties or music festivals. The programmer must prepare for a band they know little about and operate the lights accordingly to keep the audience and band member's interest.

Automated lighting programmers are responsible for more than just mastering their console of choice. A programmer must also understand the capabilities and functions of the fixtures under their command. Quite often, an LD will specify a fixture type without knowing all the capabilities, or a lighting company may substitute one fixture type for another. In addition, fixtures contain various modes that can greatly affect the abilities of the fixture. Automated lighting programmers need to be aware of the fixtures they are programming and educate themselves about the details of each unit.

As we enter each New Year, many resolutions are made that center around losing weight, breaking bad habits, finding love, etc. I thought it would be much better to provide a list of resolutions aimed at the Automated Lighting Programmer. So here are eleven resolutions to help you with your craft.

Fred Flintstone was a member of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes Lodge #26 and was continually trying to gain leader status of this group by becoming the "Grand Poobah." This high-ranking position would have allowed him to rule over all others and reign supreme over the group's members.

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.

When I was growing up, the terms "nerd," "geek," and "dweeb" were synonymous with someone who spent too much time reading, computing, or just being different. Generally, people did not want to be considered one of these things. However, somewhere along the way that changed (or maybe I just grew up), and now being smart is a good thing.

Working as an automated lighting programmer, you have a great view of many things going on all around you. From FOH, you can see the load-in, show, audience and more. As professionals, it is important to voice our concerns regarding safety, ethics and personalities. Sometimes, the best thing is to keep your mouth shut, but most often it is best to speak up and share your concerns. The recent news of various industry accidents (rigs crashing, people falling, audiences trampling) has again highlighted the importance of paying attention to details and expressing concerns as needed.

I remember a time over 12 years ago when I was talking with a young student in an automated lighting programming class I was teaching. He said that he really wanted to work in this field, but that his parents thought there is no future in it. They would rather have him become a doctor or lawyer than a "lighting guy."

The responsibilities of an automated lighting programmer are similar to that of an airplane pilot in several ways. We have to control expensive equipment, ensure a successful production (flight), and we must be masters of our crafts.