Win $100 Worth of Books from Focal Press – The Most Dramatic Drama Contest!

Focal Press, the publishers of some of the finest production and live event technical books out there is holding a contest. The Most Dramatic Drama Contest! Focal Press is looking for your stories about working in the theatre. Whether it be a challenge you had to over come or a story of just how things went completely wrong. Here is more from Focal Press.

Have you had something go very wrong on a theatre production?  Not necessarily on the scale of Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, but something that definitely added unwanted drama into your production?

If so, we have the perfect contest for you: ‘The Most Dramatic Drama Contest!’  Simply let us know what unwanted drama you experienced in any theatre production.

To enter, fill in your name and current email address in the entry form below then type or paste in your essay of 500 words or less about your dramatic experience.  One (1) winner will be selected by our panel of judges to receive $100 worth of Focal Press theatre books.

To enter the contest and learn more, visit Focal Press’s website at www.focalpress.com.

Book: Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook, 4th Edition On Sale

Last month, Focal Press Announced the arrival of a new lighting book geared towards the Film and Video market, Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook, 4th Edition by Harry C. Box. In this, the fourth  edition, Mr. Box expands on some of the latest technologies and products available to the industry for lighting a set.

New to the fourth edition:

• More coverage of the aesthetics of lighting
• Detailed information on LED technology and gear
• Material is harmonized with industry safety and skills training curriculum
• More coverage than ever before about setting up and running DMX512 networks and DMX512 enabled devices, including wireless DMX512 networks
• Completely revised and updated sections of HMIs, tungsten light fixtures, and fluorescent technologies
• Additional information on dealing with current harmonics, working with portable generators.
• New section on using 480V power
• And plenty more.

The Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook focuses on what is important when working on-set: trouble-shooting, teamwork, set protocol, and safety. It describes tricks and techniques for operating a vast array of lighting equipment including LEDs, xenons, camera synchronous strobes, black lights, underwater units, lighting effects units, and many others. Since its first edition, this handy on-set reference continues to be widely adopted as a training and reference manual by union training programs as well as top university film production programs.

The book is published and available through Focal Press, (www.focalpress.com) for $49.95 USD.  If you like to save a little scratch, you can head over to Amazon.com and pick up the book for $32.97.

Save 45% On A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting

Looks like Amazon and Barns and Noble are having a pricing war over Steve Shelly’s latest book, a Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, Second Edition.  Both online book stores are selling the book at 45% off the cover price of $49.95 at $27.25!

If you didn’t know, here is a little background on Mr. Shelly’s book from Focal Press, the publisher. Construct and Implement Your Own Lighting Designs with the most trusted guide to stage lighting!

An entertaining and educational read, author Steven Louis Shelley draws from his 35+ years of diverse experience to bring you the step-by-step technical tools for getting the job done along with real-life examples of projects from start to finish. Learn why some techniques are successful while others fail with ‘Shelley’s Notes’ and ‘Shelley’s Soapbox,’ all with a humor that guides you through complex problems and concepts.

You can read the review of Mr. Shelly’s book here on iSquint.net. Head over to either amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com to purchase your copy of Mr. Shelly’s book with these amazing savings.

HUGE Savings on Automated Lighting, 2nd Edition Book!!!

Yesterday, I released my review of Richard Cadena’s latest book, Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance and Entertainment: 2nd Edition.  Right before USITT, Focal Press, the publisher of the book, announced the release of the book.  I am totally in love with the ladies at Focal Press.  They have been nothing but awesome to me.  Not only did they get me a copy of Mr. Cadena’s book to do a review, but have also offered a discount on the book for iSquint readers!

Starting today, Focal Press is offering a HUGE savings of 25% off the cover price, ($49.94) of Mr. Cadena’s book to you guys!  This offer is good through the end of May 2010 so hurry and get your discount code and order your copy today! With the discount code, you are saving $12.48 off the cover price. This is just another reason to pick up your very own copy!

It is very simple to get your discount on the book. Fill out the form below with your name, email address.  You can add a message if you like, I love notes! After you submit your info, I’ll be sending you an email with your discount code and how to redeem it. Rest assured, any information you provide through iSquint is protected and never sold, distributed or given to ANYONE.

Please remember, this discount code only applies to Mr. Cadena’s book, Automated Lighting, 2nd Edition. Thank Focal Press, you ladies are a class act! Keep up the great work and excellent books.

A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting – Even CHEAPER!

