The Shepperd website

Increasingly drawings, documents and photos need to be quickly shared with teams around the world.
I’ve strived to find packages that offer more then plain ftp. Why? Users don’t use FTP clients so often these days, but are very familiar with a browser.

Here is a current list of applications that I have used or are in the process of reviewing;
Commercial

FileRun

• Simple and clean interface
• PHP, Mysql, Java scripts
• WebDav access from Windows Explorer
• Active development
• Emails can be sent with documents as attachments or links
• Easy to upgrade (done from control panel)
• Works with existing directory / file structure on server
• Easy control of access rights and permissions for users, roles and groups
• FileRun remains my current favourite DMS and is actively used by clients of Stagelink.com

RW Download

• PHP and Mysql scripted solution
• Untested

Opensource
Knowledge Tree

• Speed issues - I have a fast dedicated server but interface responses can be sluggish
• Complicated - Users want a really simple interface
• Webdav support - This can really help access for admin and advanced users

OpenKM

• Requires Java 1.5 and JBoss Application server 4.2.x
• Demo is very fast, but untested

Horde / Gollem

• Slightly clunky interface
• Can act as front end to ftp server

Pure-FTPd

• Virtual users rather than system wide users
• Simple ftp server
• Untested

proFTPd Administrator

• Web based front end for proFTPd server

Many people fly these days, and it can be a stressful experience. I was pondering all of the little things I do to make it easier. Here are my tips to ease your journey;

Weeks before flying
Ensure your passport is current (some countries won’t let you enter with less then six months on the passport).
Do you need a Visa? Try and get this done before you fly even if it is available at the foreign airport - you will probably need to pay for it in foreign currency and inevitably there will be long queues of people when you land, who haven’t organised one and don’t have the right currency.
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A collection of terms you may hear in theatre or touring.

You might also be interested in our stage directions post.

A-frame
Very tall step ladder with an additional straight extension ladder sticking out of the top of the “A”. Brand name: Zarges.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net

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Ever wondered which area of a stage is where?
The following stage directions might help.

You might also be interested in our general stage terms post.

Apron
The very front edge of the stage.
Submitted by Karl Kuenning RFL from Roadie Net

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Thoughts about the technical design process for touring productions.

Temporary structures
Temporary structures are used extensively in touring productions and may include staging systems, roof systems and scenery.
All structures are designed to be installed and removed within a very compressed time scale (often within days or a week).
This is due to the high associated costs of venue hire, skilled crew, plant and the necessity to transport the production to the next venue.

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