The Bones of Live Show Production: Why We Love It, Even as a Manufacturer!

By Bill Edwards, VP Marketing/Sales, Tyler Truss, www.tylertruss, 767-221-5050 Ext. 204 or 206.

When it comes to large concerts in venues that seat thousands of concertgoers, hundreds of people are behind the scenes. Most important? The FANS. Fans are #1, period. No fans, no show. So, kudos to the millions of us who pay crazy money to witness live talent. Next? ENTERTAINERS. You could argue they are #1, but these talented folks don’t really exist without fans, right?

So, who are the behind-the-scenes entities and people who bring live entertainment to the fans? Talent agencies, managers, promoters, venues, sponsors, electricians, security personnel, food servers, ticket sellers…the list is long. And who makes the show happen on stage? The live event production companies.

There are many ways that concert production is delivered. Some acts travel with most of their own gear and ‘plug in,’ if you will, to what the venue provides. Other acts do some of the same, but have one or more production companies that provide truss, lighting, audio, video, effects and more.

When it comes to labor for a load in/set up/tear down/load out, some acts rely on a production company and/or local union or non-union, experienced professionals. Other acts employ a dedicated crew and plug into the local labor where needed (or required if a union venue).

Then there are the amazingly talented professionals who run the lighting, audio, video, and effects during the show. Some acts have these professionals on the payroll and bus them from town to town. Some have fewer ‘in the seat’ operators and complement their crew with locals who possess the talent required for a successful show.

Certainly, you cannot leave out those gurus of tech who can fix/adjust/tweak anything – including audio, video, lighting and more. That includes the instrument techs who can damn near build a guitar with spare parts or make a keyboard sing despite keys that want a night off. Amazing people. Underrated to be sure. But the artists know.

And we cannot forget how everyone gets where they need to be. You got it…private jets, artist, and crew tour buses, 53’ semis, box trucks, golf carts, and a few oversized SUVs for the VIPs and artists.

 Live event production is a complex industry that is everything…but boring. Instead, it is an amazing blend of creativity, art, math, science, long hours, buying/selling, negotiating, planning, pressure, design, building, operating, repairing, driving, and more. And some decent parties!

For the entertainer and lighting/video/audio directors, putting on a live show is quite a rush. And for those involved on the financial side (venues, sponsors, ticket outlets, agents, etc.), well, there is a tremendous about of money exchanging hands. Buy a concert ticket lately?

But what about those people not in the limelight yet tied directly to live events? It might surprise you that even those in manufacturing get satisfaction working in the industry. At Tyler Truss, we design and manufacture theatrical truss and truss systems…quite a distance from the live performance. Yet, the Tyler Team knows very well that what they manufacture is critical to outfitting live event production companies, venues and other entities with solutions that are highly crafted and safe.

The goal is to make show production better, safer, faster, easier, more profitable, and even “greener.”

Bottomline, it is exciting to be involved in show business…even if it is “the bones.”

___________________

Article by Bill Edwards, VP Marketing/Sales

Tyler Truss, 1810 Fairfield Lane, Pendleton, IN 46064;  Main: 765-221-5050 www.tylertruss.com.

Bill was on the original team that launched Tyler Truss in 2004. He first entered the live show production business in 1988 when he launched Front Row Video-the first outdoor, giant screen, concert video company.

Tyler Truss Systems, LLC - Since its launch in 2004, Tyler Truss has established itself as a leader in the live event and entertainment production industry. Its dedication to safety, quality, consistency, innovation, and client service is well known. As the future of live events continues its dynamic growth, Tyler will continue its mission to provide world-class products that make a difference. And to provide on-time solutions that help its clients succeed. Tyler Truss is a division of Tyler Companies and sister company to Tyler Marine Products. Tyler Company products are made in America, and the company is American owned.