Australia - Sydney-based TDC is at the forefront of the virtual production market. The Australian company, established since 1981, owns and operates purpose-built VP facilities in Sydney, supported by a team of experts. The team can partner with a production from concept to completion, while providing a deep knowledge of the processes and technology needed for video display, real-time rendering platforms, server hardware, playback platforms, camera tracking, remote connectivity, and content delivery.
It has delivered large scale virtual production facilities for TV, commercials, corporate films and blockbuster movies including Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder and hit psychological thriller Mercy Road, which was Australia’s first fully virtual production shoot. Mercy Road was released in Australia and the US in August, 2023.
VFX supervisor Andrew

UK - GLP has reported its best PLASA Show footfall for a number of years. According to the head of GLP UK, Simon Barrett, this was partly because of its unmissable stand - immediately inside the entrance - but also because it placed a clear focus on promoting the new impression X5 product family integration - and the quality and integrity of light emanating from its new colour engine. But equal focus was placed on GLP’s highly professional, and ever-expanding, technical and customer support team.
The sophistication was manifest in Andrew ‘Twiggy’ King’s choreographed lightshow, which demonstrated the entire impression X5 Family. This included the impression X5 Wash, impression X5 Compact, X5 IP Bar, X5 IP Maxx and impression X5 Bar 1000 - the last two being shown in the UK for the first time. This was played out to Ludovico Einaudi’s haunting and beautiful Diven

Spain - Integrated Systems Events has announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with key appointments ahead of ISE 2024. Tom Barker-Harrold joins as senior marketing director and Jeroen Perquin as senior finance director.
“At ISE, we have ambitious goals for the future so it’s important that we have the right team in place to get us there. Tom and Jeroen join at an exciting time, as we prepare for our special 20th anniversary edition at ISE 2024, and we’re thrilled to welcome their unique knowledge, insights and experiences to our dynamic and international team,” says Mike Blackman, managing director, Integrated Systems Events.
Jeroen joined as senior finance director at ISE earlier this year and is based in The Netherlands. Jeroen brings extensive international finance experience from the energy, engineering and IT business to the company, working

Europe - Showgear, an all-round supplier of stage essentials, expendables and accessories, has introduced its biodegradable confetti, ‘transforming celebrations into eco-conscious experiences’.
In a world where sustainability is paramount, Showgear’s new biodegradable confetti allows revellers to celebrate with a clear conscience and to elevate their events while minimising their environmental footprint.
The new biodegradable confetti proudly carries the respected TÜV OK-biodegradable SOIL certification, assuring users that it will completely decompose in the soil, leaving no lasting environmental impact. In addition, the confetti is flame retardant and meets the stringent DIN4102-1 Class B1 safety standards, ensuring that celebrations are both stunning and safe.
Made from top-quality tissue paper, Showgear’s biodegradable confetti blends contemporary

UK - The Power of Events has announced its cross-four-nation tour to introduce the Event Industry Insight App. This roadshow will traverse the four nations, showcasing the potential of this app. It is designed to be an innovative tool for industry partners to help them with their insight/data and research needs.
All event professionals are invited to download it from the App/Google stores and register. Several projects are already looking to deploy the app to support their own research projects - including for Leeds Beckett University and also for supporting a freelance data insight project for later in the year with LIVE, Handle Freelance Solutions, UK Live Event Freelancers Forum and The Back Lounge - with more in the planning pipeline.
The Power of Events tour comprises over 20 engagements throughout October, launching in Wakefield at Production Futures On Tour on 2

UK - BeamZ Lighting enjoyed a busy three days at the PLASA Show in London, showcasing its technical lighting solutions.
“We would like to thank everyone who visited our beamZ booth at the PLASA Show in London. Our innovative, affordable lighting solutions fascinated industry professionals and set new standards in lighting technology,” said Mario Velders, CEO of beamZ Lighting (Tronios).
“Our presence at the PLASA Show was nothing short of spectacular. We unveiled our latest lighting marvels, leaving attendees spellbound. One of the stars of the show was the Ignite300LED 300W BSW, a powerful beam/spot/wash LED moving-head fixture that is ready to revolutionise live events and stage productions.”
The StarColor200, the latest addition to the StarColor family, a wall wash fixture known for its extensive colour spectrum and versatile control options, also took

UAE - The Adam Hall Group reports a successful LD Systems day in Dubai. Together with the LD Systems sales partner Pro Lab, the global event technology manufacturer staged a one-day partner and customer event at the Pro Lab headquarters on 7 September. The highlight was the first hands-on demonstration of the LD Systems MAILA system in the United Arab Emirates.
After an introduction of the Adam Hall Group and its long history in the field of event technology, Viktor Wiesner, senior product manager, pro audio, guided the numerous attendees through the constantly growing LD Systems portfolio, followed by a detailed product demonstration of the MAILA (Modular All-Round Intelligent Line-Array) system by LD Systems field application engineer Jens Kleinhuis.
In general, LD Systems and Pro Lab placed a lot of emphasis on the intensive exchange between existing customers and

