Producers Pool - Dates in the Diary pt1

Towards the end of 2019 I was introduced to the concept of the Portfolio Career and it was a mindset game changer.

2019 was also the year I asked myself, which I often do year on year - "If I won the lottery what would I do?" The answer has been the same for as long as I can remember. To fund and produce independent small scale theatre working with emerging artists and directors.

This time I accepted I’d probably never win the lottery but ya do want to do this.

I know my craft as a stagemanager, my digital learning and project experience has encompassed social media and associated productivity technologies, podcast audio recording and production, I can edit video.

Mobile live-streaming and virtual worlds. Audience and augmentation.

Technology and theatre.

Not for technology but for engaging immersive idea revealing story-driven theatre. Unusual productions in extraordinary spaces. A big part of the lottery dream is to have the money to fund it.

Then there is like-minded professional networking. Nothing is more aspirational than spending time talking, listening and strategically dreaming with fellow producers. All on differing trajectories in their own careers. A community of collaborators. A tribe of mentors.

Chris Grady hosts Producers Pool.

I was, since 2018 forever attempting to synchronise my meetings in London at Equity or events by Cybersalon to draw a three-card trick where I’d get to attend a Producers Pool, Equity meeting and a Cybersalon event. Trump card would be to fit in a theatre show too.

I would augment my attendance at events on occasion, to showcase remote access potential. The immersion in ground-based experience made the strategic split to include cloud-based access hard to make happen when I was the on needing access and not providing the access which was the ultimate aim, to extend attendance.

The value and reward of cloud access were invisible to physical organisers. The concept appealed but in practice, the management of the physical event was enough.

Blending Digital and Physical looked to be a pipe dream. Then came Covid. One of the first to embrace the opportunity to pivot to digital was Producers Pool. Hurrah!

So independent producers and theatre-makers meeting monthly often with an influencing peer speaking currently happens online.

What do you have to offer?

What do you need?

This leads to the momentum and mindfulness of conversations. 

What can I offer? Insights, experience and practice to pivot to digital. What do I need? The blending back to physical with gradually lowering balanced percentage extension option to attend either way and get the same influencer insights and networking dialogue.

I don’t ask much! Am I asking too much?

Monthly on the last Wednesday, until further notice starting January 27th if you are interested in joining Producers Pool find your way to the Facebook Group.

For the mindfully invested. 

The journey starts here www.chrisgrady.org/producers-pool
Producers' Pool (UK & International) - next meeting 4.30 pm Wed 27th January

Producers' Pool - Hybrid Blended Meet Up (Hosted in NY and Zoom for everyone else)

Its not enough to just run Zoom in the background or just welcome people to a venue and call it hybrid. There has to comparable experience for the attendees 'on the ground' and attendees 'in the cloud'. There is a third dimension of 'metaverse presence' but thats another time for Producers Pool.

A the start of the pandemic Chris Grady was one of the first of my connections to get in touch for Zoom orientation. I'd hoped Producers Pool would go digital and as we emerge for the clutches of Covid it is going very well.

There have been Zoom 'in the cloud' only events and a few 'on the ground' in London. A hybrid with a foot in both camp is a holy grail and evolving as Producers Pool hybrid attempts invite attendees on the ground to bring laptops or mobile devises. Headphones are suggested. To start the events the attendees all arrive. The informal welcome is carried out as people come into the building or as the Zoom call fills up. 

Whats to see how it works? The next Producers Pool event is Tuesday 26th April

Is Producers Pool for you? Are you thinking internationally about your projects and productions? Producers Pool meetings are a chance to make connections, explore Fringe and Off-Off-Broadway opportunities in the UK, USA and beyond.

Producers' Pool is a UK started gathering of aspiring and emerging producers who come together to make connections and explore two questions - "what do I need?" which someone in this room might be able to help with, and "What can I offer?" to someone else in this room in terms of time, talent and even treasure. Mainly focussed on live theatre and musical theatre, the group has grown over Zoom in lockdown to 600+ people.

On Tuesday 26th April 1pm EST & 6pm UK time, NY based Producers and creative SPAs (self producing artists) are gathering to meet at Arts on Site at 12 St Marks Place, Manhattan hosted ‘on the ground’ by New York Producer, Writer & CGO alumna Megan Schadler. www.meganschadler.com Producers Pool’s Chris Grady www.chrisgrady.org/chris-grady is joining her while visiting the Big Apple taking in some shows. This NewYork hosted event is in association with US based organisation TRU (Theatre Resources Unlimited). 

