Automated Lighitng Technician

[LightinGal]

I had an epiphany today. (well over time really)
I realized that i really want to be an automated lighting lighting programmer/technician.
I dont know a lot about the field though.
what does it take to become one?
what colleges are good for it?
What kind of degree do i need?
And what kind of stuff should I be doing now to prepare?

any thoughts would help marvelously!

[Radman]

Read manuals for intels. Moving-Lights.com May be a useful source.

[The_Guest]

Originally Posted by ship

This is a re-occurring topic or two both here and on stagecraft or highschooltech otherwise (see weblinks section than search under the topics.) Lots of schools out there depending upon your goals and focus, lots of ways to get where you want also or otherwise. Two topics so commonly discussed that not to insult your question or any answers you might get in asking, but the info already here and elsewhere will best answer your question in what has already been stated - it’s asked a lot.
In a more direct answer to your topic, what’s a company looking for, they are looking for you and what sets you apart not the training always, but training and experience helps and can even set you apart. A quote from the TV show West Wing. Something like this. Two ball players in training camp are heading for a base and both get there at the same time. One is experienced, the other is new, which would you keep? Answer was you keep the one without much experience. Experience can be trained and improved upon, drive in getting there just as fast can’t. Or something along that concept.

Experience, Experience, Experience.

I hate to "ship" this one out, but it's the truth. With his knowledge and experience he knows how this industry works better than anyone else here (well at least IMO). There was another post that he had that I can't find in the searches. It was from a while ago, almost a year ago someone cited they were a young hs lighting tech looking for work trying to break into the industry. Ship had a phenominal response that was very informal and true. If someone could post a link to that, that'd be great. Sorry to put you on the spot, ship.

[The_Guest]

Here it is I think... http://www.controlbooth.com/ftopict-517.html

[len]

I'd suggest getting the yellow pages, especially if you have a separate business to business book, and start calling. Also, google lighting, rental, production, etc. and anything else you can think of. Even tent rental companies need people. The first step is to get your foot in the door ANYWHERE to learn. You may even have to do stuff for below minimum wage in order to get that first job. And a lot of it will be weekend only. And put up with a lot of crap. And deal with people who think they know stuff, but really don't.

[soundman]

I would suggest getting the offline version of some differnt boards and playing around with them with there 3d counterpart Like grand ma pc and grand ma 3d (free) hog II pc and one of the visuleizers that go with ect.

[len]

Learning the pc versions isn't a bad idea. Although I'd also suggest that if you can find a touch screen monitor, get one (although they can run $500+ very easily). The reason being that a lot of the buttons on those consoles aren't replicated on the standard computer keyboard (such as the @, the Set, the Group, etc. buttons on Hog. And since those buttons get used a lot during programming, you'll find that trying to use the mouse and work with the pc really sucks.

You might also look at the better (imo because they are windows based) dmx software such as Martin LightJockey, Elation Compuware, Sunlite DMX, etc. Since they were designed straight to a windows environment they are more user friendly than the Hog and MA (again, IMO) which are transplants from the original consoles.

There's also a classified section at prosoundweb but it's currently undergoing maintenance and has been for a couple weeks.

[soundman]

Ive been using the offline versiond to get the syntechs down. like for patching on a hog. But I can see where you are coming from, you show up on site and you know what you want, you just can't find it.

[Les]

Try to get in touch with a community theatre if there is one near you. Most don't have the resources for automated lighting, but may come with people who can help you get connections.

[Radman]

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