backstage-2014-01-23

actor 101 tech & diyFind more tools and DIY tips at backstage.com/techQUICK TIP |“Even if you and I decided, as actors, this and this and this, it doesn’t really matter if I have my own story and you have yourown story, as long as the story is vivid.” —VICTORIA CLARK, BACKSTAGE.COMH o w T o . . .Keep your hotelectronics coolIf you find yourself hitting thebeach or jetting off to the tropics thiswinter for work or pleasure, thereare a few things you have to keep inmind when it comes to your gear.[Thing of the Week]TrakdotLuggage TrackerBY REBECCASTRASSBERGHardwareWhatTrakdot Luggage TrackerWhyKeeps tabs on yourbelongings during travelWherewww.skymall.comHow Much$49.95For the traveling actor, casting director, producer, orwhatever your role in the industry may be, makingsure all your belongings arrive safely to their destinationcan cause anxiety. That’s why the Trakdot LuggageTracker is an essential companion for the industry professionalon the go. The small device is kept in your luggage,and the accompanying app on your phone lets you keeptrack of your bag—even when it’s packed tightly on aplane. The coolest part about Trakdot is that it shuts off,essentially entering “airplane mode” while you’re flying.The device has a sensor that tells it when an airplane isaccelerating. It can also tell when an airplane is decelerating,at which point it turns back on and alerts you—via textmessage or email—that your luggage has arrived safely;the app then alerts you when your bag is within 160 feet.Though the device costs $49.95 from SkyMall, it alsorequires an $8.99 activation fee and $12.99 annual servicefee—which, compared to replacing all of your belongings,sounds pretty reasonable!CHECK YOUR PHONE.Most smartphones these days have aninternal temperature monitor. If you haveto work in hot conditions, make sure youtake steps to protect your gadget—keep itout of direct sunlight, and check the temperatureregularly.BRING A TOWEL.If you find yourself on location on a hot day,you’ll want to keep a white towel on hand tocover your electronic gadgets when they’renot in use. The towel will absorb any condensationthat develops, and the white willdeflect excess heat.COOL TO THE CORE.It’s the internal heat that can push yourelectronics over the edge. Reduce thechance of overheating when it’s hot outby turning off the “live” viewfinder LCDscreen, and plugging in all equipment, ifpossible.CHILL OUT.Take a break now and then, and bring yourgadgets inside or into a cooler area. Givethem a little time to rest and cool down.JESSICA MARSHALLis a writer, actor, and digital producer in NewYork. Follow her on Twitter @jess_on_ice.T r a k D OT: C o u r t e sy G lo baT r ac L LC; S u n: S h u t t e rsto c k14 backstage 01.23.14upstage News | actor 101 | center stage cover story | features | downstage casting | chartsbackstage.com