This is not a Broadway meets West End gathering - it is more Fringe and Off-off-Broadway local, national and international discussion. If you are elsewhere in the World NOT in New York, this is where the hybrid comes in and able to join us, there is a Zoom presence is hosted from the UK by yours truly, Caron Lyon @pcmvcreative

Attendees on the ground are encouraged to bring laptops or mobile devices with headphones to enable the hybrid overlap to take place for part of the meet up.

All Producers Pool events are a great place to find partners and take an idea forward.

 So if you'd like to join me 'in the cloud' or Megan, Chris and the guys from TRU 'on the ground' grab ya tickets.

On the Ground (New York) TICKET paid in $$
https://buytickets.at/chrisgradyorg/684378

In the Cloud (via Zoom) TICKET paid in ££
https://buytickets.at/chrisgradyorg/684350

2021 wins - 2022 begins

12 Apps 2021

http://bit.ly/pcm12apps21-pdf

 

Dialogue with yourself is really important. Don’t you agree? Sharing opinions and aspirations for change are also important.

 

This time last year I wanted to tackle my bloggers guilt. Never posting enough, regularly enough. I never thought I could. 30 days to the end of January. 

 

I enjoyed the journey. Let’s do it again. I have used Typepad since I began blogging. I continued there in 2021 as it offered an easy path from pad to post. My pad being Apple’s Note app and posing via email to Typepad.

 

However, the internet visibility was depressingly poor. It’s reach was low. The disheartening truth is the lack of reach impacted my motivation. 

 

The sobering truth is that content in king, the algorithm is the wicked stepmother! I became Cinderella in my own story. I continued to post sporadically. Tangentially, but if I can continue the analogy, my DYCP (Develop Your Creative Practice) Arts Council funding success did provide me with a window of hope on reflection although it took until August. I did make it to the ball! Which makes my dyslexia support assistant my Fairy Godmother! The awesome Fiona Woof.

 

But in the Spring of 2021 I found myself asking, What makes social media work now? I’d spent years helping others understand that question. Spent years championing organic reach. The social media powers that be see no profit in organic reach so purchasing prowess or hard slog audience development are the paths. One takes a lot of money and the other a lot of time!

 

For audience development without money requires a lot of strategic engagement and demands presence especially when authenticity is importance. 

 

I decided to upgraded my platform understanding attending several LEP (local enterprise partnership) initiatives to get up to date on the What and How, fundamentals of Facebook Pages, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn with Paul Ince and attended informative, great workshops on Search Engine Optimisation and Google Analytics with Ian Lockwood.

 

As I knew, there is no silver bullet but I now feel I understand the platforms again. Understanding is not mastery however. There have been some new tools introduced and features especially around charity fundraising.

 

I was also fortunate to arrange a business 1-2-1 session though the Digital Growth Programme with Paul Ince also. This came at the start of September.

 

The Summer was transformative having received the news that my Arts Council DYCP application had been successful opening the door for my practice to garner my full attention from November starting with Chris Grady’s Diploma in Creative Producing.

 

What a year. Here we are about to embark on 2022. The perpetual cycle of the Earth around the sun is resolved and begins again. 

 

For the last few years I have compiled a 12 apps of Christmas article and 2021 adopted this ritual which acted as the beginning of my end of year concluding review.

 

Audience is important to me, you reading this is important as the point of presence between us.

 

I’d like to tell you about the 4 labels that help me manage my online interactions. Personal, Professional, Public and Private. Stuff singularly in that private category shouldn’t be online but there are elements on Facebook that are shared to endear a sense of confidence. Do I trust Facebook? No but the line is mediated to engender a sense of myself into my posts and interaction in the face of seeing so few people in the flesh very regularly even more so since Covid. I do have a private life as should everyone and know it’s boundaries. My blogging and writing online falls in to a journaling vein. It is very much Personal right now with some venn-diagram intersection with Professional primarily and Public most certainly!

 

So to you whether you read this in 2021 on the cusp of 2022 or in the future when this becomes part of my legacy Happy New Year, Happy any year. Most of all find me. What am I doing, what are you doing?

