Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did you change your name from Ingram Associates to UVLD?

A: Although John Ingram is one of the founders of UVLD / Ingram Associates, and the most well known of all the partners, the partnership has grown beyond that single identity. With ten individual designers, each with their own reputations and experience, everyone at Ingram Associates felt that it was time that we carve a unique, collective identity in the minds of our customers and clients. Unlimited Visibility Lighting Design was the easiest way to do that.

Q: Does UVLD only light large shows?

A: Unlimited Visibility’s lighting designers handle everything from the smallest booth at a tradeshow to an enormous live stadium show, from a play in a small theatre to the lighting of the outside of a building. UVLD’s designers have an enormous range of experience in all sizes and types of events. Although UVLD has a reputation of undertaking large corporate meetings and live televised events, 70 percent of UVLD’s work is in low-ceiling ballrooms. UVLD prides itself on its superior quality of lighting design -- regardless of the venue.

Q: What are the differences between the various design partners?

A: There can be a tendency, from both the client and the designer themselves, to pigeonhole. At UVLD, we believe that this is in nobody’s interest so there is an active policy of exposing each design partner to as many different types of shows and events as possible. This enables each partner’s skill as a designer to grow. That being said, each partner does have unique skills, and there are events that are best handled by certain designers. UVLD internalizes this process so that the end client receives the designer that is right for their show. Client’s relationships are, of course, important, and clients are always welcome to request a specific designer or express a preference.

Q: Why do so many lighting designers working in the corporate theatre field have a traditional theatre background?

A: Theatre is almost an industry proving ground. The work is difficult but artistically rewarding. There is also an acute lack of budget on most theatrical productions that can lead to highly innovative problem solving and an ability to work under any circumstances. Almost all designers consider theatre a right of passage.

Q: What equipment does UVLD use on shows and events?

A: Unlimited Visibility’s lighting designers use the equipment that is best suited to the job at hand. UVLD has no ties to manufacturers or rental companies and, as such, can act as an “honest broker” for your show. UVLD’s designers regularly customize lighting fixtures in order to make them more suitable for the jobs they are being used on. Keeping abreast of the latest technologies and trends in lighting design is highly important to each UVLD designer. Collectively, UVLD’s designers believe in using new technologies that break new ground visually to help “wow” both the audience and client alike. This is tempered, however, with the responsibility of ensuring that the client is not “cut” on the “cutting edge” by using equipment that is untested.

Q: Why do UVLD’s designers, on the whole, operate their own consoles?

A: UVLD has the utmost respect for a clients budget. Having a separate programmer for each and every job immediately puts a strain on a budget that can be untenable. On many events, the expense of having a programmer can result in having less lighting onstage. UVLD believes in as much of the budget as possible being seen onstage. A designer operating their own console is a simple way to achieve this.