PLSN Checks In with the PMs Running the Top Tours of 2016.
PM: “I’m the production manager for this tour, and there’s only two things you need to know. First off, I’m the guy that needs to know everything that’s going on with this monster production, from the lights to the set to the audio. Whenever something goes wrong, I’m the guy the artist is going to turn to first. If the stage isn’t level, if he can’t see, if he can’t hear, he will come to me. So, I always need to be in the loop if there are any issues on any given day. We hired you because you’re good, I’m told. So go out and do what you do best. Any questions?”
Lighting guy: “Sure, what’s the second thing I need to know?”
PM: “I don’t have a lot of rules. But out here we play by this one: Two strikes and you’re out!”
—Nook’s introduction to PM Chris Lamb in 1986 at Lionel Richie rehearsals.
Words of wisdom for any member of a touring entourage to go by. The job of the production manager is to get the show on the road, then keep it running like a smooth, well-oiled machine. He is the commander of the team of technicians, riggers, wardrobe, caterers. But most of all, this person is the problem solver. Because no matter what obstacle one finds on any given load-in, it’s his gig to work with the team to do everything to overcome it.
It’s the production manager who cuts the deals with the vendors. The PM’s job is to keep a show running on a budget, and that includes deciding what size set will fit in every venue booked, how many lights they can afford, and the quality of the video walls and PA systems. It’s a cutthroat business of bidding for services to get a tour. Often, the PM may have a preferred vendor who gets the last shot at handing in a final bid.
The PMs also hire a lot of the same crew for every tour. Just like a sports coach, they want to surround themselves with players that do a good job for them. PMs have certain LDs, FOH mixers and stage managers they like to use, because they have had successful runs with them on other tours.
Besides being in the hot seat, there are a thousand little things a PM does every day to impact how the gig goes. They keep an eye on things taking place in the venue that day, while advancing the next gigs on the phone. Show calls, local union bills, dressing rooms, making sure the stage is set for sound check, opening doors for the crowd…the list is endless.
While some technicians will walk into a challenging venue and start figuring out what aspects of the production they want to blow off that day, the PM will look after the interests of the artist and figure out a way to make it all fit somehow. And they will tell you to quit your bitching when necessary. The bottom line is, the PM is our fearless leader. If they say the show must go on, it goes on.
PLSN is proud to introduce you to a group of people that lead our touring world. These players are just some of the top production managers on the road today. There are many others that are due recognition, but last year’s biggest tours were staffed by this bunch of pros.
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