 

Here is my annual 12 Apps for Christmas. I hope you find something new and something you take with you into 2022. http://bit.ly/pcm12apps21-pdf

 

If you are curious here is the long list. Some of these my become posts especially where there were several apps providing similar services.

 

• Geopedia / Nearest Wiki
• BeReal
• Duolingo
• FilmScanner Pro / Kodak Mobile Film Scanner
• Flight Radar
• Greenroom / Clubhouse / Twitter Spaces
• Hugo
• LetMeOut / Line Puzzel
• Forge of Empires
• London pavement Geology
• No Waste / OLIO / TooGoodToGo
• Charity Miles / PlayFit / Fiton
• Pollen / UV lens
• Stitch it / Tailor
• Crux - news app
• Padlet 
• Screen Light
• Speechify / NaturalReader 
• Primer Google Learning
• Iriun Cam
• Talking Scripts
• Headliner

 

In the 2021 12app there are opportunities to join me here are two I’d like you consider exploring. 

 

More on these in future posts I’m sure.

 

Please join my team CurtainRaisers on Charity Miles! Click here to join now. https://miles.app.link/ZwhfVrXHamb

 

To get more posts and opportunities to visit new horizons with me subscribe to my news & notices. In 2022 I’m using Revue which is a newsletter platform that connects directly to your Twitter profile.

 

Please Subscribe https://www.getrevue.co/profile/pcmcreative 

RezDay is … the day I gave birth to an icon.

When I stopped touring and re trained as a web person it was to start a family. For various reasons that was not to be. Workplace employer conflict meant I lost my job where I was hoping to get maternity and support beyond being freelance. That December in 2006 I discovered and decended in to SecondLife and my Avatar Katie Reve was rezzed for the first time on this day. Katie is now 15. Things don’t alway pan out as you intend but their legacy fuels your future. Is there such a thing as melancholy joy? 2021 has been a meditation on mindfulness and I am looking forward to reflecting on my year as it comes to a close.

I posted this on Facebook as I felt the day should be marked. If Dan and I had started a family it would have been then. Career pressure and being a women have been the greatest conflict of my life. I was never ready, never mature enough, never financially stables enough. New life comes with new life responsibilities. It’s not that I never wanted them I was I felt in the eyes of the world never enough.

I hope that has changed for women now between 25 and 35.

PIPA (Parents in Performing Arts) came to late for my life journey. I have aspirations as a carer for those Katie’s age now. 15 - 25 is the beginning and the place I hope I find my later years able to support.

More 2021 reflection through December.

Interesting to find myself at a crossroads again. Found this article from the following year after completing an entrepreneurial scholarship and am Internet Service Diploma through The IT Learning Centre.

It was the time in which I began to blog. Check out my posters coving my SecondLife earliest adventure. https://pcmcreative.wordpress.com/

Kicked by ‘the’ algorithm

There are so many. Algorithms not Kickings!

Media should be made for your audience. Content should be created for the consumer.

There is a change taking place in my soul and my life is transposing on November 1st. I find the world a discontinuity. I don’t really feel part of it. I try to find a way to be part of it but ultimately when I do follow the current wisdom the world shuts me down.

Can I be more explicit to provide a context? I do concede this is deeply digital and dare I say ‘a bit meta’ but ironically that concept is the prescient Big Bang in the social media universe right now, the dawning of the mainstreams attention being turned to the Metaverse! From LegendQuest to SecondLife this time should be mine.

Everything anticipated in virtuality and augmented space is staked in the recent announcement from Facebook externalising corporately as Meta.

I find myself on a chasm bank with no way across.

From a working class background with roots on London’s east end that moved to the midlands in the early 70’s. My parents were from London families tempted to the provinces lured by the new wave of council house estates.

So the kicking…
I haven’t made media for intentional public consumption in a while. I’ve been keeping my hand in and recently been attending some social media for business webinars funded my East Midlands Chamber.

I haven’t been pushing my output. I’ve been present but undemanding. Traffic was as I expected. I post the hits increase. This time I took an opportunity to livestream from Instagram after rediscovering IGLive and from Twitter. It was underwhelming to say the least. I did a couple of audio tweets too. All went no where! Silence. And the feeds changed taking away the conversations I was following as a member of audiences of creators I was tracking.

