Adding lights adds panache, and revenue, to mobile entertainment

September 17, 2010

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SPOKANE, Wash. – How do you enhance a successful mobile entertainment business? Add lights! That’s exactly what Leslie and Lance Morris of Big Show Mobile Entertainment of Spokane, Washington did. Now, they are busier than ever and were voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Pick, as well as second place in Best DJ contest for the Z Best of Spokane in 2009.

“We wanted to expand the business,” said Leslie. “Adding a lighting designer has created a niche market for us. As I like to say: I do pretty, he does party.”

Lance Morris, DJ and MC for Big Show Mobile Entertainment, started the business seven years ago. Originally he worked security for a nightclub, but one fateful night he stepped in for the absentee DJ and soon after became their house DJ for many years. Lance says he was “talked into” doing a wedding by a friend and then his brother. These twists of the arm helped forge his true calling and Big Show Mobile Entertainment was born. In April of this year, Leslie became the lighting designer.

Leslie Morris is relatively new to the industry having spent a good portion of her career in the banking industry. Her move into entertainment was inspired by something nearly all of us can relate to, the desire to do something different. And she hasn’t looked back once.

“I’ve always loved weddings,” said Leslie. “I thought about working as a wedding coordinator, but I realized I really responded to lighting. I enjoy seeing what you can do with them, how they transform a space by adding atmosphere and character to a room. It takes a cookie-cutter wedding to the next level, one where the couple’s personality can shine through.”

Concentrating on the couple’s wishes is time well spent for Big Show. And while Leslie and Lance work together, they approach the same event from two different perspectives. Leslie concentrates on the look of the venue, the colors and decorations, the considerations for either indoor or outdoor settings, and where wash lights can be placed and uplighting can occur. She also designs custom gobos and light shows with ShowXpress™.

Lance spends time with the couple walking through the paces of the ceremony and / or reception, talking through the day with a session at the venue itself, and establishing the requisite “do not play” list. He also uses ShowXpress™ and X-Factor™ for the lights on his rig.

One of Leslie’s biggest “a-ha” moments came in the form of lighting outdoor spaces. She learned quickly that the standard reception hall or banquet room does not have to limit the setting choices of your big day.

“Being able to take lights outdoors,” said Leslie “and take the party outside makes a big difference. Since the fixtures are not permanently installed, you can explore their versatility. Like the new SlimPAR™ 56, for example, they’re grounded, easy to transport and load in and out.”

The venues have seen the light, so to speak, and are embracing Big Show’s direction as well. They understand the benefit of expanding their offerings to clientele and the effect a well lit space can have on an event. After all, pictures speak a thousand words. And no matter how great the food or sound is, photographs of colorfully filled rooms will go even farther.

“To sell what you love is easy,” said Leslie. “When there is passion behind it, people see it. I love what I do because I feel if we can enhance one of the best days of a couples’ lives, what a great gift!”

Complete Big Show inventory list: