Creative Stage Lighting Host Workshop at University of Texas at El Paso

Creative Stage Lighting, in conjunction with the University of Texas at El Paso Department of Theatre and Dance, will present a workshop series on November 18.

This day long event includes three workshops:. “Theatre Programming – Lighting To Video” with Michael Nevitt of Creative Stage Lighting explores programming techniques for theatrical designers. “Scenic Painting” with Damon Hatten of Rosco Laboratories will display professional scene paintings and discuss the application of a variety of texture paints.

A guest presentation by Richard Cadena titled “Keys to Success in the Live Event Production Industry” is a session devoted to the direction of the live event production industry and how young people and newcomers can get kick-started on their career path into this field.

The event will be held in UTEP’s Wise Theatre. For more information please go to www.creativestagelighting.com.

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]

Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship Avilable on Apple iBook Store

[singlepic id=1119 w=320 h=240 float=left]Not to long ago, Richard Cadena’s book, Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship was released as a eBook through SmashWords.com.  While searching through the Apple iBooks store, I found that Mr. Cadena’s book has made it to the store!  Here is a little background on Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship.

Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship is a complete step-by-step guide to lighting design for people of all levels of experience. It covers everything from the basics of lighting, including the McCandless method, to more advanced topics like the “jewel” lighting method, lighting for video, color theory, rendering, visualization, documentation and paperwork.

You can purchase your very own copy for just $9.99 through iTunes.

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Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship in eBook Format

I read over Facebook that Richard Cadena’s book, Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship has recently been released as an eBook.  First, congrats Mr. Cadena, I still have your print version that you signed, again, thanks!  Interesting question though… how do you sign an eBook?  I guess I’ll just have to have authors sign the back of the iPad?

Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship is a complete step-by-step guide to lighting design for people of all levels of experience. It covers everything from the basics of lighting, including the McCandless method, to more advanced topics like the “jewel” lighting method, lighting for video, color theory, rendering, visualization, documentation and paperwork.

You can purchase and download your copy of Lighting Design for Modern Houses of Worship from the Smashwords web site.  If you are like me and own an iPad, which version of the eBook to buy… the iPad uses the “standard” in eBook formats, ePub files.  Smashingwords does offer that format, but doesn’t list the iPad… interesting.  A safe bet would to be to purchase the PDF version of the eBook.  The iBook app on the iPad and iPhone can import PDFs into the app.  An added bonus if you do the PDF version, you can print it from home if you feel like.  Just an idea.

Update: Helping Titus Realize His Dream – Call for Support

Over a month ago, Richard Cadena, the Editor of PLSN Magazine and Electron Magician put a call out for help his friend Titus in Nigeria. Mr. Cadena has organized a fund raising campaign to purchase an Apple MacBook for Titus to help him complete and continue his dreams of opening a production company in Nigeria.  The audio engineering classes that Titus is taking requires an Apple notebook to complete class assignments.

The goal is to raise $1100 USD to purchase the new MacBook for Titus.  Mr. Cadena setup a ChipIn campaign to help raise money.  The first ChipIn campaign that Mr. Cadena setup raised $350 dollars.  This is a good start, but Titus and Mr. Cadena still need help to raise the remaining $750 dollars.

Mr. Cadena started a new ChipIn campaign to raise the remaining $750 dollars.  Your help and support would greatly be appreciated! Any donation on your part would be greatly welcome. I have already pledged my support by donating to this worth while cause, please join me and Mr. Cadena in helping bring a bit of much needed technology to a student in need.  Below is the ChipIn widget to show how much has already been raised and how much is still needed to reach the $750 dollar goal. Again, any support would be greatly appreciated.  Why not donate the cost of one cup of coffee for the day?  If enough people donate just a bit, Titus and Mr. Cadena can reach their goal.

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.

Book Review: Automated Lighting, 2nd Edition By Richard Cadena

Back at USITT 2010 in Kansas City, I got a chance to catch up with the Electron Magician himself, Mr. Richard Cadena. I am always in awe when around Mr. Cadena.  Not only is he a wealth of knowledge on lighting, but the entire industry as well. During our talk, I mentioned that I would love to write a review of his just then published book, Automated Lighting: The Art and science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, and entertainment, 2nd Edition.

