Not too many days go by when we all wish we could clone ourselves, to take some of the workload off our shoulders. We wish we had a partner that we could turn to in order to help sort through the mess on your desk, before you lose your sanity and a certain job altogether. Partnerships reinforce ideas within some companies. Like-minded people who can work, act and discuss business with clients in the same manner as ourselves are an important commodity. Just take a look at the current Presidential race.
Partnering Up
On one hand, we have a challenger who certainly feels he is the only one who can solve America’s problems, and he has chosen a running mate who shares his ideology. His choice of a vice presidential candidate has a problem with the LGBT community, and that doesn’t seem to be a problem with the Presidential candidate. So together they can go after the bigoted side of the country that shares the same belief.
Likewise, we have another unpopular candidate who has her own personal issues to settle, but she is liberal on social and economic issues and wants to help people regardless of who they pray to or their gender/skin color. This person has chosen a running mate with spunk and an open mind that augments the image they are striving for. Both sides have chosen someone that they hope will make them look like a better team.
Dynamic Duos
Duos are healthy in the workplace, just as they are in a home relationship. When stuck in a quagmire, one often looks to their mate for support. “How did we get in this mess, and how do we sort it out?” Clichés such as “two heads are better than one” or “I’d like another set of eyes on this project” certainly ring true. Sometimes a sister company to help in times of need is a good thing. You give them work to spread the wealth, and hopefully they don’t poach your gigs. “Damn, if only that gig was a week later, I would have had all the gear and crew I needed to take it. I hate turning that down.” Maybe you need an affiliate? Just saying…
I was talking to an LD today who was lamenting how he can’t get his business to do better. He’s a one-man operation, and he makes some good coin. But he is always gone on the road directing his own tours, sometimes for a two-year jaunt. That alone takes him out of circulation with the design world, because people will assume he’s occupied and unable to personally show up at an event he may design. I realize many people wish they had these problems, but as you approach 40 years of age, it’s a major concern. LD’s are often afraid to hand their show off to an operator, and I understand that. Time code is not always an option. They need a trusted partner. They have to step away from the console to step up their business side. I’ve tried running a business from the back of a tour bus. It’s not the optimal situation.
A Melded Show
Design collaborations are nothing new, as many shows need an army of people with bright ideas and a certain strong suit to bring a production together. But how often do two lighting designers who have never met get thrown in together to design one show? That’s the case this month with the Peter Gabriel/Sting tour that just played America. It’s intriguing to see how two extremely gifted designers can leave their egos at the door and co-design a show for their respective artists, while the two play together on every song. I think it makes it even better. Just as the musicians push each other to take it to the next level, I’m sure Danny Nolan and Rob Sinclair looked at each other with encouragement as the lighting and video cues were being written.
For Nook Schoenfeld’s introduction to the Aug. 2016 issue of PLSN, go to http://plsn.com/wp/main-news/20552.
