The primary focus of OnKue Productions is MidiLite Programming Services. Since the unveiling of “MLsim” in 2008, we have brought our expertise to dozens of different venues and productions. Regardless of system size, configuration, or location, we can remotely design and program your show and deliver it to you electronically. You can learn more about the process below. If you’re interested in pricing, check out our standard price schedule so that you can get a rough idea of how much our design work costs. This page is written in a direct and honest manner in an effort to provide you with as much information as possible regarding the process and (along with the price schedule) our fees. However, please contact us to discuss your project and get a better estimate of the cost for designing and programming your specific show.
The process is simple: you send us your music, we program your show (or parts of it), and then send the completed project back to you. However, because each system is different and each production is unique, there are a few factors you’ll need to decide before we can begin programming. Here are just a few examples:
Type of Programming:
FULL SHOW: For this type of programming, you send us all materials needed to program and deliver an almost “turn-key” show back to you. All you have to program is your auxiliary channels (star, row-toppers, etc.) if you have any, then hit “Play” and your show is completely ready to run.
PARTIAL SHOW: This option is our most popular type of programming, and also the most economical. You send us the materials needed to program only select numbers or portions of your production, leaving the easier or less-involved stuff to your in-house technical team. While this does save money by not hiring us to program the numbers your team can likely handle on their own, it can create complications when merging all of the programming into one Digital Performer show file. There are extra steps we both will need to take before any programming begins by us or your team to ensure we are both working from the same “space.”
Music Playback Options:
PUBLISHER MATERIALS: This is the absolute easiest way of running a MidiLite-based production. In this method, you plan to use the publisher’s studio stems, tracks, or split-tracks for playback during your show. This means you are not pre-recording your musicians or vocalists beforehand. You will simply send us your accompaniment tracks (original high-quality digital files or accompaniment CD, for example), we will load it all in for you, and then quickly send back your materials for use during rehearsals.
SELF PRE-RECORDED: Using this type of playback, you will pre-record your musicians and/or choir for playback during your performance. This can be done several ways, so we will need to discuss and plan this approach together in advance of you sending us any materials. PLEASE NOTE: pre-recording vocals significantly complicates the programming process. For example, if you wait until October or November to do your recording sessions for a Christmas production, we may not be able to work with you. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can coordinate your recording schedule with our project load.
LIVE ORCHESTRA: This method is the most difficult when it comes to programming MidiLite. In this scenario, you will not play back any live music, but merely a click or conductor track in order to help ensure synchronization between your orchestra and the MidiLite computer. Sometimes a client will provide us with publisher materials to program against, but when it comes to playing the show live the music may not sound the same (omitted instruments or altered orchestrations). As with the self pre-record method, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss how to use live orchestra with our programming services.
Tempo Mapping:
BY US: In this scenario, you provide the music, we do the tempo maps for you. It’s that simple. There is a “per song” charge, however. Although we have a “standard” tempo map fee, the actual charge per-song is reflected by the level of difficulty required for creating the tempo map (i.e., simple maps cost less, nuanced and complex maps cost more).
BY YOU: This is the road least-traveled by our customers. Tempo mapping is one of the more dreaded aspects of MidiLite programming, and we empathize! Even still, there are some clients who prefer to save on programming services by doing their own tempo maps. This is great for us because it frees up some time for us to work on additional projects. However, know that we have very high standards for tempo mapping. Because we want to ensure the highest possible level of synchronization between what you hear and what you see, tempo maps need to be “spot-on!” If we find that the tempo map you provided needs to be altered or re-done, we will do so and will have to charge a “tempo map modification” fee.