WORKING THROUGH
MARLEAU : Yes , we did actually . In the early days , I never thought as a business owner that I would have to think about having zero revenue for five or six months or even a year … So , we had to try to come up with a way to diversify a little bit and come up with some sort of solution .
We focused on UV sterilization products . Basically , the reason we went down that path is pretty straightforward . It ’ s lighting technology , so something we ’ re already familiar with , and then we started , basically , sterilizing systems or spaces and that kind of thing . It ’ s the same photometrics and the same knowledge of typical lighting design ; you ’ re just applying it to do the disinfection of space . So , that for us was a little bit of a pivot .
STANNERS : For the shows that are not only streamed but also in need of rehearsal time and will allow a small crowd , we ’ ve spent some time doing research , finding partners , and including approved cleaning services and safety officers for all of our events . Since we usually manage the whole production , we find it easier to add this to our list of tasks and keep the client ’ s mind at ease !
PL & P : When it comes to recent projects you ’ ve been working on , how has the execution differed from how it would ’ ve been pre-pandemic ?
FLYNN : Solotech put in place a very structured continuity plan , which frames the way our teams now operate with the new constraints and regulations . Among the changes , we have seen more time allocated in the schedule for load-ins and technical tasks , mask use becoming compulsory , less rotation of staff , and creating bubbles to limit exposure .
HENDRICKSON : You have to allow more time because , typically , people are a little slower to react on things because of – for lack of a better term – the “ scare factor .” You know , who ’ s going to do be there and what ’ s involved ? Is there a place to sanitize ? Has this been okayed by the government ? What ’ s the protocol ? So , a lot of time gets spent talking about that and going through those procedures .
Once the kids all get back to school , that ’ s going to be the barometer of how these next 90 to 120 days will go . I just left a meeting on that topic . You know , there ’ s some projects scheduled for October , November , or December where nothing is happening yet because they don ’ t know what the lay of the land will be ; nobody wants to commit to anything until they have a definitive line of where we can go and can ’ t go .
MARLEAU : For a recent job , we ended up with 10 guys having to work two different sites . We basically had to totally rethink our PPE and provide people with masks , have hand sanitizing stations , take breaks often , and then offer fresh masks to everybody , and we just went through this whole new protocol . We ended up having to add more crew because we knew that trying to lift heavy fixtures and do all that stuff with a mask strapped to your face might not be the most convenient or the most effective way to do work you need to do .
VEY : Like many other businesses , we have adopted a contact-less pick up and drop off for equipment . Equipment is gone over and disinfectant is used before anything is placed back in the warehouse . Our walk-in retail sales are now by appointment only while we maintain a single staff member at the main office and others work from home .
PL & P : Based on your own recent experience and in talking to colleagues , what lessons have you learned about how to best design , plan , and execute projects during the pandemic ?
FLYNN : Teamwork and good communication are the key . A really good example is how Solotech provided two duplicate systems to the NHL in Toronto and Edmonton . All preproduction and operational meetings were held over Zoom , meaning everybody could work from home . Throughout the project , all the information was stored in Dropbox , making conversations and quick decisions across four time zones effortless and continuously updated . Logistically , it made sense to prep the systems in [ our shops in ] Montreal and DeKalb , IL , but to minimize the movement of crew , we had one crew chief lead both preps with one of them being done remotely . We definitely felt this remote model worked and could be used again while border restrictions and other limitations are in place .
MARLEAU : It ’ s really funny because our clients are all waiting for somebody to come up with a solution . I think this is where , as a company , you have to become a leader and be able to go to your clients and show them that you have a method , that you are safe , that you are going to approach things in a matter that makes sense for their brand or their way of doing things … So , the only way for us to be successful is to try to remove that fear and actually come with an educated plan for the client and just go , “ Listen , this is how we ’ re going to protect your guests and staff ” and all of that . I find that when we ’ re having these conversations , it really changes the way people think about things and suddenly people are able to be creative again …
I think there ’ s lots of opportunity out there , if only we can get our clients comfortable with the idea . Like , after doing our
32 | Fall
2020