‘Alex is the first name on the team sheet for me now, I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing a show without him. Our production value quite simply would not be the same without him and his ideas. He has become an indispensable part of our events. After almost a decade as a promoter, I have not witnessed enthusiasm and dedication like it - completely unparalleled, with the skills to match too.’
—Benito Apollonio
—Nghtwrk Founder / Director
Nghtwrks Vision
Dark & Punchy
From the very start of me doing Nghtwrk, Benito Apollonio (Founder/Director) made it clear to me that he wanted a dark atmosphere and to use the colour blue most frequently.
Throughout my time with Nghtwrk, I have kept his vision while introducing new features to the production and using other colours. I only use colours when suitable with the music to give that ‘bright punch’ which meets Benito's requirements.
For any production design I do for Nghtwrk, I always justify my choice in equipment and why that equipment would suit that one event.
My Role
Technical Production Director
Where it all Started
From my early days of working on Nghtwrk, I was working at the Live Rooms (Chester) as a general Lighting Technician. Having limited experience in working in a large club, on one event I volunteered to do the lighting for Nghtwrk. From this event Benito recognised my enthusiasm, passion and potential along with what I bought to the technical production. From there on he took me on full time as a freelance Show Designer. Benito gave me small budgets to boost the lighting production during in the 2018 season where I was still learning on what worked, what did not and helping to develop my production design skills.
2019, Where the Production Gained a New Level
By 2019, I had gained more knowledge on how Benito worked his events, what he was desiring and where I could improve the overall ‘brand’. From this point onwards, I continually reviewed and improved upon the brand and reputation. This included improving the DJ riser setup and organising the cables to providing an aesthetically pleasing professional look on stage for any photographs. From here on, I extended my freelance network to source new companies for the production kit and constantly reviewed the market for what equipment was on offer. I gave Benito options for production ideas and provided him with accurate budgeted production costs. The first event of the 2019 season was Rebuke. I seized this opportunity to expand my skills and the production level by hiring lasers for the first time in the Nghtwrk history of events!
Benito liked this decision so much, he got me to hire the lasers for the next 3 events!
2019, What a Big Year that was!
By this point, Benito had fully realised the benefits I brought to Nghtwrk and therefore gave more freedom and control for the overall technical production. I was managing the technical production along with delivering the production to Benito’s requirements and within the budget provided. The technical production was built, programmed, and operated by myself with help from additional freelancer workers I took on. From my earlier experience in 2019 I implemented different ideas from doing the biggest laser production for Michael Bibi to doing a large lighting package for Kettama.
2 Events for 2020
Year 2020 was destined to be a big year for Nghtwrk, Benito and myself but unfortunately, we managed to host 2 events when COVID restrictions were enforced. For the second event, we brought the DJ ‘Skream’ back for another round at Nghtwrk. From experiencing his style of music back in 2019, I organised a bold and strong lighting package to supplement his music. Despite on managing to host the 2 events, we found a warehouse for Nghtwrk to host future events in and were planning our first Warehouse event for March. Unfortunately and again due to COVID restrictions imposed, this did not take place. The Warehouse opportunity remains in focus for hosting future events post COVID restrictions.
The Future is Promising
Since February 2021, myself and the 2 Nghtwrk Directors (Benito and Matty Johnson) have been preparing for a variety of events for both the new and old locations. I have been advising them on new site visits and to get quotes for certain opportunities that may occur (COVID restrictions permitting).
Technical Production Director
Where it all Started
From my early days of working on Nghtwrk, I was working at the Live Rooms (Chester) as a general Lighting Technician. Having limited experience in working in a large club, on one event I volunteered to do the lighting for Nghtwrk. From this event Benito recognised my enthusiasm, passion and potential along with what I bought to the technical production. From there on he took me on full time as a freelance Show Designer. Benito gave me small budgets to boost the lighting production during in the 2018 season where I was still learning on what worked, what did not and helping to develop my production design skills.
2019, Where the Production Gained a New Level
By 2019, I had gained more knowledge on how Benito worked his events, what he was desiring and where I could improve the overall ‘brand’. From this point onwards, I continually reviewed and improved upon the brand and reputation. This included improving the DJ riser setup and organising the cables to providing an aesthetically pleasing professional look on stage for any photographs. From here on, I extended my freelance network to source new companies for the production kit and constantly reviewed the market for what equipment was on offer. I gave Benito options for production ideas and provided him with accurate budgeted production costs. The first event of the 2019 season was Rebuke. I seized this opportunity to expand my skills and the production level by hiring lasers for the first time in the Nghtwrk history of events!
Benito liked this decision so much, he got me to hire the lasers for the next 3 events!
2019, What a Big Year that was!
By this point, Benito had fully realised the benefits I brought to Nghtwrk and therefore gave more freedom and control for the overall technical production. I was managing the technical production along with delivering the production to Benito’s requirements and within the budget provided. The technical production was built, programmed, and operated by myself with help from additional freelancer workers I took on. From my earlier experience in 2019 I implemented different ideas from doing the biggest laser production for Michael Bibi to doing a large lighting package for Kettama.
2 Events for 2020
Year 2020 was destined to be a big year for Nghtwrk, Benito and myself but unfortunately, we managed to host 2 events when COVID restrictions were enforced. For the second event, we brought the DJ ‘Skream’ back for another round at Nghtwrk. From experiencing his style of music back in 2019, I organised a bold and strong lighting package to supplement his music. Despite on managing to host the 2 events, we found a warehouse for Nghtwrk to host future events in and were planning our first Warehouse event for March. Unfortunately and again due to COVID restrictions imposed, this did not take place. The Warehouse opportunity remains in focus for hosting future events post COVID restrictions.
The Future is Promising
Since February 2021, myself and the 2 Nghtwrk Directors (Benito and Matty Johnson) have been preparing for a variety of events for both the new and old locations. I have been advising them on new site visits and to get quotes for certain opportunities that may occur (COVID restrictions permitting).
