April 2015

From The Desk Of Design Services - April 2015

The Care and Feeding of a Lighting Designer
 
The lighting designer is a unique creature, capable of creative genius in the right environment.  They have personalities that run the full spectrum of people you might meet.  However, they all need much the same things when it comes to giving you the best show that they can.  Some will ask for the information they need.  Some will rarely speak, but will, instead, glean their ideas from the team communications to which they are a part of.  Some will attempt to "do what they do" with little or no direction at all.  All of these methods can work quite well when the LD, client, and creative team are well matched.  However, there are some things you should know to help make sure that the lighting you get will be what you expect.

• Communicate your vision to the extent that you can, let the LD know what it is that you want to see.  If there is an effect you have seen you want in the show, let the LD know.  If you have a favorite TV show or movie that you want to try and replicate, let the LD know that as well.  Two things to keep in mind here:  1) Keep your budget in mind - cutting edge lighting gear can come at a high price.  Your LD will always do the best they can within your budget, but you don't get "American Idol" type lighting if you aren't comfortable spending money in amounts with 6 or 7 figures before the decimal point.  2) There is never enough programming time.  Don't overspend on your lighting if your schedule is not going to allow (or you don't want to pay for) the required programming time.  Many large lighting rigs have multiple programmers, all working very long hours to get to a final version of a show.  Programming takes time.  No matter how much time you allow, your LD and/or programmer will never feel like they have enough.

• Schedule a time with your LD to look at the specific lighting looks - assuming this is something you want to do.  Most LD's will be happy to walk you through the looks and cues they have created for your show or event.  If you see something you want changed - let the LD know.  Some LD’s prefer to take care of changes "while you wait" - whereas others prefer to take notes and make the tweaks at another time.  Keep in mind that sometimes something that seems simple, isn't all that simple to change on the fly.  So try to have some patience.  HINT:  The LD has worked long and hard to build a show that puts the product, performers and/or environment in the best light.  If there is something you don't like, make sure to tell the LD exactly what it is that you don't like so it can be fixed.  One of the most frustrating things in the world an LD can hear after hours or days of programming is "do you like that?"  If the LD didn't like it, it wouldn't be in the show.  So just tell the LD what you don't like about it and save the frustration.

• Your LD wants to be part of the creative team.  Often the LD for a show isn't included until it's really too late for the LD to have much (if any) input into the overall creative design of the show or event.  If you will commit early to having a lighting designer as part of your creative team, you will find that the overall production will be greatly enhanced.  A good lighting designer can help with everything from blocking talent to product placement.  The sooner you make an LD a part of the creative process for your exhibit, event, or stage show, the more help the LD will be in making sure that your event is as visually stunning as possible.

Your LD can be a valuable member of your creative team.  The sooner an LD is involved in the creative process, and the more information you can convey about your show, the better off your show will be.  Every modern lighting design is a compromise based on budget and programming time.  Don't be afraid to let your LD loose with just a little direction.  Generally speaking, the more creative latitude you allow your lighting designer, the better the final product.
 
If there is ever anything that TLS Productions, Inc. or I can do to help you with your process, production, event or exhibit, please let us know.