Neil Scrivener
Project Director - Technical Director - Production Manager
My name is Neil Scrivener.
I've worked in the live events industry for around 17 years. I am a highly experienced global Project Director, Technical Director and Production Manager. I have worked both on pitching for live events as well as delivering live events.
I have been fortunate enough to have worked on a large variety of projects spanning the Corporate, Private, Experiential Marketing, Exhibition, Touring Concert, Television and Film worlds.
Having cut my teeth in event Lighting (and setting up/owning/selling a successful AV rental business), I moved into Technical Production Management, as well as Site Management. As my experiences broadened, I was afforded more opportunities as a Technical Director and more recently a Project Director.
I have also worked within large global events agencies on a contracted basis working on best practice, business strategy and processes.
Since I began my career in around 2003, I have been lucky enough to travel the world with my work. I can count 41 States in America, Dubai, Russia, Saudi, Doha, Nigeria and of course Europe among some of the fantastic places I have in worked over the years.
Pitch Work
I have worked on pitches large and small for a number of years - ranging from regional to international projects. I've worked on pitches for Corporations, the GLA (Greater London Authority), the British Government and the GEA (General Entertainment Authority, Saudi Arabia). I have worked on several projects which have gone from pitch to award, and then delivered the project itself.
A few examples of some of the pitches I've been involved with are as below:
I have worked on a huge range of projects from £100K to $20M. I love to work and no job is too small for me! I also am flexible as to whether I work as a Project Director, Technical Director, Production Manager - or somewhere inbetween. Uniquely, I work between Client, Agency and Supplier 'sides', which I hope allows me to see things more roundly.
On many of the projects I have worked on, there has often been complex stakeholder liason management required to deliver the project. I've worked on events in Automotive, Tech, Pharma, Sport, Beverage and Retail to name a few! Since 2007 I have been security checked to work for the British Royal family, and have delivered private events for the Queen and Prince Charles.
The largest project I've worked on to date is as a Project Director on Saudi National Day where I owned a budget of around $20M and was resposbible for all aspects of delivering the project accross 3 cities.
I've also worked at some of the largest trade shows and conventions in the word including CES in Las Vegas, GDC in San Francisco, MWC in Barcelona, and DRUPA in Dusseldorf.
My skills in project delivery can be summerised as:
- High sense of self-driven business acumen including budgeting, finances, and working positively with financial challenges. I have worked on projects with budgets from £100K to $20M.
- Excellent level of understanding at a commercial level of how agencies, supply chains, and clients operate – and how this can be manipulated to drive margin.
- Excellent level of commercial understanding of costs, wages/salaries/pensions control, financing, financial forecasting, cashflow and talent sourcing.
- High level of attention to detail, including financial detail.
- Extensive ‘black book’ of talented professionals and suppliers with a proven track record to deliver, globally.
- Extremely high-level technical knowledge of Audio, Lighting, Video, Rigging and Power systems.
- Extremely organised and fully competent with Excel, Word, Office and other related software.
- Use of financial packages such as Trello, Monday Procim, Paprika and Quickbooks for budgeting, purchase orders and project management.
- Excellent experience with day-to-day financial planning and budgeting with self-drive to spot opportunities to spot commercial opportunities to increase margin.
- Great with people and managing expectations, including challenging personalities.
- Excellent at building relationships with producers and agencies to secure a high-quality project on time and on budget.
- A ‘creative realist’ enabling me to positively embrace challenging budgets, but not restrain creativity.
Project Delivery
As well as delivering projects, I have consulted for a number of events agencies on best practice, process and operations. I've done this on a contract, 'permalance' and adhoc day basis for a number of agencies and events organisers.
Within these roles I have worked to achieve the following;
- Review of Pitch best practice, and implementing new process
- Review of Project Delivery best practice, and implementing new process
- Creation of a Preferred Supplier network, and Service Level Agreements
- Margin and Rate Card reviews, and implementing new process
- Financial and Scope reviews, and implementing new process
- Recruitment of new personnel
I am happy to combine these services along side delivering projects, or purely in a consultancy role.
My core competencies in this are can be summarised as:
- Stakeholder liaison and reporting
- Straightforward planning and delivery
- Calm and composed decision making, based on qualified information
- Leading teams by example to reinforce company culture
- Risk planning and control measures to mitigate risk
My direct experience can be summarised as:
- Advising, drafting and implementing business and growth strategy for a number of leading businesses with over £10m turnover
- Growth strategy and planning to increase a business from £20m turnover to a £25m turnover
- Advising, drafting and implementing process and procedure to a business with over £70m in turnover
- Leading and owning budgets of over £10m and reporting to stakeholders with transparency
- Delivery of projects with budgets ranging from £50k to $20M
- Project management with 60+ contractors and 250+ working personnel
- Experience with challenging board members and stakeholders to realise the full potential of their business
Best Practice and Consultancy
Portfolio
My name is Neil Scrivener.
