LD-at-Large Podcast

With John “Ozzie” Osborne - Lighting Designer at Ozterity Lighting

On this episode, we discuss storytelling with light, maintaining a diverse skill set in the lighting industry while maintaining a core set of values, the importance of democratic collaboration and authoritative decision making, the importance of mentorship, working for any artist that pays us and being picky about our clients, working with full creative freedom as opposed to some guidelines, working to travel, lighting for camera in the digital age, and using lighting to inspire folklore and affect history.

“Perfection is achieved not when there Is nothing more to add, but when there Is nothing left to take away”

• Antoine de Saint-Exupery

with Adam LaBay - Laser Designer at Precision Lasers

On this episode, we discuss the endless opportunities and creative outlets that lasers provide, laser safety, laser artistry, how the laser industry has adapted to the isolation period, the birth of Laser Banding as a new art form, abandoning the bass to buy a laser rig and start a laser company, how lasers can become part of the lighting design process and integrate into the lighting programming, bitcoin, and the future of laser development.

with Steve Richards - Principal at Original Syndicate LLC

On this episode, we discuss how the future of the lighting industry will be forever changed, how will we maintain our level or compensation, what does and does not belong in a deal memo, being a pragmatic mentor, when an email and a handshake is good enough, how to properly define out terms for employment without presenting as a prima-donna, how to keep in line with covering ourselves vs. being demanding, and whether or not we should include repercussions for late payment in a contract.

disclaimer: this is not legal advice.

with Megan Alksninis - Lighting Designer at Megrose Designs

On this episode, we discuss paying attention to details, the difference between a perfectionist and a jerk, when good enough is good enough, how to strive for perfection without sweating it, how even drunk people are entitled to a great performance, the joys of happy accidents, donating pre-vis time to make ourselves have a great show, focusing on minute details without losing the big picture, working with Atreyu, New Found Glory, Refused, The Amity Affliction Freelance and more.

with Mike Wood - Lighting Designer/Director & Educator out of Nashville

On this episode, we discuss how to maintain living rates post-pandemic, how far we should be willing to compromise, how transparent we need to be about our rates, having difficult conversations about what we make among trusted companions, the idea of a transparent open-source database of pay rates, if it is ever okay to work for free, using union wages as a barometer, collective bargaining, and the notion of paying your dues.

with Brian Vaughan - Director of Lighting at Fireplay!

On this episode, we discuss coming up through the church scene to do bigger shows, when to work for art’s sake and when to work for a paycheck, when is it okay to work for free? Charities? Church? Opening Band?, the benefits of free text support, how we will keep our rates at a good level post-pandemic, and how much of your show file belongs to the client and how much belongs to the programmer.

with Kathy A. Perkins - Lighting Designer and Professor of Theatre out of North Carolina

On this episode, we discuss how much progress we have made as an industry to promote inclusivity and how much farther we have to go, her unique experiences in theatrical lighting and the entertainment industry, being willing to express herself in multiple mediums including research, books and lectures, the role of race and class in the arts, where racism and classism exist in our industry, the steps that unions have taken to promote inclusivity in theater, her upcoming book - Telling Our Stories of Home, and how to encourage diversity in entertainment.

with Daniel Dawson - Lighting Designer for Black Label Society

On this episode, we have a discussion between expat lighting designers, how he got into the industry, what the lifestyle is like in Mexico right now, moving from tech to crew chief to designer, mentors that have taught him what he knows, How his technician skills affect his designs, calling on radio to fix a light when you know its a cable and not the programming, bringing family and kids to a show, some things that we will never take for granted again, and the love and respect for our rock ’n roll community.

with Jeff Ravitz - Lighting Designer and Founding Partner at Intensity Advisors

On this episode, we discuss his upcoming book - Lighting for Televised Live Events: Making Your Live Production Look Great for the Eye and the Camera, considering a career (or a career expansion) into television, considering every angle in a multi-camera shot, what discussions need to be had to prepare for a live broadcast, lighting for different skin tones,  how the entire world is being broadcast.

