A PL System, or Production Lighting System, is the main setup used to control stage and studio lighting in television and live event production. Think of it as the central command center for all lighting needs. It includes both the physical control board (often called a lighting console) and the connected lights that can be adjusted for brightness, color, and movement. This system lets lighting operators create, save, and quickly change different lighting arrangements for various show segments, much like saving different presets on your home stereo system but for professional lighting.
Operated PL System for live news broadcasts and talk show productions
Programmed Production Lighting System cues for multi-camera studio shows
Maintained and troubleshot PL System equipment for 3 studio spaces
Typical job title: "Lighting Technicians"
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Q: How would you handle a complete PL System failure during a live broadcast?
Expected Answer: A senior lighting professional should discuss backup systems, emergency protocols, manual override options, and how to quickly transition while maintaining essential lighting. They should also mention communication procedures with the production team and preventative maintenance practices.
Q: Describe a complex lighting setup you designed for a multi-set production.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with managing multiple lighting zones, creating efficient preset arrangements, coordinating with different departments, and solving practical challenges while meeting artistic requirements.
Q: What factors do you consider when programming lighting cues for a talk show?
Expected Answer: Should discuss timing of transitions, accounting for different segments (interviews, performances, audience shots), maintaining consistent look, and working with camera operators' needs.
Q: How do you maintain and troubleshoot common PL System issues?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain regular maintenance procedures, common technical issues, basic repair processes, and when to call in specialized support.
Q: What are the basic components of a PL System?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify main parts like the control console, dimmers, fixtures, and basic understanding of how they work together.
Q: How do you save and recall lighting cues on a basic PL System?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic console operation, creating and storing preset looks, and basic playback functions.