Cobain Schofield’s journey into the world of lighting design began in school theatre productions. Despite studying an unrelated degree at university, he found himself gravitating toward the world of live events through the student union. What began as a hobby soon turned into a profession. Cobain transitioned from freelance lighting technician to a full-time role at Lights Control Rigging (LCR), where he’s now an integral part of their technical and creative output. As LCR has grown over the years, so too has the quality and scope of his work.
With a strong foundation in CAD tools like AutoCAD and even GIS software from his university days, Cobain was well-positioned to master pre-visualization and production tools like CAST’s WYSIWYG.
Mastering WYSIWYG: From User to Contributor
Cobain’s introduction to WYSIWYG came through his prior experience with technical design tools, and he quickly recognized the advantages of an entertainment-focused platform. “WYSIWYG felt like a natural progression. The workflow is intuitive and has evolved with me,” he shares.
Not only does Cobain use WYSIWYG daily, he actively contributes to its development by providing feedback to CAST. “CAST does a fantastic job of reaching out to their users, seeking input to continually improve the product. If something isn’t feasible, they’re transparent about it – which I really appreciate.”
This relationship with the CAST team, particularly the libraries department, has allowed Cobain to drag and drop custom fabricated elements into designs, avoiding compatibility issues and streamlining workflow.
At LCR, Cobain plays a key role in their technical design and documentation processes. With projects that span music, television, theatre, and global broadcasts, LCR is known for its quality and reliability. Some of their high-profile projects include:
- Dua Lipa, Snow Patrol, Chase & Status tours
- Sleep Token live shows
- London New Year’s Eve Fireworks, including landmark lighting like the London Eye
- ITV’s New Year’s Big Bash
- Team GB’s Olympic and Paralympic events
- BBC’s Big Night of the Musicals
Seeing their work showcased on a global stage provides Cobain with a deep sense of fulfillment and pride. LCR’s technical excellence has earned widespread recognition, including winning TPi’s Favourite Lighting Rental Company award four times in five years – an acknowledgment of their innovation, reliability, and execution. WYSIWYG is a core part of their operations, playing a crucial role in ensuring everything functions smoothly, from managing physical constraints to realizing lighting intent. The software is integral throughout their workflow, supporting tasks such as redrawing client plots, accommodating real-world limitations, and providing live updates during rehearsals. Cobain and his team rely on WYSIWYG daily to produce detailed plots, rigging documents, and comprehensive paperwork packages.
Cobain values WYSIWYG not just for any single feature, but for how it facilitates a seamless workflow. The ability to design in 2D and simultaneously visualize those changes in 3D within the same software greatly improves efficiency, saving time and simplifying his work.
Final Thoughts
For those starting out, Cobain emphasizes there’s no single path to success in the industry. His advice is rooted in humility, hard work, and curiosity. “Be open to mentorship, accept help, and know when to take advice. Volunteering is a great start, and there are lots of paths – warehouse prep, repairs, or freelancing. Just find the fit that works for you.”
Reflecting on his experience, Cobain praises WYSIWYG and the CAST community. “Over the past few years, I’ve really come to appreciate how easy WYSIWYG is to use, while having all the advanced features we need. CAST’s support team is fantastic and responsive. It’s a powerful tool backed by an amazing community.”