kuilo I Don't Know - hotamboyan

Post number 200 and what to write about? 

What can take us into the next hundred posts?

What one magical, mystical thing can I talk about for this occasion? 

The answer …

I don’t know.

No, for real, that’s actually it: I don’t know.

There seems to be something the road pups of today aren’t aware of: you need to be extra careful who you is around when you utter the phrase “I don’t know.” 

Here are a couple of examples where it is okay to say I don’t know: 

• When you are working on a fixture and need help, find the person that you are currently working under and say to them, “Hey, I don’t know how to take this ballast out. Can you show me?” Simple, perfect.
• Another would be the first time you run across something on a show. Find one of your other crewmates and say to them, “Hey, I don’t know how to wrap the spansets to counterweight the truss being heavier on the downstage side. Can you show me?” Easy peasy.

You could even take “I don’t know” out of those two situations by saying, “I haven’t done this before. Can you show me to make sure I’m doing it right.” By doing this you are telling the other person that you have some form of idea how to do it but you are looking for guidance.

Now, when is it NOT okay to say “I don’t know”? Basically any other time, especially on a gig.

Nothing removes confidence like those three little words.

Read it again. Nothing removes confidence faster than “I don’t know.”

Now while you really truly may not know something, there are other ways to phrase it until you figure it out.

• Give me a second and I’ll get on that.
• I’m working on it right now and will get it sorted out.
• It could be X or Y. I’ll go find out which it is. (Note: You better know that it could actually be X or Y before you say that, though.)

True, you are really doing nothing more than deflecting the question, but your answers are true. You will get on it. You will get it sorted out. You will find out what it is. That’s your job, it is what you do.

I know it may be fudging a little bit, but it is all about perception. Can your PM or LD or Crew Chief read between the lines if they want? Of course. In the heat of the moment, when the shit has hit the fan, will they? Maybe, but that doesn’t matter. And here is why …

And all for the low, low price of $19.95!

Yup, it’s not $20.00, is it? Or 20.01 or 20.05. What’s the difference between 5 or 6 or 10 cents? Pretty much nothing, but we are wired to react differently seeing 19.95 versus 20.01. And if we weren’t, companies wouldn't price things the way they do.

A lot of our job is about your persona, how you carry yourself, your self-confidence (sometimes this crosses over into egotistical and we’ll deal with that another time). You often hear (and maybe even utter the phrase) “fake it till you make it” and it is usually true.

It takes a bit of practice, so start now. Stop saying "I don't know" and in the end you’ll be much better off for it.

I think I’ll finish the first of the next hundred posts here.

What’s on tap for the next 99?

I’m working on it right now.

Until next time, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” Colin Powell

Mark

kuilo Countdown to 200 - #2: Brainstorming and Bus Etiquette - hotamboyan

We are two posts away from #200 (boy, have we built this up) and I think it's time on our Ten Post Look Back to where it all began: post Number One. There are actually quite a few highlights from this one: 

We learn that I say roadie and not tech.

I am the Shop Foreman – not one of the greatest lines I’ve written, but they can’t all be gold.

I mention a Top Ten list. Do I have a problem?

Great Aunt Ida in Boise is born.

‘In no particular order’ begins.

I remember calling Adam and Terese asking for the bus pictures. It sounded something like this on my end, “I don’t know. Just a few pics of the bus, but stuff I can put online. Yeah, a blog. Just wing it, send me a few pics, I’m sure they’ll be great.”

Brainstorming and Bus Etiquette 

“Write a blog,” they say. “A blog for Bandit Lites about lighting and such.”

Sure, I can do that. No problem. After all, I am the Shop Foreman.

Except one problem: Where do you start? Do I start with something about lighting gear? Maybe a topic on the industry as a whole? What about a funny story or anecdote any roadie (yes, roadie. Get used to it. That will be my preferred general term) would get a chuckle over?

Or how about a classic “Top Ten” list?

