FOLLOWSPOT ISSUES
Using moving lights as followspots has advantages and disadvantages. In this section we
will discuss what can be done to improve the look and performance of automated
followspots.
1. Choose the right fixture for the job. A PAL effects fixture is better than the profiling
one because it has an adjustable iris. PALs are faster than MACs but the latter are
smoother.
2. Place the fixture keeping in mind that the smoothest response will be obtained when
only pan or tilt are moving and not both. So, for example, if you have a shallow stage
where the performer moves from left to right mostly then set the fixture in a central,
frontal location with an orientation such that only pan or tilt will swing for such
movement.
3. If you are using a moving head fixture it should be outside the interactive area to
avoid the non-continuous rotation problem that appears when the performer goes
“around” the fixture.
4. Use fixtures in 16-bit mode. For Martin lights this means using mode 4.
5. Ensure that the tracking system can give enough samples per second. Here are the
minimum sample rates for different activities:
10 samples per second are OK for walking
15 samples per second are OK for walking fast
25 samples per second are OK for running
30 samples per second are OK for running fast
6. Tradeoff: the farther the fixture the faster will the response seem to be... however
the farther the fixture the less bright it will be.
7. Control iris, zoom and focus with dynamic behaviour curves so that the followspot
has the same appearance everywhere on the stage.
8. For very large stages you may want to automatically cross fade (dynamic dimming
curves) so that “closer” followspots “take over” when the performer approaches.
9. Use MANY followspots for cool effects. Granted, automated followspots do not
have the power, stability, linearity and throw that normal followspots have. However,
with the MLD system you can have up to 64 followspots simultaneously on the same
tracker (this would get a little pricey the old way!). Also, play with dynamic control of
colour, gobo rotation speed, wash, etc... use the fixtures creatively not as simple
simulations of plain followspots.
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MLD manual 1.1
Summary of Contents for LIGHTING DIRECTOR
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