Key Console Systems MD Keith Shanks based in Belfast, Northern Ireland invested in three full ChamSys system specifically for the lighting control for the Game of Thrones project.  Keith is a seasoned lighting professional with more than 25 years in the entertainment lighting industry and has a detailed knowledge of stage and effects lighting.  Having worked extensively with some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll, Keith is an expert trouble shooter and has used his skills to create a lighting control system that not only can be operated remotely but also can improve efficiency, quality and time management.

Keith explains, “I put together this lighting control system primarily for Television/Film work but I have used the system for Rock & Roll shows as well. The system incorporates powerful lighting control from ChamSys, together with the flexible CAD design features of Cast Soft wysiwyg. Being able to offer print outs and 3D visualizations at a moment’s notice to the Lighting Gaffer and Director of Photography has become indispensable.”  Keith has just finished filming season 2 of the popular HBO show “Game of Thrones” on which three complete systems were used. Season 3 of the show is due to start shooting in July 2012 and will again be using three systems.

Each system comprises a ChamSys MagicQ MQ200 Pro 2010, a ChamSys MagicQ Playback Wing, a ChamSys MagicQ Playback Wand Console Remote and a ChamSys 4 port Ethernet Interface together with a PC running Cast Soft wysiwyg visualization software together with monitors and printer all in one flightcase.

Keith Shanks comments:

”Access to the editing function was fantastic and made things very quick and easy.  I was amazed at how easy it was to access the editor and how well thought out the console is.  Entering the effects was made very simple and the ability to edit the effects quickly was paramount in the studio setting.  The studio space is enormous, so it is vital to have a remote control solution.  The console is generally hidden behind the set, so we used MagicQ software running on a remote tablet and the MagicQ Playback Wand whilst walking round the studio.  Back up and support from ChamSys was top notch.”

The studio set used Space Lights for general cover hung from the cavernous roof.  Keith found the grouping system on the console very quick and effective when programming the levels for the Space Lights.  He also used 20K fresnels for general and daylight cover and 300w fresnels for flicker effect to create the candle flicker effect.

The system’s portability is a huge benefit to the production and allows for unproblematic manoeuvrability and relocation. What’s more, the operator can offer the Director of Photography or Gaffer physical control of the lights, either on or off set, using wireless handsets – allowing instant live adjustments to the lighting as well as room for experimentation before committing to the final lighting set up. The system also offers printed 2D and 3D renders to improve continuity and the recreation of a scene if required. 

Keith’s ChamSys systems are also being used on 'Keith Lemon-The Movie' shot at the same Belfast Studio.  For more information visit www.keyconsole.com.  Keith can be reached at keith@keyconsole.com.

ChamSys continues to be the console of choice by HBO for  Emmy Award winning drama Game of Thrones as the production goes into Season 3.

HBO Production

Lighting supplied by- ARRI

Lighting Operator – Keith Shanks

Key Console Systems

Directors of Photography

Kramer Morgenthau (US)

Martin Kenzie (UK)

PJ Dillon (Ire)

Sam McCurdy (UK)

Jonathan Freeman (US)