Germany - With the Opus - German Stage Award, Prolight + Sound will once again honour outstanding productions that have created impressive shows through the innovative use of event technology. The award ceremony will take place at Prolight + Sound 2024 (19 to 22 March) in Frankfurt. Both participants and the audience can submit projects until 03 November 2023 at www.prolight-sound.com/opus.
"Although many large event companies are now generating high profits again, a significant part of our industry is dependent on subsidies. The Opus - German Stage Award sets a shining example for the creative power, innovation, courage and perseverance of all those involved in these challenging times - and pays tribute to those who pull the creative strings behind the stages," states Mira Wölfel, d

UK - Rycote Windshields reports the resounding success of its recent ‘Meet the Team Event Day’. The event, held at Rycote’s new manufacturing facility in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, offered a hands-on experience that showcased the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and its close-knit partnership with its global network of dealers and on-location sound engineers.
The event, which took place on 5 September 2023, brought together valued partners, dealers, and sound engineers, for a day filled with engaging activities and insights. The highlight of the event was a comprehensive factory tour that allowed attendees to witness first-hand the meticulous craftsmanship and technology that goes into every Rycote product. They in fact, got to experience production for themselves as they were invited to get hands on, on the production line and create their very own Softie.

UK - The Nick Bache ABTT Cymru - Technician of the Year Award recognises the achievement of an individual who consistently delivers technical excellence.
Nick, who died earlier this year, had been technical and production manager at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre for 15 years.
This award is open to ABTT members and non-members alike working predominantly in Wales. The recipient will have usually pursued full employment in a backstage or production management role and they will have predominantly worked on the presentation of live performances in places of entertainment or on theatrical experiences in non-conventional spaces.
This award will be presented annually. The first award will be presented on 20 October at Aberystwyth Arts centre.

France - The PLASA-hosted technical lighting event, PlugFest, returns to Lille, France from 16-19 April 2024, bringing together lighting professionals from across Europe to test products and learn about protocols and standards.
Together with the expert hosts, Hamish Dumbreck (JESE Ltd), Wayne Howell (Singularity UK) and Peter Willis (Howard Eaton Lighting), PlugFest provides an opportunity for lighting manufacturers, developers, and technicians to test and debug their designs, as well as improve the connectivity of their products.
Besides interactive testing, PlugFest offers a programme of educational seminars, unpacking the most widely used protocols. And the organisers are pleased to announce that the 2024 event timetable has been extended for more in-depth testing time, without compromising the valuable conference offerings.
Further, attendees can join techni

The Netherlands - Cisco Live 2023 took place in the Amsterdam RAI from earlier this year. Thearent, a company that specialises in the rental and sale of materials for professional purposes, transformed an area of the RAI for the event using Wentex Se Frame Modules.
Cisco Live is an event for IT professionals that focuses on education and training. With various topics being covered over the course of five days, it was necessary to have a number of different areas available for participants. Using a total of 5500 Wentex Set Frame Modules, Thearent transformed a single, large area of the RAI into several smaller spaces.
With different sessions taking place simultaneously, Wentex Acoustic Panels were also used for effective sound isolation. Highlite International is an official distributor of Wentex products and the SET Frame Modules come in different sizes. They can be

UK - In step with the welcome return of the British summer, PLASA Show made a triumphant return to the Grand Hall of Olympia London from 3-5 September, spanning a third more floor space with a striking 28% increase in visitors.
Lee House, operations director for Ambersphere Solutions, says: “I was struck by a sense of nostalgia and excitement - PLASA Show has made a triumphant return! The hall was bustling with a diverse array of exhibitors and, most importantly, visitors who were eager to engage in meaningful conversations about their technological needs for the present and future. It was a jam-packed, unforgettable three days that left us eagerly anticipating what next year will bring."
Tom Mowat, hire account manager for Encore, concurs: “PLASA Show 2023 was absolutely incredible. It was fantastic to see the whole of the hall used by exhibitors. The attendance a

The Netherlands - DirectOut is introducing Prodigy.MX, a multiformat audio matrix elevating the audio routing, converting, and processing capabilities of the Prodigy Series ‘to the next level’.
Prodigy.MX offers an impressive capacity of 1664 x 1668 audio channels, making it a formidable asset for professionals in need of versatile audio solutions. Its modular hardware simultaneously accommodates multiple audio formats, selectable between Dante, Ravenna/AES67, SoundGrid, AVB/MILAN, and MADI, and ensures seamless interconnectivity among them.
The modules feature bidirectional sample rate conversion (HD SRC), enabling connections across various clock boundaries. Operational control is facilitated through globcon control software, compatible with both Mac and PC, while local operation is simplified with an intuitive touch display, providing essential monitoring and co

UK - The winners of this year’s PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show at Olympia London. The awards, run in association with LSi magazine, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.
40 products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight products, including one highly coveted Gold Award. This year’s judging team comprised 12 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer and LSi columnist, James Eade.
The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:
Astera, PlutoFresnel: The judges said that the versatility of this battery powered Fresnel-come-profile is unmatched and it will

