Production Management
What It Is:The big-picture coordination of your event from start to finish, focusing on logistics, budgets, and timelines. In-Scope Responsibilities: Developing and maintaining a master schedule Budgeting and expense coordination (not to be confused with an accountant) Serving as the main point of contact for vendors and venue staff Keeping the entire production team aligned and on track Out-of-Scope (Typically): Designing the event’s creative concept or theme (that’s where a Creative Director may come in) Handling legal/financial responsibilities such as signing contracts or insurance Discussion Points: How much do you want to be involved in day-to-day decision-making? Will you need additional support staff (stage managers, runners, etc.)? Do you have existing vendor relationships or must they be sourced?
Creative Director
What It Is:The visionary who shapes your event’s look, feel, and overall concept. A Creative Director develops themes, branding elements, and experiential components that captivate your audience. In-Scope Responsibilities: Establishing the creative concept, style guide, and visual narrative Collaborating with Production Management and Technical Direction to bring creative ideas to life Guiding the design of stage layouts, lighting ambiance, and graphic elements Ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints Out-of-Scope (Typically): Negotiating vendor contracts or managing technical crew Overseeing event logistics, budgets, or schedules Discussion Points: How firm is your event’s branding or theme? Do you have existing brand guidelines or are you starting fresh? Will you need creative assets designed (videos, print collateral, experiential installations)? Are you envisioning interactive or immersive elements that require special production considerations?
Technical Direction
What It Is:Bridges the gap between the creative vision and the physical technology needed to realize it—audio, video, lighting, and more. In-Scope Responsibilities: Translating creative ideas into technical requirements (equipment lists, show cues) Overseeing A1, V1, and L1 teams to ensure seamless integration Troubleshooting technical issues in real-time Communicating with venues about power, rigging, and other specs Out-of-Scope (Typically): Providing or purchasing large-scale equipment (unless agreed upon) Handling the event’s creative design or theming Discussion Points: Are there complex technical elements such as live streaming, remote feeds, or advanced special effects? Do you have preferred vendors or a specific technology brand you want to use? Will the event require significant rehearsal time for tech checks?
Audio (A1)
What It Is:Your lead sound engineer, responsible for audio quality, mixing, and all things sound-related. In-Scope Responsibilities: Assessing venue acoustics and determining speaker placement Setting up and operating sound equipment for live performances or presentations Monitoring sound levels, preventing feedback, and ensuring clarity Running sound checks with talent Out-of-Scope (Typically): Purchasing or renting major audio systems (arrangements may involve third-party vendors) Composing original music or sound design Discussion Points: Are you featuring live bands, DJs, or primarily spoken content? Do you need additional assistants (A2) for larger setups? Are there recording or broadcast requirements for the audio?
Video (V1)
What It Is:The video specialist managing camera feeds, screens, projectors, or LED walls, whether for live streaming or on-site playback. In-Scope Responsibilities: Determining optimal screen placement and sightlines Managing multiple camera feeds if you’re recording or streaming Integrating presentations, sponsor reels, or other media Coordinating with the Technical Director for show cues Out-of-Scope (Typically): Post-production editing or highlight reels (unless negotiated) Creating motion graphics or animations from scratch Discussion Points: Will you need live streaming, recordings, or real-time IMAG (Image Magnification) for your audience? How many cameras or feeds are required to capture your event effectively? Are there pre-produced video segments you plan to integrate?
Lighting (L1)
What It Is:The lighting designer/technician responsible for creating the mood, highlighting key moments, and ensuring your event looks visually stunning. In-Scope Responsibilities: Designing a lighting concept aligned with your event’s theme Programming lighting cues and transitions Installing and operating all lighting equipment Collaborating with the Creative Director and Technical Director for seamless visuals Out-of-Scope (Typically): Renting and transporting large-scale lighting rigs (unless specified in the contract) Designing scenic or stage decor Discussion Points: Do you need dynamic lighting for performances, or a more static setup for conferences? Will outdoor or architectural lighting be part of the experience? Are there special effects (lasers, fog, pyro) that need extra permits or coordination?
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