ON THIS CURRENT GIG: what desk are you using? Why? What fixtures? Why? How many? Conventional vs. Intelligent? Why?

I operate with an LSD Icon desk which I find is best for shows “on the fly”! On stage we have the following:
18 LSD Icons
10 LSD Wash Lights
18 Studio Colors
9 Molds with Color Changers
asymmetrical Y brand
Intelligent Fixtures

For the trusses I use one box truss and then asymmetrical approach with the other y angle trusses. The whole system is very flexible and can evolve as the band does through both indoor and outdoor venues. We have to be extremely flexible to load into a theater one night, arena the next and then an outdoor amphitheatre in the same week. My conventional lights include 60 ParCams.

We also use two rear trusses with 3 LSD Icons on each. These begin the show at almost floor level and then can be raised during the show.

How much did cost or budget limitation play in your decision-making?

Budget plays a greater role certainly on this tour. This band does not tour with a large cash flow of record support so this type of tour is packaged differently. Widespread Panic tours about three times per year and flexibility is the key for us on the production crew. I can cut this rig down to about half the size if necessary or use every piece I have got in the truck. There is no waste in this rig.

Is this your preference for a touring lighting gear? If you could – what would you add or change?

Working in this truly live manual concert format is different than before when I worked nearly 500 shows with Megadeth. I would very much like to stay with this band, there are certainly less politics and more of a family relationship. Everyone on this crew is cut a wide berth, allowing for fewer limitations in creating the production.

How has the technology of lighting changed, and where do you see it going?

I have read a bit about Super Sychs that came out in the last year. I have only seen them in the shop before the tour. They are remarkably bright and we plan to use them at Phillips Arena for New Year’s Eve three night run. I believe they incorporate 2 1200 lamps, 2 light sources a Dacroic filter and a moving yoke!

What is the key to being successful as a Lighting Director?

I think technology can be the key, using LSD Icons provides multiple gobo looks. I have seen lighting evolve since the mid-1970’s, especially how it is packaged for touring. Now you do not have to build everything separately. Gear is so much more truck friendly and much of the gear is no manufactured out of aluminum and carbon fiber. Equipment is far more enduring now, but still needs to be road tested.

Every product has its place in this business. One needs to establish their own visual goals and pay attention to how they evolve over the years.

What are you goals, or what would be your dream gig?

I am happy that I have learned from the ground up and worked through the business. If you are going to school to learn about production, stay in! There can be so many other things, even political and financial that can challenge any Lighting Director in his or her job. Only about 10% of it can be the Leico. One knows that can there can be only a certain number of years lifespan working in the touring industry including all the travel time and work. It’s like being in the army, sign on for life or get out of the business!

I have reflected upon my life in five-year cycles. At 30, I thought maybe I’ll do this for another 5 years. I did the same at 40 and now 45. I have watched the industry evolve as well. Doing what I like doing, that is my true enjoyment. This I enjoy very much and hope to continue doing it for some time to come.

We wish you all the luck and success in the world Dino, and thanks for being our first in a series of inspirational WORKING LDs.