Lighting and the Computer

Internet...
VectorWorks8: Tutorials for the Theatre
Scroll down to Drafting the Light Plot, a PDF file.

1. What types of computer software programs are used by the lighting designer?

Today computer programs are used to draft the light plot, generate the paperwork (hookup chart, instrument schedule), determine beam spread and give the designer the ability to visualize the lighting cues before entering the theatre.

2. What is a CAD program?

A Computer Aided Drafting program. With a CAD program it is possible to draft the light plot on a computer screen with the click and drag of a mouse, instead of on a drafting board with a pencil, T-square and lighting template.

3. Which CAD program is most popular with architects and engineers?

Autodesk's AutoCAD, an extemely expensive and versatile CAD program, is the industry standard in both the architectural and engineering market.

4. Which CAD program is favored by lighting designers? Why?

Many lighting designers use Nemetschek's VectorWorks. Why? Because the programmers at VectorWorks have developed commands and routines which support the specific needs of the lighting designer. MiniCad 7 and VectorWorks 8 were both shipped with a Lighting ToolKit. In Version 9, Vectorworks expanded the Lighting ToolKit into Spotlight 9 -- "the undisputed standard in entertainment and lighting design software, VectorWorks Spotlight merges sophisticated 2D drafting and powerful 3D modeling with advanced lighting design and production tools. Now it's easy to create light plots, place set and scenic elements on stage, automate reports and schedules, and visualize design concepts in 3D." The current release is Spotlight 12.5.

In addition to Spotlight and the earlier Lighting ToolKit, there is also a shareware add on, AutoPlotVW, which includes a large symbol library and a collection of macros commands which makes plot development much more efficient.

5. What is a paper work program?

A paper work program is a spread sheet or database which can be used to generate the Hook-Up Chart, Instrument Schedule, Shop Order, Color Cut List... When a lighting instrument is placed on the plot, VectorWorks creates within the document, a data file for that symbol. The designer then enters the assigned criteria -- instrument number, mounting position, control channel, color, purpose, dimmer, etc.... -- into that file. When the plot is complete, the entire database can be exported from the CAD program and imported into the paperwork program where it can be organized into the Hook-Up Chart, Instrument Schedule...

6. Which is considered the industry standard?

LightWright, a cross between a spreadsheet and a database program, was specifically written to manage a professional lighting designers paperwork. It knows that dimmers should not be overloaded and that striplights have more than one color. It can find mistakes, figure circuit and dimmer needs, and automatically renumber a pipe. LightWright has the ability to export a "patch" file (in USITT ASCII format) which then can be imported into an off-line editor (OLE). A free, fully functional, 75 unit demo of Version 4 is available on line at www.mckernon.com

7. What general software programs can also be used to create a designer's lists and schedules?

Although it is not as efficient, or have the error checking capability of LightWright any spreadsheet or database program can be used to create a basic Hookup Chart or Instrument Schedule. I personally use MicroSoft Excel.

8. What are utility programs?

Utility programs can be used to edit the patch or cue sheet, to determine the size of a pool of light, find a near match to a specific color from a by gone era or control the dimmers.

9. What is an off-line editor?

ETC Expression Off-Line Editor

An off-line editor (OLE) is a computer program which will permit the designer to create, or edit, the "show" file from his laptop or office computer. The file can then be exported from the computer onto a 3.5 inch floopy and imported into the console. There is a free off-line editor for the ETC Express console.

The shows I have designed on the Express console were all created and edited using the ETC off-line editor. I would program the original show disk (exp2.shw) on my office computer before the first tech rehearsal. After each rehearsal I would take the disk back to the office to edit the file (change levels and counts; insert additional cues; write a chase sequence). I would then load the revised file back on the disk for the next night's rehearsal. Typically the file was changed six to eight times before the show opened. Every version of the show file was saved until the production closed. Link to a Screen Shot of the ETC Expression Off-Line Editor The show is ACT's 2005 summer production of Annie Get Your Gun. The shot is of Q130, the 10 count fade-up into the opening scene of the First Act (11: Hotel).

10. What is BeamWright?

BeamWright, which is bundled with LightWright, is an easy to use utility that helps the designer select the best available light. for each situation. Enter the distance from the light to the actor and the desired size of the pool and the program will suggest the best instrument. The program takes into account how closely the beam size matches the area to be covered, the intensity of the light, and the evenness of the coverage. If a zoom unit, such as a Fresnel, is one of the options, the program will suggest the spot to flood adjustment to give the needed coverage.

There is also a AutoPlotVW macro command (AP_Beam Spread) which will plot the area illuminated by a light. Click on the instrument, enter the field angle and elevation in the dialogue box, click on the light plot where the lamp is focused, and VW will show you the area covered.

11. What is GelFind?

GelFind is a small DOS utility I wrote many years ago. After entering a specific gel color, the program searches through two published databases and selects five similar colors.

12. What is Horizon Control's Horizon?

Horizon is as PC based lighting control system. It includes a control program (software) which is installed on a computer and a "white box" (hardware) which translates the computer's commands to DMX512, the digital language all modern dimmers understand.

13. What piece of the lighting hardware does this software program replace?

The stand alone, dedicated, lighting console. I used Horizon loaded on a Gateway lap top to create and execute the lighting cues for Northern's productions of The Rocky Horror Show (2004), Syringa Tree (2005). Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2005), As You Like It (2006) and Urinetown (2006).

14. What is a lighting visualization program?

A lighting designer can use a visualization program to determine, before he arrives at the theatre, how his choice of mounting positions, color and intensity will effect the looks he can create on stage. Programs range from West Side System's Virtual Light Lab, a desk top light lab, to Cast Lighting's Wysiwyg a complete lighting design software package. This program will take the design team from the initial drawings through the associated paper work into a virtual Q to Q run through of the the show.