Oscar Cortez
Title: Assistant Director for a event planning company (Audio, Video Production)
Profession: Arts and Entertainment
I coordinate events for technical conference meetings and create the audio, video and lighting. I try to create a pleasant ambience for each event and wow all of the guests!
EDUCATION | Bachelor in film and media studies
HOW TO GET STARTED | You have to have a technical state of mind. You don't necessarily need to go to college for it, but make sure you are certified or educated in sound, video and light. Most people get a little experience in production, whether it is experience in theatre or events. Then if you like it you can work your way up.
MUST HAVE TRAITS | Punctual, organized, technical, creativity, and being fun loving
beginnings
how I got started | Out of college I looked for something media related. I knew I wanted to work with production and event planning seemed like a fun way to get started. I really fell in love with technology and media in school. I searched for the right company and I luckily found this job on hotjobs. It turned out that this was a great find and really enjoy the company and energy of the people I work with.

inspiration
why this job?| I love the pressure it has a sense of getting everything done. There is a sense of urgency that pushes you do your best in a short amount of time. My company also trained me to create lighting and sound that correspond with the event. This forces me to analyze each client and what they want out of their experience. There is a certain pride you feel after closing an event with a happy client.

love
why I love this job!| This job is very creative and it is so much fun to play around with production and see the different results you can get for each event. This is also a fast paced environment where you are dealing with a lot of different people. This makes the time go by so much faster than a day job. Another great aspect is that you have a certain amount of authority to direct people to create the perfect event.

work
my typical day| I look ahead to future events and manage the supplies we have. If we need new equipment I order it. Then I get out team together and make sure the sets get put up correctly. I check the sound light and video. Then we get together for the B.O.'s (banquet orders). Our team then discusses what the client wants and needs. I make sure those things are accomplishes and that all of our teams are on the same page. Then we talk to the clients and make sure everything they want is being taken care of.

challenges
what they are | Communicating with contractors and clients is the most challenging aspect. The problem with clients is that they know what they want, but they don't always know how to execute it and how much it costs.

upside
all about growth | We provide event planning for companies and that industry won't die. There are always productions that need lighting, video and sound. Right now with the economy it is more difficult, but it will come around.

More Info
my website|