In almost every event produced these days, the moment comes during a meeting or tech rehearsal where someone asks, “Can’t we automate that?” Most good technicians will answer, “yes, but…” Those “buts” refer to cost, complexity, time, staffing and expertise. What has been missing (until now) are products designed for easily automating the little effect — a prop or drape or lighting practical.
Read More »Automated lighting consoles are extremely powerful tools with very complex software. No matter how many features a console provides, one of the most essential elements is its fixture library. The library contains unique profile information about fixtures used within our industry. This information becomes the interface between the programmer and the instructions for the light (or other devices). Without proper libraries, most desks will not communicate with fixtures and devices. In some cases, it is important for a programmer to understand the process to create new or modify existing libraries. The method of creating or editing fixture libraries differs greatly between console systems, but all require a basic understanding of how a fixture library functions.
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LD Joel Reiff grew up listening to Alice Cooper on the radio, so he was familiar with the songs. What he had to learn to light were the stunts that Alice pulls onstage on his current tour. The “Spend the Night with Alice Cooper” tour entertains with props and gags galore, as Alice has done since the 1970s. Reiff says Cooper and his manager, Shep Gordon, create the ideas for the stunts with James Randi as one of the stunt designers.
While touring the world, I have spent far too many hours sitting at FOH, wondering who in the world designs some of these venues. I decided that I should put my two cents in writing instead of stewing in my own disgust of poor forethought. Here are a few remarks that I would like to make to anyone who is considering designing an entertainment venue.
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Lighting Co
East Coast Lighting & Production Services (ECLPS)
Venue
Xfinity Center,
Mansfield, MA
Not too many days go by when we all wish we could clone ourselves, to take some of the workload off our shoulders. We wish we had a partner that we could turn to in order to help sort through the mess on your desk, before you lose your sanity and a certain job altogether. Partnerships reinforce ideas within some companies. Like-minded people who can work, act and discuss business with clients in the same manner as ourselves are an important commodity. Just take a look at the current Presidential race.
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Tour: City + Colour
2016 Tour Dates: Feb. 7-28, Europe; March 24-April 9, Australia; April 20- May 8, South America; June 1- 20, Canada; July-October, North American festivals.
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