Automation
Automation Historical Project:
In the fall of 2019, I (with the guidance and mentorship of Daniel Hoffman) began a project to compile a fleshed out and detailed record of the modern history of automation in the entertainment industry.
This project introduced me to some of the most interesting people I have ever met in the business. I spoke to people at the top, the bottom, and every role in between to acquire as much information as possible.
Not only did I get to meet these people. But I got to hear about and learn their stories. I got to learn about what they loved about the industry and what they didnt, or why they were where they are, or the truth behind some massive rumors, etc. What I learned from them about automation only came equal to what they taught me about their experiences as whole. I was taken on a journey like a private eye in some film. I could watch the events my interviewees described unfold before my very own eyes.
What I learned about automation and its history can be found as part of the *working title* or you can contact me personally for more information.
But what I will tell you for free is that I learned how every single person has a story, and many of the people whos stories I never got to hear are no longer with us. That is a great tragedy, and only inspires me to further my efforts and learn/record as much as possible. I want to do my part to preserve as many of those stories as I can, as we all should, because they are all important and all deserve the respect and care we give the ones I was able to find!
Automation Internship (Production Resource Group) :
Duties Included:
Developing an understanding of the internal, mechanical and principle processes involved in the PRG Commander scenic automation system. The maintanence of existing automation systems and equipment, as well as the assembly, testing, and installation of new automation systems. This includes: the creation of automation cable and the assembly of new automation components at the mechanical level.
Special Tasks:
Responsible for the mechanical assembly, wiring fabrication, & software certification of 34 new variable speed effect chain motors to be used on the Frozen First National Tour. First intern to be trusted with completing software certifications. Also tasked with the troubleshooting/maintanence of the automation installation for Bat Out of Hell.
Projects Worked On:
Frozen National Tour - Assembled, Wired, and Certified (First intern to certify) new variable speed effect chain motors (Main Project)
Bat Out of Hell - Assembly of Automation Package in shop. Installation troubleshooting and maintanence. Programming assistance onsite
Madonna International Tour - Assembly and testing of automation package. Set electrics fabrication and programming
Slave Play - Assembly and testing of automation package
Toyota Car Show - Assembly and testing of automation package. Maintanence of Deck winches. Full scale in shop tests