I've been around in the live events events industry for around 17 years. I am a highly experienced global Project Director, Technical Director and Production Manager.
I have been fortunate enough to have worked on a large variety of projects spanning the Corporate, Private, Experimential Marketing, Exhibition, Touring Concert, Television and Film worlds.
A huge number of the projects I've worked on (typically the most complex with the biggest budgets) have been subject to NDA's, meaning that I am not able to share them as part of my portfolio. I'm also extremely bad at getting photos of the projects I am allowed to share!
The projects I think I can add to my portfolio (in no particular order) are:
My name is Neil Scrivener.
I've been around in the live events events industry for around 17 years. I am a highly experienced global Project Director, Technical Director and Production Manager.
I have been fortunate enough to have worked on a large variety of projects spanning the Corporate, Private, Experimential Marketing, Exhibition, Touring Concert, Television and Film worlds.
Legacy Clients
I've had the huge privilidge of working with some of America's greats who have been loyal to me for a number of years. Although much of the work I do these days is slightly different from what I've done with these clients, one way or another they have had a huge impact on how I go about managing projects and have given me experiences some of the best experiences in career.
Autodesk London
Contact Me
Phone:
+44 798 126 6163
+1 615 206 3975
E-mail:
neilscrivener@hotmail.com
Whatever and wherever it may be, I would love to hear from you if you think your project may benefit from my skills.
Please see my details below and do not hesistate to drop me a line!
Venue/Location
City Cube, Berlin
Attendees/Audience
10,000
Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Pitch Work
- Budget Ownership
- Leading a team of Production Managers, CAD Draftsmen and other supporting roles
- Supplier appointment (over 17 x 40ft trucks of technical equipment)
- Multiple Stakeholder Liaison
- Networking and IT Management
- AV, Lighting, Rigging, Set, Staging, Power and Crewing
Overview
This was the first TwitchCon to be held in Europe, after being a popular event in San Jose with 30,000 attendees per day. I was responsible for delivering the creative creative, which was designed by Trin Basra, who did an amazing job.
As with many projects of this nature, there were a large number of stakeholders involved, who we regularly updated on progress, designs and budget.
Vodafone 5G Launch
Venue/Location
Vodafone HQ, Newbury
Vodafone HQ, Manchester
Attendees/Audience
300
Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Budget Ownership
- Leading the on-site team
- Supplier appointment
- AV, Lighting, Rigging, Set, Staging, Power and Crewing
Project Overview
In September 2019 Vodafone launched their 5G network, and I was asked to work with Senior Producer Neil Warburton to deliver the production.
The Newbury HQ was the main venue which required a large ground supported truss structure, blackout to make a 'theatre box', full lighting, audio visual and staging. The key to this event was to go from a stage which had the basic appearance of a standard conference stage, to a reveal of a hologram provided by Musion, where a young football fan would meet her idol Steph Houghton.
In the Manchester HQ footballer Steph Houghton was filmed, and both live video and audio was sent over a 5G network to the video system in the Newbury HQ.
The key challenge with this project was taking the Newbury HQ and turning into a large fully blacked out theatre venue. This was achieved by designing a bespoke ground support truss which sat just millimeters from the roof.
Adidas Store
Venue/Location
Adidas Store, Oxford Street, London
Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Leading the on-site team
- Client Liaison
Project Overview
Adidas launched their new flagship store in London's Oxford Street, and I was asked to oversee various installations on the ground floor and ensure it was delivered correctly and on time, ahead of the store's opening. Suffice to say it was, and Adidas were very happy with the end result.
ASOS
Venue/Location
Private Hire, Convent Garden, London
Attendees/Audience
1,000 daily
Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Budget Ownership
- Leading the on-site team
- Supplier appointment
- AV, Lighting, Rigging, Set, Staging, Power and Crewing
Project Overview
I was brought in to deliver a marketing/experimental by invitation event for Asos. The event took place in a private building near Covent Garden, and the requirement was to deliver a number of scenic and technical elements.
Android Avenue MWC 2019
Venue/Location
Gran Fira, Barcelona, Spain
Attendees/Audience
101,000 daily (according to MWC stats)
Responsibilities
- Project Delivery
- Leading the on-site suppliers
- Supplier appointment and liaison
- CAD Drawings
Project Overview
I was brought in as one of many Production Managers to assist with the famous ‘Android Avenue’ at Mobile World Congress.
