Meet The Gaffer

[@igetitlitsoicansit2950]

All i wanted from luminaire was to have everything on one page as well. Now I've been playing with blackout, and there is no way i will ever go back. I love that you can also just set all your fixtures on the most complicated dmx profiles, and be able to turn the FX on at any time if you need to. Also patching mulitple fixtures at once . love it!

[@LastLoopBRM]

Without a doubt, we are fortunate to have two guys like you, who radiate trust, decontracted professionalism and extensive experience, creating a homely atmosphere ... ... being in a small room in your houses, in some brand headquarter, or in each film set. !!! keep walking !!!

[@meetthegaffer]

I’m glad you find us worth listening to:) All the best in your work too.

[@gdrriley420]

One of the things that I keep seeing from aperture thats really nice is simple 1 channel profiles for mono color lights and 2 for bi color with their RGB panels starting at 3. The bare needed to get a light to output and a few simple adjustments is nice. While I've ran large ECT boards with 100-200 lights for a theater and 50-60 in a small TV studio I don't want to be dragging along some massive board to run 5-10 lights.

[@shanelouislights]

been using Blackout for a couple months. Super powerful, great community around it too. Happy to board-op for you anytime :)

[@meetthegaffer]

Awesome! Send me ur info.

[@seijionishi]

I am gaffer in Tokyo. Thank you for always easy-to-understand videos. I just wanted to buy aksplus and blackout app so it was helpful!

[@meetthegaffer]

Great! Blackout is brand new, so be patient as they continue to improve the software. The AKS plus should work well for you... and of course a bunch of receivers in or attached to your fixtures:) All the best!

[@seijionishi]

Luke Seerveld I already have a lumen radio moonlite and a luminairapp, so I will compare them.

[@Pocket_HBTV]

@@seijionishi How is moonlite?? Whats the range of it?? Plz share your instagram so could see the video of it if u have shared ... Mine is @theharrypatel

[@gaffergear]

I own the control 1. Love it

[@meetthegaffer]

Noting here that you can in fact save up to 8 scenes with the Control One and even hook it up to an iPad for a larger screen. We didn’t really have enough time with it to do it justice:(

[@ramellje]

as a concert lighting guy I use MA. It's difficult to learn, but for writing dynamic lighting cues it's way better than etc in my opinion

[@meetthegaffer]

I stand in awe of you guys! My skills are still like in kindergarten🤪

[@MatthiasKappeler]

would be great to get an update on this topic! :)

[@meetthegaffer]

I agree! Kinda waiting for the official 2.0 rollout. It’s close…

[@josephtese5037]

In blackout, by accessing the "effects" mode, i'm assuming it taps into the Skypanels pre-built effects, and doesn't transmit a software DMX effect via blackout?

[@meetthegaffer]

Hoping to test this on a job next week:) The best way to get quality answers is to join the Blackout Facebook group.

[@PandoShiro]

I'd love to see a review and your perspective of the new Stellar 2.3 update with common industry fixture manufacturers with Kino and Asteras

[@meetthegaffer]

Good suggestion! With so many new fixtures being introduced there has also been a steady introduction and maturing of control apps. Keeping up with everything while working and running one’s own business can be a bit overwhelming, but nothing to complain about!

[@Vautksch]

Stellar 2.0 now will include non arri lights. Please revisit stellar :))

[@meetthegaffer]

Sounds like a plan!

[@Pocket_HBTV]

Thanks @luke following you from long...thanks for all videos... I am using Luminair from last 3 year..have used for many Hollywood films... Recently for Newton thomas sigel Sir's Dhaka....I have used Arri stellar also and seen Blackout Jeff also mailed me for beta version testing while it was in beta mode.. Unfortunately couldn't used it as i wasn't having ipad pro as it only support ipad pro....but have seen the featuress its really awesome... , and Cintenna also for transmission ..here its working superb if you put aks on your waist belt and ipad in your hand and here you mentioned the delay problem that will be solved (for crmx range of cintenna.. Obviously it have great 400 m) delay comes only because of wifi signal between aks and ipad.. 👉the con with Luminair is when we use arri ultimate protocol we have to programm it manually from protocol pdf....i mean no Gui for Gels and effect..... Anyone knows reply...(see my work at Instagram @theharrypatel )

[@meetthegaffer]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear what people are using in different parts of the world. All the best in your work!

