Hey,
I have a general overview of what a Mater Elec does but I do have several questions (including some questions I
Think I know the answers to). Any information on Mater Elec would be appreciated even if its as simple as always have something to write with.
-What design ideas should the Mater Elec purpose (or none unless asked)
Your interface with the LD is all about what you need to get the job done. Approach the LD with questions - about a congested hang
point, something that's confusing on the
plot, or other clarifications concerning the implementation of the design. You're not there to remark on the choice of colors, where or how to focus, or anything regarding what or where things go or how they're being used.
- What paper work should the Mater Elec have
you should get the
plot, paperwork that sorts the patch by
dimmer as well as
circuit; any detail drawings that were done, a copy of the production schedule, as well as info concerning equipment cross-rentals and shipping schedules.
-What should the designer write up opposed to the Mater Elec
if I
walk in at 7:45 AM, meet the LD for the first time, get a look at the
plot for 2 minutes prior to the crew starting to work at 8am, I expect to have zero paperwork to do. this has not always been the case.
if I've been collaborating with the LD prior to gig as the ME, and the LD has built a few prep days into the budget, I'll always
circuit the
plot, patch the dimmers, and try to balance the load. some ld's care about
channel numbers, depends on the nature of the gig. some leave it totally up to me.
- Should the Mater Elec be in charge of the crew or just the technical aspect
the ME should run the electrics crew and be the one to ensure the technical aspect is correct. too many fall into the
trap of working; if you have 4 hands, your time needs to be spent getting them what they need to do their job, not doing the work yourself.
- What do you expect the Mater Elec to be doing for
load-in and performance
it's your job to make things happen. everything. you need to analyze the
venue and plan the sequence of what happens when. do you run the
FOH snake right away, or the
power? is the set coming in right under you and there's time pressure to have part of your rig up ASAP? do you know the data runs, how many universes and where they go? it's all about YOU choosing the best and most efficient way to have the entire thing happen.
as for performance - I like to have my ME available at any moment. you need to be close to or at the racks, on
headset, paying attention to what's going on. or at least awake enough to answer a 'com
call from the
FOH.
- What should the Mater Elec have the assistance (if there is one) do
it's your job to break the entire loadin down into little bits, and then tell someone how to get each
bit done. some make better decisions about this than others.
on a final note, I've always had the mindset that when I'm on a gig, in addition to the equipment, anything I can do for the
programmer or LD to make life better or easier is also part of my job. if they're behind schedule and will miss lunch, offer to get them a sandwich and a cup of coffee. In the end, it's all about the people.
I know I probably have thought of more but I did not write them down when I thought of them.
Again any information would be appreciated, and thanks in
advance.
Wolf