The ambitious design was around 34 trucks of equipment, with just 36 hours to build and around 6 hours to strike.
I was part of the overnight team managing a team of around 90 carpenters and electricians, and 20 local crew. Ahead of delivering the project, I worked on the pre-production designing various audio visual and power solutions.
Images courtesy of Stage One
Autodesk London
Venue/Location
Tobacco Dock, London
Attendees/Audience
1,000 daily
Responsibilities
- Project Pitch
- Project Delivery
- Leading the on-site team
- Supplier appointment and liaison
- Multiple stakeholder liaison
- Client liaison
Project Overview
Autodesk London is a major event in the calender for Autodesk where around 1,000 people per day attend Autodesk’s event.
The event is split into multiple sections which included a Keynote/Plenary, around 20 Breakouts, around 20 meeting rooms/spaces, 4 classrooms each with 80 computers, two exhibition halls and a large number of activations around the site.
I was responsible for delivering the project with Executive Producer Jilly Dungay from pitch stage right the way through to delivery and post-production.
BITC Awards
Venue/Location
The 02 Arena, London
Attendees/Audience
1,200
Responsibilities
- Project pitch
- Project delivery
- Budget ownership
- Leading the on-site team
- Supplier appointment and liaison
- Client liaison
Project Overview
The BITC Awards changed venues for the year from the Royal Albert Hall to 02 Arena. The event was a sit-down dinner for 1,200 guests, including HRH Prince Charles.
I was brought in by Production to manage Lighting, Rigging, Power, and to nominate a Lighting Designer.
The requirement was also to manage rigging and trussing for not only lighting, but audio, video and draping too.
Gladys Knight
Legend Gladys Knight has been one of my 'legacy clients' for a number of years, playing venues from small concert halls to arenas - and quite a few casinos inbetween!
I started working for Gladys in around 2014 as her Lighting Designer, and have since worked with her Tour and Production team.
Gladys is every bit as warm and funny off-stage as she is on-stage and working for her has been a complete privilege.
George Thorogood
Rock and Blues legend George Thorogood has been a client of mine since around 2012.
Since, meeting GT's team we've formed a close transatlantic bond, and when GT's in Europe I help them out with their production needs.
IHG Conference
Venue/Location
IHG Hotel Berlin
Attendees/Audience
1,000
Responsibilities
- Project delivery
- Budget ownership
- Client liaison
- Stakeholder liaison
Project Overview
The IHG Conference is held yearly in an IHG location, where IHG franchisees are invited. There are various sub-events including a party and an exhibition.
Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show are another band which rightfully get the title legends. Their amazing country music has been taking America by storm for decades. I’ve never worked for a band who each can play so many musical instruments!
It’s been a true pleasure to work with these guys – and if they’re on a bill near you, I can’t recommend strongly enough going to see them!
Parallel London
Venue/Location
Olympic Park, Stratford, London
Attendees/Audience
10,000
Responsibilities
- Pre-Production
- Project Delivery
- Budget ownership
- Leading the team on site
- Client liaison
- Stakeholder liaison
- Ensuring the event was accessible
Project Overview
Parallel London was a wonderful opportunity to deliver a fully all-inclusive project for those of all abilities. The premise behind Parallel is that it is a charity fun run at various levels and whatever your ability you are invited to run (or walk, or wheel) in races 10K, 5K, 2K or 1K.
Critically, we had to make this event 100% accessible and that involved bringing in 13 trucks of Matrax trackway to allow wheelchair users full access of the site.
We also installed a stage, multiple marquees and a ‘super sensory’ run.
The event was a great success and I look forward to working on future Parallel events!
Facebook Portal Launch
Venue/Location
Private House, San Francisco, USA
Attendees/Audience
30
Responsibilities
- Pre-Production
- Project Delivery
- Budget ownership
- Leading the team on site
- Close liaison with Local 16 Crew
Project Overview
In 2019, Facebook launched their new Portal range of devices and I was to travel the USA to deliver the project.
Facebook had chosen to invite just 30 individuals from top media outlets and influencers to view the products in a private residence. Although the project was modest in size, the importance of ensuring that the ‘venue’ felt like a home environment was paramount.
I worked closely with Union 16 who provided possible the best Local Crew guys I’ve ever worked with to provide a range of services; from installing AV to hanging curtain rails!
