The challenge was that the tracking system had to be able to withstand 104km per hour down-currents from helicopters hovering just 40m above - not exactly an everyday requirement, and one that rendered most of the known entertainment automation systems inappropriate.
The 38 minute OC, staged right outside ADNEC, was an epic all-action show of spectacular proportions, conceived and directed by RedFilo's MD Pach Ang, assisted by Ronnie Lim.
As soon as Al Laith Event Services was confirmed for the project, Jo Marshall, director of event services, started thinking about a cost-effective and rock solid system that would fulfil all the technical requirements for moving the screen in such an extreme environment.
The solution he came up with utilised a vertical construction site Hek Mast lifting system, more commonly used for climbing up buildings.
"A significant amount of engineering was needed to adapt the system, but we have the means to do that, and I was confident that it could be modified to work as an exceptionally strong horizontal tracking system, complete with a set of LED dollies into which the screen modules could be fixed. Hek Masts have been tried and tested on construction sites worldwide under the most abusive conditions, and so it was just a question of how to apply the technology in a different environment."
By utilising existing industrial equipment, Al Laith was also able to offer a considerable cost reduction to its client.
Al Laith Event Services' on-site project manager was Neil Hobbs. He co-ordinated their crew of 80 for the intense four-week build period, which also included the construction of a series of giant scenic pieces for the OC, including six entrance/exit tunnels, a massive sliding door and a mobile motorcycle ramp.
(Jim Evans)
