Where is the Industry Heading: An Interview with Gregg Hillmar

This months column, Where is the Industry Heading is an interview with Gregg Hillmar. You may have heard my talking about Gregg recently with the release of his latest book, Light Plot Deconstructed, which is a tutorial guide for Vectorworks and developing a light plot with in the software. Gregg is also an accomplished lighting and set design right here in the commonwealth of Virginia.  He also teaches what he practices as the lighting design professor at Randolph-Macon College.

In regards to paperwork, how has that changed from when you started to where you are now?

In “Ye Olde Days,” I traveled with 100’s of sheets of printed blank forms. As a show was designed then altered, we filled in all of the paperwork by hand, again and again and again. The rise of the personal computers in the ’80’s changed that- I initially used a word processor or spreadsheet to keep paperwork up to date. Eventually I developed a Filemaker database that I used for years. Lightwright then evolved into my favorite computer paperwork program.

But‚ we were still entering all of the information “by hand.” Its much faster than pencil and paper, but it was still manual entry. The new generations of CAD (Vectorworks in my case) developed ways to output information that could be imported into paperwork programs. Lightwright and Vectorworks have now made that a relatively painless operation; changes in one program automatically update the other, so while making the choice is still the designer’s job, the programs now take some of the drudgery out of the process. Networking abilities also allow M.E.’s to share info with designers and others using the programs, another time and effort savings.

Now, if only we could do something similar with cueing software…

What are your thoughts on LED’s in general for use within the industry?

Well, we’re at an interesting point. I think LED’s have great potential, and work well for “flash-bang” and other situations where the light itself is the visual element. I don’t think LEDs are going to be replacing incandescent lamps anytime soon as traditional lighting sources, tho. Designers need the ability to change color, intensity, beam size, shape, and angle as we have since the advent of “modern” theatrical lighting in the early 20th century. LEDs don’t meet some of those needs well enough- yet…

What challenges do you face with the ever changing console architecture?

Keeping up with the nomenclature and knowing “how to talk the board” to an operator during techs.

Does 3D rendering provide a reliable method for developing a concept while designing out a production?

As a scenic designer, yes I think so. Lighting a 3d model is still not the same as lighting in real space, tho. While I can use the results to talk to a director, I’m not happy with it as a “reliable method” of communication about a Lighting moment.

Do you feel that projection media is a form of lighting or should it be considered a separate field?

It’s definitely a separate field that combines elements of both scenic and lighting design and technology.

Looking back at a past production, how would you change it with some of the latest technology out on the market today?

Beverly Emmons and others have worked to make some of the original plots from Jean Rosenthal and other important designers available online. Looking at those and thinking about my early designs, I am struck by how we’ve moved from few instruments to many- from the broad stroke to a fine line. The sheer amount of illumination has also changed over the years. Plots I did with 70 instruments now would need 170. Or more.

But for me, cueing is the biggest difference. One of my first professional designs used racks of autotransformers and rotary dimmers. There were cues that took 6 or 8 people to accomplish. The whole show had maybe 60 cues, and that felt active to the crew. A year or so back I designed a musical that had more than 60 cues in the first number, and once the stage manager and board op got the rhythm, it was not difficult. That is the technology that I’d most like to redesign an old show with.

What new or upcoming technology has the potential to change the lighting industry?

Colour mixers and remote shutters‚ I want to see these things even in non-moving lights. Where now I have to double up instruments; one for act I and one for the same area in act II with different cuts and colour‚ Add the cost savings of using LEDs and, -if affordable- instrument like that could change the industry.

What advice can you give to a beginner looking to make it in the industry?

WORK! Even if for nothing! DO THEATRE! I see so many people interested in theatre that don’t do summer stock because they can make more money working at the fast food place, or who think working for little or no money is demeaning. The more theatre one can do- even if not getting rich- the better they will be. LOOK and LEARN!

