UK - Manchester-based lighting specialist dbn was once again involved in the ambitious production at the heart of the Co-Operative Retail Trading Group (CRTG)'s annual Supporters Awards and gala dinner event, staged at the city's Manchester Central venue.

Project managed by Pete Robinson, dbn supplied rigging, lighting equipment and design. The company has been involved in the event for the last seven years and collaborates closely with both overall technical production management providers A To V and the client to interpret their brief and bring the venue alive as an exciting and invigorating entertainment space for the evening.

This year's theme took some popular elements of last year's 'circus' in terms of the physical layout and developed a special 'carnival' vibe for this year. The venue was divided into two areas - with a fully operational fairground in one half and the

UK / USA - GDS (Global Design Solutions Ltd) has just signed a licensing and manufacturing agreement with US-based company ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc). Under the agreement, ETC will manufacture the GDS ArcSystem and BluesSystem product lines for distribution exclusively in North and South America.

GDS will continue to manufacture and distribute ArcSystem and BluesSystem for other worldwide markets from the company's Bristol, UK, headquarters. "We are extremely happy to have ETC handling these products in the American markets," says GDS managing director Matt Lloyd. "Their ability to manufacture and stock the products locally and provide the level of service needed is a perfect match for GDS."

ArcSystem is an award-winning range of overhead dimmable LED products designed specifically for auditoriums, commercial and retail spaces. Most recently, th

USA - September saw a major Gala concert given at the Meyerson Symphony Centre in Dallas. This was notable for two reasons; firstly it featured violinist Itzhak Perlman and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; and it was the first concert to be recorded with the new recording equipment featuring Merging Technologies' Horus and Hapi Networked Audio interfaces, two Merging silent PC chassis, and Pyramix 9 MassCore.

The hall was filled to capacity and the event was simulcast to a nearby park where thousands were able to enjoy the music and video. The TV truck was fed audio via MADI from one of the Hapi converters and the sound in the park was rated as "excellent". The orchestra, under its music director Jaap van Zweden is performing at very high levels these days and the DSO is rated as one of the top orchestras in the country.

The whole recording chain at the Meyerson Sympho

USA - Richwoods Christian Church was founded in the late 1990s by pastor Jim Powell in Peoria, Illinois. Its congregation was initially small, a scant 65 people, but those congregants were motivated to grow the church. They succeeded, and today Richwoods Christian Church brings 1,400 people together every weekend, spread across four services at two locations.

The larger location built its current sanctuary in a former high-end furniture store, where, despite low ceiling height, local A/V integration firm Advanced Audio and Lighting gave the church a highly-intelligible and musical sound reinforcement system based on Danley Sound Labs SH-50 full-range loudspeakers and TH-115 subwoofers. Not wanting to compromise at the satellite location, Richwoods Christian Church asked for Danley again. There, a collapsible system of self-powered Danley SH-96 loudspeakers and TH-118 subwoofers

UK - The first MusicVidFest, a one-day conference focussing on the business of creativity in music videos, is taking place at the BFI Southbank on Monday, 10 November - the same day as the 2014 UK Music Video Awards - with Grammy Award-winning US director Joseph Kahn now confirmed as the event's keynote speaker.

Produced by the team behind the UKMVAs and BUG, the inaugural MusicVidFest aims to create discussion and debate on key topics affecting the craft and business of music videos, and will include panel discussions with leading lights of music video creativity in the UK and further afield, from producers and directors, to independent and label commissioners, managers and artists.

MusicVidFest will also feature representatives from the key music video platforms, and will culminate in a Question Time on the future of music video where audience members will get the chance to

USA - Debuting on iTunes Classical at #1 even before its official release and raising in the ranks on the Billboard Classical charts, The Chopin Variations by celebrated pianist and composer Chad Lawson, violinist Judy Kang and cellist Rubin Kodheli, takes the familiar sounds of Chopin and recasts each composition in a new light.

To accomplish this, Lawson used his Steinway piano to create a slightly muted, ethereal sound, captured entirely by DPA microphones. The positioning of d:dicate 4011A Cardioid Stereo Kit was critical to translate the desired mood into Lawson's latest recording.

Lawson wanted a mic solution that would illustrate the internal workings of his Steinway for his latest album, which was recorded in his home studio using the d:dicate 4011A Cardioid Stereo Kit. Introduced to him by an engineer during his previous record, Lawson now relies on the mics fo

UK - Behind the Scenes - the new charity which supports entertainment technology professionals in times of need - received a kick-start to its fundraising efforts at the Knights of Illumination Awards thanks to a donation from Clay Paky.

