UK - Elation Professional has confirmed that Entedi will begin to distribute Elation Professional products in the UK from 1 February. Entedi was formed in 2016 by a team of experienced industry professionals to service the ever-growing demand for professional high-end equipment in the UK and Ireland. The company serves both rental and installation customers across the wide spectrum of dynamic lighting applications. “As the recent PLASA show demonstrated for us, there is growing demand for Elation products,” states Marc Librecht, head of sales and marketing for Elation in Europe. “Expanding our brand in such an important European market is an essential piece of our growth strategy. Entedi is a company that appreciates that relationships are the key to success and we are delighted to be working with them to spread the Elation brand.” With the exclusive par
UK - The West London demo room of Kinesys was home to a Green Hippo Automation Masterclass with an international flavour. Welcoming attendees from Finland and the Netherlands, as well as the United Kingdom, Green Hippo partnered with Kinesys to deliver Masterclass III - Automation. The two-day course, which took place earlier this month, enabled delegates to take a deep dive into integrating moving elements with Hippotizer and SHAPE 3D projection mapping. Occupying the Kinesys base, conveniently located 20 minutes from Heathrow, students benefited from a venue fully-equipped with chain motors, rotators, trolleys and truss - this was a true hands-on experience where participants experienced using actual hardware to practice key skills including object alignment, parenting and automation scripting. Both days saw students spending the mornings absorbing theory in the trai
USA - Pro AV solutions supplier Biamp has acquired sound masking specialist Cambridge Sound Management (CSM) from Gladstone Investment Corp. CSM joins as a product family within the Beaverton-based company’s portfolio, with business functions set to gradually blend into a single Biamp business. Rashid Skaf, Biamp president, comments: “It has been just one year since I led the acquisition of Biamp with Highlander Partners with the stated intent of leveraging it as a platform to build a respected provider of comprehensive AV solutions. This transaction is the first evidence of that strategy being implemented but far from the last. Biamp is on the move. “The acquisition of Cambridge Sound Management unites two great brands in the professional AV market.” The deal will enable Biamp, who provides AV solutions for conference rooms, lecture halls, auditor
UK - The Association of Lighting Designers has announced the winners of this year’s Michael Northen Awards. The awards offer an opportunity for students leaving education to gain practical skills and experience in creating a portfolio that sells their design ideas. The strongest lighting or video designs are then showcased to experienced lighting and video designers and the wider industry. The Michael Northen Award, named in honour of the first credited lighting designer in the UK and his work on the The Mousetrap, was awarded to Sophie Bailey of Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. The judges described her design as ‘sculptural and controlled’. Johanne Jensen (Royal Central School of Speech & Drama) was awarded the ETC Award for Excellence in Lighting Design. The judges felt the process was presented well an
UK - The Maestra Group in London and Dubai have switched from their existing server-based equipment rental software to HireHop’s cloud-based rental equipment software to manage their productions, hires and inventory. Maestra is an international event production and AV rental company based out of London and Dubai, with a large portfolio of iclients and events under their belts. HireHop’s director Keith Jacobs says: “We are delighted to have such a prestigious and well-respected company on board, and we look forward to facilitating Maestra’s growth in the future.” Justin Hammond, managing director of Maestra London, adds: “We had encountered numerous limitations with our previous rental software and needed a replacement. We switched over to HireHop because it could do everything we needed and more, due to its speed and the wealth of functionality, ma
Hall Of Fame - Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks, The Cure, Def Leppard and Radiohead are among the acts announced as the latest members of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. The artists will be officially inducted next year alongside Roxy Music and The Zombies as the official class of 2019. It means Jackson joins brother Michael among the alumni, while Stevie Nicks enters for the second time as a solo artist, having previously been inducted as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Creative Capital - The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has announced the capital’s first six creative enterprise zones, which will be awarded £11m in funding to support artists and businesses. Spread across seven boroughs, the aim of the zones is to support artists to establish themselves in local areas and to develop skills and job opportunities for local people. The six zones to be announced include Br
