Since its formation in 1975 Britannia Row Productions has always been at the forefront of live audio. In the ensuing decades, touring credits include artists as varied as The Pink Floyd, The Cure, Neil Young, Frank Sinatra, Florence and the Machine, Paul Simon, Duran Duran, Kasabian and the Foo Fighters. The company has also provided audio for events such as Live8, the Golden and Diamond Jubilees, as well as TV events such as BRIT awards, Classic BRIT awards and MTV EMAs.
The directors of Britannia Row have always recognised the need to develop talent and the company has always invested in its own in-house training schemes. Due to the increasing demand for well-qualified technicians throughout the entertainment and event industry and due to the increasing complexity of audio technology, Britannia Row has decided to offer its training to people outside the company.
Course director Barry Bartlett outlines the advantages of the Britannia Row route, "Uniquely 'Britannia Row Productions Training' exists right at the heart of the live production industry, thus we are able to give students direct exposure to the very latest equipment, procedures and techniques utilised at the professional level."
Bartlett's engineering credits include Damon Albarn's Monkey: Journey to the West, Pete Townshend, James and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also regularly given live audio lectures. "Students will also learn the practical, creative and personal skills required to successfully work within the industry."
In addition the new Training Centre guarantees continuation on a paid apprenticeship with Britannia Row Productions for the best Live Sound Technology graduate of each intake.
"This level of integration with the industry is unique," commented Britannia Row Productions Training MD Matthias Postel. "Supported by Britannia Row's networking capacity, students are presented with excellent opportunities to start work as live sound professionals."
The former General Manager of SAE Institute UK, Postel brings 16 years experience of delivering training and education in sound engineering. "Britannia Row Productions knows exactly what it takes to produce world class audio for live events: skilled and experienced technicians who know the equipment, can work with other people, and make it happen under pressure. We offer training for all these requirements to provide a straight-forward entry into the live sound industry."
The first three month full-time Live Sound Technology course will commence in April 2013, with one month specialist courses offered later in the year.
(Jim Evans)
