ABSTRACT
Once the creative team agrees on a design, the production manager has the task of working out the costs of building and hiring the elements of the design. Preparation of the budget should start with a list of all the materials and staff required. Detailed lists of each component of the sound and lighting equipment have to be sent to vendors for prices. The ability of the vendor to grow with the artist and develop a long-term relationship has to be studied, as do the territories that each vendor can service locally. Salaries for crew hired directly, such as the stage manager, sound and lighting operators, backline crew, and any other crew not supplied by the vendors have to be negotiated. An experienced crew knows exactly what equipment it wants and what vendors it wants to use. It is up to the production manager to contain the wish list to some form of reality.
