This week, we’re spotlighting Ian Brown, a 2009 graduate of our BSc (Hons) Sound, Light and Live Event Technology programme. Now the Head of Technical at IPS (Impact Production Services), Ian’s career has evolved from hands-on technical roles into project management. His diverse experiences, from film premieres to super yacht parties, have given him a deep understanding of the needs of each department he works with. Ian’s journey shows how Derby’s comprehensive programme can help you gain both the technical skills and the management perspective necessary for success in the live event industry.
Ian Brown, Class of 2009
Hometown:
Chelmsford
Current location:
Bedford/Milton Keynes
Current job + employer:
IPS (Impact Production Services), Head of Technical
What did you do/study prior to coming to Derby?
Sixth Form
Why did you choose to go to the University of Derby?
It was closer than Wales and I knew a student from my school that was studying the course already.
Did you start the course with a specific focus or were you undecided?
Undecided on discipline but definitely wanted to be a tech.
Did that focus change on the course? If so, how?
Focused more on sound and rigging.
Has that focus changed on graduating? If so, how?
I now do more project management and having the full range of understanding of each department gives me great appreciation for each department’s needs.
What was the most useful thing you learned on the course?
To evaluate what a piece of kit can do.
What did you learn on the course that you thought you’d never use, but that has come in handy during your career?
Electronics fault finding.
What did you do on the course that you never thought you would enjoy?
Multi channel sound design.
What was your favourite establishment in Derby (pub, bar, club, restaurant, etc.)?
The Jonty Farmer
What is your most memorable moment from Derby?
Watching each year’s show control projects, and then making our own.
What/who at Derby most influenced your life, and how/why?
Being able to study during the day and then get out into the peaks for a bit of downtime.
What would you say to a Derby first year student, knowing what you know now?
Get out and join the societies and give something back to the uni and other students.
What have you done professionally since graduating?
Worked for IPS on a huge range of projects from film premieres to super yacht parties to festivals.
What is your most memorable moment from your career so far?
Helping produce the Mercedes’ Petronas F1 team staff christmas parties with set design, rigging and technical management.
What are your future career plans/ambitions?
To continue my climb up the management tree having greater influence in equipment purchasing used on increasing bigger events.