Everything you need to think about when writing out technical needs of your tech rider
Yes, there are many things that you will write to your tech rider but technical needs are the ones that are most important prerequisites for quality production.
Roughly we can break them into four paragraphs — audio, lights, video and miscellaneous.
Audio needs —
Requirements that are audio related. Some of them are brought out here:
1. PA system — whether you rely on the venue PA and if yes, what are the requirements for it?
2. Backline — some bands bring required instruments on their own but if you lack something (for example, drum set) then write out the needs specifically.
3. Microphones — what kind of microphones do you need and whether there are alternative options if something is unavailable?
4. F.O.H — what kind of a mixing console your are going to bring or what kind of a console should be provided; how much room do you need for the mixing console etc.
5. Monitor mixing requirements — whether you have your own systems with that or it should be provided by organizers; what are the types of required monitors etc.
6. Hz — whether you have wireless systems and what are ranges used for transmission (for example, 600 Hz)
7. Stage — what are the minimum requirements for the stage; whether you are you going to bring risers and what are their measurements; do you need any items on the stage (for example, stage stairs, ramps, stage wings); whether you are going to bring or need a backdrop etc. If you carry very heavy sound equipment, make sure you know the stage weight limitations.
8. Stage plan — your visual layout of concert setup. In addition to laying out the band, you could visualize where F.O.H table and monitor mixing areas should be displayed.
9. Any other sound related requirements — if you need anything for sound recording etc.
We will go into some of the audio-describing section of a rider, such as input list, output list, backline and stage plan, even deeper in separate blog posts.
Lighting needs —
1. Lighting equipment — whether you have your own light equipment or you need anything or everything. Lighting needs are easy to understand if you categorize them. For an example: upstage truss, midstage truss, downstage truss, front truss and floor. Also, list general lighting system requirements.
2. Lighting console — What kind of a lighting console you would need, if you are going to bring it yourself, how much room do you need for it etc
3. Rigging and lighting plot — to make sure that everyone is on the same page, it is the best to add a rigging and lighting plot. Also, always ask whether there are rigging limitations to the venue to prevent serious accidents from happening.
Video needs -
1. Video equipment — whether you need screens for video; if there should be ordered camera operators team to create visuals; how many cameras should be operated etc.
2. Projection — whether you have projection and if yes, do you need projectors to be ordered.
Misc —
Everything else that touches audio, lighting or video technical needs. Such as:
1) Pre-load in preparation — describe, for example, when the stage should be cleared out; if you need additional information or pictures of the items that can not be moved etc.
2) Load in, load out — if there are stairs or narrow doors, ask the organizer to let you know.
3) Labor — specify if you need stagehands or a runner; if you need a competent in-house sound engineer to be present etc
4) Storage area — the area for empty cases or extra equipment — whether it should be outside and under what conditions. Also good to mention that it has to be a dry area.
5) Power requirements — describe these separately for sound, lighting, video equipment. Also, whether you need to know if there is voltage rated over 120 etc. Good, if you have a power layout plan.
6) Soft goods — whether you are going to use any soft goods and whether you have fire certificates upon request.
7) Timetable — Usually used timetable for production days with a minimum setup time mentioned
8) Any other important notes about technical needs.
Who are we to talk about it?
Ridline team is creating a collaboration software that teams up bands and concert organizers.
We have anayzed over 100 tech riders so we advise you to read our connecting post about three things that are important when you are writing your tech rider hospitality chapter.
