Four Pillars Zone

Production ZonePresented by: Simon Rayment, Pandor

AgendaAgenda

What is “AV”

The Importance of “AV”

“AV” Parts

Tech Terminology

What is “AV” ?

• In reference to the event planning and production industry, “AV” means “audio visual”

• This term is generally used to refer to the production elements (equipment, creative work, and technicians) that are combined to present or display content at an event.

Where “AV” came from …

• Radio and television allowed the creation of a “pop culture” – suddenly “pop” icons had greater followings than ever

• These large groups of “fans” wished to personally witness their icon in action – either by hearing or seeing them doing what made them famous

Where “AV” came from …

• Events such as Woodstock and performers such as the Beatles and Elvis drive technology to create equipment for large audience applications.

• Simultaneous to the development of these technologies, the business world was changing

Where “AV” came from …

• The advent of the computer and the “computer report” created an environment in which data could be readily created and examined.

• As more of this information became available, celebrating successes or examining problems became possible in “real time”

Where “AV” came from …

• Through the 1970’s and 1980’s, projection technologies increased allowing for larger displays in higher light environments.

• The wide acceptance of Microsoft Office (which includes Power Point) gave every staff the ability to create and present their information easily and effectively

Where “AV” came from …

• The combination of greatly improved sound systems, a readily available stream of information, software that enabled easy creation of content, and the ability to have these presentations displayed on large screens have all driven the industry to its current position.

Where “AV” came from …

• AV is no longer an accessory or afterthought at an event, but has become a focal point of the function

The Importance of “AV” …

• AV is EXPECTED

• AV is FUNCTIONAL

• AV is ENTERTAINING

AV “Parts”

• AUDIO• Speakers• Microphones• Consoles, Amps,

Processing

• VIDEO• Screens • Cameras• Computers

• LIGHTING • Conventional• Intelligent• LED

• STAGING & RIGGING• Stages• Rigging• Drape

AUDIO

• An audio system is created by combining several pieces, each with a specific task. A basic audio system includes the following:

– A SOURCE – microphone, instrument, CD player, MP3 player, etc.

– PROCESSING – mixers, equalizers, compressors, effects, etc.

– AMPLIFICATION – amplifiers that take the processed signal and turn it into electrical power

– SPEAKERS – devices that are made up of paper or plastic and magnets that vibrate to create sound waves when they are supplied with power from the amplifiers.

Types of Audio Systems

• “Main PA” or simply “PA”– This system is directed at the audience to so they can

hear it. “PA” originally meant “public address”.• “Monitors”

– This system is typically directed at the stage area to enable performers to hear specifically what they wish to hear to enable optimum performance.

• “Delays”– This system is to enhance the “Main PA” in large

spaces. It is called a “delay” due to the fact that the audio signal to this system is delayed to allow the sound waves to be in phase with those of the Main PA.

Feedback and Sound Check…

• Feedback is a “loop” through the audio system that is created when a microphone can “hear” the speakers – either directly or by a reflection of the sound off the floor, stage, wall, set pieces, or ceiling.

• The sound check time is primarily used to find the frequencies that will cause feedback and eliminate them through the use of an equalizer. After feedback is eliminated, the “tone” of the sound is adjusted, and other processing done per the request of the performer.

VIDEO

• Although more complicated and variable than audio systems, video systems are comprised of the same basic elements:– A SOURCE – camera, playback device, computer– PROCESSING – switcher, media server– SIGNAL DISTRIBUTION – DA (distribution amplifier),

signal router– DISPLAY(S) – projection screens, LCD screen,

plasma, LED array, or a combination of any number of these

Video System Elements

• Although there are many ways to configure video systems, the most common elements would include:– SCREEN + PROJECTOR – to allow the audience to see

content– CONFIDENCE OR PREVIEW MONITOR – to allow the

presenter to know what is on the screen and/or what is coming up next

– IMAG – literally stands for “image magnification” and typically refers to the use of camera’s and a switcher to allow the audience to see the activities that are happening on the stage

– VTR – literally stands for “video tape recorder” but typically refers to the video playback and record devices

Video Misconceptions …

• “To record an event simply put a tape in the video camera and press record”– Recording video requires access to many

elements of production – most importantly lighting, but also audio. To achieve a professional result, the lighting and audio must be set up and monitored at a much higher level than simply for a live event.

Video Misconceptions …

• “I can let the AV company know about my presenter’s needs when they arrive”– Strangely a very common misconception, but

something as simply as a missing $2 adapter can make it impossible to see or hear a presentation off a laptop. Do they require a DVD player? Is there audio on their Powerpoint? Do they need to switch between computer and video signals? Do they have a computer, or just a jump drive? There are many potentially disastrous pitfalls with this assumption.

LIGHTING

• A lighting system is one which provides light not only for functionality, but for décor, effect, and entertainment. It includes:– A LAMP – the source of the light– DIMMING – the device that determines the brightness

of the source– CONSOLE – tells the dimmer what intensity to make

the lamp. For fixtures with additional mechanical features, the console would control the pan, tilt, shutter, colour, gobo, and other features depending on the light

Types of Fixtures – Three Groups

• CONVENTIONAL FIXTURES – these are the oldest and most reliable fixtures. They are simply a lamp in a housing – to control their intensity, a dimmer is required.

– Par Can - a “dirty” light that is mostly seen in entertainment applications. Creates uneven light, but is cost effective and reliable.

– Leko – a “spot” light that can be focused. Often used to light lecterns or for projecting gobo’s.

– Fresnel – a “wash” light most often used to light large areas such as stages or sets. Commonly requested by video crews to provide the lighting required for recording.

Types of Fixtures – Three Groups

• INTELLIGENT FIXTURES – have built in features that could include the ability to dim, strobe, shutter, pan, tilt, adjust colour, gobos, and more. Although very versatile, they are expensive and less reliable than conventional lighting. – Scanners – have a mirror off which the light is reflected.

Moving the mirror creates the effect of the light beam moving. These fixtures have a variety of colours and gobos.

– Moving Head – these fixtures use motors to physically move the part of the light that contains the lamp and the mechanics. They have a much greater range of motion than scanners, and are available in much more powerful varieties … for a cost.

Types of Fixtures – Three Groups

• LED FIXTURES – the newest type of fixture to be available. They are exceptionally efficient, produce little or no heat, are very rugged, and are most often available in arrays that allow colour control. Literally hundreds of types of fixtures and applications– Available in tubes, blocks, tiles, strings, and arrays.– Although typically not as intense as either intelligent or

conventional lighting, LED’s produce very vibrant colours.– As the LED fixtures are extremely new relative to other

options, many configurations and effects are being invented every day.

– At this point, many lighting companies are fighting for a position in this market. The technology is changing rapidly, resulting in a great deal of expense to keep up …

STAGING

• Staging systems include a variety of production elements including:

– STAGES – indoor + outdoor– TRUSS + RIGGING – motors, chainfalls, truss– DRAPE – backdrops, pipe and drape, skirting– CUSTOM SETS – flats, props, lecterns

Staging – makes sense

• Staging is one of the most basic production building blocks. However, do not cut corners here as it is the base that all else is built (or suspended) on. Keep the following in mind:

– Ensure your supplier uses trained and/or certified technicians when rigging or connecting power.

– Ensure your supplier carries the appropriate type and quantity of insurance for the jobs they are doing.

– Use basic common sense principles when onsite – if something looks dangerous, it probably is. Do not be afraid to question activities being carried out.

Thank you

Pandor Productions

8-73 Galaxy Blvd.

Toronto, ON

(416) 798-9293

www.pandor.com