From the Blackout: An Introduction

Hello!

I’m Jeff Brink, a Local 52 NYC Electrician, Programmer, and intriguingly - a Local 600 Drone Operator - maybe you’ve seen me on set! I came up with the idea for Blackout when I was just learning how to program lighting consoles. I became easily frustrated when I couldn’t quickly pick up the software. One console’s syntax didn’t translate easily to another even though I knew the commands I needed to input and I was frustrated at how I had to spend an hour learning how to configure layouts or windows correctly just to see the information that was relevant on each console.

In addition, the consoles I was using for film sets were too advanced for the majority of what we needed to do and just not mobile enough for on location use even when we strapped them to a cart. I knew there could be a better, simpler way for users to manage these complex LEDs on set.

Starting from the ground up, I designed a touch-friendly interface around the fixtures we use on a daily basis in film. I kept the essential control we need as filmmakers, but simplified the layout and process dramatically. BLACKOUT is the first opinionated lighting console. The interface is intentionally static, freeing you from the distractions of limitless customizations so you can focus on what truly matters - your art.

I’m really proud of what BLACKOUT has become - a tool that brings the power of a full-size console into the convenient form of an iPad, tailored for the dynamic demands of film sets. But this is just the start. As technology advances, I'm excited to further innovate BLACKOUT, harnessing evolving iPad capabilities and integrating smarter fixtures. We're committed to continuously enhancing wireless lighting control, making it even more intuitive and powerful for our users. Thanks for embracing BLACKOUT LIGHTING CONSOLE, and I can't wait for you to see what's next!