The book explores how to retain the essence and excitement of a live production while assuring that the show looks its best on-camera for the millions of viewers that can only see it on their TV, computer, tablet, or mobile phone screen. Readers will learn how to adapt an existing stage show for the camera, as well as how to design live entertainment or events specifically for TV. Filled with real-life examples and illustrations, the book covers a wide range of topics.

with Paul Fine - Principal Designer at Fine Design Associates

On this episode, we discuss the importance of peer to peer events, applying theatre techniques to corporate events, corporate events return even after live music, how corporate shows provide a different lifestyle from concert and theatrical professions, how to make the audience feel like they are stepping into an embassy, lighting corporate shows for impact above utility, unfair labor practices at venues, unfair business practices by large rental houses, and the similarities of rock ’n roll touring and the corporate world.

with Dustin Snyder - Lighting Designer and Director

On this episode, we discuss what extraordinary lengths we would go to to do lighting, what great lengths we have gone to to keep a job, how to be a better negotiator, how to be a hard worker without compromising our ethics, having special requests when taking a job, How demanding we can be on a job (special diet, work hours, extracurricular activities, rental cars etc.), having to wear two and three hats to stay under budget in the lean market, a vegan tangent and finally, what we will have to do post-pandemic to keep up our perks and necessities?

with Jesper Luth - Production Manager, Lighting Designer and Director

On this episode, we discuss minimalism, how minimalism has influenced our design processes, how minimalism has changed our lifestyles, the influence of early days in theatre where we had to light multiple act shows with very little inventory, the art of walking into an in house production to implement your show, how to general impact with the least amount of gear, how to simplify a punt page for maximum efficacy, prioritizing simple yet effective rigs, The Historical Society of Concert Touring, and how people can help submit.

with Paul Boken - Vice President at Mulvey & Banani Lighting.

On this episode, we discuss how he transitioned from stage lighting to become an architectural lighting designer, what an architectural lighting designer does and how stage lighting techniques can transfer, the importance of human-centric designs, some beneficial skill sets for an ALD, some of the challenges facing ALDs, a need for "content" that drives modern lighting systems, and how modern programming and content generation of these systems requires us to draw on the stage lighting talent pool to create meaningful installations.

with Rob Denton - Lighting Designer at RDentex Design and Interim Head of Lighting at The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University

On this episode, we discuss how to create enthusiasm for the next generation of entertainment professionals, helping the students of 2021 get a chance to work in the entertainment industry, how the mew generations will adapt to the new way of entertaining the masses, what the next generation is learning about our industry, the importance of learning from a professional in our field, the proper class size, the resiliency of today’s youth, and how we can be socially/professionally productive during the isolation period.

with Justin Cheatham - Associate Designer at The Activity

On this episode, we discuss being a “fancy” programmer in the new world, why we all need to learn to pre-viz, how video and VR have overtaken lighting as a focal point, how being a drummer and musician can help you program, the importance of asking for help, the bravery necessary to ask for a mentorship, how to mask incompetence with over-preparation, and growing up on Sesame Street.

with Dennis Size - Executive V.P. of Design at The Lighting Design Group

On this episode, we discuss what the pandemic has taught us about leadership, how we have to adapt our leadership skills for tomorrow versus a year ago, how we've changed ... and conversely how colleagues/friends think we've changed, what we have to be proud of today ....having made it through this terrible year, what we have really learned about ourselves and the way we cope with disaster, the new entertainment industry workflow, how to adapt our storytelling to match the new industry.

with Andres Campos - Lighting Director and Programer for Marc Anthony

On this episode, we discuss the necessary passion to be in our industry, how important international relationships are, getting his start in the church environment, building a powerful work ethic, transitioning from programmer to trainer, the South America market vs. North America, working as a freelancer as opposed to working for a company, the logistics of allowing consoles on the internet, and how to accept tech service phone calls when we are on the road.

with Deborah Gottesman, MBA, P.Eng., LC, AssocIALD - Principal, Gottesman Associates

Deborah is an electrical engineer with an MBA in Real Property. Her career spans over 30 years in all facets of the lighting industry, including design, engineering, management, education, and manufacturing. This gives her a unique contextual understanding of architectural lighting from all perspectives.

On this episode, we discuss how to pivot to an architectural lighting position, the typical path that one should follow when entering the field of architectural lighting design, what an architectural lighting designer does, what types of projects ALD's work on, project time frames, scopes of work, beneficial skill sets for an ALD, and the similarities between stage lighting and architectural design.