“No Problem”, we made a B line for the Focal Press booth on the show floor.  Not only was Focal Press kind enough to provide me with a free copy of the book, Mr. Cadena signed the book right then and there for me.  Looking back at it know, that may have not been the best idea to sign the book right there on the show floor at the Focal Press booth.  Mr. Cadena was suddenly swamped with request to sign more books from attendees that just picked up his book.  Sorry about that Mr. Cadena!

Who is the book written for

Mr. Cadena has an amazing way with words.  While there are a ton of technical terms and advance topics, he makes sure to fully describe what he mentions so even the novice can understand.  After reading the book cover to cover, I feel as though the book is geared towards every lighting technician out there. Moving lights are hear to stay.  Call them what you like, Moving lights, automated luminaries, wiggle lights, they are all just broad terms for describing a lighting that operates remotely. Almost every venue will have some sort of multi-parameter device in house as a permanent fixture or rental at some point. As with almost anything in our life, things break down and need fixing. In the entertainment lighting world, it always happens after 5pm when tech service is closed. It then falls upon us to take a look and see what is wrong with a light and maybe getting it back up and running.

While the book does go into great detail about almost every aspect of a moving light, it is certainly not a guide on how to fix any particular light.  After reading the book, I have a greater understanding of the different parts of a moving light and what can be found inside to make it work.  The book certainly does not make me a certified tech to fix anything, but I feel like I can talk a bit more intelligently to tech services when trying to diagnose what is wrong.

As with most of Mr. Cadena’s book, he always starts off with my favorite part, the history lesson.  To fully understand where we are in the industry and where we are going, we have to understand the past and how we came to where we are. Intertwined in the history, Mr. Cadena provides personal experiences and stories about certain fixtures and how they came to be.  This is something you rarely hear or read about.

Understanding Protocols, Console and Design

Toward the last half of the book, Mr. Cadena writes about some of the newer protocols, lighting consoles and designing.  Like most of the book, it is a crash course into the subject.  The information will not make you a seasoned professional, but you’ll get a good understanding of the subject matter.  The book offers a great stating off point to understanding the different subjects and at times offers additional outlets to get more information on the subjects.  Included are some great helpful hints on what to carry around with you as well as best practices for trouble shooting and analyzing gear.

As Mr. Cadena is the Electron Magician of the industry, he offers numerous calculations and formulas.  This goes way beyond the West Virginia Law of power, ( W = V * A).  As an aspiring professional, the formulas can not only save your life, but save countless hours of trouble shooting and figuring out what is wrong.

Why Add this book to your Arsenal

As the School House Rock’s Cartoon from the 80’s says, “Knowledge is power”. I am a firm believer that we must understand where we came from in history to understand where we are at currently and where we are going in the future.  So the history lessons the book provides is just one reason to pick up Mr. Cadena’s latest edition of Automated Lighting.  The book also serves as a great entry into the world of automated lighting and control for the beginner.  For those seasoned veterans of the industry, it can serve as a great reference tool for understanding those new “toys” on the market.

I highly recommend Mr. Cadena’s book, Automated Lighting, 2nd Edition to any one that has any interest in entertainment lighting. You can purchase your copy of the book through the publishers web site, www.focalpress.com for $49.95.  You can save a couple of bucks by purchasing the book through Amazon.com for $44.95.

Thanks again to Focal Press and Mr. Cadena for their support and generosity with providing me a copy of the book to do a review.  You can check out more great titles written by Mr. Cadena and other great titles for almost every aspect of theatre production by visiting Focal Press’s web site, www.focalpress.com.

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!

CSL Announces Next Webinar: The ABCs of Lighting a Green Show

The fella’s at Creative Stage Lighting recently announced their next webinar that takes place Friday, March 26 from 3:30pm to 5pm EST, The ABCs of Lighting a Green Show.  CSL has brought back industry legend and electron magician, Richard Cadena to host the webinar. Joining Mr. Cadena on the webinar will be guest lighting designer, Howard Ungerleider.

