Media Design and Technology for Live Entertainment: Essential Tools for Video Presentation from Focal Press is a guide to understanding the concepts and equipment used in projection and video design for live performances. After an introduction in the principles of design elements as well as information on content, this book focuses on how content is used and transmitted by describing the essential components of systems, providing definitions used in communicating video concepts, and including basic system troubleshooting tips and tricks.

A brief history of projected imagery is included as well as information on analog systems, as outdated technology continues to be used either by choice of the designer or by necessity due to budget. By providing the information to understand the tools and how to use them, the reader should be able to create their own systems to meet his or her design ideas.

Author: Davin Gaddy    Paperback, 306 Pages    Publisher: Routledge Taylor & Francis    1st Edition, Published November, 2017

• Introduction
• Design Elements
• Source Material
• Display Surface
• Projectors
• Source
• Distribution
• Control
• Presentation
• Trouble Shooting
• Advanced Projection Design
• Appendix: Line Drawings/Sample Systems
• Appendix: Formulas
• Glossary

Davin E. Gaddy has been working professionally in live entertainment, convention and trade show, themed exhibit, and cinema markets for over 25 years, not including his prior student work. During this time, he has spanned the gamut of the industry, learning a variety of production styles. Due to his experience, Gaddy was the perfect fit to be the lead projectionist for Cirque du Soleil's production of KÀ, which has stunned millions of audience members over the course of its run.

In addition, Gaddy advocates for the education of other members of the industry. He has taught workshops on video for performance at theatrical conventions as well as directly to students at high schools, colleges, and universities. Gaddy serves as a moderator on ControlBooth.com, an online forum for the theatrical industry. Gaddy is the chairman of the committee preparing the video and projection exam for USITT's Essential Skills for the Entertainment Technician program.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Two questions: 1) Is this head counterbalanced? 2) Will this be plug and play on a Benro Slim tripod? Thanks in advance.

A: It is not counterbalanced, and yes, as long as it has a 1/4 mounting screw then it will work on your Benro.

Q: 2. Pan is 360 degrees, but what is the tilt forward and back?

A: The Tilt range is -90 to +65.

Q: 3. Can any other quick release plates work with this head? I would prefer smaller light weight ones for spotting scope and binoculars. Thank you

A: The Manfrotto 501PL Sliding Quick-Release Plate with 1/4 -20 Screw B&H # MA501PL is the plate that comes with this and is the smallest possible one.

Q: 4. Will this perform better under heavier or lighter loads? For example, closer to the maximum or lighter than the maximum weight limit?

A: Mid to Light loads. I've used it with a Canon G20 with a video monitor and it works fine. For a lightweight tripod, it works well. Just due to physics, the heavier the camera and rig, the less stable it will be

Q: 5. Can I use this head with Manfrotto MKCOMPACTLT-RD Compact Tripod???

A: No, the head on the Compact Light tripod is not removable, so there is no designed way to mount an alternate head on it.

Q: 6. I know this is primarily for video but is it stable enough for long-exposure and time-lapse video and photography?

A: Yes it is.

Q: 7. Is this head fully functional on other Befree tripod (i.e. both panning and tilting)?

A: This head will fully function on any Manfrotto BeFree tripod.

Q: 8. What material is this head made of? (plastic aka manfrotto polymer or magnesium)

A: The main casting of this head is made primarily of aluminum.

Q: 9. Is this standalone head come with the half ball base or it is flat base only? The half ball base only comes with the Befree live tripod system?

A: The leveling base is part of the tripod, not the head. So you would need to purchase the Befree Live tripod. The head has a flat base.

Q: 10. Is this video head made for the manfrotto before tripods?

A: Yes, this head can be used on Manfrotto Befree tripods.