What is live event production?
Live event production is the process of turning an event brief into a show by coordinating the programme, venue, artists, technical systems, people, equipment, schedule and logistics.
Read the answerKnowledge field / Production Management
Production Management
The coordination of requirements, suppliers, schedules, people and production interfaces across a live event.
A practical overview of how an event brief becomes a live show through coordinated technical systems, people, equipment, schedules and logistics.
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EXPLAINER · BEGINNER
What Is Live Event Production?
A practical overview of how an event brief becomes a live show through coordinated technical systems, people, equipment, schedules and logistics.
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Learning path
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Knowledge map
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Concepts
- Backline
- Performance equipment used by musicians on stage.
- Live Event Production
- The coordinated process of turning an event requirement into a show that can be prepared, built, operated and recovered.
- Production Advance
- Production Design
- The process of translating event, venue, programme and artist requirements into a workable technical and operational plan.
- Production Management
- The coordination of requirements, responsibilities, suppliers, schedules, people and operational interfaces across a production.
- Production Manager
- A person whose agreed role is to maintain the wider production picture and coordinate interfaces between the event brief, venue, artists, suppliers, technical departments, people, schedule and logistics.
- Technical Rider
- A document communicating production requirements.
Common questions / 13
What happens before a live show?
The production team reviews the brief, venue, programme, artist requirements, supplier scopes, responsibilities, access and schedule before equipment is prepared, transported, installed, tested and rehearsed.
Read the answerWho is involved in producing a live event?
The team may include producers, production managers, technical directors, designers, engineers, operators, stage managers, technicians, riggers, stagehands, venue teams, warehouse teams and drivers. The exact roles depend on the production.
Read the answerWhen does live event production begin and end?
It begins when the event requirement is understood and planned. It ends after the show has been dismantled and the equipment, information and outstanding responsibilities have been accounted for.
Read the answerWhat systems are involved in live event production?
Depending on the event, production may involve sound, lighting, video, staging, backline, power and communications, together with the people, logistics and coordination required to make those systems work together.
Read the answerDo all events need a production manager?
No. A straightforward event may not need a separate Production Manager when one capable supplier owns the complete scope or experienced client or agency leadership already provides the required coordination.
Read the answerWhen should a production manager get involved?
A Production Manager can become involved while the event brief, venue or supplier scopes are still being developed, or later when appointed suppliers need coordination. Earlier involvement is most useful when unresolved decisions affect several parts of the production.
Read the answerWhat does a production manager do at a live event?
A Production Manager coordinates the requirements, responsibilities, suppliers, schedules, venue constraints, people and technical departments needed to turn an event brief into an executable production. The exact scope varies by production.
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