Industry Questions and Answers #1

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christian-jacks...
I get a ton of questions through my email and social media accounts from people who are curious about what I do, the details of the event production industry, and how to get involved. I simply don't have time to write answers to everyone, so I decided to take a few minutes to answer the most common ones..
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[@SLMEntertainment]

Index / Timestamps 1:03 - What's the worst part about touring? 1:27 - What's the most important fundamental skill of MA, or lighting in general, people should learn? 2:50 - Why MA? 4:02 - Did you have any other interests/hobbies before you decided that lighting would be your career path? 5:06 - How did you start a career in light programming? 7:18 - If you could change one thing about MA, what would it be? 7:47 - How do you go about creating your own forms for effects? (in MA) 8:51 - What artist do you really want to work with? 8:56 - How did you learn MA? 9:56 - When did you know you wanted to become an LD? What prior experience or training did you have? 12:26 - If you had to recommend a console besides MA, what would it be? 13:28 - What controller gear would you recommend to use with MA onPC? 15:53 - What's the best way to get into the lighting industry? 17:37 - Where can I learn about writing basic macros? Do you have any macro tips in general? (in MA) 19:07 - How do you operate big/festival shows? 22:19 - How do you program your intensity faders? 22:56 - What DJ gear do you recommend for beginner/casual DJs? 23:42 - Do you ever sleep? 23:49 - What do you think about dot2? Will you be at Prolight & Sound 2018? 24:35 - What was your biggest struggle when you first started? 25:09 - How do you get artnet to dmx working with MA onPC? 26:06 - How did you start touring with big artists? Where can I buy your cool hoodies?

[@derrickforeal]

Welcome back, I have been awaiting your glorious return.

[@christianjackson]

+sicko records I’m like that girl that ghosts you for months then suddenly appears in your text messages

[@vikingdesigner1471]

It's cool to see that you got into this exactly how I did, the school aspect is exactly how I feel about and I definitely feel like starting as a grunt pushing boxes and moving up is a lot more satisfying. I also think you absolutely have to have a passion for this kind of work, especially lighting. A lot of guys who are stagehands have this idea that things will "just happen to them" but you have to make it happen for yourself. Cheers!

[@PlamenDrop]

Every time he put his phone down, I was afraid it would slip and fall into the river.

[@killer91935]

Thanks for the knowledge man! Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!

[@relaxed69electr]

Dude I'm a chamsys programming moving into MA and I can't tell you how good it feels to hear that other people like the chamsys. Especially coming from an MA user to complement chamsys is awesome I love the MA but I'm a chamsys user at heart

[@TheRJH1]

''This video has been probably like 30 minutes long..." Checks length: ''It felt like 5 minutes!''

[@djmanu.z2167]

I think that practise in the reality with equipments gives you the experience and knowledge. Theory is a part of them but not a priority

[@tgg_music2]

It was cool meeting you in NOLA man! That show I told you about went great by the way! Thanks Again!

[@saunderslx]

anyone else watch the ads the whole way through just to support him lmao? edit: i got highlighted im gonna cry

[@joecichlid]

Just getting into this stuff myself, started with Chamsys. The hardest part about learning their software for me, was patching fixtures. Once I got that sorted out it has been a lot of fun (and some frustration at times) learning how to take better advantage of the software. Lately I have been learning how to set up and use the execute window. I just wish I had more/different fixtures to include in my setups.

[@yamaforever]

very nice one Christian, this was much appreciated, keep up your good work:) thanks

[@lindseynorman704]

Signal flow. AMEN.

[@Audastrian]

If you have the money for an XDJ-RX2, you could also invest it into a Denon MCX8000. Loving it.

[@keoni4824]

Super inspiring much love 🖤

[@thisismyworkshop6654]

Hi! Here’s a question from me.. How do you imagine lighting industry in 15 years? More projections, led screens, moving heads, something else or everything from the above? What will the MA3 or MA4 console look like?

[@gizmomeow]

Thank You for the Videos. One of my favorite channels.

[@AaronLenchek]

For a on PC set up Luke Stratton’s midi set up can’t be beat imo. Just a thought.

[@ferusgratia]

Great video. As a fellow LD I pretty much 100% agree with everything you said. Hey if you read this I'm curious, what didn't you like about the midicon Pro? Looked pretty nice but I haven't used it myself.

