Books for Media & Video Programmers

TheRoadieLibrarian: Do not wait until the moment you get your first opportunity to work with media servers as a Lighting Programmer to read this book. Do it now! As a Lighting Programmer today, knowing how to program and playback media server content from a lighting console is no longer “optional”, but a “must have” in your skillset. In this book, Vickie Claiborne will take you through each step you need to master to confidently say “yes, I can!” when you get that call about a really cool gig and they ask, “can you work with media servers?” This information in this book will give the reader a solid foundation of knowledge that can be applied to any media server on the market. – Review by The Roadie Librarian

TheRoadieLibrarian: This book is especially helpful for those interested in a career in Lighting Design (as indicated by this book’s title). However, I found it to be helpful for anyone working in, or interested in working as a lighting designer, programmer, technician, or any other role pertaining to the art of photon wrangling. This was my first introduction to the world of business management, accounting, bookkeeping, and other aspects of being a successful freelancer and business owner. James L. Moody takes concepts one might learn in a business 101 class and directly applies and relates them to the tasks and challenges that are specific to working in the entertainment lighting industry, with chapters including “Staff and Design Associates”, “Theatrical Unions” and “The Contract Rider and Follow-Up”. Full disclosure – I have only ready the 1st Edition of this book; however, I believe this review covers both editions well enough – Review by The Roadie Librarian

TheRoadieLibrarian: This book is one of few with the word “handbook” in the title that has actually lived up to the name, because this is a book you will definitely want “at hand” throughout your career. Now in its 3rd edition, Brad Schiller takes the reader through basic, intermediate, and advanced programming skills that are a MUST for anyone who finds themselves in the “hot seat” of an automated lighting console. What raises this book above and beyond a how-to manual for programming is the author’s own voice of hard-earned experience and wisdom, combined with his genuine desire to help other programmers to learn and succeed. There is also a compilation of anecdotes and advice from notable programmers in the industry, and Schiller’s own journal notes taken from when he worked on major event productions and concert tours. This is the book that will get you through the rough days when the frustrations of troubleshooting equipment or writing and re-writing and Re-WRITING that same cue has you feeling disappointed, alone, and imposter syndrome looms large. Spend some time reading this book and it will give you the supportive hug and/or kick in the pants that you need to carry on. – Review by The Roadie Librarian