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Doug Lane on Creating the "Money Shot": Part 1

Oct 20, 2016

 Doug Lane, Founder of Fast Lane Productions shares secrets for organizing a presidential caliber event

“YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO PLAY TO: THE 200 PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE, OR DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A SHOT LOOK GOOD FOR THE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WATCHING ON TV?” — DOUG LANE on the Purpose of a Presidential-level Press or Campaign Event

In this episode, we speak with Doug Lane, founder of FastLane Productions who has spent more than 30 years planning and administering presidential caliber events for political campaigns and the private sector.

In a wide ranging two-part interview, Doug pulls back the curtain to reveal the mistakes rookies often make … and how you can avoid them.

He tells how he transformed a small company providing DJ entertainment at local events into one of the nation’s premiere firms for designing and administering top shelf events.

Doug learned valuable tips from military planners and turned them into a business strategy that brings sizzle to the most important big-name gatherings.

And he’s had the chance to rub elbows with presidents and legendary entertainers along the way, too.

We know you will enjoy hearing his fascinating stories and great advice.

Show Notes:

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How did Doug Lane’s business get started?  [5:39 ]
  • Organized Denver Broncos Super Bowl send-off rally  [9:42]
  • How Doug got involved in Politics  [10:14]
  • Doug’s memorable backstage experiences at political events  [15:01]
  • Doug’s mentors who guided his career.  [16:14]
  • How the military imparted practical tips to Doug’s productions [17:05]
  • The importance of perfection and redundancy in event set up [19:05]
  • What exactly is the “money shot” and how do you stage it?  [20:58]
  • The importance of capturing the Sea of Life (spontaneity, emotion and action)  [22:44]
  • The late Michael Deaver’s impact on staging political events  [23:47]
  • Financial costs that can accompany a Hollywood VIP appearing at your event  [25:07]
  • The importance of a campaign manager’s ability to say “no”  [27:08]
  • How backward planning is used to prepare for high profile events. [31:20]
  • Important questions to ask campaign staff before planning the event  [34:41]
  • Steps taken during initial site evaluation ad review  [36:55]
  • Trusting your instincts in a time crunch situation  [38:38]

Typically, I always get an interesting tidbit out of our guests or some local flavor. In Part 1, we found out how a world-renowned production company got started:

  • Doug Lane started his company DJing parties, but grew it into a real production company by adding services like… Breakdancing!

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