[@Pocket_HBTV]

@@meetthegaffer thanks and welcome... Have you ever got chance to talk with developers of Luminair ?? I tried so many mails and messages but no reply....i don't know why they are not Giving update to the new skypanel protocol 30 with Gui..(not like currently available with different faders ....that we have to set accordingly to use protocol 30)

[@meetthegaffer]

I have corresponded with the developers in the past. I made a couple requests and they acknowledged that one of my requests was something they were working on. Apparently they are coming out with an update, but when is anyone’s guess. On the other hand, Blackout is coming out with an update within a week or two and despite a few bugs I am very happy with it. You need a newish iPad Pro, but ‘‘tis the season:)

[@Pocket_HBTV]

@@meetthegaffer okay... Thanks.. Hope it will come earliest..

[@mathewcoulliette2233]

Hi Luke, how are you doing! I just bought an iPad Pro 12.9” version with the M2 processor and 1TB of storage. I am going to buy Blackout for my lighting control software. Also, I am going to buy the RatPac AKS Plus with WiFi & RatPac’s Cintenna 2’s for each of my Aperture 300x lights. In the future I want to buy 4 of the 4’ Double Rainbows by Quasar Science and run them off batteries. I will probably need 5 universes though, because the Double Rainbows use almost a universe each. Talk to you later, stay safe. Mathew A Coulliette

[@meetthegaffer]

What is your use case for d 4ft double rainbows?

[@mathewcoulliette2233]

@@meetthegaffer I don’t really know yet. I have watched a lot of reviews for regular tube lights, and although they looked good in shot, I didn’t think much of them as a lighting instrument; however, when I watched the reviews for the 4’ Double Rainbows with 100watts each and the Ossiam mounting system I got excited about what is possible. I just feel that I could put these lights anywhere and light anything with them.

[@meetthegaffer]

Would be happy to discuss offline if it would help to think it through. [e-mail]

[@cjg1482]

Using the keypad, are there shortcut keys for things like look advancement? (On blackout)

[@shanelouislights]

There are technically "look" buttons in BO 2.0, but they are still working on the command line. So in theory, you would be able to type something like "go to look 12, enter", but right now, the fastest is just to to tap the look you want to go to or, in 2.0, there are next/last buttons at the top of the screen to advance looks forward or backwards. Also now in 2.0 you can add a midi controller and assign the next/last look buttons to hardware buttons for quick access...

[@johanlindqvist99]

In the Blackout part you say that that the Asteratube is talking to the AKS reciever. Does all units talk to the AKS and then then into the IPAD? I want to get this with wireless antennas for a long job where I have 10 lights with all different brands. Thought I buy 10 antennas, 1 reciever and blackout, would that work?

[@meetthegaffer]

You have the right idea, but instead of having one receiver and many transmitters, you actually have one transmitter (the AKS in my case) and many receivers, either built in or added (there are a number of brands avail). You can see an overview in MTG #35: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp2zYZmLht2pea8

[@thomasbojan3944]

Hi Luke, thanks for this video. I m a gaffer in Belgium and I m searching desperately a physical fader board to connect in Bluetooth with my iPad Pro. So I can play in live for an effect on a movie. Can you recommend a brand ? Thank you a lot !

[@meetthegaffer]

A Belgium gaffer came up with the Gaffer’s Control (www.gafferscontrol.com/) which many people like. The Control One by Exalux is another all-in-one unit that may suit you as well. If you want something specifically for the iPad, I have spent most of my time with the Blackout Lighting Console app. You can connect it wirelessly or wired to a transmitter/bridge that talks to your lighting fixtures via internal or third party receivers using Lumen Radio. If you want a physical board for effects, that has a tablet option, you’re probably looking for something via ETC, but that’s not something you can learn quickly. It might be an idea to collaborate/hire a board op for your show so you can concentrate on the big picture while the board op makes the effects sing!

[@joelarvidsson]

Sorry Luke for not following the topic above. But its soon Christmas, and could really need some thoughts on this. . What boom arm or boom/tripod would you recommend? I like to put up to 8kg on maximum extension of the boom arm. Im interested in a Avanger d650 boom arm or a stand\boom combo like kupo 546M / JUNIOR BOOM STAND. Is a bad I idea to get a low roller base. I dig low rollers. Also, do you have any experience with jinbie products?

