New Format Releases Original 300-Page Open Air Co-Directors Training Manual
Learn the art of live event production, creative leadership, stage management and professional co-direction with our latest educational publication.
At New Format, we believe that every successful live event begins long before the audience arrives. Behind every performance, festival and open-air production stands a team of creative professionals coordinating people, technology, timing and artistic decisions.
Today, we are excited to introduce our original educational publication: New Format — Open Air Co-Directors Training Manual, a comprehensive 300-page learning resource designed to help aspiring directors develop the knowledge and practical skills required to manage live outdoor events.
Created as part of our commitment to media education, creative development and accessible professional learning, the book explores what it takes for two directors to work together in a demanding live production environment.
Two Directors. One Vision. One Production.
Unlike traditional production guides that focus on a single director, our manual introduces a collaborative approach to live event management.
The model divides responsibilities between two complementary creative leaders.
Show & Creative Director oversees the programme, performers, artistic direction, stage transitions, scheduling and creative vision.
Technical & Broadcast Director coordinates camera operations, live video production, recording, streaming, technical communication and visual storytelling.
Both directors work towards one shared goal: creating a coherent, engaging and professionally delivered event.
The book also explains the importance of working alongside dedicated Event Managers, Safety Managers, Stage Managers and technical specialists.
What Can You Learn From the Book?
The publication includes 29 training modules covering essential aspects of open-air event production.
Readers can explore:
Event planning, preparation and production management
The responsibilities of professional co-directors
Creative direction and leadership
Stage management and live show calling
Multicamera directing and video production
Live broadcasting and streaming workflows
Production schedules and Run of Show documents
English production commands and radio communication
Risk assessment and emergency procedures
Technical failures and crisis response
Practical exercises and professional development
The manual combines theoretical knowledge with structured training exercises, scenarios, worksheets and practical checklists.
Learning Through Realistic Production Scenarios
Live productions rarely go exactly as planned.
Weather conditions can change. Technical equipment can fail. Performances may run late. Communication problems can affect the production team.
That is why our educational manual focuses not only on preparation, but also on decision-making under pressure.
Readers are introduced to realistic training scenarios involving equipment failures, interrupted live streams, adverse weather and emergency show-stop procedures.
These exercises encourage calm communication, clear responsibilities and coordinated decision-making.
Importantly, the publication recognises that safety-critical decisions must follow approved event procedures and the instructions of appropriately qualified personnel.
A Practical Resource for Students and Emerging Creatives
The manual has been developed with students, aspiring event directors, content creators, independent producers and emerging media professionals in mind.
Whether your ambition is to work at a music festival, produce a university event, manage a live entertainment programme or direct an online broadcast, understanding how a production team works together is an essential professional skill.
The book also introduces useful industry terminology in English, helping readers become familiar with expressions such as Stand By, Cue Presenter, Ready Camera Two, Take Two and Hold the Show.
Designed for Independent Learning
Across its 300 pages, the training manual provides space for practical learning, structured exercises and production notes.
Readers can work through its modules individually or alongside a production partner.
The objective is not simply to memorise terminology, but to develop confidence in preparation, communication, collaboration and operational decision-making.
It is an educational resource rather than a professional certification or a substitute for event-specific safety training.
Download the New Format Training Manual
We are making our original English-language edition available to readers interested in learning more about professional open-air event direction.
Book: New Format — Open Air Co-Directors Training ManualFormat: PDFLanguage: EnglishLength: 300 pagesSubject: Live Event Production, Co-Direction and Practical Training
[Download the 300-Page Training Manual — PDF]
We hope this publication inspires the next generation of creative directors, event producers and broadcast professionals to explore the exciting world of live production.
What's Next for New Format?
This release represents another step in our ambition to bring together creative media, entertainment, educational publishing and digital experiences.
Through New Format, we aim to continue developing original resources that encourage creativity, professional growth and collaboration.
From film production and streaming to live events and digital publishing, our goal is to make learning an active part of the creative process.
Discover. Learn. Create. Direct.
Published by New Format — October 2026.
Disclaimer: This publication is intended for education and independent professional development. It does not replace formal health and safety training, professional licensing, qualified technical supervision or the legal responsibilities of event organisers.
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