Well here it is. The mini vlog from the event I covered. It was a favour. I was hoping to at least add some views to their activities.

Any advice or insights welcome in regards to my cold shoulder experience and proverbial pistol whipping from the algorithms that is the social web.

Online Branch / EquitySRC21 Conference & an invite to the Brain Movie experience

OLB at EquitySRC21

This weekend is the union's annual conference. Not the usual ARC (Annual Reps Conference) the rules state that must take place in May, but an SRC (Special Reps Conference) following the rule that is in place should an ARC not be possible… errr Covid! Last year was the first SRC and that took place on Zoom last November. This year is a travel and turn up affair.

In previous years I have tried to infuse a digital component where I can. The Online Branch has had a presence at past conferences before representatives were invited. The Online Branch has officially been recognised as a Branch with reps invited since 2018.

Before that I attended conferences while elected to the Stage Management Committee and before that representing the Independent Theatre Arts Committee which emerged from the Small Scale Theatre Committee. My first conference was in 2007, I think! It’s been a while. I have seen substantial changes to the fabric of the union and how it’s developed and changed.

It’s been a glacial paced process!

What have I got planned for SRC, digitally for those not attending as a elected representative?

I will be hosting Zoom meet ups scheduled around my responsibilities to participate with the conference as an attendee, as your representative. There are 2 opportunities for this having looked at the time table and communicated with GuildHouse.

Saturday evening. (25th September) Film Night.

I’ll be arriving at the Conference centre which is conveniently the hotel mid-afternoon. While thinking about planning this activity I came across a ‘performance’ being streamed to Twitch.

 

The MOMENT is a brain controlled dystopian sci-fi film following three interlinking stories. Directed by artist and researcher Richard Ramchurn, it uses a Neurosky headset to detect EEG brain waves which will effect the edit, sound mix and narrative of a specially created movie.

There are over 18 billion narrative combinations of the film. Each screening is unique.

The MOMENT is screened in an intimate Mobile Cinema inside a converted caravan seating up to 6 audience members and one controller.

More info and art work from the film.

I'd very much like to share this experience with fellow members. It will be the third time I experience the piece. It’s a brain controlled film. Controlled by one brain and on this occasion the controller's being streamed. We will watch the film interpreted by their brain waves.

There will never be this version of this film seen again. (not generated live, the recording will be fixed)

Check out the first time I encountered the Brain Movie. It gives a little insight to how it works. It’s a perfect demonstration of a live streamed live-interaction of a produced on-demand creation that will be unique and seen this one time only.

Join Me - Opportunity 1 - Film night on Zoom (Open to all Equity members and Non members)

Its screening live on Twitch, Saturday evening from 8pm - 9pm UK time. I have a ticket. This will be screen-shared in Zoom. I will be in my hotel room having arrived for Equity's Sprecial Reps Conference on Sunday and Monday with any conference colleague who join me from the bar.

You can watch with us or watch the Twitch stream.

I encourage you to register a free pass or pay for a ticket >> EVENTBRITE LINK

This way you can engage with the Twitch chat as well as my Zoom chat which is only those joining me.

I will open the zoom call from 7.45 and keep it open until 9.15. The link to join will be posted in the Online Branch Loomio Group.

For Equity members and OLB members not in the Online Branch Loomio Group and non members for the Film night. Message me on Facebook, WhatsApp or DM me on Twitter if you'd like to join me, have any questions about audience satellite events or just join me for the SRC amplified ride. 

Open Space at SRC - Opportunity 2 (Equity Members ONLY)

The second opportunity is as part of the Open Space and Fringe session taking place as part of the conference on Monday 27th. I have been given the green light to host or attend with technology (to include you) an OpenSpace/Fringe session.

See page 9 - 12 in the conference guide [PDF LINK]

Would you like to take a subject already tabled or would you like to call a session relevant to the branch? I have to propose the session topic to the OpenSpace host Paul Valentine on Sunday night (26th September) at 7pm.

I've not had time to do a lot of planning and I apologies if you can’t attend or participate at such short notice. I run these remote access opportunities in order to demonstrate to Equity how remote access and hybrid engagement with branch members could be approached.