The company's Chief Executive Officer Pio Nahum presented a cheque to lighting designer Rick Fisher for Behind the Scenes UK, explaining to the audience that one of the last things approved by the late Pasquale Quadri was this generous contribution to the new charity.

"As an industry, regardless of sector, we all come together to ensure the success of the shows we work on. We work closely together and our colleagues can't help but become our friends. This camaraderie stays with us through the good and bad times and it's only natural that, when our friends fall upon times of hardship through no fault of their own, we want to do anything an

USA - Continuing a series kicked off at InfoComm MEA in October, Audinate and Bose Professional will hold their next session of the AV Networking Roadshow - focusing on Dante technology - at the Holiday Inn Midtown - Embassy Ballroom in New York City. The session, titled Introduction to AV Networking, is a one-day session on 19 November, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The event is sponsored by Bose Professional and Audinate, with support from Attero Tech, Audio-Technica, and Digital Audio Labs.

Intended for AV and IT professionals who have a novice or intermediate understanding of AV networking, these sessions expose attendees to the current state of audio networking and control for AV systems, emerging technologies and trends in AV networking. The instructor-led training uses a variety of components from Bose and other participating manufacturers, and provides an opportunity to

USA - To amplify the home-game atmosphere and bring the 55,000 fans closer to the on-field action, Papa John's Cardinal Stadium at University of Louisville has chosen the most powerful loudspeaker technology available today-Meyer Sound's Leo linear large-scale sound reinforcement system with the 1100-LFC low-frequency control element and SB-3F sound field synthesis loudspeakers.

Selected for its sheer power and remarkable ability to project sonic clarity and impact over long distances, the system was chosen by recently retired, long-time stadium manager K.C. Scull after experiencing the impressive LEO system at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

"The performance of the new Meyer Sound system at Cardinal Stadium has been excellent," reports Mike Dewees, head technician at Acoustical Audio Designs, the company contracted for operation and maintenance of the stadium systems. &qu

UK - High Wycombe-based lighting rental specialist Siyan has recently expanded its stock with the addition of Robe Pointes and more LEDBeam 100 moving lights, all of which were sent directly out on various jobs for the summer as soon as they were delivered by Robe UK.

The Pointes were purchased for their brightness, versatility and excellent features, and the LEDBeam 100s for their tiny size and because, "They are simply one of the most popular fixtures of the moment," states Siyan's MD Nick Valdez.

He adds that the frequency with which Pointes are appearing on riders was another fact making them realise they needed to have them in stock to augment their existing Robe inventory.

Siyan now has approaching 150 Robe moving lights in its rental inventory - a mix of MMX Spots, Pointes, LEDBeam 100s and LEDWash 600s. One of the reasons they keep buying Robe is for the br

UK - Great North Run is a popular half-marathon that has welcomed runners to Newcastle-upon-Tyne for over 30 years. In 2014, the run was the first in the world to welcome its millionth finisher and it celebrated the moment in style with an Opening Ceremony that spanned both quaysides of the river between the Tyne and Millenium bridges.

With a show designed by the team that created the London Olympics opening ceremonies and included live music from Sting, Mark Knopfler, the Unthanks and Chase & Status as well as poetry, pyrotechnics, projections and performances from a cast of hundreds in the air, on stage and in boats, Tyneside production company Nitelites,with the help of sound designer Colin Pink, was brought in to face the challenge of providing sound to match the quality of the performances.

With stages on both sides of the river and audiences spread across the whole city

USA - Grammy Award-winning singer Colbie Caillat toured the US through the summer beneath a highly original lighting design that featured high-power Elation Cuepix Panel LED matrix blinders fabricated into eye-catching scenic light cubes.

Out on her Gypsy Heart tour, multi-platinum selling artist Colbie Caillat is fond of the Cuepix light cubes. "The artist has told us that the cubes were the highlight of the tour, fetching the most compliments and inquiries of any other element," says Paul Hoffman, owner of full-service lighting production company Pulse Lighting, who provided the complete visual package for the tour. "In fact, she looks forward to incorporating them into her touring plans in 2015."

