UK - More than 200 students from institutions around the UK tuned in live to Production Futures’ new YouTube channel for the launch of the Production Futures Studio TALKS podcast last week. Cheshire College, LIPA, The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Norwich University were all represented, with in some cases, tutors bringing whole classes to the session.
The inaugural podcast with lighting designer Tim Routledge was presented in conjunction with the BBC’s Bring the Drama Festival, which sees the Corporation joining forces with some of the UK’s prominent cultural organisations to open doors of opportunity for the next generation of behind-the-scenes talent.
The 90-minute live broadcast Q+A, which saw Tim take part remotely from a secret location - he is currently working on production rehearsals with Take That - provided the young audience with valuable and inspiring insights into the world of lighting and production in general.
Hannah Eakins of Production Futures hosted the podcast, and reflects on a successful launch: “We received great feedback from everyone involved in this first edition of the podcast, and owe a debt of gratitude to Tim for generously taking time out of his busy schedule to participate.
“In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be broadcasting conversations with inspirational figures from across the sector, of all ages and at all stages of their careers, including our own Breakthrough Talent award winners - people who are ‘paying it forward’ to help newcomers access and better understand the produ
UK - The Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers (ISCVE) celebrated a successful ISCVEx 2024. The two-day symposium, which took place from 19-20 March at the historic Coombe Abbey, near Coventry, brought together more than 250 attendees in a showcase of knowledge, technology and community.
ISCVE hosted a varied line-up, which started with an engaging AGM and featured an illuminating member’s presentation from Jason Williams on Species AI Capture – The challenges and rewards of working on environmental and conservation projects. Participants then enjoyed camaraderie and insights exchanged at the networking dinner, complemented by an exhilarating performance by The Pub Choir.
Highlighting the second day were three seminars. James ‘Brew’ Henry Breward led the charge with Quiet Please, bringing to the spotlight the advanced audio systems utilised at Wimbledon. Dr. Peter Mapp then captivated the audience with his talk on Myths, Maths & Morphs, exploring the veracities and misconceptions of speech communication, as well as public address systems design. Concluding the seminar series was a discussion on Tuning in to Cyber Security Risks by Mike Davies, Centrality’s lead consultant, emphasising the mounting threats of cyber incursions faced across the spectrum of enterprise.
"The feedback on the seminars underscored their captivating and thought-provoking content," Ros Wigmore of ISCVE observes. "Plans are already underway for next year's event, propelled by this year’s accomplishments.
"The energy
UK - Voyage Audio, the San Diego-based creators of Spatial Mic have appointed Emerging as their exclusive distributor for UK and Ireland.
The original Spatial Mic product employed USB/ADAT connectivity and this has been joined more recently by a Dante version. Both microphones have eight-capsule arrays that support 2nd Order Ambisonics. The body of the mics contain high-quality A/D conversion using a high-resolution Skyworks clocking scheme and built-in 32-bit XMOS processor.
The applications for the Spatial Mic are as diverse as its specifications. It is equally at home in studio, broadcast, field and live concert recordings where the remote control of the capsules and the output are obviously valuable, says Voyage.
Emerging’s MD, Paul Mortimer comments, “We already have an impressive range of products to manage immersive audio for mixing and mastering, and having a product like Spatial Mic that can capture live such an impressive range of immersive formats, completes the picture for us.”
Colin Ritchie and Steve Silva are co-founders of Voyage Audio and have extensive experience in the design of microphones and software for recording and production. Colin remarks; “We were impressed with Emerging’s focus on quality products that support immersive audio production. Clearly, they have the technical expertise and practical experience to properly support the product, so we think this partnership will be hugely successful.”
On The Campaign Trail - Leading arts organisations including the Royal Shakespeare Company and Bristol Old Vic are joining together for a UK-wide campaign aimed at creating a “powerful sector voice” that will advocate for the industry and lobby for additional public funding to help struggling venues and companies.
Culture Makes...will run from May this year and throughout 2024, creating what its organisers have called "a bold new vision for the value and impact of culture and heritage in society and as a human right which urgently needs investment" in the run up to the next general election.
