Columbus

Flew back to Columbus yesterday.
Was a quick turn around back to reality!

Today I had my “Red White & Boom” set day in downtown Columbus.

Red, White & Boom is the annual fireworks show in Columbus on July 3rd. It has been televised on the local NBC affiliate for many years now.

This is my 3rd year working on this project. I typically begin working on it in April and it builds up to these final days.

This project is very stressful for me, however, it also has become one of my most favorite! It brings me back to my “roots” – TV News and ultimately, Lyon Video. Without either I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Today – the area where “Boom Central” is set up looks like any other day for the area behind COSI.


But as the day progresses, so does the set up.


Here is a photo of one of my all-time favorite EIC’s… “Murdock”
(EIC = Engineer in Charge; the technician who runs the TV truck, repairs it, etc)


He has been a staple in my freelance career as I believe he was there on my first ever gig down at Ohio University.

Murdock is one of the best out there. He lives, breathes, and loves our industry.
He believes in me and that is something that is hard to find in our world.

Something about the life of a freelancer is whose number you have in your cell phone. When you have a problem with gear or a program, you rely on those friends and clients who can help you out in a pinch….. I always answer when Murdock calls…. And he does the same for me.

You bring him (or any EIC for that matter) a bucket of Starbucks coffee once in a while, and they know you care & appreciate them.

The EIC and E2 [ or maintenance person] (the EIC’s assistant) are the 2 most important and 2 most abused people on any show. They get nothing but complaints on what is NOT working,… never compliments on what IS working. And when you take step back and look at all a TV trick is –it’s amazing that it even can drive down the interstate, let alone put on a telecast!

On this show – there was also Doug – he is a genius in the making! Yes, he is a Full Sail grad, so there is some bias – but truly – he is a local Ohio boy and just ROCKS! There is no problem that he can not solve!

I met him while he was working at Nationwide Arena – and from there, he has become a legend!