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Squint Abroad – Load In

Loading in any event can be stressful.  Even when you are not dealing with language barriers, unfamiliar electrical standards, and different gear, the ballet of people and gear is a delicate balance between executing “the plan” and adapting to challenges.  In a foreign country this process has the potential to be a disaster.  Luckily, my experience abroad has been nothing but positive.  This week we are in Istanbul, Turkey building, running, and then tearing out a corporate event.  Although our client will only spend around seven hours in the general session space, countless hours have been spent planning, designing, building, teching, and rehearsing every little detail.

Let’s talk about the load in experience.  I’ll paint you a picture of what exactly we are working with

  • A ball room space (width) by (length) with a (height) ceiling.
  • An octagonal 8 screen projection setup, with a “T” shaped stage at the front
  • Lighting and seven speaker surround audio support

Fortunately for us the in house A/V is a production house similar in capability and gear to our own company.  While we have traveled with our entire video rig, including switching and projection, the audio and lighting gear came from the house.  They were able to provide familiar Vari Lite 3000 fixtures, ETC Source 4’s.  Our audio team was happy to have the same Yamaha console we use back in the states, as well as a pair of Labgruppen line array cabinets.  Eight powered speakers hide behind each screen for full surround audio support.  Perhaps most importantly they were able to provide the proper truss (Prolyte folding triangle) and motor package.  This show relies on the 18 foot tall video walls in an octagonal shape, and being able to fly the rig instead of ground supporting is a huge advantage.

 

Working with the in house team was a breeze.  They know their gear well, and could easily take our CAD drawings and implement without a problem.  While we had issues with language barriers enough of their crew spoke English well enough to keep both of our production teams on the same page. Needless to say, it was a great opportunity, and we are all really excited for the next chance to work overseas!

 

Squint Abroad – Preparing For International Travel

There is no doubt that Americans are highly cautioned by the state department any time they leave the relative safety of our borders for a tour abroad.  I’m currently working in Istanbul, Turkey, arguably one of the most incredible cities in the world.  Before hopping on a plane I checked my passport, flight information, the weather, and as always I made a brief stop at the US state department’s travel website.  There you can find info about the culture, visa requirements, safety and security, American consulate information, and even medical emergency precautions.

I was a bit apprehensive to travel to this part of the world, especially with the daily news about social unrest in neighboring countries.  It certainly did not help that the international community has decided to take military action in the past week against Libya, one thousand miles away.  Luckily I am traveling with a large group of coworkers, all of whom take great care in being caution not to draw too much attention when abroad.  That doesn’t always calm fears though, especially after reading this CNN article about a suicide bombing in a city square only a few blocks from our hotel.

Despite local current events, our first 48 hours has been a completely positive experience.  The Turkish people are kind and respectful, the city is clean and well maintained, and the food is delicious.  A large group of us spent the first day on the ground exploring historical sites in the “old city”, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.  After walking through a 1,500 year old cistern you realize that human civilization has already accomplished so much.  You begin to wonder what you could possibly do to make any sort of meaningful contribution.  Remember, this is a city where you can cross a bridge and be in a completely different continent.

Ancient Roman Cistern

Ancient Roman Cistern

Check back over the next 10 days as I explore one of the largest cities in the world with the rest of my coworkers.  Don’t miss my next blog about loading in a large-scale corporate event and working with locals on a live event.   Feel free to ask questions, especially those I could answer in a future blog, by emailing me at Scott.Renick@isquint.net or on twitter @sdrenick.

 

 

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