Late last night I got an email about a new discount off Steve Shelley’s book, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, 2nd Edition from Focal Press.  It seems that Amazon really wants you to purchase his book and save money at the same time. First, here is the boiler plate on Mr. Shelley’s book:

Construct and Implement Your Own Lighting Designs with the most trusted guide to stage lighting!  An entertaining and educational read, author Steven Louis Shelley draws from his 35+ years of diverse experience to bring you the step-by-step technical tools for getting the job done along with real-life examples of projects from start to finish. Learn why some techniques are successful while others fail with ‘Shelley’s Notes’ and ‘Shelley’s Soapbox,’ all with a humor that guides you through complex problems and concepts.

So what about that deal huh?  A while ago, I got wind of a super secret discount code Focal Press offered on Mr. Shelley’s book, (which is long gone by the way). Looks like Amazon is beating that original discount.  Amazon.com is offering a savings of 38% off the cover price of $49.95 and selling it for $30.95.

If you have not already purchased your copy of Mr. Shelley’s book, what is stopping you? Head over to Amazon.com and pick up your copy of A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, 2nd Edition NOW!

Richard Cadena Updates Automated Lighting Book to 2nd Edition

I’ve heard the the comm chatter that the Electron Magician, Mr. Richard Cadena has just updated his book, Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, and Entertainment with a 2nd edition. Doing a quick search over at Focal Press, the publisher of Mr. Cadena’s books confirmed it. Here is a little bit about the book from Focal Press:

Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance and Entertainment continues to be the most trusted text for working and aspiring lighting professionals. Now in its second edition, it has been fully updated to include new advances in lamp sources such as LEDs and plasma lamps, automated and programmable displays, updates for managing color, and new methods for using electronics. Its clear, easy-to-understand language also includes enough detailed information for the most experienced technician and engineer.

• The most trusted and comprehensive book on automated lighting available!
• Easy to read with minimal “tech-talk”
• Covers the latest advances in lighting displays, such as automated LED other and programmable displays
• New methods for using electronics

You can Pre-Order you copy of Mr. Cadena’s new book through Focal Press now for $49.95.  The book is expected to begin to ship on March 25, 2010.  Hmmm, that is RIGHT before USITT!  If you are attending USITT, I am sure you can pick up a copy of Mr. Cadena’s book there at the Focal Press Booth.  I’ve also heard that Mr. Cadena will be on hand at some point during the Stage Expo signing copies of his book!

Special Offer on A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting Book

More SETC fun and excitement!  Steve Shelley was ablaze in his lime green shirt and hat while at SETC, (Southeast Theatre Conference), informing students and educators the benefits of his Field Templates and Soft Symbols drafting library’s.

While on the show floor, Mr. Shelley was happily signing copies of his latest book, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting.  Copies of Mr. Shelley’s book were on sale at the SETC registration desk, but copies ran out quickly. As an offering, Mr. Shelley is offering a discount for A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, 2nd Edition through the books publisher, Focal Press.

If you are interested in saving an 25% off the cover price of the book, you can visit Focal Press’s web site, (www.focalpress.com) and type in a discount code to receive the discount.  But, to receive the discount code, you MUST email me at info@isquint.net as I have been asked not to publish the code.

I am not sure exactly how long the discount code is valid for but hurry and get your copy of Mr. Shelley’s book with 25% off the cover NOW!!!  You can read a review of Mr. Shelley’s book right here on iSquint.net.

UPDATE: Looks like I was wrong on he sale of the Mr. Shelley’s book at SETC. The book was not for sale any where at SETC. Mr. Shelley’s fan’s and owner of his book actually brought copies WITH THEM to the show to get his signature. Now why didn’t I think of that!!!

Also, I have confirmed with Focal Press that the 25% discount code runs through the end of the month, (March).  But don’t wait till the last minute.  email me at info@isquint.net and I’ll be happy to send you the promotional code for a 25% savings!

Review: A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, Second Edition

Towards the end of 2009, Steve Shelley, noted lighting designer and drafting template guru, released the second edition to his book, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting (published by Focal Press). Soon after the release of Mr. Shelley’s book, Focal Press was kind enough to send me a copy of the book to review.

Hands down this is a great book.  I’ve personally met Mr. Shelley and he always has a smile on his face and a good story to tell, along with his trademark  “lime green cap.” Though his vast lighting expertise is apparent, Mr. Shelley carries his wonderful sense of humor and storytelling throughout, making this edition both entertaining—and educational.

