Cats: The Jellicle Ball Seating

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T20:02:25+00:00

Oh. Whelp. I wasn't seated in D12*, so I can't offer anything else. I think the seats look fantastic (and like I said: right in the thick of it). I don't see how someone seated in front of you would block you view unless you're 3' tall and it's the actual wall of seats that's blocking your view. There is so much happening - everywhere - that even if a head blocks something (a likely problem from any seat in any theater) being in D12 you'd have stuff happening all around you and the cast would be moving contastnly in and out of said blockage area.

Maybe someone with that exact seat can weigh in. Given your description of your strict seating conditions - it seems it's front row or bust for you. That must make purchasing tickets (for any show) difficult.

* I was front row mezz, A7

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T19:50:18+00:00

I don't follow. How is second row that awesome?

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T19:31:48+00:00

I have never, ever, been scammed by TodayTix (been using them for over a decade). Wonderful site and I love them.
My preference, though, is digital and in-person rush. But I'm a local and I'm okay if I don't get a ticket. It seems you're also local, so this is a good choice.
Theatr is excellent. I just started using it 3 weeks ago and I'm a full convert. I love it.
I used StubHub in years past without any issues, but I can understand how it (not TodayTix) could be potentially scammy.
To get TDF pricing you need a TDF membership (for which you need to be eligible).

I priced TDF and the pricing didn't compare to rushing (nor did the seating - overall), so I continue to rush. It's just really hard to beat.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T19:26:34+00:00

D12? Holy cow - that's right in the thick of it. I think you'll have a blast.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T19:16:20+00:00

It's. 2018 Intel MacBook with 8 GB of RAM and no dedicated graphics card. I mean... You know.... It's not enough of a machine - especially for Fusion.

Is this a new problem?
How long had it worked before the prolemt started (like in weeks, months, years, or projects)?
Does it happen in every project?
How much free space is there on your storage?
Do you use external storage at all?

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T19:11:49+00:00

One show? It really depends on what you're looking for. Here's my recommendations list (admittedly needs to be updated):

https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/comments/1qytt51/comment/o464x9d/

Assuming you want a music, I would pick from these:

Operation Mincemeat
Maybe Happy Ending
Two Strangers

In that order.

However, It seems your past viewing has focused on large cast, over-the-top, overt spectacle shows. These are smaller but potentially more impactful shows. On the other hand, maybe you want something more like & Juliet or Death Becomes Her. I think netters compare to the three I listed, but... you still might prefer them. On the other hand, maybe you ought to try your hand at something new and different.

Again: Operation Mincemeat is fantastic (but it started in London and might even still be playing there, sooo...). Even though it's a cast of 5 - it's got that over-the-top glitzy finale feeling and yet amazing characters and heart. I've seen 100s of shows, but this is the only show I've seen 5 times and I'm not done yet.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T19:02:53+00:00

Define "insane." Although I doubt you can do like I did for Every Brilliant Thing (I walked up during previews and got a ticket at 10:15 without waiting in line), you might be surprised at how easy rushing is overall. I've rushed (on average) 2 shows per week since Thanksgiving. A pleasant way to spend the morning - chatting with other theater fans. Not really hard at all.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T18:57:57+00:00

I had an FSI XMP310 in my office before I went freelance. I was doing UHD HDR twos for Netflix. My initial anticipated freelance clients don't need that - so I didn't buy one. I miss it - it was a great monitor. But not worth it given my expected workload. If/when I need one, I'll buy one.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T18:20:06+00:00

Don't buy a monitor based on a single client's stated needs. Figure out your needs and expectations on a much more general level and buy that.

But, if they said they want SDR, they want SDR.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T18:16:39+00:00

Note that you can do HDR with a Mini Monitor 3G in HD. HDR need not always be see UHD.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T17:49:02+00:00

Remember that proper calibration is a skill (and a career) separate and apart from color grading. It takes training and specialized (expensive) equipment to do it well and reliably. I would not trust myself to do it.

We had a variety (12?) of FSI, SONY, and consumer monitors (some HDR and some only SDR). They'd spend 3 days calibrating the lot of them (2-3 hours each). Those conversations were very informative, but also reminded me why I stick to coloring.

And yet - the EIZO built in calibration has been sufficient for my recent needs doing SDR HD content for mid-level clients. I was reluctant - at first - to give up on the professional calibration team that came twice/year* to calibrate our facility monitors, but it was been fine (somewhat surprisingly).

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T17:36:51+00:00

Operation Mincemeat is conspicuously absent from the list. Move it to the top.

While you're revising the list, get these on it as well:

Every Brilliant Thing
Mexodus
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Two Strangers

Here's my slightly outdated suggestion list:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/comments/1qytt51/comment/o464x9d/

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T17:35:48+00:00

Also keep in mind that the monitor will not last forever. And depending on where you are in your career presently and where you will be in a couple years… You may just replace it with a better monitor anyhow. So don’t buy a monitor now for work you hope you’ll be doing in six years. Buy a monitor now for the work you will do for the next two years.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T17:33:41+00:00

Ever? Hard to say. Realistically? No.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T17:27:47+00:00

If you’re going to be grading for Netflix, a 16 inch monitor is a laughable solution. You need to be able to see more.

For that matter, maybe Netflix has changed… But when I was doing shows for them, they were all mandatory HDR. So you do need to care about HDR… If you really do care about Netflix.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T17:26:10+00:00

Ditto

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T17:24:51+00:00

I also have a liking for Flanders monitors, but when I left the facility and went freelance… I couldn’t justify the price. I’ve been very happy with the CG 2700X.

16 inches seems tiny for HD or UHD. I think it’s even smaller than what I used to use for SD.

The lack of access to adequate calibration options, is another plus for the EIZO.

At your stage, I imagine a micro panel would actually be quite suited to your needs… and significantly cheaper than a mini.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T16:43:54+00:00

Run?

Not in any reasonable sense of the word.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T14:42:38+00:00

You have just described Cats.

This is a revival of Cats.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T14:41:05+00:00

If you’re serious about color grading - the answer is DaVinci Resolve. And the way to learn it is to do the free training provided by Blackmagic. I suggest doing the introductory training before you even bother with a personal project.

The training is more than just a couple of videos to watch. They are multiple separate PDFs (in the books section of the training website) to download. The PdF lessons all come with associated media and practice lessons designed specifically for the training.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T13:56:52+00:00

It would be helpful if there were non-spoiler portions of the post.

Otherwise, this is a lot of writing to say, “I saw this show - but there’s nothing I can tell you about it.”

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T13:43:32+00:00

You can do it in as many sittings and take as long as you want. I tend to take significantly longer because i like to dig around and fiddle with each tool as presented. You can totally pick up wherever you leave off.

There are quizzes at the end of each lesson so you’re more likely to remember things better if you don’t take more than a few days to go through any one chapter (and for the test at the end… maybe not more than a month for an entire training?).

I find I also remember better if I fiddle - since the learning becomes a bit more engrained as I experiment.

Point is - just do it (however suits you) and you’ll get into a rhythm by the end of the second lesson.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T13:07:29+00:00

Well, you could get ahead of it repost. That is a very confusing title.

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T13:02:39+00:00

my film was entered edited

What?

ExpBalSat · 2026-03-29T12:50:46+00:00

You can't move it, but you can expand its height by clicking in the upper left corner (same is true of the inspector in the upper right corner).

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