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Focus is the time for the LD to be the star. You are responsible for each light being focused in the correct position, you make sure that each lamp is casing light in the way and in the area you intended when making your plot. However you decide to run focus is fine as long as you get each lamp to do what you want in a reasonable amount of time. Remember to minimize how long you keep each light on, because they get hot rapidly.
Programming Cues
Once everything is focused you need to write the cues. Having a well-organized channel schedule will make this easier. Essentially you need to listen to what the director wants for each cue and find the levels for each light that make that look. During Q2Q pay close attention to how the cues look with the actors and the timing between cues. Once you’ve seen what the cues look like with actors adjust them as necessary. Also it is important that you are available to watch run-throughs during prod week this way you can find any holes in you washes or a scene that isn’t quite right. Keep adjusting the cues until you (and the director) think you’ve gotten the best you can.
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