Layout of the Book

As an aspiring lighting designer, have you ever wondered what it’s like to design a Broadway-style show? Imagine being able to look over the shoulder of a professional lighting designer to see how he accomplishes his vision and design from start to finish.  That is how Mr. Shelley has written the book.  He first starts off with the basics of lighting: covering the layout of a theatre, stage directions, electricity, lighting instruments, and production staff.  Why start there?  The book assumes that this is your first venture into lighting and gives a quick overview of these topics to help you understand their use and role later on in the book.

After that, it’s all business.  Beginning with the research of the show, first production meetings, organizing your paperwork, and of course, starting the design process—getting to “the hang,” focus, previews, opening night and finally, archiving all of your work.  Mr. Shelley goes into great detail about each step of the process and provides some great insight and advice along the way with sidebars “Shelley’s Soapbox,” “Tales from the Road,” along with other helpful tidbits like “Shelley’s Notes,” “Sneaky Tips,” and my favorite, “Shelley’s Golden Rule.”and particularly in the “Shelley’s Soapbox” and “Tales from the Road” sidebars. Together, they give the readers a first hand glimpse into the real world of stage lighting.

Throughout the book, Mr. Shelley provides examples of his paperwork and drafting style to help the reader understand the subject matter at hand. This being the second edition of the book, Mr. Shelley has included over 60 new topics ranging from creating and negotiating contracts to working with other designers and production staff members through out the design process.

Targeted Audience

Mr. Shelley has packed his book with information and advice that anyone in the entertainment industry could use. But who did he write to book for?  I believe that any aspiring lighting designer or technician will find this book quite useful. The book is not only a guide to help layout and design a show but it’s also a quick technical reference tool.  Mr. Shelley mentions in the the introduction of the book that he himself uses his book time and time again to help remember important steps and processes in order to deliver a cost-effective, timely, and dazzling lighting design. Seasoned lighting design veterans can relate and use the book just as Mr. Shelley does.  And, not only to help remember processes but to learn new and different methods as well.

Conclusion

For $49.95 from Focal Press’s website, (www.focalpress.com), Mr. Shelley’s latest edition of A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting is a must-read for new or up-and-coming lighting designers and technicians. Seasoned lighting designers will find Mr. Shelley’s book quite useful, as well, for learning different methods or refining their own design methods.

Thank you Mr. Shelley and Focal Press for providing me with a copy of A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting for this review.

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Review: Concert Lighting, Third Edition

A while back, Focal Press announced one of their latest books, Concert Lighting, Third Edition: Techniques, Art & Business by James L. Moody. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy from the publisher to write a review of the book.  It has taken some time for me to read through the book.  Not because it is 352 pages long, but that it is packed with some great information and history. In order to do a proper review, I wanted to full comprehend and take in everything that Mr. Moody wrote.

Let’s take a look at the description of the book from Focal Press:

Get ready to pack your bags and go on tour with the most trusted and comprehensive text for concert lighting. With a special focus on rock and roll, learn how to use computer aided drafting, moving luminaires, learn about the people and the history that shaped the field and more. Expand your design possibilities by learning about cross-media use of concert lighting techniques and their application in film, video, theatre and the corporate world. From snagging those precious contracts to knowing the best equipment to use to designing a show, Concert Lighting: Techniques, Art and Business covers everything you need to know.

History of the book

This is Mr. Moody’s third edition of Concert Lighting with the first edition being released in 1989, the second edition being released in 1997 and then this, the third edition being published late 2009.  Every ten years, Mr. Moody seems to be updating the book with more information and history which completely understandable.  Over the course of just the past ten years, the lighting industry has seen some wonderful new technologies come around and put into the market.  Not only does Mr. Moody cover the history of products, but gives a unique look at how new products came to life and how they got their start first in the concert realm of lighting and then moving into other entertainment lighting markets.

What the book covers

Mr. Moody has been in the lighting industry for 30+ years and has seen the industry grow, change and adapt to new technologies, styles of lighting and management.  The main focus of the book is to help guide the reader through the adventure of becoming a lighting professional at which ever level they desire. But in order to be prepared and ready for almost anything you do in life, you have to understand where things began and how they came to what they are. During the course of the book, Mr. Moody shares his views and memories of how lighting has evolved. All the while Mr. Moody is providing a detailed guide of how a concert lighting event is began and finished with detailed examples and explanations of everything that is involved with putting on an event. Ever wonder the different levels and responsibilities of a production team for a tour is structured? That is covered and explained in detail. Mr. Moody covers everything from the ground up with a live event production leaving out no detail.

