The professional lighting scene in Chile has a name that stands out for his dedication, constant learning, and capacity for innovation: Samuel Abed Olate Sanhueza. Born in Concepción, and based in Santiago, this lighting programmer has managed to position himself as a key figure in the industry, demonstrating how knowledge of advanced tools like those from MA Lighting not only drives creativity but also generates job opportunities in a constantly evolving market.
Samuel’s journey began in 2017, when he became fascinated with the light synchronization at a Bruno Mars concert at the Chilean National Stadium. Since then, he has worked with national artists such as Los Vásquez, Cris MJ, and Young Cister, in addition to collaborating with international stars such as Zion & Lennox and Juanes. His story reflects the power of perseverance and continuous training in an industry as dynamic as the entertainment industry.
Pioneer with grandMA3: Adaptation and Innovation
Since 2018, Samuel became a user of MA Lighting systems, starting with the grandMA2 on PC. His role as one of the first Latin American designers to adopt grandMA3 technology cemented his position as a pioneer. The transition was not without its challenges: working with software in its initial versions, dealing with clone lighting equipment without standard configurations, and adapting workflows to the Chilean reality. Despite these obstacles, Samuel perfected his mastery of the innovative tools that MA Lighting offers, excelling at large-scale events such as the Viña del Mar 2024 Festival and the “El Primer Estadio” concert at the Bicentenario Stadium in La Florida.
The grandMA3 has been a key ally in his professional evolution. Among the improvements Samuel highlights are faster programming functions, connectivity through protocols like Art-Net and sACN, and tools like Recipies and Recast Preset, which allow shows to be adapted to any type of lighting fixture and stage. These features not only streamline work but also reduce testing time in venues, allowing designers to focus on artistic quality.
Job creation and the role of MA Lighting.
The impact of advanced tools like those offered by MA Lighting goes beyond design. Samuel highlights how the grandMA3 platform enhances the professionalization of lighting design, generating jobs in areas related to programming, operation, and technology integration. At the same time, it opens doors to young talent by lowering the barriers to entry thanks to its intuitive and customizable interfaces.
MA Lighting’s commitment to innovation is also reflected in the regional leadership of Alejo Arce, Regional Sales Manager for Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Arce has been a driving force in the development of new generations of professionals, promoting training and facilitating access to cutting-edge technologies. Its strategic approach has allowed figures like Samuel to expand their capabilities and take MA systems to the next level in the region.
Training and community: The pillars of success.
Constant training has been fundamental to Samuel’s success. Since his first experiences with official MA Lighting training in Colombia, he has taken advantage of every opportunity to hone his skills. Furthermore, the support of the local distributor, MMT, and his close relationship with industry leaders, such as Luis Martínez and Chris Burgos, have been key to his development.
Samuel defines MA Lighting as the platform that has allowed him to capture his artistic vision through lighting, highlighting its stability, versatility, and ability to integrate with other systems. In his words: “MA Lighting is not only my main work tool; it is the solution to my quest to convey what I have in mind and transform it into unforgettable visual experiences.”
A bright future thanks to training at grandMA3.
As technology advances, Samuel sees unlimited opportunities for the evolution of lighting design. From the integration of new technologies to new networking features, he expects MA Lighting to continue leading the industry in innovation.
For Olate, “the future of lighting design and programming is driven by MA Lighting’s innovative technology and its grandMA3.”
With each update, the German lighting controller manufacturer continues to break technological barriers. This evolution, combined with a strong focus on community and training, ensures that the brand will continue to be synonymous with excellence in professional lighting.
In Samuel’s words: “MA Lighting ng is not just a tool; it’s an ally in my quest to capture emotions through light. It’s the bridge between my creative vision and the audience’s experience.
Samuel Olate’s example is a reminder that passion, combined with constant learning and the use of advanced tools, not only drives individual careers but also transforms entire industries. In a world where lighting becomes an art, professionals like him illuminate the path to the future.