It has been developed by the Cultural Philanthropy Foundation, with others that have already committed to being part of the campaign including 20 Stories High, An Tobar and Mull Theatre, Cardboard Citizens, Edinburgh International Festival, Javaad Alipoor Company, Lyric Theatre Belfast, Midlands Arts Centre, Northern Ballet, Pleasance, the Roundhouse, Scottish Ballet, Shakespeare’s Globe, Talawa Theatre Company and Theatr Clwyd.
In The Courts - Organisers of rapper Travis Scott's Astroworld music festival foresaw the crowding issues in 2021 that led to 10 deaths, new court documents claim. Ten days before, the festival's safety head raised concern about the number of people who would be near the stage. "I feel like there is no way we are going to fit 50k in front of that stage," Seyth Boardman wrote to the Texas festival's operations director. The exchange was one of many included in recent court filings.
Lawyers for some of the families, and
South Africa - Audio-Technica has announced the appointment of Alpha Technologies as the distributor for its commercial product line in South Africa.
This strategic partnership aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of Audio-Technica's professional audio solutions, catering to the growing installed audio-visual equipment in the South African market. Alpha Technologies, with its proven track record in delivering technology solutions, is well-positioned to strengthen Audio-Technica's presence and provide support to customers across various industries.
John Dodson, business development manager at Audio-Technica, Middle East and Africa comments, "We are delighted to join forces with Alpha Technologies as our official distributor in South Africa. This partnership aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences to a broader audience. Alpha Technologies' dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction makes them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our reach in the region. Their expertise and extensive customer network make them the perfect choice to represent the Audio-Technica commercial product line."
Tiaan Hoogstad, marketing director at Alpha Technologies, adds, "South Africa is a dynamic market with a growing demand for high-quality audio solutions. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will bring Audio-Technica's cutting-edge technology to a wider audience in South Africa.
“Alpha Technologies is committed to providing excellent service and support for Audio-Technica's commercial product
UK - Confetti, a learning institute offering specialist vocational education and training, has announced the launch of the Steve Lillywhite Scholarship. This award is named after the six-time Grammy-winning record producer Steve Lillywhite and aims to ‘provide exceptional opportunities for driven and motivated UK students pursuing a career in music production’.
Steve Lillywhite is celebrated globally for his contributions to modern music, having worked with iconic artists such as Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, U2, and The Killers.
Now, in partnership with Confetti, he seeks to mentor and guide the next generation of musical talent. Lillywhite said: "I’m deeply committed to nurturing the future of music production, and I’m excited about the prospect of working closely with a deserving student at Confetti, helping them take significant strides in their career."
The Scholarship is open to all UK students applying to the MA Music Production course at Confetti's campuses in Nottingham and London. This scholarship opportunity includes 100% fully-funded tuition fees and personalised 1:1 mentoring sessions with Steve Lillywhite. Additionally, students will benefit from Confetti’s partnership with Tileyard, a creative hub home to over 200 music businesses such as Soundcloud, Ableton and Believe, and over 150 private recording studios.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must hold an offer to study on the MA Music Production course at Confetti and be classified as a 'Home' student. The application process requires the submission o
USA - AtlasIED celebrates a remarkable and rare milestone in 2024 - 90 years in business. Atlas Sound has been providing audio and communication solutions to the world since 1934, and, since the acquisition of Innovative Electronic Designs (IED) in 2011, it is now a global leader in the manufacturing of high-quality commercial audio and communication technology solutions for applications ranging from transportation to houses of worship. Building on prior owner Loyd Ivey’s legacy, who passed away in September 2023, AtlasIED and current owner, John Ivey, remains steadfast in its approach to operating as a family-owned business.
Germany - Last week’s Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt attracted round 25,000 visitors from five continents and more than 100 countries, according to its organisers who reported that over 500 exhibitors and brands showcased their innovations and solutions at the show.
