Heath Freeman

Profession:
Director, Pinnacle Crew Ltd

Date & place of birth:
July 28 1970; Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)

How did you first break into the production industry?
I arrived in the UK from South Africa in 1996, after gaining a BSc degree in Sports Science and Geographic Information Systems. Having worked as a sports injury rehabilitator, specialising in cardio vascular rehabilitation, I then entered the teaching arena and taught physics and geography, and was involved in coaching rugby and swimming to a provincial level.

In 1997, I entered the events industry, working part-time as a crew member whilst holding down a teaching job. Two years later, I was promoted to staging manager and took on the role and responsibility of growing a fledgling department. I was fundamental in the growth and success of this department, and was heavily involved in developing modular staging units that adhered to the Health & Safety Regulations.

What led you to form Pinnacle Crew?
I founded Pinnacle Crew (formerly Pinnacle Solutions) in 2001 with Mark Mower. By then, we both had several years experience in the live events industry and identified a gap in the market for crew who could multi-task and bridge the gap between those crews who purely carry equipment, and technicians. 
   
What are the qualities that make your company a preferred choice?
At Pinnacle we never forget that clients are paying for a managed service and therefore should not have to spend time chasing crew to get the job done. Crew therefore need to be self-motivated, and team leaders should be professional and trained in how to lead an effective crew.

We have learned that it all starts with the process of interviewing prospective crew members. We find that putting together a successful crewing team is as much about personality, self-belief and pride, as anything else. 

Of course, crew have to have a willingness to learn. As well as the obvious health and safety training, crew must understand what clients expect of them. We achieve this at Pinnacle by working with clients to provide training into the various disciplines — such as staging, lighting, AV, power — that are encountered at public events.  This enables clients to rely on crew to do so much more than merely carry heavy kit.
In addition, regular client contact and feedback forms part of our on-going crew evaluation. We organise on-site management visits and have account managers who constantly keep in touch with our clients.

What is one main challenge that you face as a crewing company?
Our experience has shown that crew are not always used to their full potential, and one of our challenges is to encourage our clients to remember that crew are a resource, and, if used correctly, a very valuable resource.  Crew should be integrated into the production team.
If this integration is achieved, then my experience is that the crew will work harder, and are more willing to go the extra mile for clients because they feel they are doing a job that is important and valued.

What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
The thought of heading down to the river for a 5.30am swim. Actually, hold on, this gives me nightmares and causes me to wake up in a cold sweat. But seriously, I love the challenges and rewards that are presented to me every day in my role. We have a great team of people working at Pinnacle which makes getting up every morning pretty easy.

What do you miss most about South Africa?
Mostly my family, but I also miss being able to pop out for a surf after work — in an instant, the stress of the day is gone.
  
What’s your next personal challenge?
I’ve got to the age where I need to set myself a personal goal every year. For the past few years these have been physical ones, i.e. cycling from London to Paris, and this year swimming the English Channel with some friends. Now I want to learn to play a musical instrument and for some strange reason the ukulele appeals to me. So bring on the leis and grass skirts!

What was the last music gig you attended as a punter? 
Camp Bestival.

Your Desert Island Disc? 
‘Message In A Bottle’ by The Police.

Finally, what would be your advice to a teenage Heath Freeman? 
If you are called on to lead then lead by example; if you are called on to follow then be an example for others to follow. Either way it’s not about what you are doing it’s about how you do it. And... don’t forget to have as much fun as you can while you can!