Contents

List of Tables and Figures

Acknowledgements

Introduction

10  Things Every Programmer Should Know

#1—Understanding the Fixtures

#2—Basic Console Operations

#3—Patching and Addressing

#4—Making Lights Move

#5—Long Hours and Late Nights

#6—Subtractive versus Additive Color Mixing

#7—Tracking

#8—Protect the Data

#9—How to Admit Your Faults

#10—Who to Call

But Wait, There’s More

1. Programming Philosophies

The Automated Lighting Programmer

The Hollywood Syndrome

Creativity and Consistency

Learning to Program

2. Automated Lighting Concepts

DMX-512

DMX Protocols

Fixture Modes

Crossfade

Bump

Parameter Abilities

Precedence (HTP and LTP)

Tracking

3. Preparing for Programming

Fixture Setup

The Console

Preparing the Patch

Numbers Everywhere

Groups

Protecting Your Work

Always Be Prepared

4. Basic Programming

Understanding Your Fixtures

Speed Channels

Palettes

5. Intermediate Programming

Mark Cues

Block Cues

Effects Generators

Kickin’ It Old School

Common Chases

6. Advanced Programming

Visualization

It’s Time for Timecode

The Magic of MIDI

7. Programming Genres

Structured and Corporate Theatre

Concert Tours

Television Events

Music Festivals and On-Offs

Architectural Installations

8. Troubleshooting

Common Problems

Data Problems

Console Problems

Fixture Problems

Operator Error

Emergency Preparedness

9. Programmer and Designer Relationships

People Are People

Types of LDs

Troubled Waters

Changing Tides

Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates

10. Digital Lighting, the Future Is Here

Content

New Jobs

Point of View

Servers and Display Devices

New Functionality and Terminology

Programming Digital Lighting

Enough Is Enough

The Future Is Now

11. Words of Wisdom from Industry Professionals

Adrian Ngieng, Programmer

Arnold Serame, Designer and Programmer

Benoit Richards, Designer and Programmer

Bryan Hartley, Designer and Programmer

Bud Horowitz, Designer and Programmer

Butch Allen, Designer and Programmer

Christian Choi, Programmer

Dall Brown, Designer

David Chance, Designer

Demfis Fyssicopulos, Programmer

Eric Kennedy, Programmer

Esteban Lima, Designer

Heath Marrinan, Designer and Programmer

Henry M. Sume, Designer and Programmer

Hillary Knox, Programmer

Jim Lenahan, Designer

John Broderick, Designer

John Rayment, Designer

Larry “Uncle Fester” Robbins, Designer and Programmer

Laura Frank, Programmer

Lawrence Upton, Designer

Marsha Stern, Designer

Mats Karlson, Programmer

Michael Nevitt, Programmer

Mike Falconer, Programmer

Mitch Peebles, Programmer

Patrick Dierson, Designer and Programmer

Paul Pelletier, Programmer

Richard Belliveau, Automated Lighting Inventor and Visionary

Scott Riley, Programmer

Shannon January, Designer and Programmer

Steve Garner, Programmer

Steve Irwin, Designer and Programmer

Steve Liberman, Designer and Programmer

Steve Owens, Designer

Susan Rose, Programmer

Tim Grivas, Programmer

Timorthy F. Rogers, Programmer

Vickie Claiborne, Programmer

Appendix: Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Journal

Brad Schiller’s Olympic Journal

Glossary