Filemaker
FileMaker for Stage Lighting
What is FileMaker?
FileMaker is a database tool for Mac and Windows that allows users to create a custom solution for their unique needs.
Many theatrical design teams and stage managers use custom FileMaker databases for everything from worknotes to focus photos to rehearsal reports to followspot tracking sheets.
On this page, I hope to be able to share some of my knowledge and experience with the FileMaker platform when it comes to using it for theatrical lighting. Through a mix of demo files, live sessions, and blog posts, I hope that one day this page becomes a one-stop learning resource for anyone looking to create their own FileMaker solution.
Custom FileMaker Solutions
I use FileMaker for all kinds of things in my professional and personal life. My most well-known solution is the Paperwork Management Portal, which I have shared images and demos from for years on my Instagram page. I also built a custom FileMaker solution that handled all of the score aggregation and data management for my recent Previs Contest. My wife and I even planned and managed our wedding using FileMaker, complete with a web interface for guests to login, select food preferences, and more.
I’ve built custom FileMaker solutions for crew call/budget management, contract management, work note tracking, focus photo capture, and more for clients of all shapes and sizes.
How-To Video Series
Starting out, this page will mostly be links to my live streams that I will be hosting, each one covering a certain set of topics. The idea being that you can either follow along from the beginning or watch just the bits and pieces that you need. Eventually, this page should be a pretty rich resource. We’ll see how it goes!
Do These Videos Cost Anything?
The content I post on my page is 100% free. I believe in education and sharing knowledge. That being said, producing this content is not free and takes a considerable amount of time and energy. If you are so inclined, I ask that you consider joining me over on Patreon at a level that is comfortable for your budget. You can also send a tip over on PayPal or Venmo.
Getting Started
You can download any referenced files that I talk about from this GitHub repository.
You can download a 45-Day free trial of FileMaker by visiting the Claris website.
You can download the MBS Plugins that are referenced throughout these sessions here.
Sessions
Chapter 1
FileMaker #1.1
Monday, July 6th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this first session, we will start out by creating a basic work note database, linking instrument records to worknotes and vice-versa.
FileMaker #1.2
Tuesday, July 7th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we’ll keep building our basic worknotes database, exploring some basic layout tools and scripts for the first time.
FileMaker #1.3
Wednesday, July 8th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we’ll keep building our basic worknotes database, focusing on creating and distributing worknote reports.
FileMaker #1.4
Thursday, July 9th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we’ll add a mobile layout (iOS only) to add and update worknotes from your iPhones and iPads (requires network connection.)
FileMaker #1.5
Tuesday, July 21st 2020 @ 6:00p – This will be a wrap-up session for Chapter 1, covering a few advanced topics and other miscellaneous tips and tricks.
Chapter 2
FileMaker #2.1
Thursday, July 23rd 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we will expand on our solution from Chapter 1, this time starting to focus more on the improvements that we can make on the instrument data side of things.
FileMaker #2.2
Tuesday, July 28th 2020 @ 2:00p – In this session, we will keep working on expanding the instrument side of our solution, adding color, position, and accessory tables in preparation for creating detailed paperwork/reports. We’ll also create a script to do your LW import automatically with the click of a button.
FileMaker #2.3
Thursday, July 30th 2020 @ 2:00p – In this session, we will create several different pieces of lighting paperwork, including Instrument Schedules, Channel Hookups, Gobo Orders, and more.
FileMaker #2.4
Monday, August 17, 2020 @ 1:00p – In today’s session, we’ll work on adding focus chart documentation to our solution, including adding a mobile focus photo insertion tool.
FileMaker #2.5
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 @ 1:00p -Today’s session is all about labels – how to format them, how to create them, different options for printing them, and more!
FileMaker #2.6
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 @ 12:00p -In this session, we will connect our solution to EOS using MBS plugins to send UDP strings to EOS.
Chapter 3 - Personal Contract Management
Chapter 3 is unrelated to the previous chapters. Eventually I will renumber these and make them an auxiliary thing – you don’t need to do these in order to continue on to chapter 4. (I didn’t think I would do more past chapter 2 originally, and now I’m too deep in.)
FileMaker #3.3
Wednesday, November 25, 2020 @ 1:00p – Today, we’ll wrap up any loose ends and explore data aggregation, including tracking pension/health contributions, union dues, and more.
FileMaker #3.2
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 @ 1:00p – Today, we’ll add more contract types to our database. We’ll also explore creating automatic emails and we’ll start diving into how useful having a centralized data location is for financial planning.
FileMaker #3.1
Monday, November 23, 2020 @ 1:00p – The start of chapter 3! We’re going to go in a slightly different direction for a little while. This chapter is going to cover creating a personalized contract management solution. We’ll be focusing specifically on United Scenic Artist Contracts/Cover Sheets, but the lessons contained within could easily be modified to fit non-union needs as well.
Chapter 4 - AV Image Capture
FileMaker #4.3
Friday, February 26, 2021 @ 11:00a – Automated focus image capture using ETC EOS
FileMaker #4.2
Friday, February 19, 2021 @ 1:00p – Capturing focus images with text and graphic annotations!
In this session, we will build upon the capture device options that we set up in the previous session.
FileMaker #4.1
Friday, February 12, 2021 @ 1:00p – It’s time for Chapter Four!
Adding media capture devices to your FileMaker Solution
Chapter 5 - Advanced EOS Integration
MORE COMING SOON IN THIS CHAPTER
More sessions will be announced here and on Instagram as they become available.
Get Demo Materials
You can download any referenced files that I talk about from this GitHub repository.
You can download a 45-Day free trial of FileMaker by visiting the Claris website:
How can I request a topic?
Use this form to request a specific topic:
mikewoodld
