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We don’t just pride ourselves on our work, but our employees as well. We have a team full of different personalities, specialties and experiences. What we all share though is a passion for the industry and a passion for our clients. Together we are BML-Blackbird and we’re the leader in technical event production services throughout New York and New Jersey.
Eric Todd President Years in the Industry: over 40 Years at BML-Blackbird: over 40
What I do: When I started BML back in the 70’s, I was just a high school junior with a love of electronics and engineering and how they applied to theatrical lighting. After spending three semesters in a college theater program running the business from my dorm room, I knew without a doubt it was time to just go out on my own and devote all my time to growing the business. Through these efforts, I was able to grow the company from a garage operation through to the business it is today. I work closely with my clients, as does everyone else at BML to ensure they receive the same personal service today that they received since our inception. “We’re interested in being a part of your team, not just hired guns” has been my motto since day one and continues to drive our operations today. Major Projects: Design, construction, and implementation of 94’x57’ LED screen for Verizon installation, provision of 1,000,000 watt lighting system for Aida performances in Mexico City, design and construction of large custom lighting installation for Coca-Cola Olympic City. Interests: Fishing, coaching my kids’ soccer teams, tennis, and, of course, telling jokes!
David Oakes Director of Production Years in the Industry: 34 Years at BML-Blackbird: Crew Chief from 1994-1999, 7 years as Director What I Do: I bring my expertise in design, production, and gaffing to BML-Blackbird to ensure that all events have the proper equipment and staff to make them a success. My department directly oversees all event staffing, equipment lists, and sub-rentals to best utilize all of our equipment and personnel on every event. Major Projects: Super Bowl Halftime shows 2002 – 2004, 2 Tenors PBS Special at the Coliseum in Rome 2003, People’s Choice Awards 2010-2011, 12/12/12 Concert 2012 Interests: Spending time with my family and 2 dogs, traveling – especially anywhere that I can spend long days on the beach drinking margaritas!
Chris Ragan Account Executive/Design Years in Industry: 30 Years at BML-Blackbird: 13 What I Do: I work with new and existing clients from the beginning stages of concept and design to the execution of the event, tours, venue installations, and everything in between. Major Projects: Lighting installations at prestigious venues such as The Capitol Theatre, Terminal 5 and Brooklyn Bowl. Two decades of touring experience with moe., The Strokes, Common and Gov’t Mule to name a few. Lighting designer for Lockn, NYC Governors Ball and Mountain Jam. Interests: I’m a music lover at heart, and I love being introduced to new artists.
Al Chipperson (Chip) Video Account Executive/Senior Project Manager Years in Industry: 30 Years at BML-Blackbird: 9 What I Do: I provide production and technical expertise from the first call to the final bill. Major Projects: Pope John II in Central Park, Revlon Run Walk, Z100 Zootopia Interests: Spending time with family and friends, biking, hiking, and snowboarding
Meka Bethea-Lee Video Director of Operations Years in the Industry: 20 Years at BML-Blackbird:11 What I Do: I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our Video Department and making sure everything goes off without a hitch! Major Projects: Generating content for the KTU event at the Izod Center, and being the daily liaison between our video and lighting department, ensuring seamless integration of our services! Interests: I love spending time with my family, and, of course, my dogs. I love picking up a new hobby, recently I started playing the guitar!
Chris Manganelli Director of Client Relations Years in the Industry: 20+ Years at BML-Blackbird: NEW GUY What I Do: I make money Major Projects: Super Bowl Interests: The Yankees & drinking margaritas!
Chris Ragan Account Executive/Design Years in Industry: 30 Years at BML-Blackbird: 13 What I Do: I work with new and existing clients from the beginning stages of concept and design to the execution of the event, tours, venue installations, and everything in between. Major Projects: Lighting installations at prestigious venues such as The Capitol Theatre, Terminal 5 and Brooklyn Bowl. Two decades of touring experience with moe., The Strokes, Common and Gov’t Mule to name a few. Lighting designer for Lockn, NYC Governors Ball and Mountain Jam. Interests: I’m a music lover at heart, and I love being introduced to new artists.
Bobby DeLuca Senior Project Manager/ Account Executive Years in Industry: 40 Years at BML-Blackbird: Started back in the ’70s, and after years on the road, came back full time in 1998. What I Do: I manage events ranging from product launches to private parties to large-scale concerts while working with my clients to ensure they get the best service possible. Major Projects: Multiple Half Time events at Met Life Stadium, many years throughout the 80’s and 90’s on the road with Bon Jovi, The Scorpions, Cher and John Mellencamp, Puppy Bowl 2014 Interests: I’m an animal lover at heart and currently have 3 rescue dogs. I live by the Jersey Shore and like to spend my time outside BBQing and hanging in the pool. And, of course, I’m a Virgo!
Al Chipperson (Chip) Video Account Executive/Senior Project Manager Years in Industry: 30 Years at BML-Blackbird: 9 What I Do: I provide production and technical expertise from the first call to the final bill. Major Projects: Pope John II in Central Park, Revlon Run Walk, Z100 Zootopia Interests: Spending time with family and friends, biking, hiking, and snowboarding
Meka Bethea-Lee Video Director of Operations Years in the Industry: 20 Years at BML-Blackbird:11 What I Do: I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our Video Department and making sure everything goes off without a hitch! Major Projects: Generating content for the KTU event at the Izod Center, and being the daily liaison between our video and lighting department, ensuring seamless integration of our services! Interests: I love spending time with my family, and, of course, my dogs. I love picking up a new hobby, recently I started playing the guitar!
