Rundown Studio vs Google Sheets
• John Barker
In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between Rundown Studio and Google Sheets and delve into what sets Rundown Studio apart for efficiently managing your event production run-of-show.
What is Rundown Studio?
Rundown Studio is a specialized run-of-show tool designed for the seamless production of events. It provides a platform for your entire team to collaborate effectively and maintain focus on the event’s flow and schedule.
What is Google Sheets?
Google Sheets, on the other hand, is a versatile tool for creating various types of spreadsheets, conducting calculations, and organizing information. While it can be used for run-of-show purposes, it offers a broader range of applications.
Key Differences
Built for Purpose
Rundown Studio has been purpose-built with running shows in mind, emphasizing cue accuracy and information clarity. It’s tailored to the specific needs of event production.
Keep Track of Cue Progress
Rundown Studio offers built-in cue tracking and overall event timing, ensuring you always know when your show might run over or under the scheduled time.
Refined Palette of Tools and Options
Rundown Studio strips away unnecessary options, presenting only the features and tools essential for creating and executing run-of-shows.
What Sets Rundown Studio Apart
Built for Purpose
Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers templates for rundowns, but they may not always meet your specific requirements, necessitating additional work to adapt them.
While Google Sheets allows for complex mathematical operations and formulas, it has a learning curve that may require time to master.
Rundown Studio
Rundown Studio is purpose-designed for running shows, employing industry-standard terminology and best practices. It auto-calculates end times for each cue and the entire show, eliminating the need for manual calculations.
Keep Track of Cue Progress
Google Sheets
Cue progress tracking can be implemented through complex formulas in Google Sheets, but there’s a risk of errors, and incorrect data entry by team members can cause issues.
Rundown Studio
Rundown Studio simplifies cue tracking for you and your team, minimizing the likelihood of errors from accidental keyboard input.
Refined Palette of Tools and Options
Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers a wide array of features suitable for creating complex spreadsheets and charts, which may be more than what’s required for run-of-show tools.
Its full-color customization options can lead to information overload and inconsistency in the appearance of rundowns.
Rundown Studio
Rundown Studio includes only the necessary functionality within a context that streamlines the rundown creation process.
It offers a refined color palette that strikes a balance between customization and clarity, ensuring that every rundown follows a consistent and known format.
Rundown Studio’s specialization and purpose-driven design make it an ideal choice for creating and executing run-of-shows with precision and efficiency. While Google Sheets can be adapted for similar purposes, it might involve more effort and the risk of inconsistencies.