Built by Steelfab LLC of Denver, "who did a fantastic job" Paul says, each cube consisted of six Elation Cuepix Panels mounted in a steel frame

South Africa - Lighting designer Christopher Bolton recently used 24 x Robe Robin Pointes to provide effects for a special gala dinner and evening of entertainment staged for business systems specialists EOH at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Bolton was asked to light the event by technical service providers AVL Productions who were working for producers Jam Productions.

He worked very closely with Verusca DiZio and Paul Hughes who designed the stage and set including the video elements, and also with Show Director Samantha McGraw who collated all the musical content. This featured the Mzanai Choir, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra and platinum selling singer and musician Elvis Blue, together with a house band that backed all the various performing artists in the action-packed entertainment schedule.

A massive amount of detail went into planning this e

UK - Entertainment lighting specialist White Light has recently sponsored UK Theatre Awards for 2014 which took place at London's Guildhall. Produced by leading theatre membership organisation UK Theatre, the annual event recognises creative excellence and outstanding achievement on and off stage throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

White Light, a major lighting supplier for theatre and live performance in the UK, continues to sponsor the event as part of its commitment to supporting the UK's thriving creative sector.

In addition to sponsoring the event, White Light also provided lighting for the celebration. This year, musical theatre star Michael Xavier served as host while guest presenters included Anita Dobson, Tamzin Outhwaite, Angela Griffin, Lesley Joseph, Wayne Sleep, and Debbie Kurup.

Notable winners included:

Best Performance in a Musical: Ja

USA - Renowned motion tracking solution BlackTrax will participate in the highly anticipated Projection Master Classes at LDI 2014 in Vegas, NV from 19-20 November 2014.

The Projection Master Classes is the event for top visual designers and leading projection professionals, as well as senior production executives. Eight intense sessions will provide a forum for discussing creative, technical and leading practical challenges involved in creating, programming and mapping cutting-edge images!

For those participants wishing to get some hands-on and expert insight, Gil Densham, president of CAST BlackTrax, will partake in panel sessions focusing on the technical achievements of Marvel Universe LIVE!. Densham will present a detailed look at realtime motion tracking at 4pm on Wednesday, 19 November 2014.

Bob Bonniol of Mode Studios serves as creative consultant for the Proj

UK - Hawthorn took away the award for Best Lighting at the inaugural Festival Supplier Awards on Wednesday 22 October at the Showman's Show, Newbury Showground. The award was given to Hawthorn based on a case study of the literary Hay Festival.

Hawthorn was tasked with providing the full technical production of the Hay Festival. A major part of the technical provision was a significant lighting remit. The remit included artistic stage lighting, architectural lighting and general site and work area lighting. Hawthorn also provided the power requirements for the whole site, and included the power for all lighting.

The provision included the lighting for nine stages, used for reading sessions, panel discussions and literary performances in the daytime, and musical performances on the larger stages in the evenings. Hawthorn provided Clay Paky Alpha 800 spots, GLP Impression X4 mov

UK - A Neumann 5.1 surround system has been installed at Calrec's Hebden Bridge headquarters, allowing its clients to accurately experience the audio quality of Calrec broadcast consoles through Neumann KH Series studio monitors.

Calrec requested a full 5.1 surround sound system (expandable to 7.1), which comprises three KH310, two KH120 and a KH810 sub, installed by Nick Pemberton, market development manager - Professional Systems at Sennheiser UK, Neumann's UK distributor and Neumann product manager Andrew Goldberg.

"Neumann has been supporting Calrec's global tradeshow efforts throughout 2014 and this installation is a logical progression of the relationship between the two companies," explains Nick. "Calrec is a market leader in the broadcast market and Neumann's KH series is intended for critical listening situations where sound quality, reliability and uni

Indonesia - Distributor MTJ took on the challenge of installing a sound system into the very funky and aesthetic five star Japanese restaurant and bar Fukuro in Jakarta.

The restaurant wanted solid sound pressure at night without changing the aesthetics of the venue. Cornered was a natural choice with the speakers installed flush onto walls and in corners throughout the venue.

A total of 14 Cornered C5s in black blend in perfectly while delivering great sound to all seats.

Zandy Young from Installer MTJ comments: "With the impressive quality audio, you just don't need to look for more. The sound is evenly distributed throughout the venue and very soft on the ears."

(Jim Evans)

UK - A ballet piece performed in front of London's elite ladies on a Harlequin dance floor was a highlight of the recent Circles of Dreams lunch organised to raise funds in aid of breast cancer support and research.

