Penniless muso turned roadie, Meri Took started the first ever event crewing service in Sydney in 1978. Meri toured the world for many years with the cream of rock royalty including Neil Young, Elton John, INXS, The Police, Elvis Costello and Cold Chisel in Lighting and Production Management Roles.
Meri was Technical Director and Designer for the launch of the Apple Macintosh in Hawaii in 1983, and has since worked on thousands of corporate events. He was Production Director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Paralympic Games in Sept 2000. He is known for his vast experience, his staging of successful events, exceptional project management skills and a matchless attention to detail. His Australian production company, Production Techniques, was a ground breaking industry leader in the late eighties.
In 1990 Meri identified a gap in the Australian market for rental theatrical drapes and stage risers. Starting with a dozen drapes, some second hand risers, and a strong commitment to service excellence, Staging Rentals was born.
Staging Rentals & Construction Services was a multi-award-winning company with branches in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The business has now ceased operations and is being wound down, and Meri remains closely connected to the industry.
In 2015, Meri was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Event Awards.