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15 August 2024

Mexico - Evoke Studios, specialising in visual performance design technologies and content production for dynamic and virtual environments, has announced a strategic partnership with Malak XR Virtual Production Studios, a virtual production industry leader in Mexico.  

This collaboration was officially launched to television and production companies during a three-day demo event. The partnership combines decades of industry experience with the latest in virtual production technology, television, and film production, setting new standards for content production in Mexico.  

By integrating advanced real-time engines and immersive digital environments, Evoke Studios and Malak Virtual Production Studios aim to enhance creative narratives, reduce production costs, and significantly speed up the production process.  

Key highlights of the par

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15 August 2024

UK - Martin Audio, with sister brands Optimal Audio, TiMax, Linea Research and OutBoard, are joining forces once again for their open-day programme over three days at their facility in High Wycombe.

Sessions run from 3-5 September, from 9.30am-5.30pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday with a half-day programme on Thursday. All brands will feature with either audio demonstrations or presentations and as part of a series of educational modules.

Martin Audio will be running a separate point source demonstration, constant curvature and line array demonstration, as well as a stage monitor demonstration, and will also have in-depth training on Display 3 prediction software.

TiMax will showcase immersive audio solutions and will also be offering introductory software training, while Optimal Audio will be demonstrating multi-zone commercia

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15 August 2024

UK - The Showman’s Show, Qdos Event Hire, and the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) have partnered to launch the Event 100 Club. The collaboration, borne out of the combined ages of the organisations, as they each celebrate significant anniversaries, will see the launch of an experiential events exhibition at The Showman’s Show this autumn, and the creation of a networking club for industry professionals.

This year NOEA, The Showman’s Show, and Qdos will celebrate their 45th, 40th, and 15th anniversaries respectively, and will work “to bring their collective experience together, in a physical form, where the industry can meet, network and use as an influencer space.”

Over the course of the event, NOEA and Qdos will be using the space to host senior business and governmental stakeholders to better understand the industry, its challen

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14 August 2024

South Africa - Beetek has announced the appointment of DWR Distribution as its official distributor in South Africa with the second stock order arriving soon.

With this partnership, DWR will offer the complete range of Beetek products including armoured multi-core fibre, active optical HDMI, stackable cable reels, extenders and adapters.

“Since the first conversation with Duncan Riley and Dylan Jones, I immediately knew that DWR was the perfect partner for Beetek,” said Aaron Lange, Beetek International Team. “They understood the products, asked all the right questions, and were able to see the little details that set Beetek apart from the others.”

“Beetek offers an extensive product range that will complement all of our current AV solutions and allow us to support system integrators with their future installations,” said Dylan Jo

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14 August 2024

UAE - Perfect Ovation is a family-run company with a busy Dubai dry hire facility and a full production operation in Oman supplying lighting, sound, and LED screens to a diverse mix of shows and events. The company is headed by entrepreneur and music lover Baltazar Fernandez who comes from Goa.

Since 2019, Perfect Ovation in Dubai has been investing in Robe moving lights with the latest purchases being 160 fixtures - 40 x iFORTES, 40 x Tetra2s and 80 x LEDBeam 350s plus four RoboSpot systems, all delivered by Robe Middle East.

These were added to their existing inventory which already included 80 x Robe MegaPointes and 80 x Spiider LED wash beams.

Baltazar and his team chose the Robe route as they were confident that the products are well made, and offer great quality solutions, but apart from anything else, their brand choice was driven by i

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13 August 2024

UK/Paris - A UK-based lighting and events company has defied the odds to become Europe’s leading sporting broadcast lighting business as an Official Supporter of Broadcast Lighting and Rigging for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, despite challenges faced from Brexit and the pandemic. 

SLX provided its services to light up 29 outer Paris venues, including the specially built Aquatics Centre throughout the duration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Such is the scope of this project, SLX has had a dedicated team of 30 people working on the ground in Paris for the last 12 months. It has also opened a 25,000sq.ft space, equivalent to the size of two Olympic swimming pools, to store and supply the multiple venues with lighting, equipment, rigging and cabling to ensure competitors, spectators and media have the best visibility no matter the t

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13 August 2024

UK - PLASA Show has announced the first confirmed sessions in a bumper programme of seminars, masterclasses and panels taking place throughout the show at Olympia London from 1-3 September. 

