ProSoundWeb: Over the years I’ve detailed tools that sound techs and engineers should carry at every gig, but let’s take a look at this from another angle: tools that sound companies should have on hand at all times to insure things run as smoothly, efficiently and professionally as possible.
3 comments:
When I click this article i was not expecting the list to be as generally mundane as it was. The article goes through basic tools that I would expect any type of entertainment company to have not just sound companies, that may just be because I generally approach mists gigs with idea that it is better to bring the tools or supplies and not need to use them than to have the inverted situation where you really need something basic and was expecting it to be on site and it's not there. However that being said I do really like the fact that they point out that you should have basic truck repair equipment, because this is a detail that many including I generally over look when looking at the necessary tools for approaching a gig. The article makes a great point if you can not get there it does not matter what else you have in your truck. All said plan for the worst so you can do your best.
Even those not working in sound should read this article. Many of the items on this list don’t pertain to the actual work that one might be doing. I would guess that those doing lighting in similar situations would have a very similar list. Or, at least they should. The points about safety and getting to/from the gig are ones that I’m not sure that I would have thought of. Having spent the majority of my career building and installing scenery in the same venue, I don’t have to think about engine trouble or getting caught in the rain. I would think, however, that large scale companies that outsource their shipping or transportation wouldn’t have to prepare for flat tires as much – that would be up to the trucking company. I can see where a national tour might want to bring their own fire extinguishers. They would know what types they had, where they were located, and how to use them. One of the most important on the list, in my mind, is batteries. Whether you’re doing office work or crawling under platforms, someone will always need batteries.
I think that this advice must absolutely be read and taken with the perspective of someone higher up the chain of command in a company. This advice should not be confused with what an everyday stagehand should bring with them to the stage call or event. It became clear to me when I found out that the author “Currently he owns and operates Tech Works, a regional production company that focuses on corporate events” because yes if you are working freelance or the owner of an company these are things that I would expect you to be able to have or take care of as a client. One shouldn’t make the client pay the price and things not work out because you as the production company came unprepared to work and run the event. The best thing that can come from you having these things is that you are able to make the job run smoothly and will only insure a pleased potential return client in the future.
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