FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

INTRO

Night Train is Spike Allibone... and sometimes Anya Allibone (when you need a creative producer / show designer).

Based in Edinburgh, Scotland and traveling everywhere, I am a freelance specialist in live event production.

I'm a senior producer, producer, show caller and consultant for events which include corporate, television, rock n'roll, ceremonies, shows and special event projects.

Most of the time I work contracted to other larger production companies though Anya and I have a small collection of direct clients too.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

We are lucky in that our track record has what some people call a "wow factor" - so we tend to look attractive and qualified!

I do try to remind people that we still do a lot of smaller and straighter contracts too. We're no stranger to banking conferences and corporate videos. And because we're nice and a bit creative, and because we have very low overheads, you might find this a useful benefit to your next event.

Spike & Anya Allibone

Where are you based? / Do you travel?

I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. I travel to wherever you need me. I do of course charge for travel and accommodation.  I can sometimes stay with friends and family in London for short periods when the need arises but other than that, you should really expect to pay to move me around and put me up! 

Are you incorporated or VAT registered?

Yes, I am both incorporated and VAT registered

Do you have a list of specific skillsets?

• Producer / Senior Producer Since 1995

• Director / Showcaller Since 1999

• Production Manager Since 1991 - I don't draw in CAD though!

• Voiceover artist Since 2002

• Photographer since 2014

Software Skills

• All things MS - Totally proficient

• All things PC - Totally proficient

• All things Mac - Totally proficient

• Adobe InDesign - Very good

• Adobe Illustrator - Quite handy

• Adobe Photoshop - Pretty good - I did all the artwork on this site

• Final Cut Pro - Quite handy

• Soundtrack Pro - Quite handy

Do you charge in advance?

Sometimes I bill a percentage in advance. Call me.

Are you insured etc?

I am fully insured for both corporate and public liability. 

Do you run your own production company?

Yes, I trade as Night Train Productions Ltd. and the full company details including my terms and conditions of business are available right here! Just click on the Terms & Conditions etc links to your left. My lawyer and I wrote them together... it took me ages and they make good reading.

What sort of conflict of interest do we need to be aware of regarding our own clients and your production company?

There is no conflict of interest. I work as a freelancer representing your company. The fact that I maintain a small stable of my own clients has no bearing on my freelance status. I am a show professional with a correct working practice.

What is your official address, your company registration and VAT information?

We are registered in Scotland - Company no. SC177368
VAT registration - GB 663 7882 88
Registered Address - The Stamp Office, Level 5, 10-14 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh UK EH1 3EG

Do you have official Terms & Conditions and a Privacy Policy?

Of course - there’s a link here. I have separate Ts &Cs for my photography site - go see!

Anything else?

I am a keen photographer with specific event and portrait skills - I took most of the photographs on my main CV and also here on my website. NB There are some shots I didn't take, and I'm still working to fully credit other folk when I eventually get round to it. 

I have a full, clean driving licence, both British and Australian passports.

WANT OTHER STUFF..... SPECIFICS?

• Click here for a more formal description of our services

• Perhaps click here to peruse my CV. I have a flashy version and a "CV Light" one pager too

• Go here for our official Ts & Cs

• I keep a backstage blog here

• There's an Instagram feed here

After that, you're on your own really.... each of the above links open in a separate window.