"The ground support truss system followed the sloping roof line of the temporary structure as well as sufficiently supporting lighting and sound loads while not intruding on the space below. It can go right up into the apex of any interior space, such as marquees or converted barns and warehouses," explains Blackout managing director Steve Tuck. "This in turn gives event designers many more options in terms of where they position lighting, loudspeakers and other fittings."
In building the structures, Blackout uses custom corner blocks with their stock of Thomas 52cm Super-truss and, with the aid of some simple masking, the truss all but disappears.
"The gabled truss is a great example of what we can do as a company," Tuck enthuses. "We have always carried a large range of trussing, allowing us to have the most appropriate equipment for every size of venue from small hotel ballrooms to sports arenas. This new product can only enhance our offering and increase the flexibility of what event organisers can do when they work in partnership with us."
For the third year running, Blackout has provided rigging and drapes to Grant & Anthea's Summer Ball. This year, working with Delta Sound production manager Jim Lambert and designer Misty Buckley, Blackout made the most of the height and capacity of the temporary marquee. They were also required to raise and track a two-ton video wall to allow Stars in their Eyes style access for various performers and presenters to the top of a huge entrance staircase.
This was achieved using a low profile 'I' beam on two self-climbing towers with screens built directly onto the moving trolley beams. The screens were tracked using a vari-speed winch with a computer control travelling at up to three metres per second. Blackout also supplied a range of white cyc cloth and white and red drapes for the event, matching the overall Las Vegas event theme.
Delta Sound production manager Jim Lambert commented on the success of the event: "We needed a trussing solution that allowed us to use every inch of the roof space within the structure and to fully realise the set design. Blackout's expertise, and in particular Ken Nock's experience with truss fabrication, allowed us to do just this."
(Jim Evans)
