DPW SpotCue (Viewer & Host) is a digital, paperless, quick-reference system that displays past, current, and upcoming followspot cues to operators on any device: iPads, laptops, or desktop PCs.
Overview
DPW SpotCue has been designed around theatrical-style shows, musicals and other events where the ETC EOS lighting ecosystem is used.
This application incorporates two parts, a “host” server application to be run on either Windows / MacOS. This connects to the ETC EOS lighting control software and acts as the “translator” between an ETC EOS OSC socket, and the viewer application which runs as an installable web app; both the viewer devices and the host application must be being run on the same network, ideally a dedicated a technical network, without external internet access as is always recommended for technical application use. Being able to install the web app for the Viewer application means it is able to be used in technical networks without external internet access.
Taking inspiration from existing applications such as CuePilot and LiveEdit, both used in the live TV production space to provide a user-friendly shot and information interface for camera operators working on fast-paced, tightly rehearsed productions such as Eurovision. Incorporating this into the theatre industry, where manual follow spots and RoboSpots are still used widely, makes incredible sense to improve reliability, accuracy and maintainability for followspot operators; it is common for operators to change frequently during the run of a longer show, and therefore this can also improve the handover.
More Detail
The DPW SpotCue ecosystem is made up of two main parts, detailed as follows:
The host application runs continuously on a Windows or MacOS device and acts as the crucial gateway between the ETC EOS software running on an EOS lighting desk, or a Nomad-style setup.
The viewer is a web application that is designed to be run on either a venue-owned device, or the followspot operator’s own; you are given the option to scan the QR code from the host or enter its host name. Select your followspot, and watch the information arrive in front of you.
One technicality is that all followspot cues must have a corresponding designated lighting cue, whether that be a whole number or point cue, in order for it to display seamlessly at an accurate time on the Viewer devices, however if for any reason this is not possible, a workaround is to utilise the notes field and make a note of the cue line or any kind of helpful pointer as to suggest to the operators when the followspot cue should happen, or if it’s to be cued by the DSM.
An important note, the device that the Host application is running on should have a fixed IP address set, this means that there is little risk of Viewer devices disconnected due to DHCP or a forced IP address change, as the system is designed to work on small-scale tech networks only IPv4 is available at this time. The Viewer devices are also able to auto-detect the Host in some situations.
Many options can be customised to suit both the production, and the individual operators; options include flashes on Viewer devices when a cue change occurs, or indicate clearly when a followspot is due to be active in the next set number of cues. These can be set globally or individually.
Pricing & Subscription
This system has been designed to work in venues and locations of all sizes, from small theatres to larger capacity venues. Due to this versatility, it felt unfair to charge the same rate for all. This dynamic structure allows you to only purchase what you actually require, rather than over (or under) spec’ing what you need. You can change this at any time.
The price for this service is dependant on typical venue capacity for the shows you are using this service on, and the number of follow spots needing to be used simultaneously.
All prices are listed inclusive of VAT (I am not VAT registered) and on a monthly basis. This is a rolling subscription that can be cancelled at any time. The service will be available for the rest of the month that has been paid for.
| Venue Capacity | 1 Followspot | 2 Followspots | 3+ Followspots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to and including 100 people | £5 pm | £7.50 pm | £10 pm |
| Up to and including 250 people | £10 pm | £12.50 pm | £15 pm |
| Up to and including 500 people | £20 pm | £30 pm | £40 pm |
| Large capacity | Contact me | Contact me | Contact me |
FAQ
Content will be added to this section as questions arise from client use. If you feel any particular information would be particularly useful to be made readily available, contact me and I will get it added to this section as soon as possible.
Additional Questions
If you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to email me. I endeavour to respond within 48 hours to any enquiry. This system has been designed, programmed and created fully by myself, so it is able to flexible around your particular requirements.
If you believe that your theatre, venue or company could benefit from DPW Spot Cue, but something in the standard setup / configuration doesn’t quite fit, still feel free to still get in touch and we can arrange to meet in person, via email or a call to discuss custom turn-key solutions to meet your requirements.