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TV production spaces, part II

Dec 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Antonio Argibay, AIA

When designing lighting, power and electrical systems, consider these issues.

Catwalk benefits include:

The system provides complete flexibility for locating lighting.
Instruments are always accessible from above, and technicians never have to move scenic elements to reach lighting adjustments.
It is extremely quick. As technicians are working above, actors, talent and directors can block scenes and do other studio preproduction tasks.
It does not require maintenance.
For scenic-intensive productions, such as soap operas, or for studios that need to move scenic elements often — and quickly — this system allows technicians to move on two levels, providing the quickest setup turnaround. However, all of this comes at a cost:
It is a heavy system, typically adding 35lbs per square foot to the structure.
Catwalk systems require custom design by a professional.
The system is relatively expensive and takes quite a bit of time to fabricate and install.

Motorized and hybrid

Motorized rigging systems have evolved in recent years. Their reliability, cost and versatility make them part of many production rigging solutions. Motorized solutions range from individual hoist luminaries to self-climbers with integrated lighting battens to fully motorized studio rigging systems. Typically, each motorized lighting batten is attached to a parallel track that supports each end of the batten. The batten then moves horizontally, like a train on tracks, back and forth, as required, for a range of 5ft in either direction. The latest motorized units don't require to move parallel to each other — or even perpendicular to the track. Other motorized systems include the raising and lowering of rectangular truss structures with lighting.

Benefits of motorized systems are:

Many motorized solutions are part of upgrading existing dead hung systems, thus creating a hybrid.
They require little maintenance.
They necessitate less gross ceiling height to get a net production ceiling height.
They can be incrementally installed and expanded as part of a planned upgrade.
Fully motorized systems can include horizontal tracking so that lighting can be put exactly where it's wanted.
They are reliable and easily integrated with DMX controls that may already be in use.

However, motorized systems require the following considerations:

They need substantial vendor support. Be sure you can get both parts and maintenance.
They still are relatively expensive.
Motorized systems require a structural subframe or another similar element attached to the systems' structural rails.
Mechanical things require some maintenance and break down. Carefully select the manufacturer and the supply chain, along with ironclad guarantees.

The lighting system

All lighting connected to the rigging is powered by lighting battens, also called connector strips. They are labeled with individual dimmer circuits and distributed in a balanced manner throughout the studio. The designer of this electrical system has to work hand-in-hand with the designer of the production lighting system to create a flexible, balanced distribution system.

Lighting power distribution and control

In the United States, when power is delivered to the entrance point by the utility, the first step is to provide an isolation transformer (ΔY), which takes the 480V distribution voltage in delta (Δ) and transforms it to 120V-208V in Y. This helps to prevent harmonics from feeding back to the utility. From the isolation transformer, power goes to distribution boards, which feed power via a main electrical wireway to smaller, individual branches for each lighting batten/connector strip in the studio. The individual branch electrical wireways end in a terminal box where the lighting battens are connected.