The Power of Industry Collectives with Roland Greil and shannon-gobell
This in-depth interview explores the world of live event production, focusing on the power of collectives, rapid project execution, and iconic projects like the Grand Egyptian Museum. Industry leaders share insights on collaboration, technology, and the future of entertainment technology.
EPISODE 351
In this episode we’re joined by two of the live event industry’s most respected creative and technical minds — Roland Greil and Shannon Gobell.
Roland is an internationally acclaimed lighting and production designer whose work spans artists like Adele, Phil Collins, The Rolling Stones, Genesis, and Rammstein, along with global events including the Eurovision Song Contest and the AFC Asian Cup Opening Ceremony.
Joining him is Shannon Gobell, a world-class technical director and production leader whose career includes FIFA World Cup projects, massive stadium ceremonies, and some of the most complex live productions happening anywhere in the world today.
Together, through the 360 Degree Collective, they’re redefining what holistic production design and execution can look like on a global scale.
This episode is brought to you by ETC and Inner Circle Distribution
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests
07:46 Early Careers in the Industry
10:47 Transitioning to Major Events
15:49 Challenges of Large-Scale Productions
18:49 The Impact of COVID-19 on Event Planning
21:51 Efficiency in Production Workflows
24:54 The Role of Technology in Modern Events
27:46 The Importance of Pre-Visualization
30:56 Collaboration and Team Dynamics
33:39 Conclusion and Future Outlook
34:34 The Importance of People in Production
36:54 Collaboration and Ecosystem in Events
43:16 Understanding the Collective Model
43:53 Creating a Non-Exclusive Workspace
54:46 Diversity and Cultural Influence in Production
56:35 Challenges of Short Notice Events
01:03:48 The Grand Egyptian Museum Show
01:06:47 Theatrical Lighting Design and Technology
01:08:15 Challenges of Large-Scale Productions
01:10:29 Complexities of Show Design and Execution
01:13:19 Pre-Production and Collaboration
01:16:59 Future Projects and Industry Trends
01:19:16 Team Assembly and Project Management
01:21:16 Sustainability in Production
01:25:04 The Essence of Collaboration
01:26:32 Reflections on Industry Relationships
01:29:11 Introduction to Coffee Cult and Crew Support
01:30:51 Geezers Outro Video.mp4
Co Founder / Principal Designer
After leaving school, in Bavaria Roland slowly learned the mechanics and politics of the music touring industry by lighting club bands in Germany and Austria.
From those humble beginnings in Bavaria, Roland can be found today working with some of the most successful in the world of music. Artists like; Adele, Phil Collins and The Rolling Stones. Most recently Roland has been responsible for the co-lighting design of the current Rammstein stadium tour, Genesis’s Last Domino tour, as well as major events like the Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo 2025 or the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Asian Cup in Doha. Beside his work in the concert and touring industry, Roland has designed and worked for television productions such as the “Eurovision Song Contest“, the biggest televised music show in the world. His resume also includes corporate and theatrical productions, as well as an impressive series of major events. His designing of shows extends into the areas of programming, planning and working as tour lighting director.
A professional, radically creative, and innovative way of thinking, are trademarks of his multiply award nominated work. An overall holistic approach is a prerequisite to any and all of Roland’s production design work, being an out growth of his over two decades of experience with media servers and integration of the worlds of video and lighting design.
In 2023 Roland has co-founded the 360 Degree Collective together with a group of the most experienced professionals from different sectors in the industry, to cater the ever …Read More
