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Tracking 101

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Tracking 101

Automated lighting programmers depend on many longstanding processes and procedures, but one of the most important concepts that must be mastered is called tracking. This concept is essential for programming multi-parameter fixtures and is also very useful for the most basic dimmer or desk channels. Without a good understanding of how tracking works, how it affects playback and how to maximize the usage, a programmer will have a tough time with automated lighting fixtures. I often describe tracking as the most difficult concept to understand, but also the most important to understand. Luckily, with some knowledge and practice, most any programmer can master tracking and make use of its benefits during every programming session.

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Illustration by Andy Au

Seven Rules of a Successful Touring Lighting Director

Q: What’s the difference between a Lighting Designer and a Lighting Director?

A: About $20,000…

As a touring lighting director, I get asked this a lot — and the reality is few people outside the industry really understand it. The roles are similar, but the responsibilities are vastly different. The lighting designer is responsible for pitching, selling, and securing their visual concept for the show to their client. The lighting director is responsible for implementing the design and making sure its vision remains intact for the duration of the tour.

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Raffle Prizes, Live Auction, and the BTS Boutique Benefit Behind the Scenes at USITT

NEW YORK — The Long Reach Long Riders and Behind the Scenes will host their annual fundraising raffle at the USITT Conference in Salt Lake City March 17-19. This year’s raffle will celebrate the 13th Anniversary of the Long Reach Long Riders annual charity motorcycle ride. The Riders have raised over half a million dollars for charity in their years of touring some of the country’s most beautiful areas.

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Eagles of Death Metal logo

Eagles of Death Metal European Tour Resumes; Bataclan May Reopen Later This Year

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — On Feb. 13, three months after the terrorist attack at the Bataclan in Paris, the Eagles of Death Metal resumed their European tour. The Feb. 13 performance in Stockholm will be followed by a Feb. 16 concert in Paris, but not at the Bataclan. Owners of that venue have vowed to reopen, but not until later this year. Instead, the Eagles of Death Metal will perform at Paris’ Olympia music hall.

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7,000 Escape Injury from Massive Stage Fire in India

MUMBAI, India — A fire blamed on errant sparklers or pyro effects engulfed the stage during Maharashtra Night at Mumbai’s Girgaum Chowpatty beach area, part of the week-long “Make in India Week” festivities sponsored by the local government. The event drew a crowd of 7,000, and all were safely evacuated from the blaze. The smoke and flames emerged at about 8:20 p.m. on Feb. 14 as costumed dancers were performing on stage. The police and firefighters were credited for taking quick action, halting the performance and overseeing the evacuation. With some firefighting equipment at the ready and more on the way, the massive blaze was doused within a reported 38 minutes.

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The Miraculous Medal Shrine

Christian Shrine in Pennsylvania Glows Anew with LED Fixtures from Chauvet Professional

GERMANTOWN, PA – The Miraculous Medal Shrine, first completed in 1927, features a white statue of the Virgin Mary within a domed gold leafed alcove flanked by marble columns and mosaic murals. Tyler Hoffman, the owner and principal designer of Spire AVL got the chance to put the shrine in a new light and opted to include COLORado 1-Quad Tour pars, an Ovation C-640FC cyc light and Ovation E-190WW LED ellipsoidals from Chauvet Professional. 

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Elation Cuepix Blinder WW2

Niclen Adds Elation Cuepix Blinders and Colour Pendant to Inventory

DORTMUND, Germany – Niclen Moving Lights Systems GmbH has added Elation Professional Cuepix Series LED blinders and Colour Pendant color-changing LED luminaires to its inventory of rental stock. The purchase includes both versions of Elation’s popular Cuepix Blinder – the Cuepix Blinder WW2 (pictured here) and Cuepix Blinder WW4. They house 2 and 4 long-life 100W warm white 3,200K COB LEDs respectively.

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