I have been privileged enough to have worked in the industry for over 25 years. Engaging my experience in and learning from many different elements of live entertainment; Lighting, Sound, Communications, Staging and Vision. In the last three years, I have worked very hard to develop and continue to build my Production and Hire company. A significant amount of what I do is in support of other Production or Hire companies, topping up their gear or consulting with their staff. I continue to update and stay current in hard and software as well as my skillset. My company was one of the first companies in Australia to add the grandMA 3 series to my equipment range. High-quality equipment, high-quality advice and high-quality service are what I stand by.
What would you normally be doing this time of year?
Typically at this time of the year, I would be looking after a range of theatre shows. I would also usually be planning for the upcoming Christmas and end of year Corporate events.
What’s a fairly normal day at the moment for you?
Trying to stay positive. Doing any and all online training courses. It has given me some time to work on and develop a few ideas I have had over the years such as rebranding my company. I have been placing some of my energy into learning how to cook and bake with varying degrees of success.
Are you learning anything to improve your skills set?
Completing online training, testing Ideas, learning more skills in the kitchen. Performing maintenance on my equipment. Also arranging upgrades to equipment. Just finishing upgrading my Martin M6 to the new Onyx M6 System.
What bad habits have you slipped into?
I have been pushing myself hard not to be watching movies and playing video games all day. It has been a challenge to see others going off to work and living their normal life.
How are you coping financially?
If it wasn’t for JobKkeeper I would be struggling to pay rent and other expenses. I am frustrated that I am paying for insurances on things that can’t be used, I have a lot of equipment that isn’t earning anything. Quiet upsetting. I want to work but in the industry that I’m in, there is little chance of that for the near future.
When do you think live entertainment with return and in what format?
I really don’t know. Some days I wish we could just start already. I understand why certain decisions have been made like social distancing. Either way, I believe it is going to be a slow process. I am just worried that the audiences will be smaller, perhaps too small for it to be viable. The issue is producers might force production companies to discount heavily for the job (so the production company still make the same amount of profit). My hope is everyone working together, no one undercutting on equipment and everyone has their share of the jobs.
Do you have any words of encouragement?
We are all in this together. It should come to some sort of normal or at least new normal. Let’s be thankful for the health of our loved ones and the hope of a brighter tomorrow in our industry.
What makes you happy at the moment?
Doing odd jobs and achieving some testing for projects I was wanting to try. Now just need to find the jobs to use them on. Staying connected with colleagues and chatting about ideas for the future keeps me excited. Also for a hit of happiness, you can’t really go past a freshly baked banana bread or choc chipped cookies!
