Hi All
As most of you know I am currently working in an institution offering BTec - Yeah I know!
The term design here tends to mean creating states from a rig designed by someone else. This could be me creating a catch all rig for several events or the standard rig at an external venue. The shows can range from acting to dance to rock'n'roll type performances. Most of them don't have a recognisable production process and so from an LX point of view there is little creative engagement beyond lighting what is in front of them in a tech period.
So the question is how do you define a design? Is it just creating states from whatever is available, or is the rig specification an intrinsic part of being a designer. As I said in this particular case we have to set aside script analysis, creative engagement with the director etc
The kids here think they have designed lighting because they have, in effect, flashed a few lights. I don't thing that is design, I think that is 'doing the lighting' purely as a technical exercise, although there will hopefully be some level of creativity, it is pretty small. It's usually a question of visibility and then a bit of finessing, if there is time. I'm sure we've all been there!
Apart from curiosity about this my other concern is that the students - some of whom are applying to you, you lucky people - may think of themselves as lighting designers which probably won't help them in the future, when they start on 'proper' productions
Anyway I'm starting to waffle but I'd be interested to hear your thoughts
All the best
David
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