07 July 2011
Ola Melzig
Production Manager
Ola Melzig, respected production manager in the industry (Eurovision & Commonwealth Games) will present two workshops, well worth attending, during Mediatech. *Full details below. We asked him a couple of question, which he kindly answered while he was away on holiday – thank you Ola!
Dan asked: “Did you plan your life in the industry or was it by default?”
It really just happened by mistake to be honest! I started working extra as a stagehand when I moved to Stockholm in the beginning of the 90’s. That turned into full time when the glass factory where I was working went bankrupt a year later.
I loved the industry, and started to climb the ladder, and worked as forklift driver, runner, local production assistant and such up until I started touring, first as a backline technician a couple of years later. Hell, I even did catering for OMD at a concert in Stockholm around 1994.
In 1997, I was offered to build up a production office within the major lighting rental house in Sweden at the time, Spectra. I was employee number 9, and when I left 9 years later, the company had more than 80 employees and operations in the four major cities in Sweden. I did my first 5 Eurovision Song Contests together with them. Spectra went bankrupt at Christmas 2010, and to be honest, it was a steep downhill from the point I left……….
Dave asked: “What is your pet hate about the industry?”
Bad catering, delayed flights, drunk stagehands and unprofessional promoters.
Derek asked: “What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?”
Commonwealth Games in India 2010 J
Nicolet asked: “In what country did you get lost the most and how did you handle it?”
I don’t know what it is, but give me 5 minutes in London, and I’ll be lost for the rest of the day! I’ve NEVER any idea about where I am in that city! I always buy a city map, and I always forget to bring it back with me for the next trip, so now I’ve a pile of around 30 London Maps for sale! New Delhi is not that easy either. None of the damn streets have names!
Nick asked: “What is the most awkward situation you’ve been in – work related that is?”
When I showed up for a show in Amsterdam, and realized, after all the trucks were emptied, that I forgot to book truss from the rental company I was using. Small oops………..
Dave asked: “Do you have any interests / hobbies outside the industry?”
I love fishing, that is my big passion in life, besides work of course. But I’ve never time for it L
Cherine asked: “What is your most impressive international event / project?”
I would say the Commonwealth Games 2010. A total of 7 hours of live broadcast with half a day of rehearsals……. And still with a fantastic result.
Pumi asked: “What is your favourite product of all time?”
My espresso machines and Avolite Diamond II !
Amanda: “If you could live anywhere in the world, what country would you choose and why?”
I’m actually very happy with living in Sweden. The social wellfare is amazing, the quality of everything is very high, and there are no animals in the woods or waters that can kill you, unless you are allergic to something. So, it’s a very safe and protective way of living. But to make up for that, I also live part time in Austin, Texas. Not by far as safe, but an amazing city, the Live Music Capital of the world actually, and damn good food!
Sherryn asked: “Could you name one of your little pleasures in life?”
My wonderful kids, my awesome wife and her son, and of course, my very big, black nasty Cadillac! Plus all the great friends I’ve gotten to know within our industry the past 20 years! I’m looking forward to seeing many of them at Mediatech.
*Ola Melzig….
One of the most renowned & respected production mangers in the industry!
Melzig shot to prominence after 2000 as technical production manager for the Eurovision Song Contest. Although he has production managed several other high profile events including the Common Wealth Games, a number of Nobel Prize Awards banquets and several big corporate events and TV shows, it’s Eurovision that’s put him on the international production community map.
Thursday 21st July:
12h30 – 15h30
Eurovision Song Contest “The event is like nothing else in the world, and it’s the nest of a lot of technology that today sets the standards of shows around the world”
Friday 22nd July:
11h00 – 14h00
Commonwealth Games. It was the largest production in the world 2010..
Book your seat now, log onto www.mediatech.co.za/ola to register or call Tiffany on 0823715900
