You might want to explore hiring what we call a "tech manager", in Canada they are called "TP'" or "tech producers". That person could assist you in site surveys, figuring how long the crew calls should be and any technical needs. The truck company should have someone, either staff or freelance, who can help you with some of the planning.

Hi, Thank you for the above posts. More information is below. The unit will be SD. Cameras: 8 and VTRs: 2. Do OB companies supply camera cable? As said before - I haven't done this before. More cable will probably be necessary (quite a distance from the stage to the OB unit). I will be crewing the event. What crew members will the OB unti provide as standard? A driver and rigger? The music performance will last one day (3 hours). Day 1: set up. Typically, how long does it take to set everything up? I am allowing 3 hours - is this long enough? We will then rehearse for six hours and crew will be sent away. Day 2: technical meeting, and scripts finalised (1 hour). 3 hour rehearsal time and 3 hours for the event. 3 hours tear down. Are there such people as engineers who solely come on the event to set-up and tear down? I am unsure of how many to employ. I am sorry if I am not being specific, but I only have little knowledge of this and I am not in the position of hiring someone quite yet to arrange this. I want to gather as much information as possible before approaching companies - I am afraid they will not take me seriously if I approach them with little knowledge. I have looked at the Visions OB website and they do look a good company to use; thank you for the information. I'd be grateful for any advice, particularly on an estimated cost. Kind regards, CI.

One of the compaines that comes to mind and I have worked with is VISIONS .... they are owned by NEP and based near Heathrow. I have been to their plant and they have a nice facility and plenty of OB units to meet your needs -- Sony and mostiy Kalypso switchers that can handle multi format. It's best to contact them directly and see if they can meets your needs. They will always bid for the work you are offering then you can compare if you have another company you might have in mind. Here is a link to their web site:

In the US few of us are involved in the hiring of the trucks. We may be asked what equipment we want to use or our opinion of a truck. Several things that can cause the cost to vary: Are you looking for an SD or HD truck? Number of cameras and or VTRs. Do you need specialty lens? Will the truck company need to supply more cable then what they normally carry on the unit. Are you or another company crewing the show, or will you require the truck company to hire the crew? Typically, there are costs for that. You mention a two day event, does that include a set up day or is day one a set up and work day, day two work and tear down? The truck companies might charge you overtime for long days. Before you start calling, check to see if there are any major events going on in the country. If the F1 Grand Prix or Wimbledon is going on at the same time the larger units might be busy.