Being held in three sector-specific theatres with dedicated content streams covering lighting and production, AV and audio, and business and industry initiative, the industry-leading programme is once again sponsored by Vectorworks.

Sessions will include audio and comms specialist James Henry-Breward (‘Brew’) outlining the systems and kit deployed this year’s Wimbledon tennis championship; and Dan Crompton from Tate Galleries discussing advancements in AV technology and its impact on museums and galleries.

Other expert contributors will include visual artist Frankie Boyle who will discuss how lighting affects human behaviour; and Jon Burton present

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13 August 2024

South Africa - DWR Distribution hosted its first mini exhibition at its offices in Johannesburg on 29 and 30 July. The goal of the event was to provide an opportunity for industry professionals, system integrators, and students to meet with international suppliers, see the latest technology, and most importantly, network.

Exhibitors included: Barco, Chainmaster, DiGiCo, Doughty, DSpecialists, Fenix Stage, L-Acoustics, Layher, MA Lighting, Neutrik Group, Prolyte, Quest Engineering, RCF, Robe Lighting, Sennheiser Electronic SA, Sharp NEC, Theatrixx, RAM Mountaineering, Special Industrial Suppliers, and Visual Productions.

A new warehouse at DWR, recently secured as the new home for the DWR Workshop and Manufacturing departments, was quickly transformed into a venue to host the expo. Visitors could attend daily workshops, see demonstrations and discover

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13 August 2024

Poland - Founded over 15 years ago, I Am Music is a trusted supplier of audio, lighting and AV technology to the Polish events sector, and has worked with most major stars in the Polish music scene. The company recently made the decision to make a significant investment in its audio inventory and chose to add a Coda Audio system, supplied by Coda’s Polish distributor Tommex.
I Am Music purchased a system based on Coda Audio’s flagship AiRAY line array (16 units) supplemented by ViRAY (12 units) and SCP-F subs (12 units), complemented by two Linus T-Rack (12-channel touring rack with 3 x Linus 14D amplifiers) and a Linus M-Rack (compact four-channel touring rack with a single Linus14D amplifier). A further 4 x HOPS8T (high output point source) and Linus 12C amplifier provide excellent system expansion, completing a comprehensive solution that can cater for e

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09 August 2024

UK - International production practice Wonder Works has launched WowAxis, a custom design and fabrication service intended to enhance the efficiency of live event productions. Born out of a growing demand from Wonder Works' clients for bespoke design and fabrication work, WowAxis is dedicated to providing safe, innovative, and intuitive solutions for touring equipment and productions worldwide, the company says.

Led by industry experts Piers Shepperd, Jeremy Lloyd, and Dave Williams, the WowAxis team boasts over 75 years of combined experience in live events. Piers Shepperd, director of WowAxis, says: "WowAxis was created to address the evolving needs of our clients and the industry as a whole. We saw an opportunity to provide a one-stop solution for design, fabrication, and assembly, allowing us to deliver high-quality products that enhance the efficiency a

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09 August 2024

UK - Central London-based lighting and event technology and services specialist Halo now has one of the largest and most extensive stocks of Astera products in the UK. Halo's total count of well over 400 Astera luminaires includes Titan Tubes, Helios Tubes, Hyperion Tubes and many others.

Halo’s extensive Astera inventory also features AX2 PixelBar, AX3 Light Drops, AX5 PixelPARS, Hydra Panels, NYX Bulbs, PixelBricks and PlutoFresnels. All of which feeds a never-ending demand on a diversity of events and projects, explained Halo CEO Yann Guenancia.

Guenancia singles out Pixel Bricks for a specific mention, admitting that initially they were a little surprised at how popular these have become, and how “people never stop coming up with creative ways of using them!”

Large UK lighting rental and concert touring companies frequently come to

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06 August 2024

UK - Cadac Consoles has announced the strategic decision to locate manufacturing of its new CM-System in the United Kingdom. The move marks a significant transition from its previous China production base under the Soundking Group.

Mr. Xianggui Wang, president of the Soundking Group, emphasised the benefits of the relocation. "To fully realise Cadac Consoles’ potential and ensure its long-term sustainability, both Soundking Group and Cadac Consoles’ management team recognise the importance of partnering with a UK-based manufacturer specializing in low volume, high value products, in ensuring that the high expectations of its customer base are fully met.