Any questions email [email protected] or message through Facebook or ideally for Online Branch members through the OLB Loomio Group. That and Twitter is where my social media senses will be pointed during conference.

Thanks for reading to the end.

Hope to see you on Saturday or Monday.

Beyond that news of the branch committee and a report back from SRC to follow.

Techbox - Testing Testing 1, 2, 3 - ft. Charlie Diamond Music

Soundcheck, well video projection check. I find I need a go-to YouTube video. In one video I can test screen-casting to a projector or LCD screen or HDMI link syncing, latency or delay. With a video that has good sound levels, I can set a level and know other levels will align.

This is an Artlli Enjoy 2 mini projector. It cost £100. Its included in the latest TechBox for a client. It's part of a hybrid media studio content creation solution that all packs up it into a box. In this case x3 clear stacking storage boxes. The primary purpose of this projector being included is to project the live digital audience into the venue in order for the audience or attendees on the ground to interact and see the cloud-based audience members. In my mind, everyone taking time to attend on the ground or from in the close is 'in-person'.

The video needs good visuals to push the motion response of the projectors internet connection. The audio need to be clean so I can evaluate the speaker responses in the space.

It has to be something I can listen to over and over a few times.

It’s an opportunity too. To share awesome. I’m often asked ‘Who’s this?’ I can tell them who, along with kindred insight not forgetting to get them to check out the YouTube channel and subscribe! This is the path and transactional high way of YouTube! 

The previous goto was Monster by Doddie Clarke. Coz I love it and can listen to it on loop.

Seeing a familiar piece of media that has been played on a variety of devices it useful because you know know what it should optimally sound and look like in an array of conditions.

So currently I'm using Charlie Diamond, Dancing Queen. And as I'm not in a venue for you to ask I am sharing it here. I case you are interested!

Trying something new here too. Embedding from Facebook and not from YouTube. Just to be trans-medium check out the reason why from the video post text accompanying the embedded video. I write and post this as much for my own curiosity to see its impact on the reach stats.

It's not about numbers it's about the audience. When reach was organic being topical and transparent was a requisite. Now you need to dance with the algorithm of whichever platform you want to build upon. 

Do you have a tech check tune? or a video to put your set up through its paces?

This was wirelessly screencasting from a Fusion5 Android tablet. 

Check out Charlie Diamond Music on Facebook. After all, this post is written to smile at the FB Algorithm, general some stats in order to devour the intel!

Be warned the funked downbeat is infectious in Dancing Queen it will follow you around in your head.

Would you like to hear more about the TechBox projects?

 

Edinburgh Fringe - Gather for iMelania

Gather… Melania is the next show in town. This was signposted for me by Imitating The Dog who as a theatre company Explore the boundaries between theatre and technology. A recommendation from these guys certainly got my attention.

 

I, Melania is part of @Summerhallery festival and totally brilliant from @paulavarjack & @ChuckBlueLowry https://t.co/tM3uBLnncT

— imitating the dog (@ImitatingtheDog) August 21, 2021

Edinburgh Fringe LIVE(streamed) from New York City - Planet of the Grapes

Planet of the Grapes - A retelling of the film classic Planet of the Apes. Yes! Following on for my Twitter request for shows. (Blog Post PT1) Planet of the Grapes performer Peter Michael Marino https://twitter.com/blackoutpete signposted his show to me. It was akin to walking down the Edinburgh Royal Mile picking up leaflets for shows to select.

It's not about finding shows, the annual fringe program is jammed packed. What to chose? picking up a flyer is a way to narrow the field. Yesterday's tweet did just that.

“Planet of the Grapes - Live from NYC” pic.twitter.com/ZSIFGLuSLN

— Peter Michael Marino (@blackoutpete) August 21, 2021

Live digital theatre with an after-show chit chat. It was a delight to go backstage and meet Peter. Get a guided tour of the stage to see behind the scenes, as well glimpse into the performers green room! Such magnetic personalities ;)

Corking performances, Grape acting… and wonderful imagination. A treat for those who are well versed in the original film and a few treats for those who have read the book.

I loved the pre-show arrival with live mini ghost light with the Livestream scrolling ticker and audience noise. The mini interval was complete with a grape pianist. It was digital bijou. I loved it. It had for me the spirit of fringe in buckets. The close-up and personal of the tabletop stage leaning well into the digital medium where you’d not get that view in a physical venue. It made me want to see puppet theatre again.