With Erik Rogers and Paris Visone from Hellooo Productions  and special guest, Tony Caporale of Infinitus Vox

On this episode, we discuss moving entertainment online, producing live shows for digital presentation, making streaming entertainment profitable, making a connection through a tiny screen, making that content impactful, how to compete in the digital world for attention and entertainment, how to be present immersive content to the audience and transitioning from mega-live events to live streaming events.

with Yamil, Elian and Khalil Charif - Lighting Designers, Directors and Programmers at YC3 Lighting Design

On this episode, we discuss having a family business in the entertainment industry, growing up as three sons of a Production Manager, how they knew they needed to be in the lighting industry, their excitement about following in the family footsteps, the pressure of upholding a family legacy, having their work ethic compared to that of their father, working side by side as a family and as a business, and taking full advantage of family loyalties.

with Dizzy Gosnell - Production Director at Bandit Lites

On this episode, we discuss how to digitize and archive the lighting rigs or Rock ’n Roll past, the history of truss, big par can rigs, the historic AC/DC and Iron Maiden rigs of lore, tossing out old plots, the standardization of gear, the homogenization of DMX protocols, and the corporatization of our the industry.

with Ian Hoffer - Technical Consultant operating as Aurora Sound & Light Design

On this podcast, we discuss ways to avoid boredom, projecting lasers from his house to his neighbor’s roof for Halloween, using a video wall and pro FM processor and transmitter to do a couple drive in movies in a restaurant parking lot, building a new PC and motion simulator for his flight simulator, AI motion platform out in the garage, installing all exterior Philips Hue lights in his house, adding new lights and sirens to all of his automobiles, go-karts and ATVs, setting up VR in the living room, and being the coolest DJ for his teenage daughter.

with Nick van Nostrand - Lighting Programmer / Designer / Director at Focus Group

On this episode, we discuss the brave new world of remote programming, how technology opens up the floodgates to working internationally, how this technology makes life more and less busy, how this opportunity can make our lives easier and harder, whether or not we need to get paid a full rate on travel days/ per diem for remote pre-production, the importance of simple shows and simple programming, the pros and cons of designing vs. programming, the importance of transparency, and what programmers moving to design should be mindful of.

with Ruben Laine - Chief Nerd at Creative Integration Studio

On this episode, we discuss digital gatekeeping, supporting one another online, supporting social media forums with good information, Super Bowl half-time show comments, demoralizing new talent instead of bringing something useful to the conversation, how we can be good digital mentors, the Barcelona Olympics 1992 Opening Ceremony, and learning to provide constructive criticism in the digital age.

Please visit:

With Michael “Herk” Herkimer - Designer/Programmer/Operator at HerkLX

On this episode, we discuss working in entertainment from a small town, taking a break from touring six months before the pandemic, the unfamiliar balance of not touring, how difficult it is as a guy who has been considered at times an extreme workaholic in an industry of workaholics, what it takes to fulfill the needs of a person who’s used to being highly stimulated, his new baby girl and puppy, trying to maintain professional and personal relationships in isolation, transitioning into film/tv, and how to treat everyone with respect on the way up and the way down.

with Christian Epps - Chief Executive Officer at Lights, Camera, Diaspora!

On this episode, we discuss Lights, Camera, Diaspora, a non-profit social enterprise that bridges the gap between the African and African-Diaspora entertainment industries to progress the aesthetic quality and business opportunities for African film, broadcast and live events on the Continent and in the African Diaspora, sharing knowledge to the future production professionals of Africa, presenting workshops, sharing technology, how the internet is increasing diversity of opinion and how we can help out.

with Andrew Dawson - Lighting Designer/Programmer

On this episode, we discuss working in the Canadian production industry, gaining some road wings right before the pandemic hit,

his college light show from Fanshawe College, maintaining the momentum to work up the ladder, how he got interested in lighting, how to keep busy during the pandemic, the importance of simple shows and simple programming, his programming style, and maintaining an online presence.

with Matt Ardine - Lighting Designer and Gaffer

On this episode, we discuss working on Music by Sia, the “less-is-more” principle, his origin story of coming up from shooting skate videos, being a dad in the entertainment lighting industry during isolation, shooting commercials, actively seeking a balance between work and home life, how important the union has been during the isolation period, some good stories from production and the importance of having a hobby outside the industry.

with Mick Smith - Vice President of Design at Eastern Lighting Design

On this episode, we discuss being a father and husband in the entertainment industry, knowing that we wanted to be in the industry as a teenager, the lifestyle of touring Broadway shows, the difference between New York Show Biz and LA show biz, what frustrates us most about the lighting business, finding a way to use the entertainment industry to spend more time at home.

