FutureTech Featuring Delicate Productions - Delicate Productions Past and Future

0:19 All right, welcome back to Geezers of Gear Future Tech Chris here, and I'm joined, as always by Lacey. Now today's a special one. We're pulling back the curtain on delicate productions, and honestly, it is one heck of a legacy, isn't it Lacey? Absolutely, Chris. And before we dive in, quick shout out. Geezers of Gear are proud to officially announce Delicate Productions as their newest podcast sponsor. Geezers of Gear host Marcel Fairbairn and podcast producer Sarah Burnie would like to say thank you to Chris Smother, Smythe, Stephen Vitale and Jodie Doggie for their support. I mean, could that be a more perfect fit? It's like peanut butter and jam. Or as we say in Britain, maybe scones and jam. Anyway, legend has it delicates founder Chris Smoother Smythe had just about the wildest path into this industry you could dream of.

1:11 Left school, joined the RAF, somehow wound up working for Pan Am. Then BAM makes a leap to become a roadie for Flash with 0 experience. That story blows my mind every time. Didn't he just kind of ask what if it was me and basically hopped on a flight? No real plan. Exactly. Straight into it. First gig at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Knew nothing, just absolute willingness to learn. And that started a journey through bands like Genesis, The Clash, Supertramp. Bit of trivia? The company's name, Delicate Productions, actually nods to Supertramp's Delicate Music. That's cool, didn't know that detail. What always stood out to me though is the culture. I remember my first delicate gig, NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum.

1:59 It was a sea of cables and trusses, sure, but honestly, the crew's energy electrifying, everyone, just flying, grinning, getting things done, It made a huge impact on me. There's that if you love what you do, success will follow mantra with smoother, right? And I think for anyone coming up in this field, it's a bit of a template. It's not only about technical brilliance, but that sense of camaraderie, learning from the best, all that passion wrapped up in live event madness. Yeah, and Delicate's done it all. Audio, lighting, video, total package from that first gig with The Clash to what they've become today. It's wild. But that's kind of your story too, isn't it, Chris?

2:40 Well, not quite as rock'n'roll as smoother, though I've carried my share of flight cases in the rain, but you're spot on. It's about loving every minute, even when it's chaos. So Speaking of total package, delicate really is a one stop shop right? Audio, lighting, video rigging, production management, production design? What am I missing? That's about it. And it's not just covering the bases. They do it at the highest level. I mean look at the projects. Music Cares, the quail, bottle Rock, NASCAR, even the mocha art plus film gala. Those aren't run-of-the-mill events. Those are like hold my beer productions. I get tired just saying that list. But Chris, something else that stands out. In earlier decades, live event production was honestly the Wild West, right?

3:28 Oh, absolutely. In the 70s, artists, the band, everyone ran the show, crew, management. You kind of just muddled through the 80s. Suddenly management steps in, cracks the whip. By the 90's, the accountants show up. And now, let's be honest, lawyers have built offices in the truck pack. But it's true, we've lost a bit of that dangerous seat of your pants innovation At the same time we've gained safety accountability. It's much better for everyone's health and sanity, if maybe a bit less fun on paperwork. And you still get those behind the scenes mishaps though. Wasn't there that story about the Dire Straits Brothers in Arms tour? Oh yeah, that was a classic. I remember a lighting hiccup mid show, frantically swapping fuses and connectors.

4:15 But what's cool? Charles Herrington, who ran Lighting back then, is now over at Zenith. Funny how these relationships last decades in this business. Such a small world. I kind of love that everyone's paths keep crossing, even if it's sometimes over a blown cable or three. Fast forward to today and Delicate isn't just delicate anymore. They were now officially part of the Live Events network. So not just live events, productions as such, but a whole web of production expertise that's active production and design in Atlanta, Gemini LSV in Dallas, Zenith Lighting in Orlando, and then of course their sister company Pyrotechnico out East. Those are the fireworks and drone show folks. Coast to coast, end to end, it's all connected. Yeah, that's what blows my mind.

5:03 You've now got a network that can do everything like jaw-dropping fireworks, out of this world effects, drone, light shows, perfectly integrated audio and video, you name it. They're not just producing another show, they're crafting memories. Like actual moments that stick with you for life. And it's that partnership. Yeah. It turns an ordinary corporate dinner or festival into a spectacle. It's not about which company owns what. It's about blending all these incredible teams and talents. Makes RFPs way more interesting, I'll say that much. So, Chris, from your perspective, how do partnerships like this keep companies like Delicate on the cutting edge? Isn't there a risk you could lose your, I don't know, local identity? Good point.

5:47 I'd say it works because everyone brings a unique culture. Delicate has it's get it just right vibe. Pyrotechnico has fireworks in its DNA. Gemini's all about technical muscle. But when you combine them you get these event superpowers and innovation follows. Almost like you're bench pressing double what you could solo. Bit of a wonky analogy, sorry, but you get it. No, that's perfect. It's like, well, having access to every tool in the box, plus the people who know how to use them. It's why those network wide collaborations turn out so epic. All right, let's look ahead. Where's all this going? I mean, you can't throw a cable without hitting talk about augmented reality, virtual sets, AI running show, logistics behind the scenes. In a way, it feels like that spirit of if you love it, you'll learn it.

6:36 It's still alive, just with way fancier toys. Yeah, the gear geek in me loves this stuff, even if I have to Google DMX mapping every time. But it isn't just about new shiny things. It's, you know what's sustainable. Delicate really leans into eco friendly materials and energy efficient tech right? Spot on. They do. From the LED rigs to recycling scenic flats. They're thinking about the environmental footprints. I think it matters. Our industry can chew through resources, so setting a standard there, it's huge. And what about people Delicate seems keen on bringing up that next Gen. talent? All those mentoring moments, getting folks backstage hands on learning.

7:19 It's like Smoother said, follow your nose if you care and you're curious. You'll find your lane even if you start out hauling gear or, you know, making a pot of coffee badly. Classic rite of passage. But you're right, this industry still rewards those who roll up their sleeves, who never think they know it all, and who helped make each show better than the last. If that doesn't sound like a great future, I don't know what does. Couldn't agree more. And hey, for everyone listening, we hope this episode leaves you a bit inspired or at least less afraid of your next events crew call. You can check out Delicate's website www.delicate.com For more information. That's it from us for now, we'll be back soon.

8:00 More gear, more stories, maybe even a few more tales from the road. Laci always good chatting with you. Always a pleasure Chris. Thanks everyone. Until next time, keep your cables coiled and your ideas bright. Music to your ears. Hey, hey, hey. Let's go. New gear vibes, new tech jive gearheads unite. We keep it live.

8:41 Oh yeah, the Lunar's gear. The Lunar's gear. We got it here, Got it here.