Peter is a master at playing with that sense of scale. It was wonderful.

Thank you Peter for sharing with me your process. Your aspirations for the future of the show and the 'what went to plan' and the 'things that didn’t' making the liveness so magical. And is a perfect example of digital theatre.

It started with a tweet

This morning I Tweeted... Recommendation for a digital theatre, online live performance or immersive #XR remote access experience to attend this weekend or next week, please. @CITheatre @ImitatingtheDog @KillTheCatCo Other digital innovating tweeters welcomed. #DYCP

Recommendation for an digital theatre, online live performance or immersive #XR remote access experience to attend this weekend or next week please. @CITheatre @ImitatingtheDog @KillTheCatCo Other digital innovating tweeters welcomed. #DYCP

— Caron (CJ) Lyon (@pcmcreative) August 21, 2021

First, stop https://electricmedway.co.uk/about/

I attended Chronic Insanity Theatre’s Puncture the Screen festival during the first week of my holiday on the Isle of Mull at the end of July. The holiday location is super remote. I love it. Attending a festival of super interest to me combining the 2. I loved it. A mixture of on-demand pieces, performance, workshops and live expert panels was just what I needed to truly be rested and reset for when I returned home.

This is my first Saturday home and I have vowed to make Saturdays culturally enriching. Seeing shows, reading books and checking out VR, XR and immersive experiences.

Replying to @pcmcreative

@ImitatingtheDog We have Means of Production on at  @ElectricMedway

and There’s Something Among Us on at @ththeatrespace at the moment :) plus loads of other work from throughout the year on our website.

We have Means of Production on at @ElectricMedway and There’s Something Among Us on at @ththeatrespace at the moment :) plus loads of other work from throughout the year on our website

— Chronic Insanity (@CITheatre) August 21, 2021

First show of the day. It feels like my own mini-festival! There’s Something Among Us by Chronic Insanity Theatre

https://electricmedway.co.uk/events-2021/means-of-production-by-chronic-insanity-theatre/

There is a commitment to a piece of digital theatre. It is not a piece of scrolled to content. Just as you actively attend a venue so your activity navigates to the digital theatre piece be live or on-demand. The holding page is the digital foyer. The copy on screen the programme. If it is a paid experience this is also the box office.

For my first piece, 4 factory workers in a split-screen setup a-la securing cam stacking where I was an observer asked to review the footage that led to an incident.

“Based on the conditions in a number of smartphone factories around the world, Means of Production blurs the line between digital theatre and found footage, asking questions about corporate behemoths, global supply chains, and the murky ethics behind the 21st century’s need for new technology.”

A poignant monologue to the camera makes this most certainly theatre. Conscious of its 4th wall and in a suitably digital setting used that device to share its message.

At Chronic Insanity’s Puncture the Screen Festival https://bit.ly/citheatre-pts a platform Glitch.me was used to deliver the interactive story THE NEXT BEST THING by Emily Holyoake. Here it is again. As I emirs myself in the audience experience of immersive theatre, immersive performance and extended experience its platforms, access and set up expectations on the audience member are of deep interest as I contemplate this especial as part of my own practice since being awarded a CYPD grant from the Arts Council to develop my own immersive extended experience work.

Below the 2D digital experience was this

My first multi-screen extended digital theatre experience.

https://meansofproduction.glitch.me/

Following the prompts to configure 4 devised and place them at cardinal points around me East, South, West and North as the primary device the split-screen security monitor stacked surveillance footage surrounded me.

How here is the experience bearing in mind it was my first time and you will have your first time with these kinds of experiences. I would have needed a 3 set up to get it working seamlessly and I’d seen the 2D performance and enjoyed it. Not wanting to make the attendance of the performance about the fumbling with my tech I let it go. I know there will be another opportunity perhaps even from Chronic Insanity. I love this frontier.

So… I confess I struggled to get set up after 2 attempts. The simple instruction was perhaps a little too simple and wasn’t entirely clear to me. I worked it out. I decided to save the figuring it out for the next piece offering this extended experience.

My issues?

