wysiwyg on board Key Console Systems

by Joan Lyman,Manager, Communications

The world’s most portable and versatile lighting control system

We here at CAST are always intrigued to hear how Users are integrating wysiwyg into their workflow in innovative new ways. Keith Shanks, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland is the founder of Key Console Systems, estab-lished in 2011. Keith is a seasoned lighting professional with more than 25 years in the entertainment lighting industry and an in depth knowledge of stage and effects light-ing. Having worked extensively with some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll, Keith is an expert trouble shooter and has used his skills to create a lighting control system that not only can be operated remotely but also can improve efficiency, quality and time management.

Key Console Systems (KCS) integrates the live console with the most current ver-sion of wysiwyg Perform. This enables the ability to design and reproduce the live show in a 3D virtual image, giving the client an opportunity to see an accurate representa-tion of the actual show design in advance. The Console used by KCS is a Chamsys MagicQ, which hosts the latest control tech-nology for generic, moving light and pixel mapping. The MagicQ incorporates touch screen monitors for fast accurate control of fixtures.

Software is regularly updated with the latest fixtures and upgrades. 2D drawings provide an accurate, scaled print out of the lighting design incorporating relevant build information for the technical/rigging staff.

It also offers a 3D print out to provide clients with a professional accurate rendition of the lighting design in full colour.

Much of the early work has been with TV and film lighting control. The system’s portability is a huge benefit to the production and allows for unproblematic manoeuvrabil-ity and relocation. What’s more, the operator can offer the Director of Photography or Gaffer physical control of the lights, either on or off set, using wireless handsets – allowing instant live adjustments to the lighting as well as room for experimentation before commit-ting to the final lighting set up. The system also offers printed 2D and 3D renders to improve continuity and the recreation of a scene if required.

Keith explains, “I put together this lighting control system primarily for Television/Film work but I have used the system for Rock & Roll shows as well. The system incorporates wysiwyg as the backbone, used in con

junction with a Chamsys MagicQ Con

sole. Being able to offer print outs and 3D visualizations at a moment’s notice to the Lighting Gaffer and Director of Photography has become indispensable.”

Keith has just finished filming season 2 of the popular HBO show “Game of Thrones” on which three complete systems were used. Season 3 of the show is due to start shooting in July 2012 and will again be using three systems.

He continues, “The system travels as one complete package built into a flight case, making it incredibly easy to move and set up. Each system consists of the Chamsys Console, wysiwyg Perform on a Hybrid super fast graphics Desktop, Brother A3 Printer and Cannon A4 Printer. 3 Dell HD Monitors for wysiwyg, Console etc. Hand held touch screen with Chamsys MagicQ software as the Console remote control. The Chamsys wireless Magic Wand which has 4 faders, allowing physical control of dimmers, attributes, effects or positions etc. UPS system back up and frame grab technology. The system has become a formidable tool and wysiwyg plays a huge part.”

We look forward to hearing more success stories from Keith and others who combine existing technologies to create a completely new streamlined way to work.

Keith can be reached at keith@keyconsole.com.

Visit Key Console Systems at www.keyconsole.com.

4The official bi-monthly publication for wysiwyg Members© 2012 ISSUE 39 / April 2012 The official bi-monthly publication for wysiwyg Members© 2012 ISSUE 39 / April 2012 5