Meet Jackson Warner
Live Events
When it comes to his work as a video technician and programmer in live events and concert touring, Jackson’s superpower is bringing technical solutions with an eye on the creative and the overall budget, making sure the team puts on the best show possible. We sat down with Jackson to explore the highlights of his journey, his inspirations, and the pivotal moments that have shaped his career.
A multifaceted career
Jackson Warner's career is characterised by his ability to wear many hats. As a single-person Ltd company, he enjoys the flexibility to engage in various roles within the industry. "I cover different roles, sometimes lighting technician, sometimes video technician, but mainly recently media server op/programmer and video HOD. I enjoy the freedom our industry provides to set my own work schedule and choose projects that interest me or further my skill sets," Jackson shared.
His versatility and willingness to adapt have made him a valuable asset in any production, allowing him to contribute significantly to the success of numerous projects.
Early career
Jackson's passion for live events started early, driven by a fascination with all forms of entertainment. "I always looked at all aspects of live entertainment and had an interest, whether that be theatre, music, television, or anything else, and wanted to be a part of it, in whatever way," he explained. This broad interest laid the foundation for a career that would see him work across a variety of platforms and genres.
The Disguise connection
Jackson's introduction to Disguise came during his time at VER. "We were incredibly lucky to have many types of media servers to test and use when they weren’t on a rental. I started experimenting and have since used it on the biggest shows I have worked on," he recalled. His expertise with Disguise has been a game-changer, enabling him to tackle complex projects with confidence.
One such project was RugbyX at the O2, which Jackson described as one of his career highlights. "The show required multiple methods of input to Disguise from across multiple interfaces. All camera feeds and scores ran through Disguise to 20 portrait screens around the pitch and a jumbotron above. This was probably the most complex job I have been a part of, ending up with 10 Transports running for total flexibility."
I can, with my hand on my heart, say that no other media server besides Disguise would have been able to achieve what we did on that project.
Freelance
Building a network
Throughout his career, Jackson has emphasised the importance of relationships within the industry. His collaboration with Disguise has been particularly fruitful. "I met Disguise’s Global Technical Solutions Manager Lanz Short at RADA where he was an industry professional working alongside students on the video aspect of one of the shows. We have since stayed in contact as we have both moved through the industry, and he has always been happy to help with any Disguise queries I’ve had over the years," Jackson said.
This network of contacts and collaborators has been crucial in navigating the challenges of the industry and seizing new opportunities.
Memorable projects and proud moments
Jackson has worked on a wide array of projects, from corporate events and television to arena concert touring. Among these, certain moments stand out. "The proudest moments are when days are going badly, and a show still happens at the end of it, and you look around at a crew that has become family over the course of a tour. That reminds you why we do it.” says Jackson.
His work has taken him to renowned venues such as Red Rocks, MSG, and The O2, and he can’t wait to see where he goes next.
The future ahead
Looking ahead, Jackson aims to gain more experience as a video Head Of Department (HOD), leveraging his extensive knowledge of media servers to oversee entire systems and teams. "I’d like to gain more experience as a video HOD. I enjoy media servers, but I really enjoy having oversight of an entire system and team," he said.
For those just starting in the industry, Jackson offers valuable advice: "Play, watch, learn, be inquisitive, soak in any knowledge you can, and be a nice person. People remember people, as much as skills."
Jackson Warner's career is a shining example of how technical skill, creativity, and a passion for live entertainment can come together to create unforgettable experiences. Warner has fulfilled all sorts of roles within his career, from theatre technician to concert touring demonstrating his hard work, adaptability, and continuous learning. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in live events, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.