"I am very pleased that we were able to emphasise what makes Prolight + Sound so special with this year's edition,” says Wolfgang Marzin, president & CEO of Messe Frankfurt. “It not only combines technical innovations, knowledge transfer and entertainment, but also brings together a large number of top decision-makers with young industry newcomers under one roof - and thus forms a bridge between the status quo and the future of the event industry.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our association partners VPLT and EVVC once again for their commitment and support,"
Panel discussions, keynotes and live demonstrations included award-winning creative director Geneviève Cleary, lighting designer Mikki Kunttu, producer and DJ Gregor Tresher, label head Edgar Dirksen, guitarist Yasi Hofer, CCO of Atelier Markgraph Stefan Weil and creative director and artist Eileen Hall.
A comprehensive lecture and conference programme complemented these with current topics such as personnel development and the implementation of sustainable events.
New attractions included the expanded 3.000 m² Performance + Production Hub in cooperation with the Sample Music Festival, the Immersive Audio Dome and Audio Bar. the ProAudio segment was comprehensively expanded this ye
Europe Creators of outdoor arts events Walk the Plank has partnered with Bluman Associates to offer tailored experiences for brands and events using new tech Geolights, GPS-enabled, lightweight, sustainable and handheld lights.
Geolights can be used to create mass participation public events and connect audiences to brands. They were innovated and developed for large-scale outdoor events Green Space Dark Skies by Walk the Plank working with experts at Siemens, Core Lighting and Bluman Associates.
The aims of this new partnership combine the forces of British creativity and tech innovation to offer ‘never-before-seen spectacles that combine performance, choreography and participation’.
Handheld Geolights include GPS-enabled technology, allowing real-time location tracking and real-time content delivery. The Geolights content can be pre-programmed to a specific geographical location and the Wi-Fi show canvas can be an area similar in size to a football pitch.
Audiences can feel connected to a brand with Geolights technology enabling an experiential, collective and highly participatory event. By remotely changing the colour of the Geolights, each participant becomes a pixel within a predesigned, dynamic and ever-changing image of live shapes and forms. Filmed by drone, the forms and shapes created by individuals on the ground are recorded. This new participatory technological innovation, combined with creativity allows people to become part of the event and also the legacy of an event, through film or photography.
Walk the Plank co-fo
France - At Les Rencontres Trans Musicales (aka Transmusicales or Les Trans) The music starts at 9pm and continues virtually nonstop until morning. This process is repeated over the course of four days inside 100,000sq.m of cavernous airport hangers at Rennes Airport Parc Expo.
The festival was founded 44-years ago by Béatrice Macé and Jean-Louis Brossard, who still run the event today.
Whether it’s Iranian American trip-hop innovator Rahill, or French Israeli jazz drummer Roni Kaspi, the festival embraces a potpourri of artists for the express purpose of finding “the next big thing”. Les Trans has done quite a good job in this quest. Nirvana got what many regard as their first big European exposure at the festival, so too did Björk, Cabaret Voltaire and Daft Punk.
Future stars, as well as established artists, performing in the festival’s spacious Greenroom hanger were supported by a dynamic and colourful lightshow with all the flexibility necessary to reflect their highly individualised styles and personas. This was accomplished thanks to a skilfully crafted lighting design by Julien Trochu the LD of West Evénement, that featured a collection of Chauvet Professional fixtures.
Drawn from West Evénement’s own inventory, these fixtures included 10 Rogue RH1 Hybrids, which were used to provide parallel beams above the stage, as well as for counter lighting; and 24 Rogue R2 Washes, positioned on the periphery of the room and arranged in blocks of six. Also adding to the visual impact were six Vesuvio II RGBA+UV LED colour mixing fo
Germany - LEaT con, the trade fair and conference for the event and entertainment industry, reports that 80% of the available exhibition space has already been sold to exhibitors.
Taking place from 22 to 24 October 2024 at Hamburg Messe, LEaT con has established itself since 2022 as a community hub for professionals from the event and entertainment industry.
With a list of over 150 exhibitors and more than 180 brands presenting the latest technologies, services, and solutions, the event offers a platform for exchanging ideas, promoting innovation, and building new contacts in the entertainment industry.
"We are overwhelmed by the positive response and the trust the industry places in LEaT con," says Duc Nguyen, director of LEaT, organiser of LEaT con. "Reaching 80% of the exhibition space sold at this early stage is a clear sign that our vision of creating a networking hub for the event and entertainment industry is needed, and we have convinced with our concept."
LEaT con will cover a wide range of topics, including the latest trends in audio, lighting, and stage technology, innovative event technologies, sustainable event planning, and much more. The Studioszene - the community event for audio engineers, producers, and home recorders - will additionally expect the top audio brands in the exhibition hall B6.
In addition to the exhibition, there will be an extensive programme of masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and panel discussions led by industry leaders and key players.
With only 20% of the exhibition space remaining, LEaT c
Canada - BlackTrax brought their expertise to the live sports industry and added a new level of immersive artistry to the recent NBA All-Star events. Whether you were spectating from home or within the arena, the NBA raised the bar by transforming how fans engage in sports broadcasting through the integration of immersive technologies, including BlackTrax, into the games as they happened in real-time.
In collaboration with ASB GlassFloor, the NBA left fans in awe as the traditional glossy hardwood floor was upgraded to a 27m-pixel screen displaying real-time visuals and animations. Certified for the highest level of professional sports competitions by federations such as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and International Volleyball Federation, ASB GlassFloor is more than just a flooring system; it's a versatile, multi-functional solution.
The surface of the court, known as LumiFlex, became the focal point of the evening, featuring graphics, video relays, and interactive games.
BlackTrax played a crucial role in enhancing the excitement and interactivity of the games, thanks to its seamless integration with GlassCourt OS, the interactive software solution developed in partnership with ASB GlassFloor. Integrated with both LumiFlex and GlassCourt OS, BlackTrax was used to not only track hosts, players, mascots, entertainers, and audience members but also trigger animations that enhanced the players' movements in real-time.
The collaboration between BlackTrax and GlassCourt OS was instrumental in transforming the LED court into a
USA - With its expansion to the famed Strip, Fontainebleau Las Vegas has launched LIV Las Vegas, the city’s latest nightlife destination, which lighting designer Stephen Lieberman has illuminated with an array of Ayrton fixtures controlled by a grandMA3light console.
The LIV brand from Groot Hospitality was born at the Fontainebleau Miami in 2008. Now, its 50,000sq.ft counterpart in Las Vegas delivers high-energy entertainment to that city’s clubgoers making its 2,000 guests feel in the middle of the EDM action.
Lieberman, who is president of LA-area SJ Lighting, which specialises in production systems for nightlife and hospitality, already had designed the lighting for LIV Miami when his firm was hired to design and develop the theatrical system for LIV Las Vegas. His team worked in collaboration with BWA Architects, Rockwell Group interior designers and Sound Investment AV audio designers.
“One of the challenges was having all the designers come together from different cities and make everything look coordinated - that’s as daunting a task as the actual design work,” Lieberman explains. “The theatrical lighting needed to include hybrid fixtures, wash lights to balance the look, strobes, LED strip lights, lasers and LED video panels with a high level of automation.
“The space is very fluid with a very clean layout and great sight lines: You’re able to do a lap around the first floor and second-level mezzanine and not get stuck in a dead end,” he says. “Whether you are at a table or a bar, you’re an active participant in
USA - This year’s Academy Awards featured a number of notable musical performances. With the help of Shure wireless audio technology, the industry’s most experienced professionals brought the evening at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre to life, making certain that all 10.5m viewers watching the event around the world ‘could enjoy every blockbuster moment with crystal-clear audio quality’.
Overall, the Academy Awards’ production team deployed 50 channels of Shure Axient Digital wireless, monitoring the spectrum with Shure Wireless Workbench. The team, comprised of professionals from ATK and Soundtronics, also deployed 16 channels of Q5X PlayerMics that were combined with Axient Digital wireless receivers to deliver superior digital transmission and spectrum efficiency.
Originally developed for the NBA, Q5X PlayerMics are super concealable, bendable, and are designed with Shure Axient Digital radios. Each Q5X PlayerMic was paired with Shure’s TwinPlex Premium Subminiature microphones to provide the most transparent audio while remaining easily concealed.
"The Shure TwinPlex lavalier mic is still the state of the art for live television specials like this year's Oscars,” said Pat Baltzell, sound producer for the Academy Awards. “Unlike Broadway shows where the performers are trained to project their voices, the movie actors prefer to speak confidentially, like they do on film sets. So, the challenge is more difficult to get their voices to the back row in a 3,300-seat theatre.
We also chose to use the TwinPlex lavs on the drummers/vo
Germany - The Adam Hall Group is further expanding its international sales network. Melbourne-based Link Audio is now the new distribution partner for the LD Systems pro audio brand in Australia.
With this expanded partnership - Link Audio has also been responsible for the exclusive distribution of the Gravity brand since 2021 - the event technology manufacturer, headquartered in Neu-Anspach, Germany, is aiming to establish the diverse sound and sound reinforcement solutions of its pro audio brand on the continent and distribute them even more extensively.
"We are delighted to have found an exclusive distribution partner for LD Systems in Australia in Link Audio," says Markus Jahnel, COO of the Adam Hall Group. "The retail, rental and installation market is a particular challenge simply because of Australia's geographical size, and it plays an important role in our international endeavours.
“Link Audio is a dynamic and flexible company that has many years of sales experience with renowned audio brands and has also been the exclusive distributor of Gravity's stand solutions in Australia for several years. We’re looking forward to an extended cooperation where we make LD Systems even more popular in Australia."
Michael Jago, managing director at Link Audio, says: "We are delighted to be distributing LD Systems in Australia. For us, LD Systems fulfils all the criteria of a modern pro audio brand: high audio quality and development standards, user-centric designs, innovative features, and a constantly growing, perfectly coordinated portfolio
UK Prolight has announced a distribution partnership with Hollyland Technology in the UK.
Hollyland is one of the fastest-growing wireless technology companies in the global content production market. Since 2013, the brand has grown to be recognised as a leading provider of premium wireless products. The product portfolio includes video transmission systems, cameras, monitors, wireless microphones, and wireless intercom systems that feature a compact design, high quality, reliable performance, and affordability.
“This collaboration further bolsters our product offering and expands our portfolio of brands and will be featured at this year’s Plasa Focus in Leeds - Pop by our stand N-C26 to find out more,” says Prolight.
Stock of Hollyland and Hollyvox Wireless Communications Systems will be arriving in the coming weeks.
Germany - Events technology company Show’Em is focused on one market sector - corporate events at which every detail of the production must reflect the brand values and design ethos of the clients and their products.
And often that client is one of Germany’s leading car manufacturers, for whom Show’Em delivers end-to-end event organisation and in whose home city of Ingolstadt the company is also located.
“We have been working together with AudiAG since 2001, which has developed into a strong partnership that continues to this day” reports Show’Em CEO Christian Eck.
“The collaboration allows us to stage a large number of notable industry events for the company. We have risen to meet the needs of our customer over the years and have since made the company’s high standards our own.”
These standards extend to the careful evaluation of every piece of the AV technology deployed including a large inventory of Nexo loudspeakers, not only for how they perform, but also for how they look.
“The look of a product is very important to us” says Christian. “That’s why we have our own photo studio in the company where we photograph and evaluate all relevant products that are in the customer's line of sight. Visible screws, cables or an unfavourable shape are exclusion criteria for us.
“Nexo products have always done well in this respect. Unlike other brands, Geo M6 and M10 line arrays achieve high output and even coverage using only single low-mid drivers, rather than two side-by-side. That's why they’re so very slim,
Germany - This week, the biggest and brightest names in international sports and media technology will gather for SportsInnovation at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Duesseldorf. At this, invitation-only event, ARRI is set to present its impressive technology portfolio of camera and stabiliser equipment that ‘elevates live entertainment and sports broadcast environments to new heights’.
ARRI is new to the roster of selected exhibitors at SportsInnovation this year and presents a bespoke lineup of tools and workflows that are helping to shape the future of spectator sports. During the event’s Innovation Games, ARRI showcases its Multicam and camera stabiliser systems through live game demonstrations in partnership with the Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) and the National Football League (NFL). These real-life applications, featuring live soccer and American football matches, endorse the benefits of using ARRI technology for live sports entertainment and present various broadcast solutions that professionals can use today.
The ARRI equipment on the field includes a 12-camera ARRI Multicam system setup with ARRI Signature Zoom lenses and the camera stabiliser systems TRINITY Live and 360 EVO.
Germany - Hololot has confirmed its inclusion in the Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, sitting alongside OpenAI, Youtube, Beyonce’s Parkwood Entertainment and others. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are ‘shaping industry and culture through their innovations, setting new standards and achieving remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy’.
“Our mission is to create unparalleled experiences of sound to enrich people’s memories and ultimately lives. Being named as an innovator by Fast Company, and joining such a prestigious list of companies, is a true testament to the impact of our work and the wider recognition of what that means for society,” says Holoplot CEO, Roman Sick.
“Having a tech company like ours included in the ‘Music’ category is also a statement as to how technology can elevate art beyond just sound reproduction and become a creative tool in its own right."
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is both a comprehensive look at the innovation economy and a snapshot of the business trends that defined the year,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “We saw extraordinary innovation across the board in 2023, but we also saw a handful of clear patterns: the growing footprint and impact of AI, the triumphant return of live events, and great leaps forward in climate tech. We face daunting challenges on many fronts, but the solutions we celebrate in MIC give me plenty of hope about the future.”
USA - When the Sphere opened last fall to resounding acclaim at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, another eye-opening yet distinctly intimate entertainment venue made its debut at the same resort, Voltaire. Presented as an entirely new kind of entertainment space, Voltaire features architectural and theatrical lighting by renowned design studio Lightswitch, with Elation luminaires playing an essential role in crafting its atmosphere.
“I think it’s interesting to compare and contrast those two modalities, two totally different experiences and two ways of thinking about entertainment,” Lightswitch principal John Featherstone says of Sphere and Voltaire. “Both venues offer experiences pushed to the extremes, one a massive edifice of technology that immerses you in a grand experience, and the other a beautiful, small, intimate space that offers a remarkably personal experience.” There is a need for both, he emphasises, so that people can curate the kind of experience they want.
Lightswitch were brought to the project by award-winning environmental and scenic designer Derek McLane, a frequent Lightswitch collaborator. Lightswitch curated a one-of-a-kind aesthetic for Voltaire, drawing upon their expertise in architectural lighting design, theatrical system design, and entertainment creation. Norm Schwab, principal at Lightswitch’s San Francisco office, collaborated with Featherstone on the cross-disciplinary project.
Voltaire is fashionably chic. Guests are enveloped in an opulent, art-deco-inspired ambiance, complete with plush furnishings and
UK - Celebrating two decades since their formation and gearing up for the release of their first album in five years, January saw British rock band Bring Me the Horizon (BMTH) embark on a sold-out arena tour across the UK and Ireland.
The nx_gn wrld tour featured a display including a 500-panel LED setup, courtesy of Video Design and powered by Brompton Technology LED processing. Video Design’s Alex Leinster comments: “Not only is this tour promoting the band’s new album, it’s also an anniversary year for them, so we were asked to create their most awe-inspiring display yet, something to suit the scale of an arena and festival stage.”
Video Design was responsible for supplying and managing the screens, processing, and camera package. “On a fast paced, highly technical, large-scale production like this, it was crucial for us to use the top brands to ensure the best quality and reliability. That’s why we specified ROE LED screens coupled with Brompton Tessera processing,” adds Leinster.
Known for their electrifying performances in over 50 countries and recent headline slots at Reading & Leeds and Download festivals, Bring Me the Horizon's new tour supports their album, Post Human: Nex Gen, set for release later this year.
