We are asking lighting experts around the world, in the “Who Lights Our World” series, some key questions about their job. Here is Lisa Weinshrott Kimmel based in Kissimmee, FL and wherever her suitcase is.
1. What lighting console do you prefer working with?
ETC EOS.
2. What do you always have with you at your console?
Usually my partner in crime, Michael Kimmel. We have been called the Dynamic Duo.
3. Mac or PC?
Mac.
4. What may be surprising that you don’t use?
Caffeine.
5. Coffee or Tea?
Water.
6. What is your favorite genre of entertainment to work in?
Musical Theatre and Dance, because of the colors and movement. Really, I enjoy all genres as they have their own unique design opportunities.
7. What is your favorite color combination and why?
If I can only have two backlight colors I tend to pick a magenta and a deep blue. This gives me the best versatility while giving me the contrast I need. This also balances very well with almost all face light colors.
8. Who is an lighting designer that you admire and respect?
My career path led me to jump straight to designing myself without well known LD mentors. My admiration comes from the various work I have observed. My co-designer and husband, Michael Kimmel learned from Mitch Dana and these two were the ones that provided my foundation. Prior to my professional career, I fell in love with the detail and colors at Walt Disney World and this became a big influence. Once I moved to NYC I started watching Broadway shows and I found my cueing style best lined up with Ken Posner and Natasha Katz. It is really hard to say which one person I admire most…
9. What are the top 5 skill sets that a Lighting Designer/Technician should have?
1. A natural instinct and feel of color
2. Creative problem solving
3. Patience
4. Efficiency and time management
5. Musicality
10. What is the best type of client/boss/director?
I want a client/director who trusts the people they contract to do their job without micromanaging. I also want the person I work for to be able to clearly communicate their ideas and visions. Finally, I want them to understand I am unable to defy the laws of physics.
11. Do you prefer a window or aisle seat?
Window – I can’t take cool sun, moon and cloud photos from the aisle.
BONUS QUESTION
11. What advice do you have for those who want to become a lighting designer or a lighting technician?
Be a small fish in a big pond so you can learn as much as you can from others while you build relationships in the city or area you want to work in.
Other Who Lights Our World:
Who Lights Our World: Justin Sinclair
Who Lights Our World: Ignacio “iggy” Rosenberg
Want to be part of Who Lights Our World Series? Fill the form HERE.