New AV Nation Podcast – Live Life, Episode One

This past week, I was invited on to the first episode of one of AV Nation’s latest podcast, The Live Life. Don’t let the title throw you, Too Many Mikes.  We talked about Media Servers and projection technologies for the entertainment industry. The title came from having three Mikes on the podcast.  We joked around before we started recording and the name stuck! Here is a synopsis of what we talked about.

On this the very first episode of Live Life host George Tucker, Mike Fahl of Dataton SE, Micheal Bridwell of Digital Projection, Mike Postupak of Perspective and Justin Lang of PLSN  discuss the dramatic changes Media Servers and projection geometry have had on the event staging industry.  We have a question and answer session on how first time and independent companies can start to work with these systems and debate just how to make a certification and education program for image mapping skills.

On the podcast was, Host: George Tucker with Guests Mike Fahl, Micheal Bridwell, Mike Postupak, and yours truly, Justin Lang. You can check out the podcast here or subscribe to the podcast through iTunes.

iSquint Podcast: Episode 16 – Super Saturday 2011, Richard Pilbrow

In this the final part of the iSquint Podcast from the Stage Seminars Stage Lighting Super Saturday, Episode 16 is an interview with legendary lighting design and author, Mr. Richard Pilbrow.  I sat down with Mr. Pilbrow at Super Saturday 2011 and talked about life, designing, super Saturday and of course technology in the industry.

If you didn’t know, Mr. Pilbrow is a tech savey guy when it comes to lighting.  He shared some interesting new software titles for iOS devices, such as the much anticipated Lightwright Touch and Virtual Magic Sheet for the Mac.

Thank you to Mr. Pilbrow for sharing his thoughts here on the iSquint podcast along with reading the site!  I would alos like to thank Mr. Scott C. Parker and Mr. Sonny Sonnenfeld for allowing me access to Super Saturday to bring such great content and interviews to you.

If you haven’t done so already check out episode 14, which is part one of my Super Saturday coverage with the keynote address given by Mr. Ken Billington. And part 2, episode 15 and interview with Mr. Sonny Sonnenfeld.  Don’t forget, you can subscribe to the iSquint Podcast through iTunes and download it right to your iOS device.

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_16.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 15 – Super Saturday 2011, Sonny Sonnenfeld

As promised, here is Part 2 of the series of Podcast from Stage Seminars Stage Lighting Super Saturday 2011.  Episode 15 of the iSquint podcast is a interview with industry icon, Sonny Sonnenfeld.  Mr. Sonnenfeld sat down with me to talk about Super Saturday and who would benefit from attending such a wonderful event.

Mr. Sonnenfeld also offers a bit of advice for students and up and coming professionals on how to be successful at what you do.  His advice is not limited to any particular area and can used in any profession and at any level.  Once again, thank you to Mr. Scott Parker and Mr. Sonny Sonnenfeld for allowing me access to such great content while at Super Saturday.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to check out the first part of the Super Saturday podcast series where Mr. Ken Billington gave the keynote address on his history and what lighting means to him.  Also, look out for the last part of this podcast series to be released a little later this week.

You can download the podcast below or visit iTunes and subscribe to the iSquint.net Podcast.

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_15.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 14 – Super Saturday 2011 Keynote By Ken Billington

Episode 15 of the iSquint podcast is part of a three part series from the Stage Seminars Stage Lighting Uper Saturday. It is brought to you in part by Mr. Scott Parker and Sonny Sonnenfeld, the organizers of Super Saturday.

Back on Saturday, January 22nd was the Super Saturday in New York City. I had the pleasure of attending and being allowed to bring you such special content like this. Episode 14 of the iSquint podcast is the keynote address from Super Saturday by Broadway lighting design, Ken Billington.

Mr. Billington talked about how he got started in lighting back in middle school and how his career brought him to Broadway. He also talks about other opportunities to design in the lighting field such as theatrical, opera, architectural and more.

Look for part 2 and 3 of the Super Saturday coverage here on the iSquint podcast during the week.