[@CaptureLiteCreative]

Yay... new video

[@CLDProductions]

Great video! I have two questions. When coming into a new venue with a completely different rig and fixtures. Do you have a starter show file template or do you spend time just cloning and updating your most recent show file? Secondly, how has becoming quote-unquote KZbin famous in the industry effected your career? Thanks!

[@victorwarner2734]

edc vegas you would love. Amazing production

[@Nick_23562]

I was waiting for him to drop his phone into the water

[@timdoraziojr]

13:35 had me dying 😂😂😂

[@NiklasAuBln]

You have an Error in your Thumbnail Group "Thumbnail" at full at preset 2.1 store sequence #KZbin this will not work, you need to encapsulate the sequence Name in Qutes, because it starts with an illegal charachter (#) and you need to seperate your command with a semicolon correct Syntax would be: Group "Thumbnail" at full; at preset 2.1; Store Sequence "#KZbin"

[@christianjackson]

+Niklas Aumüller yeah I uploaded the wrong thumbnail there’s a version where it’s right but I named the file wrong and uploaded the old one. I’ll fix it when I get home.

[@samchrisjones]

Omg CHRISTIAN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANSWERING MU QUESTION XXXX

[@dancing.shad0w]

I was wondering you opinion on Capture Sweden. I was thinking about purchasing it since the price is reasonable compared to other visualizers but want wondering if it is capable of exporting to MA3D. I don't have MA hardware at home but designing in MA3D isn't ideal plus when I do have hardware I can connect to Capture. Also, if you know of any other software to design and import into MA3D. Thanks man.

[@rlg222]

Thanks Christian! I'm at the low end of the totem. I only do local very small gigs. I still trying to learn Martin M-PC using the M-play console. I'm currently using MYDMX 3.0 interface which sucks... The 2.0 was good to learn on and it was much more stable. I'm looking avolites currently.

[@reinholddaniels6751]

Why is it all people who operate a MA2 look like you, is it a club? if it is I cant get in.

[@djdazerny6208]

hey does anybody know the name brands that shows / concerts use for LED PANELS ? I know about ADJ BUT THEY are super over priced ... Anybody recommend others????

[@ScottShelton]

Can you explain the hoodie? why is it "anti lighting"?

[@mountradicalproductions3578]

anti social social club

[@monarchthedj8357]

it's a play on "anti social social club"

[@seanhollowood1151]

Idk but i want one

[@sethlavaseth]

Your Instagram link on this video is wrong buddy.

[@LStranck]

At the end, how long was the upload time with your "fantastic" 0.5Mbps in upload?

[@christianjackson]

+Stranck about 28 hours total with a few interruptions

[@christophersantigotz92]

Will you be touring in Europe anything 2018?

[@bouloudomlight9796]

Can make tutorial on MA basic ?

[@djlocky123]

Showcad software all day

[@scotts.8972]

So are you super star status now?

[@CydroGrazz]

Broo ur websitenisnt workinggg

[@SomeRandomFella12]

Boeing or Airbus?

[@abrahamrodriguezpineda1848]

Boeing FTW

[@TheLunaLane]

CHAMSYS! CHAMSYS! CHAMSYS!

[@seanhollowood1151]

Fuck yeah chamsys i love mine

[@lightguy250]

I mean, there ARE ways to unlock parameters without MA hardware........

[@christianjackson]

+Waxing My Knee just like there ARE ways of stealing copies of vectorworks

[@dickfantastic7908]

So I'm sitting here watching this and I'm thinking to myself, wow, that really looks like Montana. My guess is around Three Forks!

[@christianjackson]

Laurel

[@dickfantastic7908]

@@christianjackson Nice. Great Falls myself. Going to keep watching and see what I can learn, really starting to get into this stuff myself but it's challenging around here. Not many people seem as into this as I am.

