Justin Collie of Performance Environment Design Group has designed massive tours for Bon Jovi, Gwen Stefani, Green Day, and Motley Crue, to name but a few. He will be presenting a discussion on “Interaction of Designers and Programmers,” alongside Patrick Dierson on December 12 during the first-ever Concert Master Classes at CenterStaging in Los Angeles, starting next week.
LD: How did you get started in the business?
After an apprenticeship as an electrician, I got a job with a lighting company in London called Zenith Lighting.
LD: What was your first “big gig?”
As a lighting director for Prince in 1993.
LD: What other designers/artists have inspired your work?
LeRoy Bennet was a huge influence, not only giving me that first "big gig" opportunity, but also being the first designer to show me the potential of the position.
As an artist, Prince also made me better at what I do by pushing me to limits I did not know I could reach.
LD: What do you plan to discuss in your session?
Our session is about the relationship between designer and programmer, and having worked both sides of that line, I just want to share my experiences and keep the session open to the attendees questions.
LD: What’s the coolest innovation for concerts you’ve seen in the last five years? In the last year?
I am a big fan of Control Freak Systems and what they have done with custom control solutions for video equipment, although considering my involvement, I am not sure how ethical an answer that is! I am currently excited about bringing 3D into the live performance arena.
For more information, and to register, visit our Concert Master Classes microsite.