UK - disguise has expanded its global reach by opening two new offices, in Shanghai and Los Angeles. This is in addition to their bases in London, New York and Hong Kong. Fernando Kufer, CEO at disguise, comments: “The decision to expand into China and open a second office in America was a logical step in our business growth strategy. We are seeing rapid growth across the globe and some of the most talented visual designers are in these regions, so it is critical that we can work with them effectively and offer culturally relevant support.” disguise have also hired multiple new team members across different regions. Bill Collis has joined disguise as chairman of the board, bringing his leadership experience within the film and video industry. The company has also appointed a new executive team including: Tom Rockhill as chief sales officer, Paul Hunt as chief finan
UK - The comprehensive range of useful features offered by Sony’s DWX Generation 3 Digital Wireless system has inspired Stage Sound Services to invest in a further 24 channels of DWX, bringing its overall channel count to more than 150. Stage Sound Services was an early adopter of Sony’s DWX 3 technology, seeing its toughness and durability as ideally suited to the rigours of theatre productions, particularly touring productions. Its DWX channels were supplied by Sound Network, which distributes Sony audio equipment in the UK. Phil Hurley, managing director of Stage Sound Services, says: “In terms of price, reliability and sound quality, Sony’s DWX Generation 3 is an outstanding digital wireless system and, in our opinion, the best on the market. We supply equipment to numerous West End theatre productions and many of the sound designers we deal with are now sp
Italy - Powersoft S.p.A is set to commence the public trading of its shares on the AIM Italia (Alternative Investment Market), organised and managed by Borsa Italiana. The move is expected to bolster the company’s growth plans and intensify its R&D activities. Powersoft shares - ordinary shares and warrants - began trading on 17 December, following a settlement on 14 December. Powersoft’s CEO Luca Lastrucci comments: “We have enjoyed great success in the last few years, which has been evidenced by the significant advances we have made over the last two decades, both technologically and territorially. In order to take the next step forward, we have decided to open ourselves up to a wider world. This will, in turn, give us more capital to maintain our strong focus on R&D, which has been a key growth driver for this company since the beginning.” A p
Germany - German Light Products (GLP) has acquired outdoor lighting specialist Ehrgeiz Lichttechnik, effective 1 January. Karlsbad-based Ehrgeiz and its employees will be integrated into GLP, with Ehrgeiz set to remain as a brand in GLP’s portfolio. Steven Braun, MD of Ehrgeiz, says: “Since both companies are located in the same place and are active in the same market, there have always been points of contact. Ehrgeiz has been successfully developing and marketing products in an increasingly competitive market in recent years. This fact has not escaped GLP and there have been discussions as to how we can combine the strengths of both companies. I am delighted to be joining the GLP family, along with the Ehrgeiz team, and continue to develop great and innovative products.” Udo Künzler, CEO of GLP, adds: “I am proud to welcome Steven and his Ehrgeiz team, and we
UK - DiGiCo has announced that KLANG:technologies has become the latest addition to Audiotonix. The 3D IEM specialist joins the Group that already includes Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiGrid, Solid State Logic and DiGiCo. Under the agreement, which was concluded last week, the KLANG system control will be introduced into DiGiCo’s worksurfaces. James Gordon CEO of Audiotonix comments: “We have had the pleasure of working with KLANG and their pioneering immersive technology for a couple of years and when the opportunity arose for them to join Audiotonix, we were keen to make it happen. We have always stressed that with our M&A we would look at each brand’s requirement and help support them with their aspirations. On that basis KLANG will become a key part of DiGiCo’s future, as they combine forces to improve the listening world of artists and monitor engineers ali
UK - ETC has expanded its partnership with fellow lighting manufacturer GDS by acquiring its ArcSystem, BlueSystem and CueSystem product lines. Under the new agreement, ETC will assume the global manufacturing and distribution responsibilities for ArcSystem, BlueSystem and CueSystem from August 2019. David Lincecum, ETC vice-president of marketing, comments: “ETC plans to expand our work in architectural lighting throughout the world, and bringing these GDS products under the ETC banner is the leading edge of that strategy. We look forward to assisting customers around the world in their migration to architectural LED lighting. GDS have designed great products and we are pleased to take them over in 2019.” Richard Cuthbert, GDS managing director, adds: "Following this new agreement together, we will see GDS move forward into a new, exciting stage of expansi
