Prior to a live event taking place the client contacts a production company to produce and provide technical support for their event. Budget, venue, audience size, technical requirements are discussed. The event producer then employs a production company to manage the live production for the event. 

Once the budget and other details are agreed upon, the production company proceeds to take over running the technical production side of the event.

Prior to the day of the event, crews bump in and test the equipment.   Equipment is set up according to the plans that have been provided by the Vision Designer.   

In some cases, there will be a technical rehearsal if there are performers involved.  This allows all systems to be checked, camera angles modified, sound and lighting checks and the performers to be comfortable on the stage.

When the event has finished, the equipment is bumped out and returned to storage where it will be checked for damage. Equipment logs will also be checked through as technicians may have noticed faults with the equipment and noted it in the log. At this time equipment is also cleaned so it is ready for the next production. Inventory is checked to ensure that all equipment is accounted for. Equipment maintenance logs are completed at this time.

It is important that the technical requirements are confirmed with the client so that both parties know exactly what is expected and what vision equipment will be needed. It also allows you to begin organising the hire of any equipment that you don't already have. All this would be done by the person in charge of vision and information would then be passed on to the appropriate workers within the team. If there are any problems with what the client is asking for then the head of vision will meet with them to discuss alternatives.

As with any theatrical equipment you must consider how to pack, store and transport it. Not every even will be in a venue with the equipment already on site and pretty much set up to use. 

Appropriate storage is important to ensure that you can access equipment when needed and it is keep in a good condition. Thought must be given to 'how' equipment is stored both the environment, such as appropriate packaging, shelving, containers, bubblewrap, etc, but also the location, such as considering the placing of more frequently used equipment in an easily accessible position, heavy items not too high, like items together, etc.

When transporting equipment, road cases may be appropriate for larger items, specialised cases for cameras and other vision equipment should be used and packageing materials such as packing foams and bubble wrap may be needed for breakable items. As discussed previously, consider order when packing equipment so the things that you need first are packed last.

Along with general security at events, consideration must be given for the security of equipment. Depending on the event, you might want to consider such things as cages for equipment if you think that there is a possibilty of it being knocked and damaged and lockable cupbords or containers for equipment to be stored when it is not in use.

If you are operating the vision for a large event there may be times when you with have to hire equipment. This would be done through a hiring company and a hiring contract will be entered into. Care must be taken so that the equipment is returned in its original state because any damage will need to be paid for. It is important that as soon as you recieve the equipment you inspect it well and record any marks or damaged that it had on receipt. This then gives you a starting point when inspecting it after use and you are able to prove that you didn't casue the damage. If this initial inspection is not completed you may be liable for the damages even if you didn't do it. 

Obviously you will need to pay for the replacement of any equipment that is lost in the process of hiring.

Like in all areas of the industry, you must engage in opportunities for feedback when working in the vision department. Complete the workbook section (right) on Feedback as a reminder of how to engage in this process.

Complete the sections of your workbook on Work Practices (left).