CMC Speaker Spotlight: Benoit Richard

Benoit Richard was born in Montreal, Canada in 1969. Destined for the world of show business at an early age (19), he embarked on a 20-year touring career with internationally renowned musical groups such as Metallica, Yes, Dream Theater, Matchbox Twenty, Aerosmith, and George Michael. He worked in the programming department at High End Systems from 1994-2000, showcasing the company's various new products worldwide. Along the way, he learned and mastered the art of lighting and video previsualization, using software from wysiwyg R1 (1996) to ESP Vision (2005) to design and pre-program many successful tours and TV commercials. A member of IATSE 728, Richard has worked on feature films (Green Lantern, Cowboys & Aliens), and participated as an instructor in various classes for the local (Previs Introduction & Advanced DMX/Networking). He is a member of the Previsualization Society and the Virtual Production Committee (jointly created by the ASC, VES, ADG, & PGA).

Richard joins the faculty at the Live Design Concert Master Classes on December 3 & 4 at USC, on the panel, The Design Perspective From Behind The Console, with Steve Lieberman and Jason Badger.

Most Recent Project: George Michael Symphonica Orchestral Tour (Europe) and Iron Man 3, the movie.

First Big Break: Lighting designer for Canadian Rock icon April Wine in 1992 (I was 23 years old).

Influences: Genesis (the Alan Owen/Tom Littrell years)

First Concert You Saw: KISS in 1982 at the Montreal Forum. I was hooked.

Favorite Concert Design Of All Time:
Mine: Dream Theater Train Of Thought Tour, 2003

Collaboration: George Michael 25Live World Tour 2006-2008; George Michael Symphonica 2011-2012

Not mine: Pink Floyd Divison Bell/Pulse Tour (Marc Brickman)

What Do You Most Like To Do When Not Working:
Not travelling anywhere! Alpine Skiing with my wife.
Perfecting my skills as a virtual pilot on my Flight Simulator.

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