On 1st February 2005, musician and budding entrepreneur, David Neil, established a niche crewing agency in Sydney to supply the local entertainment industry with a new standard of experienced, reliable and quality support staff.
Today Show Supportβ’οΈ is one of the largest and most recognised crewing brands in Australia. We have expanded over seven states and territories, with many prominent production companies utilising our skilled and licensed professionals on a daily basis to assist in the success of their events.
Over the years, large scale international touring shows and world renowned circuses have successfully partnered with Show Support and re-booked them on subsequent tours. In addition, several SHS Crew Members have been recruited to function as touring crew, both nationally and overseas. Many other local and international clients have taken advantage of Show Supportβs recruitment services. Wherever you look in the Australian entertainment industry, you will find Show Support crew, or ex-Show Supporters, working in a variety of key positions.
In 2017, Show Support is dedicated to working closely with our crew and clients to ensure the challenges associated with steady expansion are met and that the standards that have made Show Support the number one crewing company in Sydney are not only maintained, but upheld across the nation. Improvements are underway with the appointment of a new State Operations Manager in Victoria, revised training methods, plans for the formulation of industry and task-specific instructional videos and procedure manuals, as well as a renewed push for all Crew Members to be equipped with the SHS basic tool set on every gig.
In 2005 Show Support set a new benchmark for event support crew in Australia. Twelve years later we are set to raise the benchmark from our traditional strongholds to the entire nation.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
Each Show Supporter is required to carry a βshifterβ shifting spanner and a multitool on every gig.
A shifter and multitool such as a Leatherman or Gerber are the basic tools of the trade, required to bolt/unbolt truss among other tasks. A 19mm/24mm ratchet wrench, also known as a βpodgerβ, makes the job even easier.
These tools should be kept on person in the SHS waist pack or equivalent for the duration of each shift. Show Supporters reported by clients or senior crew as unable to produce these items on request without a valid excuse will not be viewed favourably. Contact supplies@showsupport.com.au to organise a podger.
VICTORIAβS NEW STATE OPERATIONS MANAGER
We welcome Maximillian Dessmann (pictured below left) to the appointment of Victorian State Operations Manager.
Max has been associated with Show Support since 2006, has a background in both sales and procurement management and previously operated his own production company. Both clients and crew in Melbourne will benefit from Maxβs hands on approach and client-focused directive as he takes to his new role within Show Support.
Over the coming weeks, Max will be meeting with all crew members on shifts and connecting with our clients with the goal of assisting Show Support towards reaching its full potential in the southern state.
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Meet August Papadimatos (pictured above right), the latest shining star in the annals of SHS legend. August became a Showie two and a half years ago and quickly became an integral member of the Sydney team. August works exclusively for SHS.
βI like working for Show Support due to the variety of different jobs and locations I get to see on a daily basis. The teamwork and team spirit is great and the fact that I can choose my own hours makes Show Support a great company to work for!β
Previously August has toured around the globe with live bands, mixing audio at many well-known concerts such as the metal festival βWackenβ in Germany. These days, though, he prefers being in the studio over live mixing.
βLive mixing really stifles my creative spirit, yeah, whereas the studio gives me creative freedom to explore and develop the sounds more imaginatively.β
August goes on to recall studio highlights like working alongside Mike Stavrou (Director of Air Studios in the U.K ) while mixing classical brass ensembles. August has also held the position of Studio Tech for Sony BMG whilst in Europe in 2008 and in 2009 was the audio live feed technician for broadcast channels Eurosport 2 and Eurosport HD.
From his home studio in Sydney, this valued Crew Member undertakes post production, editing, mixing and decoding for overseas artists and heavy metal bands. His skills are often in high demand although he likes to be selective as to which artists and bands he works with.
August holds a diploma in Audio Production and an Audio Engineering degree, for which he is currently studying his Masters.
MESSAGES FROM OPS
Show Support Ops provides both clients and crew 24hr round the clock support.
MR Truck license, Rigger & Scissor lift shifts are in high demand, SHS crew are advised to obtain license and tickets for these demands if possible.
Please note that correct notification of shift times via SMS to be sent into Ops in the following format: 1800 2300 for a shift between 6pm and 11pm, please note the absence of punctuation β:β.
If there has been a break on your shift then input your times as follows: 1800 2100 2130 2300. This indicates a break between 9pm and 9:30pm.
Crew are encouraged to use the Personal Manager to log off if needing to leave shift notes. Log on using your phone number and password here. Contact Ops if you require password assistance.
Keep track of your shifts easily by downloading the SHS crew app by clicking here on your smartphone.
MESSAGE FROM OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dear Show Support Crew Members,
Together we form the greatest crewing agency.
Our proud achievement has seen pay rates almost doubled for stagehands since our inception; a gift not only for those within our elite ranks, but for all stagehands in the nation.
Show Support commands the respect of the industry and the envy of other crews β¦ yet we dare not rest on our laurels.
We must pitch in and work harder than ever. We must honour the original Showies whose hard work, efficiency and initiative established our premium brand.
Difficult though it may be to rival their reputation, we must rise to the challenge and struggle to surpass those efforts that first catapulted SHS to international fame.