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_14.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 13 – Super Saturday 2011

Episode 13 of the iSquint Podcast is out!  Yes it is un-luck number 13, but so what! ;)  I sat down with Mr. Scott C. Parker, the organizer of the Stage Lighting Super Saturday.  We talk about what Super Saturday is and who should attend as well as what to expect.  The 2011 Super Saturday takes place this Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 in New York City at LaGuardia Arts High School at 65th Street.

Kicking off Super Saturday is a keynote speaker Ken Billington, Tony award winning lighting design and all around great guy.  Super Saturday is jam packed with all kinds of sessions, training and of course product demonstrations.  You still have plenty of time to register for Super Saturday by visiting www.stageseminars.com.  When you register, make sure to use promotional code iSquintVIP.  It will knock off $50 form the $150 registration fee!

Hope you can make it and if you do, I’ll see you there!

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_13.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 12 – LDI 2010 Post Show Podcast

In this, the 12th episode of the iSquint Podcast, I am joined by some heavy hitters in the industry to follow up and talk about the 2010 LDI Show in Las Vegas Nevada.  Joining me on the LDI 2010 Post Show Podcast is Mr. Michael Eddy from Eddy Marketing and Consulting, Mr. Richard Cadena, The Electron Wizard and Editor of PLSN Magazine, Mr. David Schraffenberger, General Manager of Production Advantage and finally, but certainly not least in any way, Mr. Jacob Coakley, Editor of Stage Directions Magazine.

We ditched the last hour of the show and headed over to the PRG meeting room to sit down and have an open discussion about all of the latest and greatest products that we viewed on the show floor.  We lingered on the subject of LEDs for a while.  We had to put that subject to rest as we could have been there for 3 days just talking about LEDs.  We also covered some of the new control, rigging, video and motion control products.  There was just not enough time to cover everything, but was certainly nice to get other opinions and gather together to see what each of us missed.

Couple of HUGE thanks to give out.  Of course, thank you to you gentleman for joining me on the podcast!  It is always a pleasure to be in your company.  Thank you to Production Resource Group, (PRG) for allowing us to take over a small corner of your meeting room to record the podcast. And last, thank you to The Swingin Johnson’s Band for allowing me to use part of their song, Playthang in the podcast. I love you guys!

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_12.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 11 – #LDI2010 PreShow with Michael Eddy

After just a bit of a break, the iSquint Podcast is back and feature packed! In this the 11th episode, I talked with Michael Eddy, for those you on twitter, you may know him at @mseddy2900. Besides just being an all around awesome guy, Michael has also been in and seen a lot in this industry over the past thirty years. He has a lot of great insight and knowledge about every aspect of the business and has some great stories to go along with it all.

Back to the Podcast, each year, I like doing a PreShow podcast to get everyone pumped and prepared for what to see at the show and how to make the mmost of your time.  Michael and I sat down and had a lot longer of a talk about this then I originally thought.  It is worth every 43 minutes worth of information.

As everyone prepares to head to Las Vegas this week, download the iSquint Podcast and have a listen on your way.  Everyone be safe and see you in a couple of days in Sin City!

If you didn’t know, you can subscribe to the iSquint Podcast through iTunes and get the latest and past podcast downloaded directly to your iOS device.

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_11.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint.net Podcast: Episode 10 – Jim Moody Session at USITT 2010

I am quickly coming to the end of my USITT 2010 coverage. This has got to be one of the best sessions that was held during the conference on lighting.  Mr. Jim Moody , Paul Dexter and Libby Gray held a panel discussion, So you wanna Rock and Roll? The panel talked at great lengths about what it’s like to be out on tour and the whole lifestyle that is associated with it. On top of that, they gave out some really helpful advice to help you succeed in that line of work.

I do have to mention that there is some profanity used in this episode of the podcast.  I do try to keep the podcast clean and suitable for all ages, but when you get a bunch of road veterans in one room, the f-bombs seem to drop pretty easy. So consider this as my parental advisory!

Don’t forget, you can also subscribe and download the iSquint Podcast right from iTunes!  That way you can listen to me ramble on at times right from the comfort of your iPod, IPhone or iPad! You can also download the podcast right here from the site and put it on your none apple portable device, just click Download the Podcast below in the Media Player below.

