Here is the latest installment in my Learn to Program with Sidus Link Pro video series. Watch it below, then be sure to keep reading. There is a bunch more knowledge to share!

There was a lot to go through in this Basics video, so obviously- I couldn’t cover everything.  Here’s some additional information that should be helpful.

Cues– a lighting cue is a recording of values to create a look.  It can be used simply as a storage area, or you can use a series of cues to transition from one look to another.  When you roll a cue in front of the camera, this is often called an Interactive.  

Groups– it’s important to understand that groups are only a programming convenience.  All the data you create on a group is stored into the cue as the individual fixtures.

More About the Interface 

1. Locks– a way to grab a light, set it to something and then make sure it doesn’t change.  An example would be a work light- you need it on, and you don’t really want to record it into a cue.  Touch the lock icon and nothing will change about the light and its output until you unlock it again.
2. On/Off– The utility of the On/Off (which gaffers and DPs call for frequently) is pretty great.  Also, if you end up programming a bunch of stuff and it turns out to be a sequence that the DP described, you could use On/Off to keep your data in a cue and just not use it till the next one.
3. HSIC+– this seems to be Aputure’s preferred profile, and I can see why.  It’s address efficient and gives pretty great control to the programmer.
4. xy color control- (I know you can’t see this option, but it would show up here.) I’m not yet a fan of xy, but many DPs and Gaffers ask for it.  It appears as a tab with all the other color options.  If it’s helpful, I’m not a fan because it’s a little too “theory” and not yet enough “real world” for me.  I’d still rather mix every color myself with direct access to the emitters in each fixture.
5. Stage/Backstage– Frequently my gaffer will give me a heads up while the cameras are rolling of what is coming next.  If you toggle Backstage, you can program just like the usual Stage area…but no output changes.  Set up your next look, record your next cue REMEMBER TO CLEAR YOUR BACKSTAGE, then switch back to Stage.  The reason you need to clear your Backstage is all the values in there will automatically output when you toggle back to Stage.  Be cautious, but don’t sleep on this feature!

Workflow Tips

Working with many fixtures like we are in SLP on this project I built, I’m finding setting a system of light (reminder- a system of light can be Key light, Back light, Drop light) and then recording it immediately helps me keep the Stage area manageable.  Yes, this means you are going to most likely go back and revise things, but I’m finding that is the fastest and most reliable way to interact with SLP.  It also gives you the ability to use the drag-and-drop update feature, which is really cool.

Try to remember which Color Tab you control each light with when you are making a new cue with lights that are currently on, or revising the existing cue.  Since SLP automatically changes between CCT mode and Color mode, it can be frustratingly easy to change something by accident.  Whenever I can, I stay in the CCT&HSI tab since that gives me all controls in one place.

Presets– I showed you how to make one, but not how to apply it.  Super easy.  Select the fixture, give it an intensity, and touch the Preset.  That’s all there is to it.

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Mark LaPierre is a programmer in film, television and theater based out of Albuquerque.  He grew up in live entertainment and has been a designer/programmer for musicals, concert dance, live music, circus and corporate.  Mark is a proud member of IATSE, an ETC Eos trainer and an enthusiastic trainer of many other platforms and subjects.  He offers Zoom console coaching in 30 minute to 4 hours times as well as a full range of training in person.  If you enjoy his content, please consider commenting on his posts on the website to appease the Algorithm.