Video training - LED/Projection blending etc..

[PassTheCoffee]

Hi all,

 

Bit of an open ended enquiry but thought I'd ask. So I'd like to think I'm not a beginner, but I am fairly new to freelancing as an AV tech/with a lean towards video. I feel I have a pretty solid base knowledge and I have been getting work but what I'd like to be able to do is put myself forward more for jobs that involve big screen stuff, I.e media servers, LED, projection mapping/blending. I understand that's a pretty broad set of skills, and know some specific training comes with a cost, but was curious to see if anyone around London was running any open days, training sessions etc in the coming few weeks while it's a bit quieter. Often times I know we learn on the job,but that's not always appropriate and figured it'd be nice to get clued up if the opportunities are there, especially if there are companies out there that have the gear and knowledge but are lacking the bodies to carry out the work.

 

Ideally stuff would be based in or close to London as I'm without a car at the moment, but I can travel within reason.

 

Thanks in advance!

[sameness]

It is a pretty broad set, but its useful to have a bit of knowledge of them, even just to understand the processed involved during a show.

 

Most media servers have an offline version that you can download and play around with, D3, Hippo and Resolume definitely do. There are also various training videos available to get you started with them.|

 

With LED screens, most techs end up knowing how to build them and how to swap modules. Thats the easy way to get into being involved with them. Next step is learning how they work - how they are setup from the processor, what limitations you need to adhere to (power/data) and how to fix things. Again, you can download the software for the main contenders and figure out how the processing works - Novastar and Brompton both allow you to download the software. Makes pre-programming nice and easy.

 

Projection blending is actually pretty straight forward. Just get yourself into a position where you have to do it or where there is someone else to watch. How to do the actual blending (gamma, feathering etc) is explained in the projector manuals.

 

Projector "mapping" is a very vague term a lot of people throw around as a general term. For example, if you were to projection map a building, most of the work is done way before the projectors even get turned on. By the time the projector is placed, someone has already worked out where the projector will go, and all the clever bits are done in whatever playback software is being used. Ideally all you need to do is point the projector and tweak it a little bit.

 

As with getting some "hands-on" time with the kit, ask some of the bigger companies whether they have any training or offer to spend a few days in the warehouse in the LED department for example (VER for instance). That will hopefully get you some understanding of the screens and the processing as the kit all gets checked and tested before it goes out.

[PassTheCoffee]

It is a pretty broad set, but its useful to have a bit of knowledge of them, even just to understand the processed involved during a show.

 

Most media servers have an offline version that you can download and play around with, D3, Hippo and Resolume definitely do. There are also various training videos available to get you started with them.|

 

With LED screens, most techs end up knowing how to build them and how to swap modules. Thats the easy way to get into being involved with them. Next step is learning how they work - how they are setup from the processor, what limitations you need to adhere to (power/data) and how to fix things. Again, you can download the software for the main contenders and figure out how the processing works - Novastar and Brompton both allow you to download the software. Makes pre-programming nice and easy.

 

Projection blending is actually pretty straight forward. Just get yourself into a position where you have to do it or where there is someone else to watch. How to do the actual blending (gamma, feathering etc) is explained in the projector manuals.

 

Projector "mapping" is a very vague term a lot of people throw around as a general term. For example, if you were to projection map a building, most of the work is done way before the projectors even get turned on. By the time the projector is placed, someone has already worked out where the projector will go, and all the clever bits are done in whatever playback software is being used. Ideally all you need to do is point the projector and tweak it a little bit.

 

As with getting some "hands-on" time with the kit, ask some of the bigger companies whether they have any training or offer to spend a few days in the warehouse in the LED department for example (VER for instance). That will hopefully get you some understanding of the screens and the processing as the kit all gets checked and tested before it goes out.

 

 

Sorry just saw you had replied. Some good tips there, thank you :-)

 

 

 

[OllieDuff]

Media servers: if you're working for AV companies that use a particular brand, talk to them - depending on their disposition and your relationship with them they might be willing for you to come in on a quiet day and have a play in offline mode. When I was last in-house with a production company we used to encourage the junior lighting and video techs to come in during the off season (Jan/Feb and August) and set up a simple rig/previs sessions if the kit wasn't already out, as it was free CPD for them and gave us a ready source of techs who were familiar with our kit pile.

 

For LED walls, weirdly you might find that working for a crewing company will get you more hands-on time with the hardware side (tiles, modules, rigging etc) than freelancing direct - pretty much every time I've wanted an LED wall built I've booked Connection Crew or similar to put it together for me (I'm fairly familiar with the kit I use regularly, so if they get stuck or encounter an edge case then I can step in) while our video techs configure the Novastars or what have you. Again, if the companies you work with regularly have the kit then express an interest to them and they may be willing to help you out. If they don't, maybe introduce yourself to some companies that do - be upfront with your existing skill base and experience, and that you're looking to get to grips with different technology, and see who bites.