ABSTRACT
There are many things that must be taken into consideration before you can begin programming. In many ways a lighting programmer is similar to an airline pilot. We are at the controls of very sophisticated equipment, often working to meet impossible deadlines, and usually not seen by the audience (passengers). Just as a pilot will not simply board a plane and take off, most automated lighting programmers do not just walk up to a console and rig and begin entering cues into the desk. There is a certain amount of preparation that must be completed prior to taking off and building cues. Once the cues are built, an efficient saving routine must be followed to ensure all the hard work is protected.
