24 June 2013
The first ever Vectorworks course for the entertainment industry in South Africa was presented by Francois van der Merwe from Wizardry Group on the 30 and 31 May at DWR Distribution, Johannesburg. Even though this was a basic introduction to Vectorworks Spotlight, the demand and interest was overwhelming and it was a brilliant eye-opener for all who attended.
“The industry has changed so much that we can’t just do drawings on the back of a match box,” said presenter Francois van der Merwe. “Health and Safety is imperative and from the Wizardry Group side, we believe in skills and the big need to transfer skills to the younger guys.”
Van der Merwe has worked on Vectorworks since Version 9 – some years ago – and has become an expert as he daily uses the software design programme. “This was not a course with accreditation,” he explained. “It was just me trying to reach people with what I know and trying to set a standard. Not everyone is as competent and that was our aim, to show delegates how to use tools and what the software can do for them. We showed them little things they may never have known.”
The course covered Vectorworks Layout, Workspaces, Classes and Layers, Basic Tools, Symbols, Materials and Resources, 3D Modelling, Spotlight Tools, Sheets and Printing Tools. 
“At the end of the day, Vectorworks was arranged for architects,” said van der Merwe. “The need in our industry was so big that they created Vectorworks Spotllght.” Spotlight has become the standard for CAD software in entertainment design. Whether its design lighting, scenery, sets, corporate events, theatrical productions or exhibits, Vectorworks Spotlight helps create spectacular shows with superior 2D and 3D capabilities.
“The course was fully booked before any e-mails could be sent out,” said Nick Britz from DWR who orchestrated the training. “Due to popular demand, a second one is set to be hosted at the end of June.”