Do you have any tech-table rituals or traditions?

There is always a stash of ATOMIC FIREBALLS (cinnamon “jaw breakers”) at the tech table- or close by. I buy ’em direct so they are always fresh‚ and hot!

What is your favorite gel color and why?

Don’t know if it is a favorite really, but most of my plots have R69 in it somewhere. I just love the blue-green combination, especially if I can contrast it with a reddish-blue from another angle. Its not just for moonlight anymore.

More about Gregg Hillmar

Gregg Hillmar is a scenic and lighting designer based in Richmond, VA. His work has been seen in 100’s of productions at theatres all across the country. Dance and opera designs include national tours and major regional companies. Non-theatre work includes galleries, exhibits, and shows for clients such as The Library of Virginia and The Science Museum of Virginia. Gregg is a recognized and published consultant in Vectorworks, a 2d/3d CAD software package, including the book LIGHT PLOT DECONSTRUCTED. In his copious free time, Gregg teaches at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. Gregg is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, the union for professional theatrical designers and artists, and can be visited on the web at www.hillmardesign.com.

Light Plot Deconstructed Book Already in 2nd Edition

I just received a note that Gregg Hillmar’s book, Light Plot Deconstructed is going into it’s second edition! It was just announced yesterday, November 17 and released to the public.

This tutorial manual is based on Gregg Hillmar’s successful Vectorworks Spotlight demonstration and training courses. Mr . Hillmar provides a short, accessible, and easy to follow look at Vectorworks Spotlight as an addition to the Vectorworks Manuals.

More from Nemetschek’s Press Release:

This companion guide is great for anyone seeking to learn the fundamentals of drafting lighting design with Vectorworks(r) Spotlight software.

Light Plot Deconstructed is the work of accomplished scenic and lighting designer Gregg Hillmar, who has developed proven methodologies for drafting light plots over more than 15 years of experience. His successful methods for designing with Vectorworks software have been exhibited many times over the years, whether they were to fellow colleagues at tradeshows and seminars, or in the classroom where he has taught scenic and lighting design to many aspiring professionals at Randolph-Macon College.

This second edition is based on Vectorworks Spotlight version 2010, but it can be used successfully with prior versions of Vectorworks software. Suited for both students and professionals, this manual is especially valuable to lighting designers who are relatively new to using Vectorworks software.

You can buy the 2nd edition from either Nemetschek’s website, www.nemetschek.com or from Gregg’s website at www.lightplotdeconstructed.com. The 2nd edition is the same price as the first edition at $40 USD.

Light Plot Deconstructed Contest Part 2 on Jimonlight

iSquint and Jimonlight.com have been running a contest during the month of October in two parts for Gregg Hillmar’s latest book, Light Plot Deconstructed.  The first part of the contest was held here on iSquint and the second part on jimonlight.com.  Jimonlight’s part of the contest stops tomorrow, Friday October 30 at midnight.  You still have time to enter the contest by leaving a comment on Jimonlight’s contest page.  All you have to do is leave your name, email address, (which is not published) and a note.

Jim will be announcing the winner after the contest is over. Learn more about Light Plot Deconstructed by reading our review here on iSquint. If you don’t win, you can pick up a copy of Gregg’s book at his website, www.lightplotdeconstructed.com.

Light Plot Deconstructed Contest – Part 2

With the first part of the iSquint and Jimonlight Light Plot Deconstructed Contest over, Jimonlight.com is running the second part of the contest on his site.

We would like to thank all of those who left comments on the first part of the contest here on iSquint.  We love all of your comments and wish that we could give everyone a copy of the book.

If you didn’t win, you still have another chance!  Head over to Jimonlight.com and leave a comment on Jim’s contest page.  All you have to do is enter your name, email address, (which is not published) and a comment.  It is just that simple!