With the Third Edition of the book, Mr. Moody has added some of the latest technologies and products that have been developed and released since the last edition of the book.  Provided in the book are snapshots and quick overviews of some of these products such as LED lighting fixtures, the latest lighting consoles, media servers and of course moving lights.

Towards the end of the book is one of my favorite sections and reading materials, interviews with working professionals.  Mr. Moody interviewed some of the top lighting designers in the industry today.  It is always fascinating to see how a working professional got his start and how they have developed their techniques along the way.  It gives the reader a glimpse of their own potential with in the lighting industry.

Who is the book for

With the levels of details that Mr. Moody goes into on every subject and all of the history and stories he provides, the book can provide a great read for any technician, at any level of experience in the business.  But the book is targeted at providing the entry level or newbie a detailed understanding of where the concert lighting world came from and how it pioneered specific technologies and products to all of the entertainment lighting industry. Concert Lighting, Third Edition is a great addition to any professionals or aspiring professionals bookshelf. If not for the history lessons, certainly for the wealth of knowledge and insight into the lighting industry Mr. Moody puts forth into the book.

Conclusion

Thank you Mr. Moody and Focal Press for providing an advanced copy of the book to write this review.  You can pick up your copy of Concert Lighting, Third Edition: Techniques, Art & Business from Focal Press’s website www.focalpress.com. For just $49.95, the book could help pave your way and guide you into the concert lighting industry.

Have you read Concert Lighting, Third Edition?  I would love to hear your thoughts on the book.  Leave a message in the comment section of this review below.

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Focal Press Contest: Win One of Their Two Latest Books

We recently mentioned about the two latest books being releases by Focal Press, A Practical Guide To Stage Lighting, Second Edition and Concert Lighting, Third Edition. We just received word from Focal Press that they are running a contest for BOTH books. All that is required is that you visit the contest web page and enter some basic information.  Winners will be chosen at random at the end of the contest.  Each winner will be able to chose one of the two books. Checking out the contest rules, it says that the contest runs until August 31, 2009.  Since we have gone past that date in time, we are not quite sure when it ends, but hurry up and enter for a chance to get one of these two great books!

Additionally, if you do not win, you still can take advantage of the 20% discount on A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, Second Edition.

A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, Second Edition

We received a message from Steve Shelly, the author of A Practical Guide To Stage Lighting, that the second edition of the book is getting ready to hit the shelves. The Second edition is 480 pages with over sixty new topics, twenty new forms and fifteen new drafting presentations not previously found in the first edition.

The first edition of PG2SL followed the process and explained one set of methods used to create and apply paperwork that culminated in a fully mounted lighting design for the musical Hokey. This second edition pulls back the wizard’s curtain to reveal the step-by-step processes involved in the creation and realization of that lighting design. Shelley expands his focus and provides his diacritical analysis into the methods and processes that take place to create the light plot and a lighting design in the first place.

From the back cover, Jim Moody writes:

If you are looking for esoteric design theory, this is not the book for you. However, if you need a get-down-to-business, everything you think you needed to know, nothing left out, lists of questions you should ask, answers you should consider, check lists, and the most extensive graphic layout of forms and focus information in any book, then this second edition has answered all your questions and a bunch you didn’t think you needed to know. You have got to have this book if you consider yourself a professional, period.

A Practical Guide To Stage Lighting, Second Edition goes on sale starting October 5, 2009 from Focal Press at $49.95 USD.  To learn more about the book and to get your copy, visit www.focalpress.com.

New Book: Concert Lighting: Techniques, Art and Business, Third Edition

Looking to learn more about how to design and work on lights in a live event venue or concert setup? The latest book from Focal Press can help. In it’s third edition, Concert Lighting: Techniques, Art and Business by James Moody and Paul Dexter take you on tour to get a first hand experience about what it takes to live on the road and work in one of the most demanding work conditions, the live concert world.

With a focus on Rock and Roll, readers with learn about the people and history that shaped the field and made it what it is today.  The book also covers the use of computer aided drafting, moving lights, media servers, digital luminaries, LED units, protocol devices and how to determine the best equipment for a particular show.

The book also covers the importance of a contract and how to develop one for your personal use with examples and discussions with leading lighting designers such as legendary Broadway designer Richard Pilbrow.

Concert Lighting: Techniques, Art and Business goes is on sale through Focal Presses website, www.focalpress.com as is expected to start shipping at the end of September.  Pre-order your copy of the book now for only $49.95 USD.