A 30sq.m. light grey Harlequin Cascade dance floor was provided for the occasion by Harlequin Floors.

Pippa Collins speaking on behalf of organisers, Future Dreams, said: "The Future Dreams Circles of Strength lunch took place on Monday 6October 14 at The Dorchester Hotel and was attended by 500 of London's most elegant and influential women. Jenna Lee, former principal from The English National Ballet choreographed a powerful modern piece of ballet using 10 exquisite dancers."

Pippa continued: "The lunch was attending by Melanie C, Kirsty Gallagher, Donna Air, Melissa Odabash and breast cancer survivors Michaela Strachan and Jacqui B

Russia - Moscow-based d3 Studio Russian Visual Artists have used d3 to design and deliver the fixed creative LED video treatment for Vegas, a new shopping centre in Crocus City, Moscow.

Russian Visual Artists (RVA), famous for their 2013 LED ice-rink in Gorki Park, have recently seen the opening of Vegas, a new shopping mall in Moscow that displays a dazzling amount of LED on both the exterior and interior of the building, all driven by d3. RVA worked on this colourful and energetic fixed install for approximately a year in various stages.

The project was brought to RVA through Philips Lighting, who had successfully worked with them before. Philips were already confirmed as Vegas' LED supplier, and decided to present RVA's preferred d3 approach to their client, Crocus Ltd.

Recognising the simplicity of the d3 production suite and several key features such as mapping, having

UK - Black Veil Brides brought their loud flourishing and highly visual neo-glam metal rock to the UK on the first leg of their The Black Mass world tour 2014-15 including a touring specials rig of 14 x Robe Pointes, which in the UK was supplied by rental company Siyan.

The tour's lighting is designed by California-based lighting designer Chris Reade, and being looked after on the road by Jimmy Duke as the band's new lighting director.

Reade's creative starting point was to make the band look larger than life onstage - a goal to which their extravagant theatrical makeup and distinctive black outfits that utilize a number of styles and textures like leather, rubber and PVC - naturally enhance. As the design process evolved, video also became intertwined with the addition of two 4 x 8 ft 6mm LED screens aligned with the set.

"The band is very powerful visually and

Australia - When the SCG Trust recently rebuilt The MA Noble, Don Bradman and Dally Messenger Stands to meet the needs of the 21st century sporting community, Sydney's The P.A. People were brought in to not only install new front and back of house PA equipment, but also integrate the new stands with the existing facilities. After a 12-month build, the new stand's AV fit-out was completed in August 2014, with a huge range of new and innovative features throughout.

The new MA Noble, Don Bradman and Dally Messenger Stands host a huge range of multifunction and hospitality spaces including a micro-brewery, 14 bars, banquet hall, dining room and corporate entertainment suites. The operational side includes extensive new outside broadcast and media facilities as well as multimedia-enabled coaching and training rooms.

Designed and built by The P.A. People, the new stand's bowl sound

Sweden - Sweden is the country of Volvo, and at Gothenburg's Volvo Museum, visitors can take a trip through Volvo's history and heritage, all the way from its foundation in Gothenburg in 1927.

Over the years, the museum has expanded to an area of 8,000sq.m, becoming one of the city's main attractions for more than 100,000 tourists from all over the world. With the target of sustaining the beauty of the works on display in the new 2000sq.m pavilion 'Life at the Extreme' dedicated to the Volvo ocean race and golf tournament, particular attention was given to the quality of the light and aesthetic of the products.

The lighting project was commissioned to Mediatec, one of Europe's largest corporations specialising in delivering AVL integrated solutions, with the specific aim to integrate the lighting system in the existing building architecture. Bellalite, exclusive distributor of

UK - Event technical services and solutions provider Blueprint continues its commitment to Gloucestershire UK manufacturer Core Lighting's innovative battery powered wireless LED lighting products, a relationship which dates back six years to when Core launched its first products - the Point 30 Series.

These are still in active use on Blueprint's various projects today, together with their stock of around 100 Core fixtures which include Point20s and Flood30s, all of which have proved a sound investment.

Having spotted a gap at the very start of the now-popular trend for wireless up-lighting of buildings, rooms, gardens, trees and foliage, monuments and just about any other space and object that might require illumination for a special moment or event, Blueprint's Chris Morgan comments, "In the last two years - and especially as the products have become even lighter and br

Latest Issue. . .