USA - The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) has announced changes to its examination rules. From 15 December, candidates who purchase the ETCP practice examinations will have 90 days to complete the web-based exams, increasing from the previous one of 30 days. There is no application process with the practice exams and any interested candidates will be able to take the exams remotely. Candidates may grade the answers as they go or keep the practice exam available to study for the full 90 days. Those who have already purchased one of the practice exams are locked into the current window of 30 days. “The practice exams were one of the greatest tools I used for preparing for the rigging exam. They helped me understand test layout and what I needed to spend more time on. I would suggest everyone takes one, if not all, the relevant pract
Nigeria - DWR Distribution recently joined with Livespot Productions to present a free two-day lighting workshop in Ikeja, GRA in Lagos. The DWR team included Jannie de Jager and Michael Taylor-Broderick who presented the training, along with Duncan Riley, Kyle Robson and JP de Vernon, who were eager to be part of the adventure. Topics covered included the objectives of stage lighting, controllable properties of light, light and colour theory, setting up and designing a lighting system, reading lighting plots and fault-finding. “I loved the attitude of the attendees,” says Michael Taylor-Broderick. “They came thirsty for knowledge and were deeply invested in the training. I was humbled by their sense of gratitude towards us for the sharing of our knowledge. There is huge potential in the entertainment industry in Nigeria and I believe the industry, as a wh
USA - K-array has launched K-array USA. With a new facility located in the greater Boston area, the Italian manufacturer will directly oversee operations of the sales, marketing and service of K-array's audio solutions in the States. The new operation is headed by K-array global business development director, Rusty Waite and will work alongside manufacturer representatives SG Western (California, Nevada, Arizona), Media Concepts (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi) and On The Road Marketing (New York City, New Jersey) who will cover their respective territories to grow the brand in the market. "It is the right time for us in regards to the company's growth to invest more of our resources into the expansion of K-array in the United States," explains Waite of the structural update and distribution change. "It increases our accessibility and provides
South Africa - Gearhouse Splitbeam, the South African theatre equipment rental company, has invested in 53 new ProLyft Aetos motors and three Aetos 24 way remote controllers to keep up with demand of upcoming theatre productions. The company was established by Alistair Kilbee and Ofer Lapid in 2010, who realised the challenges of long-term rentals and who wanted to provide the best professional gear at the best possible prices to their clients. “We have sent the 53 new Aetos motors, along with 47 of our existing stock - a total of 100 Aetos motors - to the Philippines where they will begin a world tour,” explains Alistair Kilbee, managing director. “I will be joining the production in Manila in January 2019 as technical director, but will not be touring with the show, only flying in for load in / load outs as required.” In addition, Splitbeam has invested in
Rising Stars - Flamenco singer Rosalía, R&B star Ella Mai and pop artist King Princess are among the rising stars who have made it onto the BBC's Sound of 2019 longlist. Now in its 17th year, the list showcases 2019's hottest new artists. Past winners include Adele, Sam Smith, Years & Years and Sigrid. This year's selection focuses on solo acts, with only one band in the top 10. It was voted for by 136 critics, broadcasters and DJs, including former nominees Ellie Goulding and Stormzy. Grammy Awards - Kendrick Lamar and Drake lead the nominations for next year's Grammy Awards, with seven nods each. Cardi B, Lady Gaga, HER, Maren Morris, Childish Gambino, producer Sounwave and engineer Mike Bozzi all have five nominations each. While male acts dominated the nominations in the main categories last year, five of this year's best album nominees are w
Singapore - Lighting solutions expert Showtec has made a major investment in Claypaky Scenius Unico and Mythos 2 fixtures to serve its extensive South East Asia markets. The company, which provides lighting to entertainment, corporate and exhibition events, now has 100 Scenius Unico and 50 Mythos 2 in stock. It is based in its Singapore HQ and has regional offices in Malaysia, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand. Showtec’s director of sales, Vincent Tan, says: “We are always looking to invest in the most innovative products on the market and Claypaky is ahead of the curve, producing world-class quality fixtures with distinctive features that are exciting for our market. “The South East Asia live entertainment and events scene is growing rapidly and there is a hunger for the latest technology to achieve stunning and dynamic effects. That’s wh
