> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dorreal-art.gitbook.io/dorreal_art_docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dorreal-art.gitbook.io/dorreal_art_docs/documentation/advanced/starting-light-show-manually.md). # Starting Light Show Manually By default, Echoluma starts automatically on begin play.\ But in many cases, you’ll want **precise control over when the system begins**. ### The Core Trigger #### Begin Light Show The **Begin Light Show** node starts the entire lighting system. * It activates playback * It begins processing Sequence Steps * It syncs the system to timing **Target:** `BP_EcholumaLightController`

{% hint style="warning" %} Ensure **Start on Begin Play?** is turned off on the `BP_EcholumaLightController` to avoid unintended automatic begin play triggering. {% endhint %} ### Choose Your Trigger Style There’s no single “correct” way to start the system.\ It depends on your workflow. Below are four common approaches.

Start from Level Blueprint
^{Best for: simple setups and global control}

Use the Level Blueprint to trigger Echoluma when the level starts or after a delay. * Get reference to Echoluma Controller by selecting it from the Outliner. Then by right clicking in the Level Blueprint.

* Event Begin Play (Optional Delay)

* Begin Light Show

When to use * ^{Quick setups} * ^Testing * ^{Global scene control}

Start via Casting
^{Best for: controlled logic between actors}

If you want another Blueprint to trigger the system, you can: * Get reference to Echoluma Controller

* Call **Begin Light Show**

* Create an event to start

When to use * ^{Interaction systems} * ^{Game logic integration} * ^{Modular setups}

Start with a Trigger Volume
^{Best for: spatial activation}

Start the light show when the player enters a specific area.

* On Actor Begin Overlap

* Begin Light Show

When to use * ^{Interactive environments} * ^{Exhibitions / installations} * ^{Gameplay-triggered lighting}

Start from Sequencer
^{Best for: cinematic timing}

Trigger Echoluma directly from Unreal Sequencer. * Add controller to Sequencer

* Add event track

* Add trigger

* Call **Begin Light Show**

When to use * ^Cinematics * ^{Music videos} * ^{Precisely timed events}

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