I completley disagree.
The only information you need on a
plot is the
unit number...that's what hookups are for.
Did somebody actually teach you this ?, or did you come by this opinion based on years of experience. In any event, it is total nonsense.
The
plot is the graphical representation of the lighting designers intent. It needs to have whatever information is pertinent to those users the designer is communicating to - using the light plan and any other assorted paperwork required. Requiring the recipients of the
plot to have to scan additional pieces of paperwork for information that should be readily available is absurd.
I suggest you read Steve Shellys "A
Practical Guide to
Stage Lighting" as a very well written How To.
As example, the
production electrician (responsible for the hang) may ask to NOT have focus indicators on a version of the plan being used as the master to hang the show, but may well want
channel, color, possibly an empty box to log the
dimmer as well as general orientation and
spacing. Since the purpose of the
light plot is to communicate intent of the design, I like to do as Shelly recommends - ask the person getting the
plot what they think is necessary. Maybe there will be additional versions that have focus, but not
spacing ?, useful when focusing perhaps after the
plot is hung and when
spacing is not as important (it's spaced already).
I apologize in
advance as to any perceived attitude, but I can tell you this is a sore
point as I occasionally get tour plots without information that I was taught is essential,
instrument type (with associated key) -unit number-spacing-channel-dimmer-color-template indicator (usually a circled "T" in the body of the
fixture. When I see plots sent out without this information, I immediately wonder "what idiot trained this person".
BTW, in the past 2 weeks I have seen 3 touring plots: The Kennedy Centers tour of Brand New Kid, The Acting Companies tour of The Tempest and a tour called "3 '
Mos Divas". All 3 lighting plots have
Channel as well as
Template. The Acting Company has
no color information, which now requires me to go to a 2nd piece of paper - the
hookup, to ascertain color. That's a waste of my time !.
Steve Bailey
Lighting Director -
Master Electrician
Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Brooklyn College