<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[XTRA CrewPODS]]></title><description><![CDATA[XTRA CrewPODS]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:42:59 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.xtracrew.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Cal. Lab. Code § 1050 and Its Implications for Production Companies Hiring Freelancers]]></title><description><![CDATA[This article explores how this law applies and what production companies can do to stay compliant.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/understanding-cal-lab-code-1050-and-its-implications-for-production-companies-hiring-freelancers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0191</guid><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category><category><![CDATA[Compliance]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jun 2024 22:07:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_ac29607340c84f3eb7d1dfb7c333f470~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_536,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Costs of Hiring Employees vs. Freelancers]]></title><description><![CDATA[When planning a production, one critical decision is whether to hire technicians as employees or opt for freelancers. ]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/the-costs-of-hiring-and-employees-vs-freelancers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d015b</guid><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:40:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_8ef5b14e5230453ab4205af89435c717~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Impact of Technology on Modern Event Production]]></title><description><![CDATA[Technology is revolutionizing modern event production]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/the-impact-of-technology-on-modern-event-production</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d017f</guid><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:50:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_23a136fa16544a95856bb9758f77a155~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[InfoComm 2024: Top 5 Innovations for Live Events]]></title><description><![CDATA[InfoComm 2024 has once again proven to be a hub of cutting-edge technology, setting the stage for the future of live and hybrid events.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/infocomm-2024-top-5-innovations-for-live-events</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0159</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:25:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_3d7c6aaeaba045a6b2c8129a8a40ccc3~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_98,h_128,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ultimate Guide to Trade Shows]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here’s a rundown of some of the most significant trade shows that cater to event production companies, including those focusing on augmented]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-trade-shows</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d015a</guid><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2024 16:34:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_b0a69dbb951840698c9d80f95971ee16~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_456,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Speaker Prep for Hybrid Events]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ensure a successful and professional Zoom presentation by following these steps and working closely with the presenter.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/speaker-prep-for-hybrid-events</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d018e</guid><category><![CDATA[Training & Development]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:16:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a51cfad36e1a452cbe5261cea25e9bba~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[DOL Rules On Independent Contractors Status vs Employees]]></title><description><![CDATA[The DOL's final rule on independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a significant development that will undou]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/dol-rules-on-independent-contractors-status-vs-employees</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0147</guid><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:25:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_e53dfff43dfa4c0ab2ee6e63cb8575cb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_275,h_104,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Production Terminology]]></title><description><![CDATA[Description of terms related to audiovisual, event lighting, LED wall, event rigging, scenic &#38; prop, projection, and camera departments. ]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/production-terminology</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d018f</guid><category><![CDATA[Training & Development]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 23 Jun 2023 01:05:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/30c1e083e05b4c4cb6f32cdc386fe4ca.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[NLRB's Independent Contractor Standard: Implications for Freelance Stagehands and AV Professionals]]></title><description><![CDATA[The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) made a significant decision that will have far-reaching implications for workers and employers.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/nlrb-s-independent-contractor-standard-implications-for-freelance-stagehands-and-av-professionals</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0146</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:38:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8f78f84643a64643b88393f5ec32ac2a.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Title: Understanding the True Cost of Labor]]></title><description><![CDATA[Comprehensive breakdown of expenses relating to the recruiting, onboarding, and management of a contingent workforce.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/title-understanding-the-true-cost-of-labor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d016b</guid><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 03:04:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_ec90a891e8344fdcbce7b42bdd044cac~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Playback Showdown]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Comparison of the Best Live Entertainment Software Tools Choosing the right software tool for live entertainment can significantly...]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/showtime-showdown</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d016a</guid><category><![CDATA[Product Showcase]]></category><category><![CDATA[Tools & Kits]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 03 Jun 2023 04:06:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_208b045ab0b64f08a03b4b9da1ef4477~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_336,h_150,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unplugged: Static Electricity in Electronics]]></title><description><![CDATA[Static electricity, which can be present in various components, represents an often-neglected aspect that needs consideration.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/unplugged-static-electricity</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0145</guid><category><![CDATA[Training & Development]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 28 May 2023 04:04:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_a03b8586aff84b6fbef74739cd1b918e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_222,h_183,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Accidents Happen, Stagehand Safety]]></title><description><![CDATA[This article was inspired by a recent close call, and it’s a good reminder for all production professionals regardless of position or experi]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/accidents-happen</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0169</guid><category><![CDATA[Training & Development]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 17 May 2023 15:02:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_76604c4157d041c3b857a0706b6a1156~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_612,h_433,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Invoicing]]></title><description><![CDATA[It is crucial to understand the basics of invoicing to ensure smooth transactions with clients and accurate financial record-keeping.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/the-basics-of-invoicing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d018d</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_d1ab2e02ad9b4d4f8ff4fd31f5d32675~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_738,h_443,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Code of Conduct]]></title><description><![CDATA[Standard expectations, standards and protocols, mutually enforced, for safe and professional conduct.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/stagehand-code-of-conduct</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d018c</guid><category><![CDATA[Training & Development]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:13:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_61bd0a3c52e74f64874a7457299f198f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Laws that Prohibit Retaliation and Discrimination]]></title><description><![CDATA[Reprinted from the DIR website to educate workers and employers about laws intended to ensure a safe and empowering workplace. ]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/laws-that-prohibit-retaliation-and-discrimination-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0187</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:55:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_9d2c071166634c77adf0260044909386~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_907,h_374,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[You Never Forget Your First]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you are new to the live events industry or to stagecraft, this is a quick list of basic instructions for your first crew call for us, the]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/practical-tips-for-completing-your-first-crew-call-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0161</guid><category><![CDATA[Training & Development]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:55:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_1c2678eb167b45a69dc430b18c6cd815~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_639,h_396,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Basic Stagehand Toolkits]]></title><description><![CDATA[This guide should only be used as a reference.  Always be sure to confirm additional tools are not required.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/common-general-av-technician-stagehand-toolkit-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0188</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:55:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_ed88324213fd4069b2199142f7936a0a~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_400,h_300,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stagehand Lingo]]></title><description><![CDATA[Short list of some of the colloquial terms and phrases we often use, their meanings, and their actual meaning.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/understanding-stagehands-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d013b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:55:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_eec658f421a946df9f0946621d905142~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Video Switching Terminology]]></title><description><![CDATA[ If you're new to the video department or have aspirations of learning the Switcher position, below is a brief glossary of common terms.]]></description><link>https://www.xtracrew.com/post/video-switching-terminology-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db8bb910c539702b3d0162</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:55:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6d1bda_89d0181a51b9419699b0b646c7e9b9c7~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_300,h_168,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Brandon Cruz</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>