Table Of ContentThe Automated Lighting
Programmer’s Handbook
The Automated Lighting Programmer’s Handbook, fourth edition, provides re-
spected and clear coverage of the process of programming automated lighting
fixtures from basic principles to advanced production preparations.
This guide helps lighting programmers and designers with the creative and
operational challenges they face in their rapidly evolving industry. Concepts,
procedures, and guidelines to ensure a successful production are covered as
well as troubleshooting, much needed information on workflows, technology,
work relationships, console networking, digital lighting, and more. Chapters
are peppered with advice and war stories from some of the most prominent
lighting designers and programmers of today. The fourth edition is the most
comprehensive yet: added topics include programming structure, advanced
recording/editing, cloning, multi-cell fixtures, safety routines, GDTF, and
pre-visualization. Deep explorations into the work of programmers from Ear-
lybird and Broadway provide readers with timely real-world scenarios and
advice.
The information in this book is perfect for anyone interested in the program-
ming of automated lighting in any market. From the beginner to the expert,
the methodologies within provide simple, yet powerful tools to assist with
any production. Lighting designers also will gain important knowledge about
the procedures and concepts utilized by lighting programmers.
Brad Schiller has over 30 years of experience in the lighting industry. Start-
ing his career in the mid 1980’s he has worked as a technician, program-
mer, and designer on many different productions. Over the years he has also
been employed by High End Systems, Vari*Lite, and Martin where he has
assisted with product development, training, and testing for many popular
fixtures and consoles. Brad has experience with various types of productions
including theatre, television, concerts, film, architectural, dance, and cor-
porate events. Project favorites include: the 1996 Academy Awards, The
Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, The Crys-
tal Method, and Metallica. Brad’s career has allowed him countless oppor-
tunities to work around the globe, and across diverse facets of the industry.
At the 2005 LDI awards ceremony Brad was presented with the Technician
of the Year award and described as “the programmer’s programmer.” He is
also the author of Living the Lighting Life (Routledge 2021). A self-described
“lighting geek,” he has a deep-rooted passion for lighting that continues to
drive him. Learn more at www.bradschiller.com.
The Automated Lighting
Programmer’s Handbook
Fourth Edition
Brad Schiller
Fourth edition published 2022
by Routledge
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2022 Brad Schiller
The right of Brad Schiller to be identified as author of this work has been
asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright,
Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or
utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now
known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in
any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing
from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered
trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without
intent to infringe.
First edition published by Focal Press 2011
Third edition published by Routledge 2017
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Schiller, Brad, author.
Title: The automated lighting programmer’s handbook / Brad Schiller.
Description: Fourth edition. | New York, NY : Routledge, 2022. |
Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2021022367 (print) | LCCN 2021022368 (ebook)|
ISBN 9780367653262 (hbk) | ISBN 9780367653255 (pbk) |
ISBN 9781003128892 (ebk)
Subjects: LCSH: Cinematography—Lighting—Automatic controll—
Handbooks, manuals, etc. | Stage lighting—Automatic control—Handbooks,
manuals, etc. | Electric lighting—Automatic controll—Handbooks, manuals,
etc. | Digital control systems—Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Classification: LCC TR891 .S35 2022 (print) | LCC TR891 (ebook) |
DDC 777—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021022367
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021022368
ISBN: 978-0-367-65326-2 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-367-65325-5 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-12889-2 (ebk)
DOI: 10.4324/9781003128892
Typeset in Goudy
by codeMantra
Dedication
I would like to dedicate this book frst to my grandfather, Maurice,
who always encouraged everyone in the family to write. Then to
my parents, Don and Annette, for teaching me “the best job is one
you love.” Finally, I also dedicate this book to my wonderful wife,
Robin Joy, and my fantastic son, Matthew. They both remind me
on a daily basis about the excitement and richness of life.
Contents
List of Figures xi
List of Tables xiii
Acknowledgments xv
Introduction 1
Ten Things Every Programmer Should Know 3
#1 Understanding the Fixtures 3
#2 Basic Console Operations 3
#3 Patching and Addressing 4
#4 Making Lights Move 4
#5 Long Hours and Late Nights 4
#6 Subtractive versus Additive Color Mixing 4
#7 Tracking 5
#8 Protect the Data 5
#9 How to Admit Your Faults 5
#10 Who to Call 6
But Wait! There’s More … 6
1 Programming Philosophies 7
The Automated Lighting Programmer 7
The Hollywood Syndrome 8
Creativity and Consistency 9
Learning to Program 10
Be an Artist 13
2 Automated Lighting Concepts 14
DMX-512 14
Fixture Libraries 17
viii Contents
Crossfade 17
Bump 18
Parameter Abilities 18
Precedence (HTP and LTP) 18
Color Mixing 19
Tracking 20
Basic Programming Structure 24
Practice Makes Perfect 25
3 Preparing for Programming 26
Ask the Right Questions 26
Preparing to Program 28
Confguring the Console 28
Fixture Setup 31
Fixture Libraries 33
Preparing the Patch 33
Numbers Everywhere 35
Groups 37
Building a Basic Outline 41
The Importance of Labeling 41
Protecting Your Work 43
Always Be Prepared 47
4 Basic Programming 48
Understanding Your Fixtures 48
Speed Channels 52
Conventional Channels 55
Palettes/Presets 58
Recording Cues 60
Playing the Show 64
5 Intermediate Programming 65
Mark Cues 65
Block Cues 68
Cue Only 71
Record Remove 73
Making Copies 73
Effects Generators 76
Intensity Effects 82
Kickin’ it Old School 84
Common Chases 87
Contents ix
Fanning 89
Multi-cell Units 92
6 Advanced Programming 96
Default Values 96
Magic Sheets and Layouts 99
Pixel Mapping 103
Fixture Cloning 104
The Power of Macros 107
7 External Interactions 111
Visualization 111
It’s Time for Timecode 116
The Magic of Midi 120
Operating OSC 124
Other Types of Automation 125
Emerging Technologies 125
8 Media Servers and Digital Lighting 128
Content 130
New Jobs 130
Functionality and Terminology 131
Programming Media-Based Lighting 133
Working with Layers 135
9 The Age of Networking 137
Networking Basics 138
Multi-user Programming 139
Network Backup and Failover 140
Distributed Processing 140
Connectivity 141
Remote Device Management 143
sACN (E1.31) and DMX-NET (E1.33): The Ethernet Protocols 143
Ease of Use 144
10 Programming Genres 145
Theatre 145
Concert Tours 149
Corporate Events 152
Televised and Streamed Events 156
Music Festivals and Busking 160
Architectural Installations 164
