OUR INDUSTRY or WHO/WHAT ARE WE? – A GENERAL RANT

We so often refer to “our industry”, but what do we actually mean and what is included in that broad description?

Let’s face it, we are made up of a lot of different components, Theatre, Corporate, Concerts, Events, Weddings, Conferences and more, and even under these there are sub-divisions. It seems like it has come down to individual definitions based on your own background with widely different inclusions.

I maintain that if there is a person performing, it is a Live Event, be that person a singer, actor, speaker or the groom, they are performing live to an audience! Can we please agree on a single term, “The Live Events Industry”?  I come from Theatre, with a lot of Corporate experience, even some Concert work, I deem myself to be part of the Live Events Industry.

So what are the differences? Why do some people feel adamant that they are only part of one section? Why do some, not all, look down on people from other parts? Really, is the guy doing sound for a conference less than the guy on the big concert? Yes, it may involve different skill levels, but the basics are the same.

All Live events require some technical assistance and of the same quality – I don’t care what part of the industry it is, if you are going to do a job, you have to do it with the total commitment and give it your best. The next person that says to me, “Oh, it is just a small show…” is so going to be smacked over the head with a piece of 3X1! (You do know what 3X1 is, don’t you?)

Please explain to me what the difference is in what a Wedding Planner and a Production Manager does? Focusing two lights for a speech is no more technically taxing than focusing 500 for a concert, it just take more time – it should be done to the same high standard, shouldn’t it?

Times are tough for our industry as a whole, anybody that claims to be getting rich at the moment is either deluded or satisfying his creditors – most are merely turning over money and often working at a loss. We all know about shrinking budgets and expanding expectations.

I remember years ago a leading producer of corporate shows’ first question to a client was what the budget is. If it was under a million rand, he was just not interested. Those days are long gone - nowadays you are just too happy to be approached and you make the show fit into the budget, however minute, and you smile because you are working.

Let’s all pull together and recognise that we are all working towards the same goals, pleasing the audience and making a living.

If your job description includes the words technical or production, you are probably part of the Live Events Industry and providing some sort of service to an event where there are performers and an audience – A Live Event.

It really does not matter exactly what you do or how big your event is, you deserve respect for the job you are doing and you should respect what you are doing by giving your all at the highest standard possible – no exceptions!

/End Rant.