Its visual centrepiece comprised a large V-shaped ROE CB5 Visual Carbon LED screen flanked by smaller IMAG screens, all powered by four Brompton Technology 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors, along with six Tessera XD 10G data distribution units, with two feeds running on a closed loop to provi
USA - Meyer Sound has announced the acquisition of Audio Rhapsody, a startup founded by sound designer Jonathan Deans. With the acquisition, Meyer Sound strengthens its position in the theatre sound sector, utilising Deans’ expertise to develop software solutions to expand the company’s portfolio of integrated digital systems.
This partnership is the latest milestone in Meyer Sound’s legacy of innovation in theatre sound. From collaborating with sound designer Abe Jacob in 1980 to bringing the UPA loudspeaker to Broadway, to developing the new NADIA network-based digital audio platform, the company has continually pushed the envelope.
Deans is known for his pioneering work in immersive sound and his commitment to advancing the artistry of the craft. With multiple Tony and Drama Desk award nominations to his name, he has contributed to hundreds of productions spanning Broadway, the West End, and beyond and crafted soundscapes for 15 Cirque du Soleil productions. His relationship with Meyer Sound goes back to 1978 when he met founders John and Helen Meyer while working on a production of Evita using a Meyer-designed JM-3 loudspeaker.
Meyer Sound acquired Deans’ company Level Control Systems in 2005, leading to an expansion of the company’s digital solutions.
“Jonathan is a recognised leader in the world of theatre sound,” says John McMahon, senior vice-president of Meyer Sound. “We’re excited to join forces with him and his team as we continue to build upon our successes and expand our investments in the sector. My rela
Germany - The era of Germany’s Weimar Republic was marked by compelling imagery that can never be forgotten by those who lived through it or studied it. The haunting aura of those years is palpable in Babylon Berlin, the series on Sky Deutschland that is set in the German capital in the waning days of the republic.
The gripping power that has made the TV series so unforgettable runs through the three Babylon Berlin Live in Concert performances that took place at the Theater des Westens. Part of the TingelTangel concert series, this stirring performance by the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, transports audiences back to the Weimer era musically and visually.
Amplifying the impact of the concert for live audiences, as well as for those who watched recordings later on television, was a nuanced lighting design by Jerry Appelt of Appelt Lichtdesign that featured 12 Chauvet Professional COLORado PXL Curve 12 fixtures arranged across the edge of the downstage deck.
Appelt used the pixel mappable batten with 12 individually controlled RGBW heads to fill a variety of roles in his design. “We needed a fixture that was capable of lighting the orchestra from a downstage edge border lights position in addition to providing show- effect lighting in the direction of the audience and cameras at the same time,” he said. “The individual tilt and zoom capabilities of this fixture gave us that exact opportunity.”
Given the historical theme of the concert, Appelt paid careful attention to selecting redolent hues that evoked images of the Weimer era. “We focus
UK - TSL Lighting has made further significant investment in EXE Technology load monitoring and stage automation equipment, with the addition of a further x134 hoists to complement their rental stock.
Their latest investments include the new EXE Rise D8 + 350kg, a small body hoist for compact applications, D8+ 500kg and D8+ 1000kg hoists to add to their inventory, and the EXE Rise D8+ 2000kg Single Fall chain hoists, designed for use in heavy duty applications and in rugged touring environments.
TSL who are full members of - LEEA (The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) are the first UK rental house to take delivery of the new Extra-Large Frame 2000kg hoists which boast a single chain (single fall) configuration. This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing the quality and safety standards within the entertainment technology sector and TSL’s growing inventory of their lifting technology equipment.
Commenting on the investment, Sam Tamplin, managing director of TSL Lighting, says: "At TSL, we're committed to operating at the highest safety standards and investing in our long-term future as a high-end rigging provider. Purchasing these new two Tonne single reeve D8+ units is a major milestone for us on our journey and one we're proud of.
“As expected, Area Four UK have been great at supporting us throughout the process, providing additional training and aftercare sales."
As a long-standing customer of Area Four Industries Direct UK, and with further investment in EXE Technology, TSL Lighting aims to leverage the