I do production for theaters, schools, churches, production houses, politicians, concerts. I say what I think, but I hide it behind an anonymous Twitter!
I think anyone who is speaking at an event should go thru courses on how to use technology. The proper way to use mics. The proper way to use PowerPoint. The proper way to treat equipment.
Sometimes you have to stop focusing on the small details and zoom out to look at the big picture. We can get so caught up in the details then the whole show suffers.
Sometimes I wish clients would listen to advice given. It kind of sucks when they don’t listen, then end making things way more difficult then they should be, and then going with what was suggested in the first place after their ideas don’t work.
If you have solid communication and solid planning and people that don’t get stressed so easily you will likely have a good production. You can still have a gods production without those things but it’s a lot more work.
Just because you got paid one time to do something does not make you a professional. Being a professional comes from years of experience. Being a professional comes from making mistakes.
I’m amazed how many times I’m thanked or praised for being professional and doing a job well. It’s almost as if it’s a rarity to come across professionals in a situation where “professionals” are hired.
If you would get your act together and delegate some task to your employees you might have a successful show. Get your act together, I know what I’m doing you need to figure out what you’re doing.
When you’re lack of planning means you call me at the last minute, don’t be surprised when the price is pretty high. You plan further out and you get a better price. That’s just good business.
So if you’re using a handheld mic, know that the mic needs to be close to your face to be heard. Point the round part of the mic towards your mouth and keep it a few inches from your mouth. The closer it is the better you sound.
If you are asked multiple times what you want house lights to look like, and you don’t say anything, don’t complain in the middle of the show it’s too bright. Don’t complain when the house lights only have preprogrammed looks.
When you there is hard curfew, that means you stop at that time. It doesn’t mean you keep playing for 40 minutes past the curfew. #bettertimemanagement
When you hear the music fade out and you step to the lectern, that is your cue to start speaking not stand there and ask if this thing is working. It’s not the time to stand there looking puzzled or the time to hit the mic. I did my job now do yours.
If you have no idea how to do the job or use the gear you shouldn’t take the job. A half hour before showtime isn’t the time to figure out you’re in over your head. #knowyourlimits