The technical
problem
is solved.
35+ years commissioning, operating, and troubleshooting the world's most complex animatronic, show control, and AV systems — across touring productions, immersive exhibitions, and themed entertainment globally.
Nigel
Hodgson
I am a technical specialist with over 35 years of hands-on experience across the world's most demanding live entertainment and exhibition environments. My background spans animatronic show control, multi-protocol AV networking, IT infrastructure, commissioning, and technical operations management — across touring productions, permanent installations, and travelling exhibitions on every continent.
I have served as Head of Show Control, Head of Creatures, Technical Supervisor, and IT Coordinator on productions that run seven days a week, move to a new venue every week, and cannot fail. That operating reality — not classroom theory — informs every engagement I take on.
Based between Sydney and Osaka, I am positioned across the Asia Pacific region and available for remote consultations, on-site commissioning support, and retained technical advisory for exhibition companies, production houses, and themed entertainment operators.
IEEE · SMPTE · AES · AICD member
What I
deliver
Available for both on-site contract and crew roles, and remote consulting engagements. Remote-first consulting with on-site availability across Australia, Singapore, Japan, and major touring markets globally. Contract roles available for exhibitions, touring productions, and themed entertainment deployments.
Pre-show verification, bench testing, on-site commissioning, and operational sign-off for animatronic systems. Experienced across Alcorn, Medialon, Beckhoff, CANbus, DMX, MIDI, and proprietary control architectures.
Remote and on-site diagnostic, optimisation, and resolution for Dante audio networks, console integration, MADI, and complex multi-protocol AV/IT convergence environments. Certified Dante Level 1, 2, and 3.
Full technical supervision and operations management for travelling and permanent immersive exhibitions — from pre-build verification through opening and ongoing daily operations. Staff rostering, training, SOP creation, daily operational procedures, and show-move logistics.
Design, deployment, and ongoing management of production IT environments. Windows Server, Active Directory, Cisco/Meraki switching, managed VLAN environments, and AV/IT integration across complex multi-node networks.
System documentation, network diagrams, commissioning checklists, and operational SOPs for exhibitions, touring productions, and venues. Deliverable-based, fixed-scope packages available.
Time-critical remote troubleshooting for show-stopping technical issues — console faults, network outages, control system failures, and animatronic system problems — with same-day response for urgent engagements.
Problems solved.
Shows opened.
Victory Hill Exhibitions / Cityneon Group. A major IP touring exhibition running seven days a week across multiple concurrent international venues — each with high guest throughput, strict uptime requirements, and a control architecture spanning Alcorn McBride, Medialon, Beckhoff, servo and hydraulic systems, PID motion control, Dante media distribution, multi-node AV networks, and Cisco IT infrastructure. Responsible for all technical operations, staff training, and daily show readiness across every global deployment simultaneously.
Nick Grace Management / Global Creatures. Over a decade and multiple tour legs, responsible for all animatronic systems, mechanical reliability, controls, and daily show readiness on one of the world's largest touring arena productions. Full-size wireless animatronic dinosaurs operated via custom hydraulic and servo systems with PID loop control, BlackTrax live tracking, DMX, MIDI, Ethernet, and CANbus — across up to 12 shows per week with a full venue move every seven days. Cross-department coordination with lighting, audio, SFX, automation, and puppeteers was a constant operational requirement.
Jones. An immersive live magic show combining LED panel systems, interactive media, NDI video streaming, and a gaming software environment served from an onsite server. Responsible for designing, supporting, and maintaining the entire networked media environment — including wired and wireless infrastructure, NDI distribution, and multi-node media delivery — in a high-RF live performance environment where wireless congestion and streaming stability were the critical risk factors.
Michael Cassel / JPJ Audio. Led the full sound department for the Australian premiere of Titanique from script edit through to opening night. System architecture: Yamaha console, Meyer managed speaker system, Dante audio distribution, QLab playback, and Shure wireless. The role required building the show from zero — developing all show files, cue stacks, and RF workflows in close collaboration with the sound designer, director, cast, and crew — while simultaneously training operators and running technical rehearsals.
Engagement
structures
All engagements are scoped via a brief intake, followed by a Statement of Work prior to commencement. Fees are quoted and invoiced in USD. A 50% deposit is required to begin. Urgent response engagements are available at a priority rate.
–$250
Remote troubleshooting, advisory, network review, or diagnostic calls. Ideal for urgent show-stopping issues or targeted technical questions. Written summary provided after each session.
–$4,500
Commissioning checklists, system documentation, SOP development, network audits, or a defined review and report. Clear scope, deliverable, and timeline agreed before commencement.
–$8,000
On-site commissioning support, exhibition technical supervision, show-move technical management, or retained advisory across a defined project period. Travel and accommodation additional.
Start an
engagement
If you have a contract or crew role, need commissioning support, have a show-stopping technical problem, or want an experienced second pair of eyes on a system architecture — send a brief description and I'll respond within one business day.
Urgent show-stopping issues are prioritised. If you have a show opening within 72 hours, note that in your message.
Based: Sydney, Australia / Osaka, Japan
Available: Asia Pacific, international on request
All enquiries treated in confidence. SOW provided before any work commences.
Common Questions
What animatronic systems do you have experience with? +
Hands-on experience with Creature Technology Company control systems, Alcorn McBride show control, Medialon, Beckhoff PLC, CANbus, DMX, MIDI, hydraulic and servo motor systems, PID control loops, and wireless animatronic control. Productions include Walking With Dinosaurs, How To Train Your Dragon, King Kong Live, and Jurassic World: The Exhibition across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Are you available for work in Japan, Singapore, or the USA? +
Yes. Australian full work rights, Japanese spousal visa work rights with an Osaka base, and US SSN with 1099 contractor eligibility. Available for on-site contract roles and remote consulting across Asia Pacific, the USA, UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
What is the difference between on-site contract roles and remote consulting? +
On-site contract roles involve physical attendance at the venue or production — exhibition technical supervision, show commissioning, or touring crew — at $4,500–$5,500 USD per week plus travel and accommodation. Remote consulting covers troubleshooting, system advisory, documentation, and AV network diagnostics via video call and written deliverables at $100–$150 USD per hour.
What themed entertainment companies have you worked with? +
Creature Technology Company, Global Creatures, Victory Hill Exhibitions, Cityneon Group, Nick Grace Management, Imagine Exhibitions, Cirque du Soleil, DreamWorks, JPJ Audio, and Michael Cassel Group — across productions on every continent.
Do you hold Dante audio networking certification? +
Yes — Audinate Dante Certification at Levels 1, 2, and 3 (2024), Q-SYS Audio Systems Certification, and a Certificate in PLCs and SCADA Systems from the Engineering Institute of Technology. Hands-on experience with DiGiCo, Yamaha, and Meyer Sound systems in touring and exhibition environments.