[@shanelouislights]

Hey Joel, I'd personally go with Modern's Combo Boom for a convenient boom option. For heavier loads/longer reach, it's probably best to build a menace arm (pipe boom). Brand-wise, I have steered clear of Avenger and Kupo stuff. In the Bay, most stands are American, and a few Matthews. Roller stands are cool as long as: you are on pretty flat ground, you make sure your load is over a leg and they are properly sandbagged. Also remember that you have to raise up the total weight of the light and any counterbalance weight. modernstudio.com/products/combo-boom-arm?_pos=2&_sid=e64a4797f&_ss=r

[@meetthegaffer]

No experience with Jinbei products. They seem to be COB type units like Aputure. I’m no help, I’m afraid.

[@meetthegaffer]

I’m no familiar with these two boom arms, but the Avenger one looks a lot like the Matthews. Are you able to get a hold of speed rail where you are? It’s nice to be able to pull out the sag of the boom with ratchet straps on top, like the outriggers and tension wires on a jib or crane. For stands, I like wheels too, but when you start adding the weight and cantilevering weight, it’s nice to have a crank stand. But I agree, low rollers are always handy once you have something mounted and then need to move it, especially when it’s on the heavier side:) Rent before you buy, if that’s possible, so you know you’ll like the solution. Regardless, all the best with your choices.

[@brucetrappleton6984]

Amazing!

[@meetthegaffer]

Yes, amazingly too long... we do go on a bit:) Now there is a guide in the comments so you can skip ahead.

[@devPunks]

14:00 - Luke with the fresh haircut! ;-)

[@lightswitchvideo]

Check out Moonlite CRMX from Lumen Radio. It's their version of Cintenna but is RDM capable though their app. Would love to see a review of it.

[@meetthegaffer]

Everybody is getting in the game:)

[@meetthegaffer]

I saw one on set once. It’s nifty and versatile for sure. The Cinilex Skynodes are cool too, with a great form factor.

[@mrghost14]

Ratpac Cintennas are capable of RDM over wireless as long as you're using an RDM capable transmitter. The same goes for Moonlite.

[@mrghost14]

Also worth noting, 2nd generation of Ratpac Cintennas are coming in the new year with some great updates- including a built in antenna. No more snappy-offy on set! No more accidental antenna removal static discharge killing them either!

[@meetthegaffer]

That will be nice. So many useful toys available!

[@carlosmelville]

Hi Luke, any idea if you can run Aputure MC on Blackout? Many thanks

[@meetthegaffer]

Not at the moment as there is no CRMX in the MC’s. Down the road there may be integration between the Sidus app and Blackout using Bluetooth. That said, the newest version of the Sidus app has a lot of cool features to make the MC’s dance the light fantastic🕺🏻

[@carlosmelville]

@@meetthegaffer Cheers Luke, I've got 4 MC's in my set/floor box and they work great with the app!👍 Thanks to you I've just starting exploring Blackout and really like what I'm seeing, it's definitely Gaffer/Idiot proof!😂 Not sure if my desk op would agree! Thank you and fingers crossed that we all get back to normal soon.🍻

[@meetthegaffer]

Right on, Carlos! I hope you are able to take advantage of the Blackout Facebook group... it’s a very helpful community and resource.

[@carlosmelville]

@@meetthegaffer I will definitely check it out Luke, thanks for the info.

[@J-Gx]

Nice video. I wouldn't get to far away from Luminair. They are watching and waiting to strike. Firmware 4.0 is probably going to overtake all the current available apps.

[@meetthegaffer]

Good to know! Pretty hard to be too demanding given the price:)

[@samiwas]

They’ve been out for ten years and three major releases and you still have to patch one fixture at a time and you still have to scroll across 1000 identical looking wheels. I wouldn’t hold my breath.

[@AdamKnappdoesthings]

3 years later and all we get is virtually the same features with a few more universes, but behind a subscription paywall even if you already bought it!

[@mikepedersen1650]

Great video, must be because I dont have any smartbutt comment :D

[@meetthegaffer]

Ha, ha! And it’s Thanksgiving... in the US, at least.

[@mikepedersen1650]

@@meetthegaffer yes and thank you for entertaining me while waiting for the ham to be done ;) Happy Thanksgiving :D

[@messangerfish]

Just get a proper lighting desk. This is painful to watch.

[@meetthegaffer]

😂