Design over stepping bounds and LD integrity

xander

Well-Known Member
dead thread

I have decided that I do not like the responses that my post has evoked and have therefore retracted my statements.
 
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You will have to make the changes, while at the same time maintaining the integrety of the design. I would look at this show as a touring Head Elec would. That being, your job is to get the show up and come as close as possible to what the designer intended.

If the director changes blocking in the middle of previews, its your job to re-create that same looks where they now are. Now, if the director wants you to re-color the entire show... a phone call should be made. Then again, if the producer/artistic director asks for something, you do it. The LD would have to do the same thing.

Talk with the designer before he/she leaves about the design and what to do if changes need to be made. I have had to do this sort of thing before, it can be tough place to be in.
 
. My question is what would your (if you were the LD) response be if the ME made changes to the cues at the request of the AD or producer after you left?

The producer is paying your salary, thus you change if they tell you to. The Director and/or AD as well as the SM are your bosses and the producers representative and have the right to dictate such changes.

They can bloody well re-cue and color the entire show if they want to, and I've seen it done.

Steve B.
 
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The producer is paying your salary, thus you change it they tell you to. The Director and/or AD as well as the SM are your bosses and the producers representative and have the right to dictate such changes.

They can bloody well re-cue and color the entire show if they want to, and I've seen it done.

Steve B.

This. You don't know the contract between the producer and the LD (there is a standard contract for 829, but they don't have to use it) says about the issue. It is up to the LD to dispute things like that. When your boss tells you to do something, you do it. If the director or producer want to run around behind the LDs back it is no concern of yours. Don't get involved. Like an above poster said you might pay a courtesy phone call to the LD if they are making significant changes. But he is getting paid whether they use his design or recue the whole freaking show.

You would be amazed at how when you climb the ladder of LDs they care less and less about their "art". It could come from knowing all theater is organic, it might be (as it was for me) that I spent less time with each show once I reached a professional level than I did at the community or college level, or it could just be that it was just a job.

I have had several shows recued (one even rehung!) after I designed them. Nothing I could do about it, I got paid and had my name pulled from the program credit (which is a stipulation in my contract), the lighting for the shows flopped and got terrible reviews. I never worked with those producers/directors again. The point is that all this took place between me, the producer, and the director. My ME knew nothing of it, and simply reprogrammed the show as he was told.

You do what your boss says if you ever want to work again.

Mike
 
You might also want to take note that abviously everyone involved knows that the designer will not be there for everything. I have a feeling that everyone is OK with that for a reason, this person should know there stuff. At least I would hope so...

I don't think you need to be too worried, but having a plan B in your back pocket is not a bad idea.

Also, don't play the "I am not the designer" card if they ask you to make changes later. Do what you need to do. Don't worry about how your billed for the show, worry about keeping your job if you don't do what your asked.
 
Re: dead thread

I have decided that I do not like the responses that my post has evoked and have therefore retracted my statements.

Wow..pissy much?

Its a matter of fact. The designer is there to help the overall vision of the director and producers. Not to just state his vision.

Those of us who have been through the education system are taught to have a vision as well. What they typically don't teach is how to let it go.

We're taught to have a vision so we can be creative...but our vision must be rooted in the production and the directors vison in the real world. Period.
 

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