1. The extending devices being my iMac, two iPads and my iPhone the control screen landing pages were not responsive so they didn’t fit on my devices. I fumbled to get the buttons. iPads OK, iMac no probs, iPhone no responsive adaptation problematic. Next time I will use a second laptop. Once the piece began the video sizing was fine.
2. The primary device buffered making the sync affecting the other 3 devised which worked great. I wonder is that may have been my wifi as I wasn’t on a hard wire.
3. There wasn’t a single audio feed and as I was listening on headphones I couldn’t get audio from 4 devices into one set of headphones.
4. The first time round I didn’t see the room code generated for me.

 

From my Tweet, I had several recommendations.

A second suggestion from Chronic Insanity Theatre “Something Among Us” on at @ththeatrespace

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/chronicinsanity/483337

‘HEAR. SPEAK. SEE.’ a new immersive, digital drama by an all-female absurdist theatre company from EXPiAL ATROCiOUS @ExpiAtro An #EdFringe digital, on-demand and filmed in first-person POV (point of view) show.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/hear-speak-see

Hello! Our #EdFringe show is digital, onDemand and filmed in first-person POV. If you fancy it, it’s available to watch any time of day until 30th August!

Trailer and ticket link below: https://t.co/163iym0h5u

— EXPiAL ATROCiOUS (@ExpiAtro) August 21, 2021

A dance piece "The Story of the Tower" with chroma-key tech and projection-mapping originally streamed live from Tokyo during the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games which was on-demand at the Edinburgh Fringe shared by @comitu

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/story-of-the-tower

We have a dance with chroma-key tech and projection-mapping.🙌
This was streamed live from Tokyo during the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Now it's available on demand!⏩https://t.co/gmBHYlWoot
We hope you enjoy it! Have a nice weekend😊https://t.co/fqKFJrXfMY

— 平井光子 (@comitu) August 21, 2021

and from Imitating The Dog “I, Melania” on the program of @Summerhallery festival (Summerhall, a vibrant cultural village in the heart of Edinburgh. A place where things happen, all kinds of interesting, wonderful and downright inspiring things.) and I quote “totally brilliant” from @paulavarjack & @ChuckBlueLowry

I, Melania is part of @Summerhallery festival and totally brilliant from @paulavarjack & @ChuckBlueLowry https://t.co/tM3uBLnncT

— imitating the dog (@ImitatingtheDog) August 21, 2021

An extension to the Edinburgh Fringe it seems. I love the EdFringe.

I, Melina being a live experience next showing on Tuesday 24 Aug at 7:30 PM - 8:30 pm taking place in GatherTown. How cool is that!

https://www.summerhall.co.uk/sh-event/imelania/2021-08-24/

So it looks like I’m off to Edinburgh with my consciousness if not my physical body.

I, Melina next Tuesday. Anyone want to join me after in a PCM video chat room let me know. Happy to accommodate the ‘in the bar’ experience!

Chronic Insanity Theatre “Something Among Us” programmed at Thornhill Theatre Space 𝘈 𝘋𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘦 

My request for digital shows took me on a wonderful trip. Before covid I struggled to locate digital work I knew it was out there but I couldn’t find it. Now it’s like the Edinburgh Fringe every day! Overwhelm Overload excess of choice, a digital kid in a virtual candy store!

The final recommendation of the day is another EdFringe  - PLANET OF THE GRAPES - LIVE FROM NYC is a programmed live event tomorrow.

https://www.planetgrapeshow.com/

6 shows.

There is a world of digital wonder out there. So much digital augmenting talent.

TechBox - What’s in my techbox.

This is an actual question I get asked. On my Treshnish retreat it was the one post I definately wanted to write. It has been the hardest. Why? Because I didn't want it to just be a list.

Capturing content is just the first step. The next is to establish a workflow to produce content, The next is the creative spark followed by the skill to edit and compose in a compelly way to reach the point of publication.

So I have a long list. I wanted it to be comprehensive including EVERYTHING!

Its easy to layout the devices but media making is not that aesthetically pleasing. Behind the scenes are cables, batteries, back ups, power supplies, extention cables and software.

The software and apps facilitate creativing.

This is the topography of my personal media kit. It’s from this I develop and compile tech boxes based on client needs by knowing my needs for streaming, production or capture and the technology insights of what’s on the market at various price points to make solutions for all budgets possible.

From the bottom right… Stage Left

Primary Mobile Phone iPhone 8 (not show, used to take photo!)

