Vectorworks University

What better way to awaken the ancient spirit of Arabian civilization in Al Basta than creative lighting design? Join Walter Lutzu and Patrizia De Masi, lighting designers of PHOTONIKA to see how they designed the lighting to breathe new life into the cradle of modern knowledge and uncover the cultural significance of ancient heritage buildings, nocturnal lighting for daily Islamic prayers, and the basta, the common spaces of the ancient community. Unearth the significance of pre-visualization tools and parameter controls to ensure an accurate and realistic outcome.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Find useful tools for managing fixtures.
2. Learn class organization tips for easy referencing.
3. Optimize your 2D and 3D workflows with tips for rendering.
4. Share your projects with MVR export capabilities.

Set designers are faced with numerous challenges from uniquely shaped venues, small spaces with big requests, and making sure each seat has clear views of the stage. Join David Farley, associate designer, as he goes through real-world examples of how moving from a 2D workflow to a 3D workflow has helped him overcome these challenges and enhance his set designs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Enhance communication with project stakeholders by producing useful visuals.
2. Create sight lines to ensure optimal viewing for all audience members.
3. Experience an easier revision process than standard 2D design, making turnaround times faster.

When it comes to stage production that is televised, no two projects are ever the same, a fact that Grant Van Zevern knows all too well. Join him for a case-study-style webinar to explore his non-traditional process for scenic design. Learn best practices for flexible design with tips on file organization and the benefits of designing in 3D for the entertainment industry.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn non-standard file organization like setting up files using draft-specific layers and symbols, as well as architectural sectioning vs. single unit drafting.
2. See tips and tricks for designing industry-specific elements like drapery, lightboxes, and internal lighting in Vectorworks.
3. Explore workflow challenges when using Cinema 4D, Photoshop, AutoCAD, and others as well as their mitigations to discover industry best practices.

The design, certification, and safe installation of show and event rigging systems is a complex and time-consuming process. Join Jim Woodward, senior entertainment product specialist, as he demonstrates the benefits and ease of use of Braceworks, the rigging analysis add-on module for Vectorworks Spotlight. Woodward will show how to conduct structural analysis with Spotlight rigging tools, analyze the reactions to suspended systems, present a 3D data model complete with a structural analysis report, and much more.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Save time and reduce error by automatically generating detailed calculation reports.
2. Understand how to properly support and analyze the structure and correct overworked elements.
3. Prepare a finished data and model report.

Brandon Eckstorm, Product Marketing Manager at Vectorworks, Inc., brings you the latest in Vision software with Vision 2021. Get tips and tricks for document preparation that will make moving projects from Vectorworks into Vision as easy as possible. Learn more about MVR and gain insight into setting up an NDI stream. Ultimately, walk away with key knowledge about customizing your Vision rendering so that you can be as efficient as possible.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Customize your Vision render settings for optimal workflows.
2. See how familiarity with MVR can make your first steps in Vision simple.
3. Learn how to set up an NDI stream for pre-programming with media servers.

Join Mark Doubleday for a case-study style webinar on designing for lighting for theater productions. On a deep dive into a recent project, Hubert Essakow’s Tenebre at Ballet am Rhein in Dusseldorf, discover the importance of schematic views and their benefits for opera and ballet productions. Doubleday will showcase their utility in designing side lighting and stacked lighting positions in a repertoire situation along with highlighting rendering techniques used to share ideas with collaborators.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Become familiar with new features in Vectorworks 2021.
2. Understand the benefits of schematic views, specifically for theater.
3. Explore rendering techniques for backlighting and more.

Tired of using multiple software programs for one project? Frustrated when one small change needs to be updated in multiple programs? Join Joseph Estes, VP of Operations at Apple Box LLC, to learn why and how he switched from using AutoCAD, SketchUp, VRay, Photoshop, and PowerPoint to an all-in-one solution with Vectorworks. Estes will discuss how he has saved countless hours and won more work with his new seamless workflow.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explore all-in-one solution benefits, such as designing in 2D and 3D, creating renderings, and automated reports.
2. Understand the efficiency that comes with making changes on the fly and in client meetings, all with reduced errors.
3. See how to create stunning visualizations to win work while simultaneously producing accurate technical drawings.

Tasked with bringing the Creative Director’s fuzzy vision to life, Eric Girard and his team at Cramer used innovative design software, Vectorworks and ConnectCAD, to finish the project. Join Eric Girard, technical director at Cramer, for a case-study-style webinar focused on a corporate event at the Foxwoods Casino where his team seamlessly integrated rigging, lighting, sound, projection, staging, and LEDs. Tune in for workflow tips and tricks to reduce errors and increase your productivity.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Communicate effectively to actualize ideas.
2. Expedite workflow with custom templates for planning projection screens, LEDs, wiring diagrams, and more.
3. Use software to automate paperwork, saving time onsite and reducing errors.

Working on an AV installation project in a building that's still under construction presents a variety of challenges. In this month’s webinar, see how RTN Showsupport overcame some of these problems—learn from their mistakes and discover the role BIM played in their success. Spoiler: it all boils down to understanding that everyone from architects to lighting designers is part of one team, and that each member is willing and able to accommodate each other's needs and work together to complete the project.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Achieve a basic understanding of BIM workflows.
2. Learn how to use BIM when collaborating with other disciplines, including architects.
3. Understand the IFC file format.
4. Explore the benefits of IFC when working with architects and contractors.

Don’t get left behind in the industry. Join Brandon Eckstorm, product marketing manager at Vectorworks, Inc. and Rene Berhorst, head of product management at MA Lighting as they give a quick introduction into GDTF & MVR and what the future holds. Then, Matt Geasey, technical director at Clear All Visuals will dive into why he is transitioning his workflow to include GDTF and MVR file formats, how he is creating these file types and the benefits he has experienced thus far.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Understand what GDTF & MVR are and their future developments.
2. Explore the benefits of using GDTF & MVR in your workflow.
3. See how to create these file formats.
4. Learn how Clear All Visuals is gearing up using GDTF & MVR in their first show production.

Join Creative Technology Sweden CAD Specialist Peter Pihlblad for a case study on collaboration with project partners from different locations. Pihlblad will explain how he worked with an external audio engineer, video engineer, and production manager to produce a successful event. Explore how the organization of classes and layers sets the stage for an effective project sharing workflow.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Understand how strategic organization of classes and layers plays into successful project sharing.
2. See how to collaborate with project partners from different locations by using project sharing.
3. Take note of Pihlblad’s first-hand project sharing tips and tricks.
4. Identify common workflow problems that can be solved with the help of project sharing.

Join Head of Technical Production Tom Cordory to learn how the designers at Stagestruck are simplifying their workflow from using a mixture of AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, and SketchUp to a streamlined Vectorworks Spotlight solution. Explore why they made the switch and how they benefit from the new, simplified process that greatly reduces the number of applications used — without compromising quality.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explore benefits of an all-in-one solution, such as 2D to 3D capabilities, collaboration, point cloud integration, and automated reports.
2. Learn how and why Stagestruck decided to switch to Vectorworks.
3. Witness how streamlined workflows with Vectorworks improved the firm's design process.