Considered by its developers as the ‘world’s first verified crewing platform’, Entourage Pro (EP) has launched its free to use freelance production crew resource.
Partnered by some of the biggest manufacturers of production technology – such as Robe, Avolites, Yamaha, d&b audiotechnik, MDG, Chainmaster and Marshall – EP is a bespoke online network of verified crew that has already secured thousands of members from over 60 countries around the world.
The service connects and sources freelance production crew, and underpins traditional word-of-mouth methods for finding work and sourcing crew.
Initial uptake has been exceptional and is being extended by EP’s partnership with Showcase Music, with the platform being promoted to over 350,000 rental companies, artists, labels, management, venues and production and tour managers from across the globe.
Searches by role, experience, availability, credentials, visas, rates, languages, qualifications and much more, gives the whole industry access to an unrivalled source of professional freelance crew from over 150 industry roles.
“The non-return rates of freelancers who had to leave the industry to find other work during the pandemic are frightening,” said EP Director, Joel Perry.
“We know the number of crew lost has reached into the thousands, globally. Consequently, the opportunities presenting themselves for skilled video techs, riggers, staging, audio and lighting practitioners, are vast. EP can plug the gap quickly, efficiently and comprehensively,” added EP Director, James Stanbridge.
A social network for production professionals: Entourage Pro
“The industry has often spoken about an alternative, verified platform to facilitate connections and source crew – particularly at short notice. Something which was hard pre-COVID-19, let alone, post,” Standbridge explained. “Continuous testing on tour and the constant threat to productions of crew having to self-isolate, means EP is providing a real option to source alternative staff quickly and efficiently, and help keep shows on the road both now and well into the future.”
Beyond this service for the established production crew community, EP has also been laying the foundations for a new initiative; Entourage Pro: Learns.
Developed in conjunction with some of the most prestigious education institutes from up and down the country (and soon to expand into the US and EU), EP will provide students and newcomers with a passion for the industry better access pathways into the various segments of event production.
The ultimate aim for Entourage Pro: Learns is to facilitate newcomers to shadow pros out on the road to gain invaluable experience.
For manufacturers, crew, artists, rental companies and the wider community, this means EP will become a genuine resource for engaging and connecting the industry at large, and for the next generation of crew embarking on their careers.
A social network for production professionals: Entourage Pro