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_10.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint.net Podcast: Episode 9 – Interview with Steve Shelley

It’s that time, everyone is gearing up for USITT Conference and Stage Expo in Kansas City. As you travel to USITT today or tomorrow, I put together a podcast with Mr. Steven Shelley.  You may know Mr. Shelley from his book, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting or possibly through his company, Field Templates. Or, you may have seen Mr. Shelley at a trade show, how hard is it to miss him in his neon green cap and shirt?

Mr. Shelley was kind enough to share his beginnings in the lighting industry and what made him go into lighting rather then scenic design.  Mr. Shelley also gives a humorous look into how Field Templates and his book deal came into existence.  All the while, Mr. Shelley kept busting my gut.

Mr. Shelley also gave some great insight on how to make it into the industry and how to be successful at what you do while offering some tips and tricks to protect yourself and grow. If you are attending USITT this week and new to trade shows, be sure to check out Mr. Shelley’s Attending Theatre Convention’s write up, well worth the read!

Reminder: You can subscribe to the iSquint Podcast through iTunes and have it delivered directly to your iPhone or iPod.

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_9.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 8 – Interview with USITT President, Carl Lefko

Can you smell that?  It’s the smell of excitement and anticipation. The USITT Conference and Stage Expo is right around the corner in Kansas City at the end of the month. As everyone is preparing to make the trip to KC for the Conference, what better time to learn a little bit about the organization and what to expect in KC.

In this, the 8th episode of the iSquint Podcast, I called up a good friend and president of USITT, Mr. Carl Lefko. We talk about Carl’s eventual rise to becoming the president of USITT and how the organization benefits students, educators, professionals and the entire entertainment industry. Carl and I also talk about some of the plans for this years 50th anniversary celebration of USITT. Not only does USITT have a ton of events planned, there are other mixers, parties and even a Gaff Tape Dress Prom planned.

The USITT Conference and Stage Expo begins on March 30 and goes to April 2nd in Kansas City Missouri.  If you are attending, I’ll see you there! And don’t forget, you can subscribe to the iSquint Podcast for FREE through iTunes.

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_8.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 7 – Finding Your Next Lighting Desk

It is that time of year, the trade show season is about to begin.  Visitors from around the country and around the world visit trade shows to see some of the latest products and services available to our beloved industry. One of the most talked about and sometimes confusing product to compare is lighting control and consoles.

So in episode 7, I sat down with Rob Halliday and we talk about lighting control and consoles.  Rob Halliday writes reviews about lighting consoles in both Lighting & Sound International and Lighting & Sound America.  Rob is a freelance lighting designer and programmer based in England and is known to show up state side now and then.

Our goal of this conversation was to get you to think about what you are specifically looking for out of your next lighting console or, if you really even need a new console!

Rob and I talked at length about different types, function and abilities of lighting desk to help you understand some of the choices you have out there. While we did mention a couple of brands and specific consoles in the podcast, we are not endorsing or recommending those desk.  We used them as examples to help illustrate our points as the desk are well known throughout the industry.

If you have additional questions or comments, Rob and I will be happy to help.  You can reach either of us through the Contact Us page here on iSquint.net.

Did you know: You can subscribe to the iSquint Podcast through iTunes for free?

[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_7.mp3[/podcast]

iSquint Podcast: Episode 6 – A Talk With Lucas Krech

A couple of weeks ago, before the two snow storms pounded Washington, DC, I got a chance to catch up with fellow lighting designer and blogger Lucas Krech. Lucas was in town lighting a dance piece, Everyone Intimate Alone Visibly for LEVYdance. You can read the Washington Post Review of the piece as well as Lucas’s own write up on designing for the piece. The dance piece was here in DC for a week and then on to New York City for an additional week run.

Lucas and I got a chance to talk about lighting, theories and his own blog, Light Cue 23.  If you haven’t had a chance, visit Lucas’s web site, www.lucaskrech.com to read some of his well though out and detailed posts about color theory, being a freelance designer and how to prepare yourself financially.
[podcast]http://isquint.net/wp-content/uploads/podcast/iSquint.net_Podcast-Episode_6.mp3[/podcast]