Experienced crew must continue to pass on knowledge and market-leading work ethic to the younger generation who, in turn, must step up and demonstrate they are worthy of the title “Show Supporter”.
Keep up the great work my beloved SHS Immortals, our National Operations Manager, Operations and Duty Managers, Administration and Supplies Managers, State Operations Managers, Field Managers, Senior Crew Chiefs, Crew Chiefs, Senior Crew Members and, last, but far from least, the flower of the Australian Entertainment Industry, the stalwart men and women whose presence invigorates the spirits of our revered clients; none other than the irrepressible Show Support Crew Members.
Kind Regards,
David Neil.
NEWS
From the front line and beyond β¦
The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience has been a successful touring exhibition in which Show Support have been an essential and valued partner of Imagination.
Excellent crews have been provided around the nation, even in challenging rural areas. Our client was so impressed with SHS staff that they have recruited key personnel to take on the road for the last twelve months. Some of the Crew Chiefs and senior crew who have been instrumental in the success of this amazing show have been:
Melbourne β Crew Chiefs: Ming Neal, Jasper Meagher and Ben Dewhurst. With the large cohort of Melbourne crew supported by a contingent of Tasmanian Showies, the Spirit of Anzac tour was off to a flying start.
Adelaide, Tamworth, Toowoomba, Mackay, Cairns and Townsville β John Moorehouse, Graeme Turnbull, Logan Spruce, Justin Crowe, Ben Gristwood and Matt Nesbitt provided leadership for local SHS crew in each area.
Brisbane β QLD State Ops Manager Stephen Voigt (pictured below) ably assisted the venture in his purview with the help of stand-out Crew Member, Luke Voigt.
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Port Augusta β Crew Chief: Tim Upward. SHS thanks Tim and Joshua Nichols for their exceptional efforts.
Perth and Eaton Recreation Centre β Crew Chiefs, Adrian Lindh and Sean Campion. Commendable Crew Members included Brydan Sturdy, Glenn Davisson and, again, Tim Upward who travelled from Adelaide to contribute to the job.
Kalgoorlie β Crew Chiefs: Adrian Lindh and Mark Bunnell. Notable crew included Kelvin Ball, Andrew Pengilley, Caitanya Gordon and Caleb Velickovic to whom SHS expresses gratitude.
Geelong β Crew Chiefs Jason Ofaolain and William Latham. Outstanding Crew Members trained by the client to handle artefacts were Phil Rickard, Kane Wetherell and Harry Mason.
Orange β Field Manager Ben Albrecht. Craig Stephens, Jason Risser and Cody Peisley honoured the legacy of the Anzacs as artefact handlers. Sterling crew members who contributed were Richie Duarte-Rudder (MC 2-Up), August Papadimatos, Adwin Narayan, Patrick Marsh, David Beck, Nick Charlton, David Carter, Lachlan Clarke and Adam Harris.
Newcastle β Crew Chief David Carter. Exceptional crew included Jason Risser and Cody Peisley as artefact handlers under the leadership of David Carter. Craig Stephens, Adwin Narayan and Patrick Marsh travelled from Sydney to assist the able SHS Newcastle crew.
Sydney β Crew Chief David Carter. Notable crew worthy of special mention are Adwin Narayan, Cody Peisley trained as artefact handlers as was David Carter.
In modern times of peace and prosperity bequeathed to us by the sacrifice of the Anzacs it is impossible to comprehend just how tough conditions were for those incredibly brave soldiers. Our crew has learned so much about Australiaβs proud history on this job. Show Support has truly been blessed with the opportunity to honour those heroes and gain a glimpse into their lives.
KNOW YOUR CONNECTORS…
CLIENT IN FOCUS – CHRIS IRVINE
Freelance Technical Director and AV Technician, Chris Irvine (pictured above right) joined us over a cold beverage to talk crew and offer some valuable insights into what our clients expect from Showies on the job.
“Obviously the first thing is just to be there, and be there on time. We often have tight timelines and if we are just one Crew Member down from the start, this can really affect us. On the other hand, when we arrive at a gig and see our support crew all together and ready for work, it fills us with confidence. We respect those Crew Members a lot.β
Chris spoke positively about the Showies heβs worked with and the importance of crew taking pride in their work. βI see our support crew as playing a vital role in the productions we undertake. I have a lot of respect for great crew and the job they do.β
When pressed on the negative habits of certain crew, not necessarily Show Supporters, Chris Irvine responded: βNothing is more annoying than seeing a crew member standing around doing nothing, or looking at their phone during the job. We expect crew to proactively seek out tasks unless told to standby.β Chris drained a healthy swig and continued: βCrew not listening is another thing. I donβt mind giving detailed information for the job at hand, right down to explaining tasks through in detail β¦ but only the once. If I have to repeat myself, it can get frustrating. Also, when the crew try and tell us how we should do our job, that really gets under my skin.β
The freelance professional concluded with the following statement: βI guess you could sum up whatβs expected with three simple things β turn up on time, listen carefully and keep working hard, as a team, until the job is completed.β
Many of our crew have worked alongside Chris whilst undertaking shifts for some of our favourite clients. Chris currently specialises in LED screens, projection, camera systems and video operation. He also has a degree in audio engineering and has been employed by many of Australiaβs leading technical and production companies in various roles.