What style should I write? Dare I go super lighting nerd and talk about the beam spread of a 2K Wash at 35 feet, or maybe something a little more easy to grasp like the difference between a wash and a spot? Do I want the 20 year road veteran to read this or focus on the younger generation? What about people that want to learn more about the industry or Great Aunt Ida in Boise who wants to know what her nephew does on them crazy bus thingies?

The answer, of course, is yes to all of the above; however, none of that actually answered where to start. It seems as though we are back to square one. I got it! Let’s start with something nice and easy. For those advanced in years, you will know all this but it will be a fun walk down memory lane to a simpler time. For those of you that are new or looking to get on tour, it’s time to get your learn on. Without further ado I bring you…

BUS ETIQUETTE YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW WHEN YOU START ON THE ROAD

(In no particular order)

Your home away from home.

When on the bus, sleep with your feet towards the driver. 

If it all goes to hell, it is better to break your legs then your neck. As a side note, I was always partial to a bottom bunk. Most people prefer middle bunks because you don’t have to jump in them or roll on the floor to get in it. All that is moot: if you are a new guy to a tour you will get a top bunk anyway.

Your bus driver is not your mom. 

Pick up after yourself. Don’t leave empty soda cans or paper plates around. The bus isn’t that big, so walk to the trash and throw it out.

No solid waste or paper product of ANY kind in the toilet. 

This makes it much easier for the driver to dump and clean the tank. On most tours, there will be a fine if you break this rule. Stay tuned for Advanced Roadie-ing: “Bagging it”

Do not fall asleep ANYWHERE but your bunk. 

If you do, you are fair game for all types of hi-jinks and shenanigans. Old road vets are quite creative with sharpies and a camera. No one will feel sorry for whatever is done to you. You have been warned.

Unless your name is on it, it is fair game. 

If you bring food or drink on a bus, put your name on it. Otherwise, people will think it is just bus stock, and bus stock never lasts.

Bunk space is private. 

Do not go into someone’s bunk without permission. Men have been killed for lesser things. Speaking of bunks, be quiet in the bunk area. Always. Quiet.

Teresa demonstrates the best kept practice of leaving bunks ALONE.

Lock the doors and bays! 

Look people, this is simple: it’s just buttons now. Not even a key! Lock the doors whenever you leave the bus. It’s always interesting when a random person decides to open the door and stroll on the bus to “see what it’s like.” On top of that, everybody’s stuff is in there. You wouldn't leave your house unlocked, would you? As a side note, lock the door when you are in the bus for the same reasons.

It isn't just your "house." 

We all bring family and friends to the show. Most tours are very cool with guests on the bus, but as a courtesy, check with everyone on the bus before you bring the guests on.

Bus water ain’t for drinkin’ son. 

The buses get filled with water at truck stops and it sits in a tank. There is always bottled water. Use that for coffee, tea, brushing your teeth, etc.

Pics courtesy of Adam McIntosh. 

It’s cold in the bus for a reason. 

Keeping the bus cold helps to keep germs at bay. A bus full of sick roadies is no fun. If you are new it is really for the best to just not touch the thermostats at all. Hell, I was on the road for 12 years and didn't mess with them.

There you have it, a few simple rules to live by. I hope you enjoyed this first installment of Dimmer Beach. If you feel I missed any bus rules, please feel free to comment so we can all spread the gospel of roadie-ing.

Until next time…

No matter how bad you want to, don’t lick your finger and stick it in a live cam-lok.

-Mark 

And until next time, “I’d rather go by bus.” Prince Charles

Mark

kuilo Countdown to 200 - #9 Don't Be a Gherm - hotamboyan

This week we look back at the first post that truly blew up in popularity thanks to both the topic and our new friends: The Gherm Guys. This post was almost a year into the blog and we were still playing with animated gifs and embedded pictures on a regular basis. I also learned, thanks to the aforementioned Guys, that I had been spelling 'gherm' wrong (we won’t talk anymore about that). Aunt Ida from Boise made an appearance, this was also the first of many BDB PSAs.