UK - Following on from their success last year, Stage Electrics are hosting another equipment showcase. Taking place on 30 January 2019, at the SS Great Britain, Bristol, this event will bring the newest theatre and broadcast equipment to one place. Featuring some of the biggest names in theatre and broadcast, such as Sennheiser, Prolyte, ChamSys, Chauvet, ETC, High End Systems and DiGiCo. There will be 19 manufacturers in attendance, demonstrating their extensive range of lighting, audio, video and staging equipment. With free entry, this event will run from 2pm until 7pm and drinks and nibbles will be served from 5:30pm onwards. Get in touch with Stage Electrics to register, free parking will be available to all those who register before 17 January. (Jim Evans)
UK - Ever since starting out back in 2012, production company Sussex Events (SEL) had been running exclusively point source loudspeaker systems in its rental inventory. But by January 2017, popular demand was suggesting that it should switch its attention to a line array solution. “Our point source systems were starting to be pushed to their limits,” admits co-founder Robert Watson. “Therefore we needed something that would cover the upgrade and also fit within our budget, enabling us to tap into a bigger market by taking on work to that we couldn't have delivered without the new system.” So after a long search, guided by dealers Leisuretec, the Hailsham-based company chose a new Martin Audio scalable resolution Wavefront Precision Compact (WPC), SEL had set some stringent criteria. “We wanted a system without compromise on either audio or build quality, exp
France - PlugFest, the technical event for entertainment lighting interoperability organised by PLASA, is coming to Europe on 26-28 February 2019. The event is taking place in Lille, France, at Ibis Lille Centre Gares, and presents an opportunity for delegates to test and demonstrate device and system interoperability, with the aim of improving reliability, resolving compatibility issues and improving connectivity between entertainment lighting and related technologies. New for 2019 will be a presentation on the ESTA Entertainment Industry control protocol standards which have been in public review since the last PlugFest, with the revised drafts of the RDMnet standard being of particular interest to many previous participants. Attendees will also learn about the latest ESTA/ANSI standards, set to be released in early 2019. Focusing on a wide array of protocols
Europe - RCF Group has acquired DPA Microphones from The Riverside Company. The deal comes into effect in the second half of January. DPA’s brand name and management will remain unchanged and production will continue as normal at the Danish company’s manufacturing plant in Asnæs. All existing sales channels will also be maintained. Arturo Vicari, CEO of RCF Group, comments: “Since my early days I have been fascinated by the world of microphones. Our portfolio already represents excellence in pro audio and we are very proud to add to our roster DPA – a company that also represents excellence in the microphone industry. We can now offer the complete audio chain, from microphones to speakers for the satisfaction of professionals around the world.” Kalle Hvidt Nielsen, CEO of DPA, adds: “We have come a long way during the past few years. Share of sales c
Australia - inoage GmbH has appointed Xenian as the exclusive distributor for Madrix LED lighting control products in Australia and New Zealand. Xenian specialises in architectural, hospitality, corporate, retail, infrastructure and civic space lighting and has worked with key players in the industry for over 10 years. The company provides technical support and sales services to clients throughout Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East. Taylor Chadwick of Xenian comments: "We are excited to begin our partnership with Madrix as exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand. I believe that this new partnership provides a fantastic opportunity to further highlight the unmatched power and versatility of the Madrix control platform to our local lighting market." Madrix sales manager Christian Hertel, says: "We are deligh
UK - Design and technical theatre consultancy Theatreplan has been chosen to work alongside architects Bennetts Associates on the major redevelopment of the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh. The designs from Bennetts Associates for the redeveloped theatre have been recently unveiled and show a design that respects the original building but reimagines it for the 21st century. The scheme will see an overhaul of the theatre’s interior and exterior and will cost in the region of £20m. Mathew Smethurst-Evans, executive director UK for Theatreplan, comments: “Theatreplan is thrilled to be part of the team rejuvenating this historic theatre and modernising its facilities to meet the needs of the 21st century.” Duncan Hendry, chief executive of
