Photo by Matthew Stoneback eddysound.com
If you follow us on social media, you've probably seen some of the amazing photos and videos from our friends at Eddy Sound. We reached out to them to learn more about what they've been up to in the last couple of months.
Photo by Matthew Stoneback eddysound.com
What is Eddy Sound, and what do you normally do (pre-COVID-19)?
Pre-COVID-19, Eddy Sound was a full service event production company based in Colorado, but we traveled the U.S. when called upon. We worked in concert production, corporate events, as well as in the non-profit and faith-based arenas. We also worked under the DBA of Rokbox Events. Rokbox focused on elevating high school events with our production expertise to make them surpass anything a "normal" DJ could provide. We pride ourselves on our diverse inventory; sound, lighting, special FXs (lasers!), and staging... a one stop shop or at least we try to be.
As long as we weather the pandemic, we look forward to returning to all of these areas of work as events return. (Note: Recently we've been doing some socially distanced corporate work as well as continuing to work with our faith-based clients.)
Where did the idea for the light lab come from?
In its infancy, the Lighting Lab was a way for our lighting designers, programmers, and event technicians to have a hands-on experience with the various equipment owned by Eddy Sound. It was originally designed for internal use only - testing of equipment, troubleshooting issues, training on programming methods, and a space to demo equipment from manufactures we were considering to purchase. Using pre-visualization software is amazing, but we found the excitement and joy of hands-on experiences was integral to our team’s development.
In August of 2019 we moved into our current location. With that move, the lighting lab jumped substantially in capacity, morphing to its current size in January of 2020. We had a record setting number of shows booked and the lighting lab was a place we could prep for them. The lab was scheduled to be dismantled in April of 2020 so the equipment could go out on the road; off to serve our many clients. On March 13, 2020 everything changed. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the live event industry. We essentially lost 56 shows in 2 days as large gatherings were banned throughout much of the United States. To say we were stunned is an understatement. Many people “pivoted,” we like to say we innovated.
Photos by Russell Kilmas lightandlense.com at eddysound.com
What have you been using the light lab for?
Initially? Time codes. From there we fell into some photoshoots. Since the first ones went well, we've continued to pursue photographers and models to use the space. Since we have access to a world class light painter here in Colorado Springs, we've done a lot in that arena (to include light painting different cars/vehicles). We've also branched into videography as well. We've had approximately 15 music videos filmed and released to date. We've also filmed multiple dance routines, an aerialist routine, and some more corporate like videos. Also, there has been a decent amount of behind the scenes videos produced while the various creatives make use of the space. If we can imagine it in the space (and it makes sense for the people involved... a.k.a. a good product can be delivered) we're down to do it.
Some of these uses are paid (we have rental rates for the space) but many are curated by myself or trusted creative professionals to produce content from the space. It has always seemed better to do something creative and invigorating than sitting around and being depressed about the state of the industry/business. Due to the innovation, I would say we are thriving (or at least doing the best we can) based on the cards that have been dealt to us. Of course we are still hurting financially, but who isn't in the event industry at this time.
Anything that has surprised you with the light lab? (like the Tesla shoot! or anything else we may not have seen yet)
Probably the biggest thing I've realized (not really surprised) is how many amazing creatives there are in Colorado. From those creatives, we've had connections made with a handful of notable individuals from out of state. The connection building has been phenomenal. I've also come to realize that a space like ours is not easily found. Sure, there are quite a few amazing studios in Colorado, but none that can provide the wealth of production level equipment we have. From lighting, lasers, special fxs, and a kicking sound system; you just can't find that in Colorado (definitely not for the prices we offer it at which includes some pretty fantastic customer service IMO). The single biggest draw (or WOW factor) in my opinion? Lasers. No one can get over the lasers and we're proud to be the location that is using them in the ways that we are. From the moment we turn them on, our clients are blown away. There is a beauty to lasers that many people never get to experience (especially in such an intimate way as we're able to do in the lighting lab). So the surprise? Not realizing how special of a creative space we would be able to create and offer to others.
Photo by Russell Kilmas lightandlense.com at eddysound.com
Anything else you'd want people to know about the light lab, or about Eddy Sound in general?
First and foremost, the location is available to rent. Just contact us through the website contact form and we'll respond. Probably more importantly... I (Eddy Sound) desire to be creative. We want to create cool things and to do so, we need help from other people that excel in areas that we might not. I am constantly talking about "curating" projects. If people have cool project ideas that we can get on board with, we will (and for little or no $). The key is finding a synergy with other creatives and then putting in the work. I actually wish more people would pitch their ideas to me. You never know, I might be down to play. I am just looking for individuals who put out quality content; if they do that and work hard, I'm on board.
Photo by Russell Kilmas lightandlense.com at eddysound.com
Last thought... it is extremely hard to give away things for free. Even when we try to collaborate with people, many times they do not respond or even acknowledge our message. It seems like the less "qualified" people are all over coming in for free, but what is created might not be at the highest level. Due to this, I've had to learn to go through a lot of "no's" to get to the yeses. I just wish I could talk to a lot of other event industry people and explain to them how to thrive... definitely not get rich during this pandemic, but how to thrive, how to collaborate, how to grow skill sets, how to create cool stuff. It amazes me how many people are just sitting like a bump on a log not doing anything to be productive (other than complain) while the event industry is shut down.
Big thanks to Matthew Stoneback for answering our questions!
You can read more about Eddy Sound here https://eddysound.com/blog
Facebook/Instagram: @eddy.sound
Twitter: @EddySound
You can also follow Russell Klimas lightandlense.com
Facebook: @LightandLense
Instagram @lightnlense
Twitter @LenseLight
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