And now, Number 9 in our countdown to 200: 

Don’t Be A Gherm: A PSA from the Dimmer Beach Blog

One of the really neat things (and one of the most pain in the ass things) about being on the road is being able to acquire tickets for friends and family. I never had a problem with getting people tickets for a gig I was on. It is one of the perks of our job, and most people truly are amazed at what we consider common place (which can be a nice shot in the arm on a bad day).

I liked seeing my family proud of what I had accomplished, and have them meet my road family. As we move closer to the one year anniversary of Bandit Dimmer Beach, I decided to do a post that you, the roadie who makes the show happen every day, can share with people so they know a few of the do’s and don’ts of getting tickets and passes. It’s got me this far, so, in no particular order…

A sure sign of a good time. Photo credit: Rhys A.

How many tickets can I get?

Most tours have comp tickets set aside for their crew, but that doesn’t mean thousands of them. Unless it is immediate family, I never asked for more than two at any given show. Do not text your roadie friend on tour, and ask for “Me + 3.” Bad form for sure. At your roadie’s hometown show he can usually get a couple extra tickets, so Great Aunt Ida can go.

When should I ask for tickets?

This varies depending on the tour. The more time the better on a bigger tour, but usually your roadie will tell you to remind him as the date gets closer. I found that two weeks out seemed to work well for me. It didn’t make me rush my Production Manager, but wasn't so far out that it slipped through the cracks.

Can I get meet and greet or backstage passes?

Do NOT ask for that. Ever. Ever ever. Your roadie friend knows you like the artist, and knows you think it would be cool to be backstage. If he is on a tour where that is possible, he will make it happen. In many cases, a person without a pass can be escorted backstage for a quick tour. Again, if that is possible,your roadie will make it happen for you.

Get there when doors open.

For the love of everything, be there when the doors open. I understand it may be early, but your roadie has a job to do (that’s why he is able to get tickets). If there is a problem, it will need to be taken care of, and set change of the first act is not a good time. Your friend has done you a huge favor by hooking you up: help them out by making it easier if there is an issue.

NOTE: Two important things to remember!

1. Show days are busy, sometimes tickets don’t get sent up or missed at Will Call. If your name is noton the list, get ahold of your roadie and let them handle it. This could take a bit of time depending on what is going on. Do not freak out and yell at building people.
2. Send a courtesy text when you get your tickets. This lets your roadie friend relax just a bit. When I was on the road, I would then go find my people as I had time.

Calm. Down.

OMG! I’m backstage! Now what?

Nothing, that’s what. There is a saying in sports: Act like you’ve been there. That’s perfect. Yes, it is cool. Yes, you may see your favorite pop star. But… it is a job. People are working. Those people dressed in black pushing cases around? Stay out of their way. You move for them. Pay attention and be alert. Your roadie will tell you if you can take a picture here and there, but it will usually only be of their gear or a quick selfie backstage with them.

Don't be this person backstage. 

Mr. Pop Star is right there!

I’m sure he is. He is doing a show tonight. Do not take pics of him. Do not run over to him. Do not jump up and down and giggle. Remember, been there, done that.

No! You cannot meet the Pop Star.

On bigger tours, the Pop Star probably doesn’t even know what your roadie’s name is. Sure, he may know your roadie’s face but that’s it (Personally, I was ok with this. If the Pop Star knew me, it just put a target on my back). On smaller tours when you are all on one bus, it may be possible to meet him, but even then, don’t ask. Trust your roadie is making your experience the best he can.

Be cool, man. Be cool.

My friend got me a backstage pass, and I’m hanging out after the show. Holy crap!

Look at your pass. In almost every case there will be initials on it; your roadie’s initials. If you do anything stupid, like get drunk and make an ass of yourself or get thrown out by security, they will be getting in trouble. If your roadie got you backstage passes, that means they trust you. 

