V. PROJECT SPECIFICS TO BE ADDRESSED DURING THE SURVEY

• 1. Permission
• 1. Various state and local authorities require various permits
• 2. Check to be sure you have the proper credentials prior to the scheduled production
• 2. Overview of site layout
• 1. Access to building
• 2. Loading docks
• 3. Parking lots
• 3. Load-in/load-out location
• 1. Dockmaster's name?
• 4. Parking
• 1. Plan to park the truck(s) as close to the production area as possible
• 2. Note overhead clearance for entire truck route and parking area
• 3. Check width of parking area considering room for storage bay doors to be opened, stairs to be deployed, cable runs, etc.
• 4. Find source of power within 200 feet of truck or plan additional space for generator parking
• 5. Choose parking location with good access to venue for cable runs
• 1. Remember cable crossing sidewalks, etc. needs to be protected
• 6. Confirm that truck WILL NOT block fire lanes or emergency exits from venue
• 7. Consider noise factors if set-up and tear-down will take place in residential/hotel area
• 8. DO NOT plan to park truck or generator anywhere near any air intake for the venue
• 1. Idling truck could cause fumes to enter building causing a dangerous situation and a possible need to move
• 9. When choosing a parking location for a satellite truck, be sure location has a clear view of the Southern horizon above 40 degrees
• 5. Site layout specifics
• 1. Stage
• 1. Where will the primary subject matter be located?
• 2. Try to get a floor plan of the venue...or sketch one with as much detail as possible
• 2. Work areas...will there be a
• 1. Green room
• 2. Graphics room
• 3. Other space inside venue
• 3. Be sure to consider cable runs, crew and equipment access and proximity to truck(s)
• 4. Etc.
• 6. Staging
• 1. Platforms
• 2. Scaffolding
• 3. Pipes and drapes
• 4. Lifts
• 7. Cameras
• 1. How many will be used?
• 2. Where will they be positioned?
• 3. What will they be shooting?
• 4. Do they need platforms? If so, who will provide them?
• 5. Are any shots obstructed?
• 6. Remember to consider the effects of the audience while doing the survey
• 7. Will any special camera equipment be needed?
• 1. Jib arm
• 2. Stedi-cam
• 3. Scissors lift
• 4. Bucket, tower, scaffold
• 5. Etc.
• 8. Will placement of cameras affect view or flow of audience? ix. Be sure to plan for adequate working space around cameras
• 8. Lighting
• 1. If outdoors, determine where sun will be during production
  • 1. It's best to survey at the same time of day as the production
• 2. Indoors, will ambient light from windows be an issue?
• 3. Will lighting require additional power?
• 4. Consider application of neutral density (ND) filters to windows to knock down the amount of light (i.e. tinted windows)
• 9. Audio
• 1. Pay attention to the ambient noise of the location
• 1. Is there an echo? Is it dead? Is there background noise such as machinery, light ballast buzz, wind, etc.?
• 2. Determine microphone placement
• 3. Are there any wireless microphone (mic) frequency restrictions?
• 4. Are there any potential interference problems?
• 5. If possible, test wireless system during site survey
• 6. If not possible to test, at least make sure system is capable of switching frequencies
• 7. This applies to two way radios, wireless PL and IFB systems
• 8. Another option is to rent mics that are licensed and frequency coordinated for the area
• 9. And keep in mind that RF activity during a survey is most likely not a true representation of the potential for interference during an event
• 10. Video monitors or video projection systems
• 1. How many?
• 2. How big?
• 3. Will everyone in the audience be able to see the event or support graphics?
• 4. Where do they go?
• 5. Will ambient light cause viewing problems?
• 6. Front or rear projection?
• 7. Projector location?
• 11. Power
• 1. How many amps will be needed for the equipment at each individual location? Use the general rule of thumb that 1000 watts equals 10 amps
• 2. Most wall outlets are 15 or 20 amps, and those located near each other are likely on the same circuit
• 3. Locate and confirm access to the circuit breaker panel
• 4. Confirm that the appropriate outlet style is available (e.g. do they have 30 amp twist-lock connectors?)
• 5. How much power do the trucks need?
• 1. A typical uplink truck uses single phase 208-240 v. - 100 amps
• 2. A typical production truck uses three phase 240 v. - 200 amps per leg
• 6. Confirm power location in relation to trucks, production area, etc.
• 7. Plan for separate areas for power runs and A/V runs to eliminate interference
• 12. Cable
• • 1. Measure all power, audio, video and phone runs
  • 2. Plan for traffic patterns, building access points, roadways, sidewalks, aisles, etc.
  • 3. Plan runs to eliminate safety hazards such as tripping, cloths lining, etc.
  • 4. Will cable troughs or trays be needed? Will cables need to be flown (tied up over doorways, out of reach, etc)?
  • 5. Prepare a cable list with the following headings:
  • Cable # - Cable Type - From - To - Length - Notes
  • 6. Avoid running cables through a small opening whenever possible. It takes longer to install and remove
  • 7. And remember, good planning during load-in makes load-out go much more smoothly