"For a relatively small lighting package within the arena environment, Tellson James' creativity was far-stretched as he had to produce a show with fresh dynamic looks from the outset, and without any duplication throughout the entire set," Cobrin explained. "Tellson strategically positioned the hardware with precision, and it has certainly paid off."
The lighting design for Shayne Ward is based around a mid-stage box truss with six vertical floor-to-ceiling truss towers which were hung at regular intervals along the upstage truss, neatly framing and shaping the performance area.
The back wall features a central LED video screen (supplied by XL Video) which is flanked on either side by two projection screens, all of which are fed by a Catalyst system being controlled by the WholeHog II console.
The set, which includes a low-rise staircase and walkways on either side, was designed and supplied by Production North. There's a central section for the band and plenty of space downstage for Ward and six dancers.
"I am really pleased to be working with Bandit again," says James. "You can rely on the kit being well prepared and in excellent condition, along with great back up and support whilst on the road. Lester ensures we're well looked after."
Aesthetically, the rig had to be versatile and dynamic to provide different looks and feels for the four distinct layers of the show - which includes a Prince medley, soul, rock 'n' roll and James Bond sections.
"I wanted it to have a very clean, almost minimalist, overall look," James adds. "I enhanced the different elements and moods of the performance using simple classic beam, colour and theatrical lighting methods."
James chose Martin Professional 2K Profiles and Washes , which were mounted inside the vertical trusses on the rear wall. The floor lights include MAC 600s and MAC 500s, some of which are bolted on to the handrails of set thrusts extending the stage areas right to the sides of the arenas.
Other lighting includes 4-Lite Molefays, 6-cell ground rows, Atomic strobes and a series of PARs with colour-changers used for truss toning, along with 2K Fresnels to illuminate the dancers. Arranged on the front truss are 26 degree Source Fours with irises for key lighting and 8-Lite Molefays.
Bandit is also supplying the entire rigging package and two 2K Lycian FOH follow spots. The system was built in record time with the help of crew chief, John Wynne and technician, Nigel Julian.
Bandit will continue its association with The X-Factor this month by once again supplying full lighting production for the 2007 UK arena tour. This tour, which features the 2006 final ten contestants and winner, Leona Lewis, promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.
(Chris Henry)
