Alumni Update: Crystal Carew, Show Production & Event Management Program

Graduate from Metalworks Institute in Show Production & Event Management Program? Check

Begin freelance career as a video tech? Check

Work as video tech for both a well-known Canadian artist and a music legend? Check

Such has been the career path of Crystal Carew, who has turned her Metalworks experience into a busy, full-time career as a freelance video technician within the live music industry

After graduating from the Show Production Program at Metalworks Institute in 2008, Crystal went to work at Metalworks Production Group. She worked in every department in the shop, and on various sites, before landing in the video department.

Following her stint with MPG, Crystal branched off into freelance work, eventually taking steps to incorporate herself. She temporarily veered away from live music into corporate work, working in conferences, seminars, galas, and award shows because, as she points out, “that’s where the work and the money was.”

As a freelance video technician, Crystal handles anything video-related for live events, whether that be camera operation, LED walls, video projection, video playback, or even PowerPoint presentations. She’s worked in virtually every sector of the live events industry, and admits that she’s obtained most of her work through networking and word of mouth.

Crystal has slowly been getting back into the live music industry over the past couple of years. This past March, she worked her first tour, heading out on a five-week cross-Canada tour as the projectionist/video tech for Juno Award-winning band Marianas Trench.

“That was a great experience,” says Crystal. “I was with a great group of people. They really took care of me and showed me the ropes of touring.”

In June of this year, Crystal landed a gig as the Front-of-House Camera Operator for the European leg of the 2016 tour of legendary Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.

“I am extremely grateful to have been a part of that crew. I met a lot of great people who I now consider my friends.”