Pulling off a 3-day outdoor music festival like Boston Calling requires serious logistics, and Wellesley’s Monica Duque is one of the key players on the MediaBossTV video production team that makes performers look as great on the towering video screens as they sound on the mics.
Monica, working her second Boston Calling, took me behind the scenes of the video room as Lord Huron took the stage on Day 1 of the event held at Harvard University’s sports fields.
She and a colleague monitored a dozen or so small screens to make sure that the images seen by the crowd accentuated the concert. For those not right on top of the performers, having the videos gives you a much closer look at the musicians.
Not wanting to distract Monica from her job at the show, where I knew she’d be crazy busy, I hit her up with some questions beforehand via email:
What are the biggest challenges to managing the cameras and big screens at this event?
I love attending concerts, and this year I’m looking forward to Tame Impala, Greta Van Fleet and Gang of Youths, but maybe I won’t be able to see them all since they’re on different stages. [Video editing and production] has always been my thing, so working for the Boston Calling is a dream come true. Managing from 10-12 cameras per stage (most of them robotic cameras) is not an easy job, but once you get the technique, the real challenge is to bring the best experience to the fans through the IMagnification [technology].
What’s the wildest thing that’s happened to you on the job at Boston Calling?
Last year I was directing the Blue Stage, when they called me from the Main Stage I had only five minutes to be there and do the cameras for Eminem. There was no time to think, just follow directions and wish for the best. It was a rainy night and thousands of fans waiting for the big moment. It was an amazing show and the best experience ever being on the stage with Eminem.
Do you get to interact with the performers?
Every band has its own setup on stage and we accommodate our cameras according to their needs. Prior to the event, every band has to tell us any special requests, so our team is ready for showtime [she noted that Twenty-One Pilots had their own video team, so Monica had that show off].
Check out our Instagram account for more images and videos from Boston Calling.
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