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Academy
of
Production Technology
Training by Richard Cadena
ETCP Recognized Trainer/Certified Entertainment Electrician


Code red: Knowing local codes can be show-critical
IF I WERE TO MAKE A LIST of phone calls I don’t want to receive first thing in the morning, at the top of that list would probably be a...
richard-cadena
Apr 12, 20241 min read


Using the Right Tool for the Job
Recently, while working on a show, I made a rookie mistake. I was running a crew, loading in, and setting up a sizeable lighting system....
richard-cadena
Apr 12, 20241 min read


Claypaky Buddylight
Followspots have changed very little from the time they were introduced more than 100 years ago, save for the light source going from...
richard-cadena
Apr 12, 20241 min read


Vectorworks 2024
Unlike your C-wrench or a hammer, software tools can be upgraded, gradually growing more powerful, flexible, and better able to adapt to...
richard-cadena
Apr 12, 20241 min read


From Sunshine to Stage: Powering Billie Eilish's Lollapalooza Set
Running a live concert on battery power proves to be surprisingly doable Billie Eilish and her band had the 100,000-strong Lollapalooza...
richard-cadena
Nov 14, 20231 min read


Festival frenzy
Dropping volts, dropping time code A FEW WEEKS AGO, I worked an outdoor festival, and we supplied power to the stage. To properly...
richard-cadena
Nov 14, 20231 min read


ETC/High End Systems Halcyon Moving Light Family
The typical lighting rig often has some short-throw, medium-throw, and longthrow fixtures. The farther the throw distance, the more...
richard-cadena
Nov 14, 20231 min read


Elation Professional KL Profile FC
If you’re in the market for a profile fixture with color-changing capabilities —and who isn’t at some point? —there are several options....
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


The Mystery of the Failing Fixtures
What caused so many units to shut down in a short period of time? It was a dark day in the venue, which might explain why the lighting...
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


A for American
Lightswitch takes on a uniquely styled sports and entertainment event Click here to read the article
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


Thank you, Beverly!
A celebration of Protocol Editor Beverly Inglesby OVER THE LAST 28 YEARS, Beverly Inglesby has enjoyed two things the most: the people...
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


Voltage drop in the real world:
How different setups produce different results YOU’RE PROBABLY FAMILIAR with voltage drop and how to calculate it. The standard formulas...
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


WYSIWYG in 2023: Top Ten Features
WYSIWYG was the first lighting CAD tool and visualizer that I had ever seen; it is still probably the quickest and easiest one that I’ve...
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


Ayrton Zonda 3 FX
The Ayrton Zonda 3 FX is an LED moving-head fixture with individually controllable RGBW clusters that allow you to use it as a beam, a...
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


NAMM 2023
In its bridge back to January, The 2023 NAMM Show reunited the global music products, pro Audio, and entertainment technology industry in...
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


Ethernet surge protection
Shadow, Light, and Truth WHEN I WAS A KID, my two older brothers were standing in the front doorway of our house in Corpus Christi, TX,...
richard-cadena
Nov 13, 20231 min read


Building back better with batteries
Battery technology has come a long way. WHETHER YOU’RE TRYING TO SAVE MONEY or trying to save the planet, it’s time to reconsider how to...
richard-cadena
Nov 2, 20231 min read


“An Army of Joy Makers”
Tait Celebrates 45 Years Michael Tait went from working in a bar in London to In1968, working for an unknown band called Yes. Over the...
richard-cadena
Nov 2, 20231 min read


Making Video Happen
Real-Time Video Content for Virtual Production & Live Entertainment According to Garson O’Toole, of quoteinvestigator.com, Nicholas...
richard-cadena
Nov 2, 20231 min read


Two From Claypaky: Volero Wave and Panify
The Volero Wave has eight 40W RGBW LED light cells that create a tight 2.9° beam. When lighting designer Nick Whitehouse wanted to make...
richard-cadena
Nov 2, 20231 min read
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