with Luis Garcia - Lighting & Media Designer

On this episode, we discuss climbing the ranks quickly before the pandemic closed us down, staying optimistic about our industry during isolation, shifting from in-person productions to virtual, what it’s like to be the youngest in the room with fresh ideas, proving yourself to the older generation, permanently changing the norms of our industry and expanding the scope of productions, joining a progressive union in Oregon, and making strong contacts to turn them into connections.

with Jim Tetlow - Former President and current Principal Consultant at Nautilus Entertainment Design

On this episode, we discuss Nautilus Entertainment Design, Inc. becoming an employee-owned business, changing roles during the pandemic, forming ESOP to sell NED to the employees, grooming people to take over a successful business, what to look forward to in his new role, reflecting on over 30 years of experience, and some stories from the trenches.

with Adam Honoré - Lighting Designer out of New York City

On this episode, we discuss seven teachers who have influenced Adam’s adventures in the entertainment industry, how the students of 2020 might get a chance to work in the entertainment industry, modern lighting portfolios, modern technology being taught in schools, how prevalent the arts need to be in schools in the modern era, and how we treat modern artists and teachers.

Please send your respect to these influencers:

Mrs. Raye Ann Cox - Jr. High Theater Teacher

(Creek Valley Middle School, Texas)

Mrs. Kimberly Mohn Powell - High School Technical Director / Theater Teacher

(Hebron High School, Texas)

Mr. Dusty Thompson - Head of High School Theater Program / Theater Teacher

(Hebron High School, Texas and Executive Producer of Viva Creative)

Mr. Cade Butler  - High School Technical Director / Theater Teacher

(Hebron High School, Texas and Fine Arts Coordinator at Frisco ISD)

Steven A. Draheim - Associate Professor of Design

(University of Oklahoma)

Jon Young - Associate Professor of Design

(University of Oklahoma)

Driscoll Otto - Lighting & Projection Design for Theatre & Opera.

Partner/Creative Director at Chromatic Light

With Jason Giaffo - Lighting Programmer and Director at Giaffo Designs

On this episode, we discuss working on getting out of the hyper-competitive mindset, scrolling through social media feeds with jealousy, learning to be happy for other people's successes, dealing with the tendency to always need to be doing something out of feeling like you’re never doing enough and understanding nobody can be 100% at all times, dealing with attention deficit issues, the mental health benefits of just staying distanced from checking social media constantly, especially for being able to stay focused in day to day tasks, and how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking that everybody else you know on social media is doing better in their career than you are just because you only see the highlights.

with Chris Gratton - Production Manager

On this episode, we discuss working during a pandemic, working in the Bieber Bubble, the corporatization of the industry, mandatory COVID testing, demanding COVID regulations to continue working, finding surprises even after thirty years in the industry, changing attitudes from rock ’n roll touring to KIDZBOP touring, the eventual vaccination of roadies, and being polite to get what you need.

with Guy Smith - Owner and Lighting Designer at Free Radical Design Group

On this episode, we discuss the cruise ship party scene, doing mega events in remote locations, leaving the profession of detox counselor to run lights in a night club, learning the ropes in NYC, the underground party scene, learning the fundamentals of lighting after being a professional, how we can increase diversity of opinion in entertainment, My Little Pony riggers, and how to use broad strokes to recreate the primal party scene.

with Andrew Douglas - President/Owner of Touch Light & Media, Inc.

On this episode, we discuss how we are roadie pirates who have to put on a suit and do corporate gigs, The gray areas between rock and corporate, the speed of corporate shows vs. rock n roll, the expectations of a headlining band in a corporate situation, the desire to rock and roll but the necessity of doing corporate events, corporate stagehands vs. roadies, dress codes on the road and in the ballroom, adapting to new schedules and some speculation on the future of live events.

with Darrius Medina - Founder and Lighting Designer at Lit Creative

On this episode, we discuss adapting  and growing during the pandemic, transitioning to a normal sleep schedule, getting a leg up lighting houses of worship, progress from pushing cases to tech to programmer to designer, learning new skills on the fly, saying yes to as many opportunities as possible, building a creative team around oneself and the ability to adapt to change.

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

- Stephen Hawking

with Chris Lisle - Production Designer out of Nashville

On this episode, we discuss lighting design at the Flag of Fields and lighting of pillars at the National Mall during the Inauguration ceremony utilizing more than 1500 lights just to light the flags and 56 beams in the air, getting a call to go to work the capitol, what security was like, the COVID regulations, getting enough gear, doing events with more media than audience, working with the Presidential Inauguration Committee, and knowing that this project would be immortalized on an international level.

with Jason Trowbridge - LIghting Crew Chief at PRG.