Vodafone MWC 2019
Venue/Location
Gran Fira, Barcelona, Spain
Attendees/Audience
101,000 daily (according to MWC stats)
Responsibilities
- Pitch Work
- Pre-Production
- Project Delivery
- Budget ownership
- Leading the team on site
Project Overview
Having worked on the pitch for the Vodafone Stand at Mobile World Congress, when we won the project I was invited to deliver it.
The stand itself was 60M x 20M, and had a central stage, numerous demo pods, meeting rooms and a large round LED screen.
A connection was made via 5G to the Sony Ericson Stand where band was split 50/50, and played together combining the 5G signals to the live half of the band in each location.
The ultimate success of the Stand was confirmed by a visit from the King of Spain.
Voxi House
Venue/Location
Nightclub, East London
Attendees/Audience
500
Responsibilities
- Pitch Work
- Pre-Production
- Project Delivery
- Budget ownership
- Leading the team on site
Project Overview
This was a really fun project to do, and a fantastic design by Creative Director Ben Peate.
As guests entered the building, they walked through a maze which contained a ‘jungle of thumbs’ (as per the Voxi adverts); before entering a corridor with a giant cat; another corridor with a float wall; and finally an endless corridor.
Having successfully completed the maze, guests found themselves in the cloakroom, before heading off to be entertained in a main room with food, drinks, and entertainment from Mabel.
Images courtesy of PSP AV.
Arora Wedding
Venue/Location
Sofitel T5, Heathrow
Attendees/Audience
500
Responsibilities
- Pitch Work
- Pre-Production
- Project Delivery
- Budget ownership
- Leading the team on site
- Liaison with the in-house AV team
Project Overview
This project is a huge blast from the past! I thought I’d add it because I found the pictures, the Creative was nice, and the end result looked good.
This was a wedding for the daughter of Surinder Arora, owner of the Arora Hotel chain. The event (from memory) was a wedding then a party held in one of Mr Arora’s hotels art T5.
From what I can recall, the in-house AV suppliers did most of the work (for free), and I oversaw/managed the overall production end of the event.
The Freeman Company
Responsibilities
- Creation of a new Production/Technical Department
- Systems and Process review and implementation of new systems/process
- Full-time and Freelancer Recruitment
- Creation of a Preferred Supplier network
- Project Overview and Leadership
- Pitch Work (and winning pitches)
- Project Delivery
- Company Business Strategy Review and Suggestions
- Creation of Stratergies to increse Revenue and Profit
- Liaison with offices globally
Overview
Between around May 2018 and July 2019, I took a ‘perma-lance’ Contract for The Freeman Company, being brought in by Senior Management to assist on the turnaround of the Agency model and creation of a Technical/Production Department.
The basic remits of my contract are detailed above, and during my time at Freeman I worked in the Agency office in London, as well as closely with the Coventry office. I also worked closely with a number of people in the Dallas head office and other offices in North America and the Asia and Pacific Region.
I worked on around 76 pitches and projects in the year, and took a number of projects that were pitched on, and won, to delivery stage.
My role finished by assisting management to recruit a full-time Head of Production and full-time Production Manager.
My personal bottom line impact on Freeman’s balance sheet was around an additional £2,500,000 of revenue in the financial year.
The role was great fun, challenging, and I learned a huge amount from my time at Freeman.
I welcome more challenges like this and other ‘perma-lance’ contracts!
Saudi National Day
Venue/Locations
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Daman, Saudi Arabia
Attendees/Audience
25,000+
Responsibilities
- Pitch Work
- Pre-Production
- Project Delivery
- Budget ownership
- Team leadership
Project Overview
I have led as a Project Director a number of events at Saudi National Day, working across Saudi’s three main cities. On the largest project I led, I handled a $20M budget, and oversaw large projects teams in multiple locations.
Many of the Saudi projects I’ve worked on have included large-scale lighting, video, fireworks, live music and parades.
I’ve since built up a large network of suppliers and freelancers in Saudi and/or who have extensive at working in Saudi – and always keen to go back.
T Mobile & Deutche Telekom
Venue/Locations
Montenegro
Macedonia
Germany
Croatia
Poland
Attendees/Audience
25,000+
Responsibilities
- Pitch Work
- Pre-Production
- Project Delivery
- Budget ownership
- Team leadership
Project Overview
This was a large-scale Christmas project with T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom working in partnership.
In strategic cities in Montenegro, Germany, Macedonia, Poland and Croatia a large white ‘present’ with a bow on the top appeared, with a large countdown clock next to it.
Crowds in their thousands drew to the ‘present’ and when the clock reached 0, the front of the ‘present’ opened to reveal Mariah Carey, who sang “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to the crowds.
But how did she do this in 5 cities simultaneously?