If you’re planning a career in video you can get great tips from this interview on how to go after your dream.
I worked with Joey at Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles last summer when I was interning as a stage manager as part of their production team. Levitt Pavilion is an outdoor stage in MacArthur Park in the Westlake area of LA, 10 blocks away from downtown. Because it’s a public park the equipment and gear cannot be left on stage at all times.
In addition to building and striking the stage together every day, we worked in cooperation during the shows, Joey at FOH (front of house) and me backstage and on stage. We were in contact through a walkie talkie about cueing video and the performers before and during the show.
Joey is hardworking, humble, and takes pride in his work to deliver great live music experiences for performers and the audience. He’s always ready to share his knowledge about anything related to video and I was privileged to learn a lot from him. I never would have imagined being able to build and tear down an entire LED wall that consists of hundreds of pieces but with his guidance and expertise, I learned how to do it.
This is Joey’s story.
Hi Joey! Please tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do at Levitt.
I’m the Video Technician here at Levitt Pavilion. I operate and curate the content for all the bands and camerawork. That’s pretty much my attire and abilities. I do a lot more but that’s all for the fun of it.
What have you done before and how did you end up working at Levitt?
Actually, the company bought an LED wall and they needed somebody to operate it. So they offered me the position. I just kind of fell into it, to be honest.
I was doing pest control before this so that was a complete change. But I have always been involved in technology and music. I’ve been in a couple of bands so I’ve always been keeping an eye on it. And then, they offered me the position, I took it and I just went from there.
What’s the best thing about your work?
The freedom. I get to do what I love without having the overbearing corporate office feel. It’s nice to be outside!
What’s the biggest challenge in your work?
Managing emotions. Being patient.
What would you like to say to a newbie who wants to work as a Video Technician?
I’ve learned most of my knowledge from first hand experience so try to get into a venue or tech company so you can learn the equipment. For the software I mostly learned online! They now offer full courses at ridiculous prices for training in GrandMA Lighting, Resolume, Ableton, ProTools and most mainstream software.
Look up your favorite artist and musicians to draw inspiration on what you want to do, and your training should take you there. Get inspired and don’t get JADED!
Feel free to promote yourself and your services, how people can find you on social media, etc.
I have my Instagram, you can check out my stuff. More than that, you can contact me about music videos, making visuals, camerawork, any type of thing video. I’m also here for questions. You can reach me by email at primus0909@gmail.com.
More interviews with the Levitt crew:
- Interview with Allegra Padilla, Director of Community Relations & Partnerships
- Interview with Blu Valdivia, Security Lead
- Interview with Jenny Nunfio, Maintenance Coordinator
Wanna read more interviews with live music professionals? Click here
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