The Bones of Live Show Production
Why we love it, even as a manufacturer!
When it comes to large concerts in venues that seat thousands of concertgoers, hundreds of people are
actually 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 actually makes the show happen on stage? The live event production
companies.
There isn’t a ‘one way’ 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 a load in/set up/tear down, 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 actually 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 can’t 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 can’t 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!
If you are the entertainer, agent, promoter, lighting/video/audio director (the “sexy” jobs), while full of
pressures to be sure, it would seem to be true…at least for some period of time. And for those of you
who are money-motivated, there are some big bucks to be had.
But what about those people in BTL occupations? Might surprise you that even those in manufacturing
get satisfaction working in the industry. At Tyler Truss, we work to design and manufacture
lighting/tower/roof truss and truss systems and are quite a distance from the top (sorry for the pun).
And yes, it is exciting!
Having been in/around the entertainment industry since the 80’s, I have worked in many of the ‘layers.’
First in promotion. Then producing giant screen live video at concerts. Went on to work in corporate and
entertainment production and now in the world of truss/accessories manufacturing. I share this because
while producing live concert video and live events were exciting adventures to be sure, the
manufacturing world is exciting as well.
While several miles, so to speak, from the limelight, there are benefits to this part of the business.
Depending on what you compare our day-to-day jobs to, benefits can include: Steady work, good pay,
benefits, little travel, going home every night and sleeping in your own bed, long-term career
opportunities, and more. It’s definitely a trade-off from the excitement of being “out there” with the
entertainers and fans, but to some…very worth it.
At Tyler, we also have a dedicated team that creates new products and product improvements. The goal
is to make show production better, safer, faster, easier, more profitable, and even “greener.” Our
sales/estimating and design teams get to talk to hundreds of clients and prospects all over the world.
We hear about their requirements for sure. But we also hear about their successes, thanks in small part
to our many industry-leading products. We even get innovative ideas from these hundreds of monthly
conversations. It is amazing.
Our welders, machinists and production specialists are the best in the business. They know full well that
every technical move they make affects the quality of our products and the work lives of each of our
clients. They take tremendous pride in their work. Our powder coating team…they are very aware that a
coated truss must be done to perfection.
We are fortunate to live/work near a major venue, Ruoff Music Center/Noblesville, IN. A majority of our
team members see a several shows every year and see their work in action.
Bottomline, it is exciting to be involved in show business…even if it is “the bones.”
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Bill Edwards, VP Marketing/Sales, Tyler Truss-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.
Corporate Headquarters & Manufacturing Facility
1810 Fairfield Lane, Pendleton, IN 46064; Main: 765-221-5050
Warehousing & Shipping
3207 West Angle Road, Pendleton, IN 46064; Shipping: 765-221-5050 Ext. 214
http://www.tylertruss.com 765-221-5050 Ext 204 or 206.