On this episode, we discuss what a crew chief does, how to read and translate a plot, how to manage a crew and delegate responsibilities, what to look for when selecting a crew, how to take pride in your gig, the progression away from working on lights in the rig, some war stories from lighting past, when to yell at a crew and when not to, the unique lifestyle of a lighting crew chief, and Dimmer Beach Monthly.

with Alex Vasquez Dheming - Lighting Programmer, Designer and Production Manager

On this episode, we discuss her experience as an immigrant artist, the logistics of being on an O1 visa in the midst of a pandemic, See Lighting Foundation Artists, the need for sustainability in the arts, allowing efficiency to rule the design process, replacing outdated fixtures with greener fixtures, working in theater in the American South as opposed to New York City and Latin America, and if energy efficiency means compromising quality.

with Cha See - Lighting Designer at See Lighting Design

On this episode, we discuss the role of the See Lighting Foundation, The roles of immigration and class in the arts and shaping the work of the local theater, where racism and classism still exist in our industry, how to encourage diversity in entertainment, what it can be like for immigrants to be working in our industry, how travel restrictions reduce business opportunities, how we can improve working conditions, and how to make a difference for immigrants today.

with Chris Stuba - Lighting Designer/Director at Stuba Light

On this episode, we discuss being a lighting director in the new industry, the differences between directing and designing, what a lighting director is and is not, talking about what we do in and out of the industry, the corporatization of the rock ’n roll industry, sharing war stories, and living for the music.

with Steve Adelman - Head of Adelman Law Group  and Vice President of the Event Safety Alliance

On this episode, we discuss the legal ramifications of working in the age of COVID, lawyer teaching us lawyer stuff, employer regulations for COVID compliance, the pitfalls of corporate Immunity, duty, breach, causation, harm, revocable license, vaccine regulations, vaccine requirements, proof of vaccinations, the role of COVID compliance officers, and whether these regulations can be enforced independently, locally, state wide or federally.

with Victor Fable - Lighting Designer and DP at VFL

On this episode, we discuss how the digital age has brought us closer together and driven us farther apart, creating a memorable connection in a huge stadium and an intimate environment, how the pandemic has affected human interactions, using television to maximize the connection or diminish the impact of the entertainer, how important a good programmer is to achieve your goals, using lighting to connect the audience to the performer without being distracting, whether or not technology has made our design process easier or more isolated, and exploring Victor’s “go-with-the-flow-style” of lighting

with Gabe Fraboni - Founder at PHNTM Labs

On this episode, we discuss how to keep the creative vibes flowing pre and post isolation, psychedelics use in the design process, being young and full of optimism, walking with one leg, breaking into the entertainment business, computers becoming conscious, how the current education system can be refined to nurture creativity, finding inspiration in the natural world, working with Martin Garrix, and being mindful of the audience’s personal experience.

With Bob Peterson - Owner/Lighting Designer at Real World Lighting, Inc. out of Chicago

On this episode, we discuss the transition of our industry from grumpy, angry pirates to jovial refined technicians, how the digital age has influenced how we share connections, creating impact in large and small venues like the White House, Wrigley Field and  Ryman Auditorium, using television to increase the connection or diminish the impact of the entertainer, accepting external influences while maintaining a core style, being the nice guy who is good at their job and 43 years with Bob Seger.

with Beth Weinstein - Conference Director and Marketer at BDub Marketing

On this episode, we discuss networking, adaptability, how to pivot temporarily til the entertainment biz returns if necessary, we destigmatize the need to to pivot, what employers are looking for on a resume, what skills do you have that apply to anything outside of our industry, how to market yourself, polishing your resume, finding a job working from home, using your degree to secure a job, staying relevant without being obnoxious, and the myth of people not working because of unemployment.

with Luke Edwards - Creative Director and Lighting Designer out the UK

On this episode, we discuss running a console during brain surgery, a massive brain tumor inside his head, how to support mental health in our industry, getting married during a pandemic, using technology to increase theatrical impact, lighting for the personal cameras in the audience, technology making our lives easier and harder, feeling like an audience member at our shows, working closely with Gary Numan, being the lighting child, and preparing for brain surgery.