Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-1 Chapter Fifteen Production and Theming

Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-2 Chapter learning objectives 15.1 Analyse and identify audio requirements 15.2 Analyse and evaluate stage plots and technical specifications 15.3 Understand how light can be used to reinforce the impact of an event 15.4 Identify rigging and power issues 15.5 Understand the different types of special effects 15.6 Choose a creative, imaginative and appropriate theme 15.7 Understand the role of the stage manager 15.8 Review and select event appropriate venues.

Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 1-3 Units of Competence and Elements SITXEVT503 Manage event staging components 1. Analyse staging requirements 2. Source and organise staging contractors 3. Monitor staging preparations 4. Evaluate staging components SITXEVT304 Provide event staging support 1. Prepare for event staging 2. Provide on site staging assistance 3. Provide feedback on event operations

Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 1-4 Units of Competence and Elements CUESOU07B Apply a general knowledge of audio to work activities 1.Make preparations for audio set-up 2.Complete tasks using audio equipment CUEAUD06B Apply a general knowledge of vision systems to work activities 1.Make preparations for simple vision system activities 2.Complete tasks using vision systems CUELGT09B Apply a general knowledge of lighting to work activities 1.Make preparations for lighting set up 2.Complete tasks using lighting equipment

Introduction Each event is unique, with different production requirements. Event managers need to understand terms and uses for equipment in order to meet their obligations to clients and artists. A basic knowledge allows for confident liaison with contractors. Production and theming is concerned with the use of sound, audio visuals, lighting and special effects. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-5

Audio requirements Most events require audio amplification. Achieved through a public address (PA) system. Good sound equipment is crucial for dynamic impact or dissemination of information. The best PA system will depend on the event type and number of attendees. Equipment needs increase as audience numbers grow. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-6

Audio Requirements Mixers –Used for combining, routing and changing the level, tone or dynamic of audio signals –Control components for inputs –Signal is sent to amplifier, or speakers with inbuilt amplifiers –Feature the following: input connector PAD switch gain PAN equalisation – bass, mild and treble control. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-7

Audio requirements Amplifier –Powers the speakers of a PA system to amplify sound –Not required if inbuilt in speakers or mixing console. Speakers –Signals are converted to sound by speakers –May consist of separate individual drivers Woofers (low frequency) Sub woofers (very low frequency) Tweeters/horns (mid- and high-range frequency) –Should have more than one driver to effectively reproduce a wide range of frequencies. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-8

Audio requirements Equalisers –Allow an increase or decrease in bandwidth to alter the tone of the sound signal –Used to fine tune single inputs or FOH systems. Compressors/limiters –Boost low level signals while limiting high level signals –Reduces distortion –Best used by professional sound engineers. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-9

Audio requirements Foldback –The sound performers hear from speakers facing them on stage is called the ‘foldback mix’ –May use same console as main mix for the audience, or have a separate engineer and mixing console –Needed to ensure artists hear without delay. In-ear monitoring systems (IEM) –Provide foldback sound wirelessly without stage speakers –Can hear through an earpiece –Universal fit or custom-made –Widely used since the 1980s. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-10

Audio requirements Microphones –Convert sound into electrical signals. –Speakers convert signals back into sound –Considerations include: cartridge types frequency response pick-up patterns vocal microphones guitar and other instrument microphones drum microphones wireless microphones. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-11

Audio requirements Mitigating sound problems –Sound absorbing drapes and carpets can assist with echo –Audio suppliers can suggest methods to reduce the impacts of active acoustics of the venue. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-12

Understanding stage plots and technical specifications Stage plots provide an aerial view of the artist’s preferred stage format. Supplied by booking agent or manager. Plots backline requirements – instruments and audio equipment for the performance. Audiovisual (AV) –Two distinct aspects of event production –AV commonly refers to the visual aspect –Requirements depend on budget, event type and audience. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-13

Understanding stage plots and technical specifications Projectors –Used to show images from a PC/laptop –Can be used to project onto surfaces for dramatic effect. Plasma/LCD screens –Useful for small scale presentations. LED screens –Single or multiple panels can be used depending on needs –Provide vivid and bright images –Are waterproof so can be used outdoors –Very popular for concerts, sporting events and corporates. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-14

Luminaire and lighting plans Lighting reinforces the dramatic impact of the event. Intensity –Brightness or quantity –Lighting requirements depend on event type and audience. Colour –Colour can create a dynamic impact –Must be controlled. Distribution –Where light originates from –How it gets to where it needs to go. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-15

Luminaire and lighting plans Movement –Changes to light –Need to be used well to ensure effectiveness. Types of event lighting –General lighting –Stage lighting Follow spot, fresnel, par can, profile or zoom spot –Intelligent lighting –Decorative lighting. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-16

Luminaire and lighting plans Lighting plans –Scale drawing showing the location of each luminaire used –Overlayed on venue’s floor plan to assist with bump-in. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-17

Rigging and power Lighting truss –The steel structure upon which lighting, speakers, screens and draping are hung –Include box, tri, circular and flat truss types. Rigging –Need to know the location and weight bearing capacity –Equipment is rigged by certified advanced riggers by law –Corporate events require a more polished product –No rigging points – base plates, winch-ups and push-up lighting trees can be used. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-18

Special effects Special effects (SPFX or SFX) are used to build excitement and reinforce a theme. Dry ice and smoke machines –Relatively cheap and creates a great visual effect –Dry ice holds close to the ground; smoke rises. Pyrotechnics –Need training, licenses and permits –Effects include colour fire cartridges, squibs, flash cartridges, gerbs, maroons and streamer/confetti cartridges. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-19

Event theming Theming is the spatial representation of a theme into a venue. Can be simple or complex themes. Often based on historical, cultural or movie concepts. Corporate event theme is often selected by the client. Theming considerations –Budget constraints –Consistency and ongoing reinforcement –Establishing strong focal features in the venue –Venue constraints and patron safety. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-20

Stage management The stage manager is responsible for back of house and smooth event operation. Event type will influence the stage manager’s role. Acts as a director for stage shows, recording cues and becoming the ‘prompt’. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-21

Choosing a venue Venue selection has a far reaching impact. There are many areas to consider. Event managers should narrow their search, and inspect the short list. During inspections all areas should be looked at and photos taken for other contractors. Event managers should request venues specifications. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-22

Chapter summary Event production includes sound, lighting and audiovisual elements. Professional technicians can provide these services. Event managers should be more accepting of working with these type of events. Theming and styling of an event can create a dynamic, memorable event. Choice of venue needs to be carefully matched to the event. Copyright © 2011 McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd PPT slides to accompany Event Management: Theory and Practice 1e by Wrathall and Gee 15-23