February 2015
TLS Productions, Inc. News & Announcements
Empowering Creativity, And Making It Reality - our mission at TLS Productions, Inc. We do this by offering a turnkey operation, we provide consultation and all the necessities to design, draft, rig and light productions and permanent installations of any size, including state of the art audio and video elements. We offer equipment rentals and sales encompassing most international brands and both electronic and mechanical repairs are done in house. TLS Productions, Inc. also provides theatrical draperies for rental and sale and can fabricate drapery to meet your specific needs. If it's lighting, rigging, staging, audio or video related, there are no limits to the products and services that we can provide.
In January's newsletter, we reported many great things, we announced some of TLS Productions, Inc.'s projects being covered by several of our industry's trade mags, both online, and in print - if you missed the January newsletter, check it out here!
From The Desk Of Design Services - February 2015
Contributed by Doyle Martin, VP of Show Services | Director of Design Services
My Five Rules of Programming
This month I wanted to share with you, my five basic rules of programming. These are the things I like to have at the top of mind when programming a show.
Because it can doesn't mean it has to, or should. A moving light doesn't have to move. Gobo's don't have to rotate. Sometimes a light just needs to do the fundamental job of lighting the set or the performers. Be careful of thinking that the lights are always "the show". Try to remember that there are times/gigs where the lighting just needs to enhance the show, not dominate it.
The "full" button is not your friend. Almost every light on the market allows you to vary the intensity of the beam. This is commonly referred to as "dimming" the light. Way too many programmers have apparently forgotten this. If you program with all your lights at full, all the time...well, just don't. Intensity gives your looks texture, allows you to balance color washes, and so much more. Fading and dimming are not only for ins and outs. Use the "at" key. Use the dimmer wheel/potentiometer. The full button should be used with caution.
Effects and Alignment are best used sparingly. Effects engines and alignment functions are not only wonderful time-saving tools, but also can help make a show look great. However, when someone takes the time and puts forth the effort to make sure every light in the rig has the optimal focus, position, and timing; then you get something truly special.
Light the show first. Seems like this should be common sense, but I see the product of bad time management in many shows. There is never "enough" time for programming. To some degree, every show is a compromise between available time and attention to detail. Goal one is always to make sure and have a strong base look for every act/song/scene - so that early on in the programming, a full cue to cue can be run. Once a full base show is in the can, then take the time to focus on more subtle changes, timings, and movements.
Pick your spots and make "moments". I learned this very early in my career from some of the top lighting designers in the business. I think it still holds true today. You can still "open with a bang," but then think "build to a climax". Save your best stuff for last and leave them wanting more.
Doyle Martin
VP of Show Services | Director of Design Services
In the coming months, Doyle Martin will expound upon his thoughts about the re-imagined Design Services department as well as lighting design, production industry issues, and anything else that seems relevant and interesting. Should you ever need lighting design, direction, programming or consultation; CAD services; or should you just want someone to discuss some creative ideas with, Doyle is only an email away: doyle.martin@tlsproductionsinc.com
TLS Productions, Inc. News & Announcements Continued...
Did you know that TLS Productions, Inc. is an Electronic Theater Controls Factory Authorized Service Center with ETC Factory Authorized Field Service Providers on staff? Our ETC Field Service Providers handle a variety of functions – advising contractors on proper methods for installing various products, providing phone tech support, providing onsite tech support when problems arise, updating operating software and doing new system commissioning along with owner training. And when needed, we can provide loaner equipment or acquire equipment direct from the factory, we can also facilitate factory repairs as needed. Keep your ETC equipment operating at peak performance, and contact us today!
TLS Productions, Inc. is also a Columbus McKinnon Authorized Service Center and can provide CM Hoist Service & Certification. Our mission, along with Columbus McKinnon's mission on this topic, is to improve the quality of hoist service and repair; contact us today to learn more about CM Hoist Service & Certification!
TLS Productions, Inc. & Entertainment Design and Technology at Eastern Michigan University
Contributed by John Charles, Technical Director, Eastern Michigan University Theatre
This month, EMU Theatre presented its first production designed entirely by students of the Entertainment Design & Technology program. Audiences of Harold Pinter’s - "The Birthday Party" - were impressed with the results of the collaboration. The student designers presented an environment that teetered on the brink between the real and the absurd, lending intensity to the show that kept audiences on edge and made for an exciting evening of theatre.
"The Birthday Party" - Photos: Randall Mascharka
"The Birthday Party" - Photos: Randall Mascharka
"The Birthday Party" - Photos: Randall Mascharka
 "The Birthday Party" - Photos: Randall Mascharka
Lighting designer Tyler Chinn was able to present a full range of lighting looks thanks to some help from TLS Productions, Inc., which provided LED and wireless DMX equipment to enhance his design.
Other student designers for the production included: Scenery by Rowan Barrie, Sound by Joshua Thorington, Costumes by Kevin Leistner and Props by Brittney Gillespe.
To see more photos of the show, click here.
TLS Productions, Inc. News & Announcements Continued...
So, what have we been up to since January's newsletter? As usual, we've been hard at work with local productions and installations here in Michigan, as well as numerous other locations. We're currently loading out the Chicago Auto Show, the Cleveland Auto Show begins loading in this week, and we are in the pre-production stages for the Atlanta International Auto Show, the Dallas Auto Show, and the New York International Auto Show.
Check out some images of our work at the Chicago Auto Show below, and stay tuned to our social media channels and next month's newsletter for more images!
In our December and January newsletters, we were pleased to announce our new mobile application, Roadie Booty. Roadie Booty, for iPhone and iPad, by TLS Productions, Inc., serves as a production resource for schematics, product manuals, helpful tutorials, etc. This will be a forever expanding treasure trove of resources, aiming to assist those in our industry, particularly those on the show floor, working backstage and behind the scenes – providing the necessary tools, resources and references to get the job done! Roadie Booty, for iPhone and iPad, is not just a resource for industry related treasures, it's also THE App for all things TLS Productions, Inc., linking users to our Website, Facebook & Twitter pages, and much more!
Do you want something added to Roadie Booty for iPhone and iPad that you think would be useful to you or others in our industry? Go ahead and send your thoughts and suggestions to info@tlsproductionsinc.com and let us know; it would be great to hear from you!
For the upcoming month of March, be sure to contact our Sales and Rental Department for some great deals from the industry's leading manufacturers, such as ETC, Elation Professional, Martin, Robe, and dozens more! And be sure to check out more great deals on our rental and sale items, as well as great prices on used equipment for sale from our rental stock, at the links below:
TLS Productions, Inc. Sales NEW
TLS Productions, Inc. Sales USED
TLS Productions, Inc. RENTAL
To find out what TLS Productions, Inc. & Design Services can do for you, contact us at any of the options below - and watch for more news and announcements from us during the weeks and months ahead.
TLS Productions, Inc.
78 Jackson Plaza
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(855) 515-8577 (TLSP) Toll Free
(810) 220-8577 (TLSP) Office
(810) 229-8292 Fax
www.tlsproductionsinc.com
info@tlsproductionsinc.com
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