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An Introduction to Stage Lighting Techniques
Two DVD Set (all regions)
EVC Digital Ltd
Dateline: 5th May, 2005
There are many good books on stage lighting - Amazon lists 196 (although
some are different editions of the same book). Francis Reid's Stage
Lighting Handbook, for example, is onto (at least) its sixth edition
and is as comprehensive a treatment as you could hope for, and Richard
Pilbrow's Stage Lighting is a joy to behold, with wonderful illustrations
which provide lots of creative ideas, and it, like Reid's book, is a
comprehensive reference. Any lighting designer worth his or her salt
will have both, and a number of others, too.
But good as these books are, they are mainly useful for those who already
have a working knowledge of the subject: they are not an introduction.
Of course there are books which are introductory guides, but a subject
such as this cries out for a more visual approach. If we want to see,
for example, the change in colour that comes when a lantern in open
white is dimmed, there is nothing better than watching it actually happening.
The best way to learn stage lighting, in fact, is to work alongside
an experienced lighting designer and chief electrician. But of course
we can't all do that, so the next best thing is to have a comprehensive
DVD or video to watch.
EVC Digital has seen this gap in the market and filled it with their
Introduction to Stage Lighting Techniques, a twin DVD set which
they have produced with lighting designer Graham Walne.
The first disk covers the basics of lighting - the purpose of lighting,
the design concept, types of lanterns, the use of colour, gobos and
creating the lighting plan - whilst the second looks at rigging, focusing,
plotting, control systems, follow spots, practicals, projection and
special effects.
Walne's commentary is clear and concise and the visuals are clear and
do exactly what they are intended to do. Aimed at the educational world,
the set provides a good, clear introduction to the subject, and comes
with a booklet which is useful for students working on their own through
the DVDs but would also be useful in the classroom situation. Indeed,
it provides a useful introduction for anyone, no matter what their age,
who has an interest in stage lighting.
It is an essential for students who choose the Technical option in
GCSE Drama, but those doing 'A' Level Theatre Studies or BTEC Performing
Arts would also find it very useful. The normal retail price is £199
but schools and other education establishments can get substantial discounts,
as low as £99 for one copy or £349 for ten.
Contact EVC Digital at Lower Garden Suite, 19a Clifton Road, Brighton
BN1 3HN for details. Or phone 01273 202772 (Fax: 01273- 779173 ). They
can also be contacted by email at info@evcdigital.co.uk
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