Thanks again to everyone that entered!  Learn more about Gregg Hillmar’s latest book, Light Plot Deconstructed by visiting the books website at www.lightplotdeconstructed.com. You can read our review of Gregg’s book here on iSquint.net.

Light Plot Deconstructed Part 1 – Winner Announced

This just in, the winner of the first iSquint.net and JimOnLight.com Lighting Plot Deconstructed Contestt is in. Both Jim and iSquint would like to thank everyone for entering this, the first of many joint contest of iSquint and JimOnLight. If you didn’t win, you have a chance to win on the second part of the contest.  Check back for more information to come around. But now:

Congratulations to Mike Berger, the winner of the first part of the contest.  Mike is a student at a well known college in Pittsburgh PA and has assured us that Gregg Hillmar’s book, Light Plot Deconstructed will help advance his work with in Vectorworks.

You can follow Mike on Twitter @MichaelLBerger.

Congrats once again Mike, enjoy the book!

Light Plot Deconstructed Contest – 12 Hours Left

There is only 12 hours left to enter the first part of the iSquint.net and JimOnLight.com Light Plot Deconstructed Contest!  Be sure to visit the original contest page and leave a comment to enter the contest.

The winner will be announced on Monday, October 19 and the second part of the contest will begin on JimOnLight.com.

Hurry, don’t miss your chance to win!

Light Plot Deconstructed Contest – Only 2 Days Left

That’s right everyone, only today, (Thursday) and Friday are left to enter the first part of the iSquint.net and JimOnLight.com Light Plot Deconstructed contest! The first part of the contest concludes on Friday, October 16 at Midnight est!  Make sure to visit the contest post located here and leave a comment to enter the contest. We will be announcing the winner of the first part of the contest on Monday, October 16.

Also, starting on Monday, October 19, JimOnLight.com will be running the second part of the Light Plot Deconstructed contest.  So if you didn’t win on iSquint.net, you have a second chance to win on JimOnLight.com.

For more information on Light Plot Deconstructed, see our review here on iSquint. Can’t wait to to see if you win from iSquint.net and JimOnLight.com, you can purchase your copy from www.lightplotdeconstructed.com for $40.

Again, to enter the contest, leave a comment here. Commenting have been closed on this posting.

Contest Update: One Week Left to Enter For Light Plot Deconstructed Book

That’s right, there is just ONE more week left to enter to win a signed copy of Gregg Hillmar’s book, Light Plot Deconstructed from iSquint.net and JimOnLight.com!

JimOnLight and Isquint are running a contest the month of October for two chances to win a signed copy of Light Plot Deconstructed.  The first book is being given away here on iSquint by leaving a comment on the original contest announcement here, (comments on this announcement have been turned off). The first winner will be announced on Monday, October 19, the same day the second part of the contest starts on JimOnLight.com for the second chance to win.

For more information on Light Plot Deconstructed, see our review here on iSquint. Again, to enter the contesst, leave a comment here.

Light Plot Deconstructed Contest

During the month of October, iSquint.net and JimOnLight.com will be running a very special contest together.  Rather then butting heads trying to out do each other with this contest, we decided to work together and give you, the value reader more chances to win.

Greg Hillmar, the author of Light Plot Deconstructed has graciously donated not one, but to copies book, AND signed for the contest. So what is the deal, what the contest, how do I win?

Easy, leave a message on the posting with your name, email address, (it will not be published), and a note, (if you want to, we love notes!). The first drawing will be taken from comments left on this posting on iSquint on Friday October 16.

The second part of the contest will be held on JimOnLight.com starting October 19 and conclude on Friday October 30.

Easy Right?!  So what are you waiting for?

Light Plot Deconstructed is a great companion guide for anyone seeking to learn the fundamentals of lighting design with Vectorworks Spotlight. You can read our review of Light Plot Deconstructed here on iSquint. If you can not wait to win one and want to purchase your own copy of Light Plot Deconstructed, visit www.lightplotdeconstructed.com to purchase it for $40.