⁃ Lightening cable
Primary iPad 2018
⁃ Lightening cable
iPad stylus pencil
⁃ USBc charging cable
Primary headphones (Audio-Technica ATH-FC700)
⁃ 2.5mm jack cable ext
⁃ 2.5 - 1/4" jack adapter
Apple in ear headphones
Ospey Mifi x15 devices wifi hub
⁃ Unused sim card
Mini projector (audience / Isadora monitoring screen)
⁃ Power supply
⁃ Remote + x2 AAA regargable Batteries
⁃ Mounting clamp
⁃ HDMI cable with apple display port adapter
Livescribe 3 Smartpen
⁃ Folio Case
⁃ A5 Notebook
A5 Paper Notebook
⁃ Pen
1TB External HardDrive

Bluetooth Mouse
⁃ AA rechargable battery
Joby mini tripod
⁃ tripod mobile phone clamp
3m lightening cable
USB charging plug
Body Camera (Boblov dv007)
⁃ Micro SD card
⁃ SD card adapter
Webcam - Logitech C922

Down Stage Centre!
MacBookPro
Asus i7 Windows Laptop
SamsonGO mic
⁃ Lightning to USB socket adapter (for iPad or iPhone)
AltecLansing - wired external speaker
⁃ x3 AAA rechargable batteries
⁃ 2.5mm jack ext cable
AvesAqua - Bluetooth Conferencing Speaker
⁃ Mini USB charging cable
iPad bluetooth keyboard
Point & Shoot HD Koday zi12 still & video camera
⁃ x2 charged spare batteries
⁃ Spare SD card
⁃ Battery charing station
⁃ micro USB to USB power / data cable
Bluetooth wireless Microphone (Sony ECM-AW3)
⁃ in-ear piece for monitoring
PowerGorrilla
⁃ USB power boost adapter
⁃ iPhone charging cable
⁃ Air / Cabin / Car socket adapter for multi voltage devises)
⁃ MagPower cord to Air / Cabin / Car plug

Up Stage Centre Right (moving down)

MacBook power supply / charging cable
Asus Laptop power supply / charging cable
PowerGorrila charging power supply

x2 MultiTools (unbranded)
⁃ pliers
⁃ wire stripper
⁃ blade
⁃ picks / levers
Contact (business card) Inked Stamp

iPhone 6 (Secondary wifi camera)
x2 Pasta MugShot (food is food missed!)
Bluetooth Headphones
Hooked mini bungie cord
Prop makers wire
Sharpie Marker
Plastic cable ties

Monitor mirror (for non flip out display devises)
Tripod screw mount selfie stick

Mini tool kit (Pink Box)
⁃ Craft knife
⁃ Allen Keys
⁃ micro head flat and Phillips head screw drivers
⁃ Flat head screwdriver
⁃ Safety Pins
⁃ Multi head ratchet screwdriver and bits
⁃ Tape Measure
⁃ Bottle Opener
⁃ Needlenose Pliers

Velcro cable ties
x2 USB flexible keyboard lights
Black Gaffa Tape
x2 rolls of LX (electrical) / spike marker tape
Bulldog Clip

ZXspectrum Pencil Case
⁃ Bank access code generator
⁃ Battery Charger
⁃ Micro USB power cable
x4 AA rechargable batteries (charged spares)
x6 AAA regargable batteries (charged spares)

Canvas text pring bag
⁃ Micro SD card - USB adapter (for Body Cam)
⁃ Micro USB charging cable (for Body Cam)
⁃ Lens Cloth (for Body Cam)

Down Stage Right

Black zipped storage case
Black mesh front storage bag

International plug block with x2 USB sockets
x6 13amp power socket bar

The box and the mobile functionality.

This TechBox has been evolved around a minimalist budget with media creativity at its core. Coming away and doing this post displays the essentials. The TechBox commissions include everything including the box or suitable container for all the tech. The cables, all labelled. The cases and storage bags. The manuals and configuration set ups get detailed for commissioned boxes too. This is a blogging and attendance set up. While I’ve been away I’ve been attending Webinars are zoom catch ups. Clear video and good audio. Video editing and learning. Comfort set with the folding table or folded to enable standing desk.

Explorer Case 5122
Lavolta folding table/ standing desk

So here it is.