"This decision additionally enables Soundking to reallocate resources to our broader product range, accelerating our ability to drive Soundking’s global growth across the AV sector."

Jam

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06 August 2024

UK - It’s with mixed emotions, after 40 years of dedicated service to the television lighting industry, that Richard Martin Lighting Limited (RML) has announced its decision to close the business and sell its name and assets.

Owner of the business, Richard Martin, says: “It’s been an immense honour to serve the television lighting industry for the last 40 years. We will always remember the exciting, inspiring, and occasionally challenging opportunities it has afforded us.

"First and foremost, I would like to say a very big, sincere thank-you to the people who made this business so successful. The vision and knowledge of our operations director, Steve Wells, as well as our staff, customers, and suppliers have all helped RML grow and prosper. RML’s ethos has always been to listen to and then respond to the industry appropriately. It’s never e

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06 August 2024

Australia - AtlasIED has announced its partnership with Australia-based National Audio Systems (NAS). Through this partnership, NAS will sell and distribute AtlasIED’s technology catalogue, including audio, security, and mass notification technologies.

Established in 1998, NAS is a respected and leading distributor of world-class professional audio and visual brands focused on commercial installation and production markets across Australia and New Zealand. The company’s ethos and focus are to provide the finest solutions, products, and industry-leading customer service.

“AtlasIED has been of much interest to NAS for some time,” said Brad Kivela, business & product manager, NAS. “We have been watching the development of new innovative products and a large investment in personnel over the last 12-18 months. We see clear product roadmaps a

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06 August 2024

Postponed - Venues around the country have reported postponed shows and damage to property following violent riots. Sunderland Empire was forced to postpone two nights of performances following riots in the city, which also saw nearby venue the Fire Station report damage to its premises.

Elsewhere, a children’s dance performance at the Regent Theatre in Stock-on-Trent was cancelled, after the ATG-owned venue went into lockdown because of nearby violence and Theatre Royal Plymouth cancelled a performance of The Devil Wears Prada musical on 5 August.

Fringe Matters - Edinburgh city centre was affected by a widespread power outage that wreaked havoc on the first day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The outage caused disruption at several venues, including Pleasance Dome, Gilded Balloon Patter House, Assembly George Square St

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05 August 2024

China - DirectOut has announced Digital Media Technology Co (DMT) as a new distributor for its audio solutions in the Greater China region.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1990, DMT has established itself as a leading supplier of audio and video system solutions. With four additional offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Taipei, DMT offers a full range of services, from design to support.

"DMT's technical expertise and deep understanding of the market make them an ideal partner," said Luca Giaroli, chief solution officer at DirectOut. "This collaboration ensures optimal integration of our audio solutions."

Over the years, DMT has successfully implemented complex installations, including music recording systems and networked post-production environments, expanding its reach and capabilities in the broadcast, music production, and live sound sect

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05 August 2024

UK - 22live has become one of the first suppliers to achieve the AGF (A Greener Future) Greener Supplier certification. This certification underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its proactive efforts to reduce emissions and waste across operations and services.

The AGF certification is an independently verified acknowledgment of green credentials, helping events, venues, festivals, and tours easily identify green suppliers. This recognition will save both suppliers and clients time and resources in evidencing their commitment to sustainability.

The journey to certification involved a thorough assessment of 22Live’s practices in various key areas of environmental sustainability, including energy management, food & beverage sustainability,

transportation efficiency, waste management practices, water con

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05 August 2024

Germany - Neumann & Müller Veranstaltungstechnik has been certified to the ISO 14001 and 45001 international standards in the fields of environmental management and occupational health and safety management. The criteria the company had to meet represent a further milestone in the implementation of a comprehensive sustainability concept.

Martin Hartmann-Schüler, sustainability manager at N&M: "These certifications mark a significant step for Neumann & Müller. They underline our commitment to sustainable business practices and protecting our staff. But they will also spur us on to constantly intensify and advance our efforts in these fields."