Together, along with attendee’s interaction and questions, Mr Cadena and Mr. Ungerleider will explore the newest technologies and how to compare light sources in terms of light output, color, rendering, dimming , flicker, effects and cost.  When the smoke clears attendee’s will have a better understanding of what you can and cannot do with the newest lighting equipment, how it will look, and what the payoff will be.

Interested in “attending” the webinar, be sure to register now and mark your calendar for March 26th.

Published in this Months Issue of PLSN

During LDI this year, I had one heck of a crazy schedule with meetings, lunches, dinners, parties, product demos and of course walking the show floor for two days straight. One of the highlights of my trip was sitting down and having a lovely dinner and chat with the Editor of PLSN, (Projection Lights & Staging News), Mr. Richard Cadena. After just a couple of moments talking with Mr. Cadena, Richard, I was in awe of his vast knowledge and insights of the lighting industry. Richard has some amazing stories as well a deep and profound passion for the industry to which we share. He and PLSN are a real asset to this industry of ours.

During the course of our dinner, we talked about different aspects of the industry and what new and interesting things that we had seen on the show floor.  Even though I was on the show for for 16 hours and the LDI show was smaller in size compared to previous shows, you would think that would be plenty of time to see everything on the show floor, how untrue that is.  While going over the things that we had seen, it was amazing to hear of things that I missed as well as tell Richard about somethings he missed. It is at that point Richard asked me to write a show report for his publication, PLSN. I was and still am honored to do so. Thank you Richard for this opportunity to share my opinion of the show in your publication.

You can download my show report of LDI that was printed in this months issue of PLSN.  If you would like to read the entire magazine, you should subscribe to it here to get the print version.  To help tide you over until the print version arrives, you can download the PDF version here from PLSN.

Thank you once again to Mr. Cadena and PLSN for this opportunity. It was a real treat and pleasure for me to share my experiences at LDI.

Side Note: I only was able to walk the LDI show for for two days and still did not get a chance to see and talk with everyone.  Maybe that is why there are three days of the LDI show. Next year I will just have to catch the Red Eye home!

Trivia Contest Over in Record Time

We ran a trivia contest last week to win a copy of Richard Cadena’s latest book, Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician.  The winning answer was posted in record time of 18 hours after the contest began. Tom Baldwin of Hampshire (UK) had the winning answer with a detailed explanation of why.

The resistance of a lamp varies with temperature.
So it’s not as simple as using Ohm’s law to work out the resistance from 575W @ 115V and recalculate for 120V.
On a 120V supply, the lamp will burn hotter, and so its resistance will be lower. This means that the current flowing will be greater than the naive calculation assumes.
In practise, the easiest way to determine the current at 120V would be to simply measure it.
To predict the current, it would be necessary to measure the operating current at a number of voltages, and to plot a curve of filament resistance versus applied voltage. From this curve the operating current at any given voltage could be extrapolated (or interpolated).
By using a mathematical fitting function to map the measured points on the graph back to a mathematical function, this prediction could be made without recourse to graph paper.
There are, of course, ready reckoning tables, which would allow the current change for x% increase to be roughly estimated.
And after all that writing, the real answer is that there can be very few circumstances where the change in operating current between 115V and 120V really matter!

We congratulate Mr. Baldwin on a job well done! To purchase your copy of the book, visit the PLSN Bookshelf at www.plsnbookshelf.com

Trivia Contest Announced for Richard Cadena’s Latest Book

We are happy to announce our first or many Trivia Contest here at iSquint.

Our first contest involves winning Richard Cadena’s latest book, Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician from Focal Press.  We recently received an advance copy of the book to do a review of here on iSquint which you can read here.

For details on the contest, visit the Trivia Contest page and to submit your answer to the contest. Please be sure to submit your answer on the contest page and not this post.  Comments for this posting have been turned off.

To purchase your own copy of the book, visit the PLSN Bookshelf.