Feeding the Machines

The other day I was watching an episode of The Simpsons and Homer was hanging out at home.  He was at a loss as to what to do, so he grabbed the label maker and stuck labels on every item in the kitchen.  He was very thorough to the point that each egg had a label that simply said “egg.”  While this type of organizational skill is a bit over-the-top, automated lighting programmers need to be very organized and label as much as they can within their show file.  Good organizational skills lead to faster programming and easier to understand console layouts.

Very early in my career, I saw a cool effect on a TV show that I just had to emulate.  There were dancers on a stage and a lighting effect that created what looked like large, random raindrops hitting the stage.  The look, created with large number of fixtures, presented a fantastic new look for automated lighting. I felt compelled to figure out how it was made, and to program something similar the next opportunity I had. It was a great example of how, by watching other shows, you can be inspired by the creativity of others while gaining insights into what is possible through programming.

Working as an automated lighting programmer, there are many tools that have been extremely useful to me over the years.  Of course, the very nature of my job is to work with technology, including computers, consoles and automated lights.  As technology evolves, the tools I carry with me continue to change.  However, there are some essential tools that I always have with me on every gig.  The use and maintenance of these tools helps me to achieve top-quality lighting programming.

Automated lighting programmers have many tasks they must perform when programming any type of production.  One of the most common tasks is positioning (or focusing) the fixtures. The exact angle and aim of the fixture must be dialed in to ensure the proper areas of the stage are lit or that the aerial effects look good.  There are many techniques and tools to assist the focusing process and it is important that programmers understand the differences.

As you begin this New Year of 2012, resolve to learn more about the clock/calendar features of your console.

It is a New Year and time for a new calendar.  As you prepare to look ahead to all the wonderful gigs that await you in 2012, you should consider not only your personal calendar but also the calendar functions on your automated lighting controller.  Because lighting controllers are built on computer platforms, they can provide many functions including automated tasks at specific times and/or dates.  Although the exact method will vary from console to console, the basic principles of programming to a calendar remain the same.  As always, be sure to read the user manual of your console of choice to learn the exact keystrokes required.

I have just finished programming another big rock show, and it got me to thinking about the common programming elements that are present in all concert tours.  Even with different musical genres and unique production requirements, there are some essential processes that every automated lighting programmer should be aware of.   The layout of the show, use of flash keys and palette usage are very important parts of the concert touring experience.

One of the first things that an automated lighting programmer must enter into the console is the patch.  This essential bit of data is what ties the information in the console to the fixtures connected to the outputs.  If the two do not align, then control of fixtures will not be possible.  Furthermore, the patch functions of most consoles give the programmer even further controls to allow custom configurations and options.  With an understanding of the possibilities, you can harness the power of the patch and maximize the patch functionality.

Automated lighting consoles provide the programmer with a multitude of tools to help create and playback lighting for a show. Some of the most powerful features are commonly known as “macros.” These automated time-savers can help programmers simplify repeated tasks, create shortcuts and even add functionality to their show files. Although each console system uses different terminology and procedures, there are two basic types of macros: triggers and recorded. As always, refer to your console’s user manual to determine exactly what is available and how to use the features on your desk.

An automated lighting programmer has many tools too choose from when deciding how to control fixtures.  Most applications require the use of a lighting console or computer-based software with specialized hardware.  However, many lighting manufacturers understand that there are situations where no controller is required.  For these situations, they have implemented “pre-set” or “stand-alone” control directly within the fixtures.  This allows you to program information and have the light be its own controller.  With further master/slave functionality or audio control, a complex show can be run without requiring a DMX controller.

A long time ago, I saw a car with a bumper sticker that said “visualize whirled peas.”  I like the statement because not only is it a play on words, but it also reminds me that I need to look very carefully at what I see.  Much in the same manner, as an automated lighting programmer, I must look carefully at my work when programming with a visualizer.  I don’t want to program a look for “world peace” and end up with lighting that looks more like “whirled peas!”  Lighting visualizers are wonderful tools, but the programmer and designer need to take many things into consideration when using the technology.

When I was 15 years old and learning to drive, the big challenge was to parallel park. This skill was required in order to gain a license. I did very well and passed my test, but now I very rarely ever have to parallel park my car. On rare occasions, I find myself confronted with the task, and usually I do well as I ease the car nicely into its slot. This is only possible because I had previously learned the procedures for parking. In a similar manner, automated lighting programmers are sometimes required to use a console feature commonly known as “park.” This feature can be very handy in many situations during both programming and playback.