Don’t break that trust.

ALSO: Just because there is food and drink doesn’t mean you can have it. If you can have something, your roadie will tell you. Trust your roadie will take care of you (sound familiar?).

Still want some tickets to a show? Here’s the cheat sheet:

DO: 

Be there when your roadie asks.

Be respectful.

Pay attention.

Act like you've been there.

DON’T: 

Act a fool.

Take pictures backstage unless you are told it is okay.

Act a fool.

Get drunk.

Act a fool.

Until next time, Remember, this is your roadie’s job. You wouldn’t want him drunk and making an ass of himself at your workplace. Don’t be at his.

To check out more Gherm goodness check out the guys who know it so well, follow The Gherm Guys on Twitter. 

Until next time, “We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them.” Thucydides

Mark

kuilo Notes About Resumes - hotamboyan

While speaking at an industry event recently, I was asked questions about what I personally look for in resumes. I see so many of them, and I have a few general notes and pet peeves, and it wouldn’t be a post of this style without the old standby: In no particular order … 

Be careful how you fluff.

We all know of the old adage: pad your resume, but be very careful how you try to do this. Here is an example of fluff that I loathe: FOH tech for Widespread Panic. 

That was on a recent resume that came across my desk, but the funny thing is, Bandit lights the Widespread Panic tour. Maybe this person was the house guy in a venue that Widespread played at, but he was not the FOH tech for them. It is a fine line, but that crossed it.

We know our jobs.

You don’t need to tell me every little detail of things you’ve done during shows. If you tell me you were a dimmer tech on a show, then I know that you run cable and meter power, etc. If you tell me you’ve worked as a stagehand in Local XYZ, then I know you’ve “worked with many crews doing lighting, audio, video, and backline, assisting the load-in and out of numerous shows.”

I don’t care about every show you did in high school and college.

Okay, that may sound heartless... but I really don’t. I’m glad that you did them, yes, but you don’t need to list each play and/or musical. Instead of listing each individual piece, just say something like, “Worked on 10 plays throughout high school and college” or “Designed five plays and was tech on five plays throughout high school and college.”

Never tell me you were a spot-op for a show.

Ever. 

For real. Don’t. 

That is a waste of time to put on a resume.

Don't say 'You are a people person.'

I can’t think of one resume that doesn’t say this. If you do what we do for a living, you need to be a people person. Putting it on your resume won’t help you.

Have you toured?

If you have, lead with that, specifically what tours and what position. They don’t even have to be in order (I couldn’t tell you the years I was on X and Y tours). Also tell me what company. Knowing the company gives me insight into your knowledge base plus other people who may have worked with you.

Use Solid References.

We will check them, especially if we know who they are. This business is still about what you do and who you are more than a sheet of paper. If someone I trust gives you a thumbs up and a rundown of your skills, I probably don’t need a resume.

Don’t rate yourself.

Don’t put down I’m an 8 out of 10 programming an MA2 unless you really are. And here is a little hint, if you really are, see above about not needing a resume.

Other jobs and skills.

I’m not too concerned about jobs outside the industry unless it is something very unique. Military, Eagle Scout, CDL or truck driving experience, CAD skills, things like that, please let me know.

Personal Information.

Things I like to know before I talk with you:

• Do you have a passport with any restrictions (Canada is harder and harder to get into).
• Your age. You don’t have to tell people this (and it is actually illegal for an employer to ask you your age directly), but it is fairly critical information since some tours don’t want people under the age of 21 (alcohol on the bus), and some places you will be unable to rent a car or drive a truck until you are 25. 

Hopefully those things will offer a little insight as you are preparing a resume. Not everyone looks for the exact same things I do, but we are all looking for quality crew.

Until next time, “It’s the job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish.” 
-J.R.R. Tolkien

Mark