[@christianjackson]

That’s why I ended up moving

[@dickfantastic7908]

@@christianjackson Montana is a nice place to come back to, but not a great place to live if you're into things like we are. It's striking listening to you talk about what brought you to this point, you and I sound a whole lot alike. If you grew up in Laurel that had to be even worse than Great Falls. I had a friend tell me not that long ago that I don't belong here. I'd honestly never really thought of it like that, and I think that he's probably right. I'm older now though and probably long past the point where it makes sense to pull up roots and leave. Hell, I have a kid in college now in Missoula and another going into his Junior year of high school. I hope they'll be smart like you and get the hell out of here, there's just really nothing unless you already have something or your family does it seems. Anyhow, I'll keep watching. I'm a noob with this stuff, but I'm going to learn and bring some kick-assness to Great Falls. Your videos are a few levels beyond where I'm at right now, you're throwing around lingo I haven't heard, but I'll learn. Got myself a pile of cool lights and lasers and I've wrangled about as much as I can out of my Chauvet Obey 70 and I can see the limitations but also where I'd like to go. I think the best way to learn is just by doing, so I'm trying to find out what type of console to buy to learn so I can expand upon that. I've had some interest from a local nightclub in completely re-doing their lighting setup and working with them, so that should be great practice. Assuming I can set up a working system that is! So many questions... like I said, I'll keep watching and picking things up so thanks for taking the time to make these videos dude!

[@daltonkruppenbacher6939]

Woah, thats a nice greenscreen

[@JanHenW]

You just made my day by uploading 👍🏻

[@tueftler-hd7hj]

Would you recommend a NSP or a Ma 2port Node 1k for a Ma2 setup? Greetings from germany and Keep up the good work.

[@oscars.s6370]

Yeah we use Chamsys in the arena i work at but its easy to use. And i’m thingking about learning how mA works

[@seanhollowood1151]

I just spent a week going through intensive programming training to be a programmer. Teacher switched the console to MA2 as a surprise. Id say learn it, if anything it helps you think outside of the chamsys box

[@brandontan4876]

started out sweeping factory floors and re doing shelving. Start from the bottom and work your way up. work hard and never stop learning

[@strongbad2795]

Thanks for the shoutout and answer! -Your favorite Texan

[@nseaman1998]

I want one of those sweatshirts!

[@Rhys_Official]

Thanks Christian, I sent you an email about how to start with Lighting Programming and Operating as a career and that you never replied so I am highly thankful for you uploading this video, and that it will help many others as well :D

[@kylez0]

The only extremely professional event that I know of that was 100% timecoded and not live DJ'ed was the Qlimax 2016 - Project One set.

[@tomj.]

Thanks for this, this is really great! Motivated me even more to pursue this as a career. :)

[@JayPee_03]

How did it go for you?

[@tomj.]

@@JayPee_03 Not bad thanks - got sidetracked and I've ended up in a job I love doing outside broadcasts as a vision guarantee! Still very much in the events industry and don't see myself leaving anytime soon.

[@seanhollowood1151]

Thanks for the video, gotta say i love hearing praise about chamsys. I own one and love it! That said just spent a werk in class learning Ma2 cant say i didnt like it.

[@vanRossi]

Awesome video! Many insights and useful infos about MA.

[@dwainbennett4169]

Whats the best way to rent out my command wing set up?

[@randalllubin9027]

Great Q & A Video! Greatly Appreciated!

[@AterCZE]

Beautiful backdrop :)

[@theonly5001]

I would rather go with a Faderwing and a Midipad. You have the faders and just need to map the command buttons on the midipad. Since you can map Hardkeys directly in MA that is a way more compact thing on your desk, if you don't have to much space.

[@christianjackson]

+Felix Leipnitz downside is no encoder control. That’s the only reason I say command wing. Plus you have an LTC input and a few other features

[@theonly5001]

Christian Jackson lemme go and find out if i can map a Midiwheel to a virtual encoder. Tried it. There is no Option in the Midi Remots, that can acces that. You might be able to do that with a lua script. But that is way above my level.

[@kecknmj]

with grandma2tools you can map encoders

[@scotts.8972]

Love this video, please do more!

[@scotts.8972]

Question for next time: Can you give a brief rundown of how you setup the chamsys console for your line of work? How do you deal with not have a timing fader which you have on MA but don't have on chamsys? I have been using chamsys stuff for about three years, just learning it in my dorm room on my computer. I have grown a lot in my knowledge of lighting because of just messing around with it for hours and hours, but still have a lot to learn! dab dab dab!