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GIGS GALORE AT FBN STUDIOS In the two years since FBN Studios opened its doors, the purpose-built rehearsal facility has welcomed over 100 clients, and won a TPi Award. Studio Manager, Scottie Sanderson, discusses how it all began, and more importantly, why it’s all working out rather nicely… as the Smashing Pumpkins crew load-in pre sold-out Wembley gig.
When Fly By Nite’s transport company - which has an ever increasing fleet of over 160 trucks of varying sizes - bought a new site as an ideal parking solution, MD David Coumbe and Company Director, Carl Reed, came up with the idea of using some of the space to develop a rehearsal studio. The result? Middle England’s purpose-built pre-production dream. This way, FBN could further supports the clients they supplied transport to... with a state of the art facility. TPi spoke to Studio Manager Scottie Sanderson: “With very few options across the UK, and nothing in the immediate area - it seemed the obvious route, and so FBN Studios was created!” he beamed, from within the shiny new walls of the building. “The only other two purpose-built studios for production rehearsals are in Yorkshire and London, and we have been fortunate enough to offer futher options close to Birmingham. “David and Carl worked closely with the architects to agree on the final build, as we wanted to create something spectacular. If something wasn’t right, or didn’t ‘fit’ in the real world, we changed it, ensuring FBN Studios
was the ultimate rehearsal space.” He continued: “The underlying process was to make it right, without cutting corners. Having never been a facility or venue manager before, I set up a dozen or so whiteboards in a large, empty office. There were days were I simply wrote down lists of ideas and doodles, and gradually, the writing became less and less, and the project started to take shape with great support and guidance from key industry players, as well as local firms. We tried to supply a space that was easily adaptable, and importantly, immediately easy to use. Loading docks, roller shutters, cable traps to name but a few are all designed for the client to be able to use - not chase down the in-house staff for help. “To be given an opportunity such as this doesn’t happen every day, and I hope the skills I learned on the road as lighting crew, stage managing and production managing - plus for a rental company - has stood me in good stead. I spoke to touring chefs, audio suppliers, lighting services - where did the dimmer guys want their power - and more importantly, how much 08