Sustainable procurement that makes efficient use of resources, optimised transport logistics, regional crews and supplies, and less negative impact on the environment – these are just a few of th

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02 August 2024

UK - For one glorious day, on 11 July, the industry came together at the Backup Village Fete to raise much needed funds for supporting those working in the industry when they need it most. This year’s event smashed all expectations, raising a record-breaking £56,300 on the day. Even the weather could not resist a day out, as un-forecast sunshine made a welcome appearance for the duration of the event. “The Parish of Backup has its own micro-climate,” suggests chair of Backup and Mayor of the Parish Fete, Lee Dennison.

The Backup Village Fete is the natural evolution of KartFest into a more inclusive and engaging day out for the industry. Ten years after the first racing helmet was donned, straw hats are now a key item of apparel.

Since the event’s inception, the charity has benefitted from extraordinary donations and the industry has enjoyed

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02 August 2024

Australia - CAST Group of Companies has announced CMI as the exclusive distributor of BlackTrax in Australia and New Zealand.

"We are excited to extend our partnership with CMI and expand the reach of BlackTrax in Australia and New Zealand. With a strong track record in pro-audio distribution, CMI is an ideal partner to propel BlackTrax in the region," said Dekkar Densham, global sales director for CAST Group Inc.

"With the successful launch of BT-1 last year, designed to bridge a crucial gap, offering a compact and cost-effective tracking solution, we are dedicated to advancing breakthroughs in tracking technology. We believe that CMI’s expertise, market presence, and client support will significantly contribute to its success in the live event and entertainment industries."

Lee Stevens, national business development manager for CMI adds,

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02 August 2024

UK - 22live and University of Birmingham, with support from DPA Microphones, is hosting a Mic Tech workshop, in the Bramall Music Building’s Elgar concert hall on 18 September 2024, 10:30-16:00.

DPA Microphones will lead the event, sharing their expertise in microphone technology and placement. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge in an area that is both crucial for live sound reproduction, and often overlooked.

The workshop will be divided into two sessions: Morning Session: Microphone Technology will feature product functionality, including different types of capsules and coverage patterns, and why specific microphones are better suited for certain applications. The Afternoon Session will focus on microphone techniques.

Participants will benefit from the newly installed d&b audiotechnik T Series PA system in the Elgar concert hall w

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01 August 2024

Europe - Turkey is a thriving market, especially for Luci Della Ribalta (LDR) which, thanks to the synergy with distributor Atempo, has managed to create a strong foothold in the country and for LDR products to be chosen for a number of prestigious installations in recent years.

These include the Cultural and Artistic Centre of the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye in the Etimesgut Municipality, a multifunctional cultural centre where as many 70 units of LDR's Nota PC 1200 have been installed thanks to Atempo.

Most recently, Atempo has concluded work on the State Theatres – Sehitkamil Stage project, located in Gaziantep, where 24 LDR Alba PC250 W 3200K, and 48 LDR Arpa PC150 3200K LED luminaires have been chosen and installed.

The project was designed by Atempo and construction of the building began in 2021. The project was orig

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01 August 2024

USA - The Adam Hall Group is further expanding its international sales network with the appointment of ATS-Pro as the exclusive distributor for its lighting brand, Cameo.

ATS-Pro is a division of Activate The Space. Under the leadership of CEO Christopher Pelzar, ATS-Pro focuses on the distribution of LED lighting fixtures. “Professional lighting technology – along with how it’s used – spans many areas, and the American market expects quality products and first-class service,” says Pelzar. “With the combination of Cameo lighting solutions and the excellent support from ATS-Pro, Cameo will stand out from the competition in all targeted verticals.”

Markus Jahnel, COO of Adam Hall Group, adds: “We are delighted to have found an experienced distribution partner for Cameo in ATS-Pro. Christopher Pelzar and his team have been familiar with

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31 July 2024

USA - TAIT Group companies productionglue and Thinkwell will now be operating within a singular TAIT brand identity.

“TAIT has always pushed the boundaries of storytelling. With the creative and producing capabilities of Thinkwell and productionglue, we are offering an unmatched depth and breadth of skill to our partners,” said Adam Davis, chief executive officer, TAIT. “We bring a legacy of innovation and a desire to solve impossible problems. Solidifying this singular brand represents a fusion of creativity and technology, which provides unparalleled possibilities for our partners.”

“Our new brand identity is a reflection of the deep expertise and strength of our unified TAIT organisation, consisting of the most exceptionally skilled professionals in the business,” said Jennifer Kurland, chief brand officer, TAIT. “Representing TAIT a