Follow spots.. Automation vs Manual

[Hrvoje]

Hello lxkev

I have been working with stage tracking systems over a decade now. On both ends, once as owner of equipment and now as manufacturer. I will summarize my experience and the feedback I have received over the years.

·       “If the engineer has to setup the system, system is not good” (Rental guys).

·       “System setup time must be less than 30 minutes” (Touring guys).

·       Amount of proprietary hardware must be set to minimum, preferably none. (Owners)

·       Any moving head must be supported. (LD)

·       “I want to use ultra wide angle lens because I can see entire stage only with ultra wide angle lens.” (Operators)

·       Times when LD, just before the song number 1 says “In song number 2 we have decided not to use moving head on address 375 for tracking and is programmed for effect. But in song number 3 we will be using it tracking. So, disconnect it from tracking and let desk to use it for effect… but just for song 2.”

·       “I want dimmer control for each moving head so that I get 450 lux on performer over the entire stage from any angle. Can you do that?”

·       During the live show LD says “We have made some changes for a next song. Performer will go down the stairs into audience and will move around … just follow him, cameras are there. No problems??”.

I have seen tour where one technician would calibrate the system and truck drivers were operators during live show. I could write a book on stage tracking systems, but in my experience, system has to be flexible from every aspect and super easy to setup and use.

If someone spills a bear over proprietary hardware you are …, If you need to add more sensors when performer wants to go in audience you are …, if LD wants to use moving head not supported by tracking system you are …, if the performer does not want to wear sensor you are …, and you will have conversation with LD in this tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKX32WqDNDU

I will say that system I have developed is the best in universe (and that is the truth 😊) but that is not the topic here.

My advice is to have a list of all demands that LD’s asked you over the years and when you find the system that tickles all the boxes use that system.

 

Best regards,

Hrvoje

[dje]

 

I thought this might be of interest to some people. 18th September at the National

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-future-of-followspots-tickets-679262722087

[themadhippy]

Quote

If someone spills a bear over proprietary hardware you are

Ok apart from possible bryson how many of us have  included  bears in the venue as part of our risk assessments

[Bryson]

44 minutes ago, themadhippy said:

Ok apart from possible bryson how many of us have  included  bears in the venue as part of our risk assessments

A genuine possibility in several theatres I know.  For real.

 

1 hour ago, dje said:

 

I thought this might be of interest to some people. 18th September at the National

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-future-of-followspots-tickets-679262722087

Macula is news to me.  I’m going to check that out…