UK - Classic Gear Live (stand A78) at this year’s PLASA Show, running from 3-5 September at London’s Olympia, offers a unique opportunity to get hands on with some of the lighting and audio products that have shaped our industry, from the 1973 Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon PA to the pioneering Vari-Lite Artisan console and VL2 and VL4 moving lights that featured in the band’s shows a generation later; from the unique cutaway lighting fixtures that graced Strand Electric’s famous West End showroom for years to the prototype and unique rep version of CCT’s Silhouette spotlight that shook up the fixture market; from the MMS memory lighting control that introduced the level wheel to the world to the custom mixing console that brought Cadac into the world of theatre.
But equipment is nothing without people, and Classic Gear Live will also offer an opportunity

UK - Backup is once again the lead charity on the #WeMakeEvents Support Hub at this year's PLASA Show. The #WeMakeEvents Support Hub brings together multiple charities and organisations that have been playing an integral part in supporting the industry.
The team will be on Stand A80 (part of the #WeMakeEvents Hub) to offer support, raise awareness of mental health and help remove the stigma that surrounds it. Trained mental health first aiders from Backup and Music Support will be on hand to provide advice and information for anyone who wants to talk, either for themselves or for someone they want to signpost to get industry help, throughout the show, with PLASA also bringing in EventWell to provide a specific Wellbeing and Safe Space for anyone who needs immediate help at the show.
On Monday 4 September at 11.30am in Seminar Theatre 3, Backup will also host a session

UK - PLASA Show once again returns to Olympia London to showcase the future of live entertainment technology. From 3-5 September, the expanded show will set the stage for 239 brands, 112 educational sessions, and the meeting of thousands of industry professionals. Free tickets are available until 31 August, after which the price will increase to £15, then £20 on the door.
Lighting professionals can look forward to meeting Artistic Licence, Astera, Ayrton, Chauvet Professional, Claypaky, Elation, ETC, GDS, GLP, MA Lighting, Martin, Robert Juliat, ROXX, SGM, TMB, Vari-Lite and more leading brands. Plus, headline sponsor Robe will run impressive live demonstrations on its stand throughout the show.
Pro audio professionals can connect with brands suc

UK - Ayrton will officially launch its new IP65-rated Argo 6 fixtures at the PLASA Show (3-5 September, Olympia London) on 5 September 2023. Argo 6 FX will be exhibited on Stand C11 by Ayrton’s exclusive UK distributor, Ambersphere Solutions, alongside a wealth of other innovative LED products from the Ayrton portfolio.
For the first time in its history, Ayrton is launching a weather-sealed effects luminaire that offers as much creative potential indoors as outdoors. "Argo 6 presents a minimalist design incorporating features for total protection against harsh weather with easier internal access," the company says.
A new composite alloy, reduction in thickness of the parts, an optimised cooling system, simplified lens guidance, and integration of low-density optical components, mean Ayrton has been able to reduce overall weight by 20%. Meanwhile, the placemen

UK - Robe looks forward to the buzz and energy of another PLASA expo at Olympia where it will be launching three new products and debuting a new live performance concept on stands A70 & C28. Designed to create drama, excitement and anticipation, visitors will be drawn to the booths by Robe putting a real live production at the heart of the event.
Robe’s partner companies Anolis and Artistic Licence will be on adjacent stands and this area of the show floor will be a lively and interactive ‘takeover’ space where all are welcome to enjoy the tech, innovation and drama.
Products being launched at the show include:
iForte LTX WB is an ultimate long throw LED wash beam for all environments, developed for stadium shows, concerts and all events and spectaculars where serious intensity is needed over massive distances. The iForte LTX WB can create an imposin

UK - The Institute of Professional Sound (IPS) is turning up the volume on its Pro-Audio Show 2023 at Greenford Hall in west London on Saturday 14 October. The event is totally dedicated to sound professionals.
With live Q&A sessions, over 30 international exhibitors representing more than 70 brands, and UK debuts of a number of technology products, the free one-day event caters for ‘everybody with a passion for professional sound’. In addition to providing access to technology experts from across Europe, the IPS says its remit stretches even further.
“Depending on working genre, the nature of sound work can be quite solitary from a craft point-of-view, and the IPS Pro-Audio Show is about redressing that balance,” says show coordinator Ian Sands.
“While the show serves the entire sound community across TV, radio, film, production, post, live events,

UK - At this year's PLASA Show from 3-5 September in London, the Adam Hall Group will present the latest product highlights of its two brands Cameo and LD Systems on stand B13. The focus will be on the lighting solutions from Cameo, which has been nominated for one of the renowned PLASA Innovation Awards in the form of the new PixBar G2 IP65 LED Bar series.
In 2022, the Adam Hall Group's participation in the PLASA Show was all about MAILA - the ground-breaking Modular All-Round Intelligent Line-Array System from LD Systems. This year, the Adam Hall Group is turning the spotlight particularly on its Cameo lighting brand. In addition to the PixBar G2 series, visitors can look forward to the OTOS SP6 IP65 Spot Profile, the OPUS SP5+ Profile Moving Head with optimised LED engine, the compact AZOR S2 Spot Moving Head and the S2 IP65 LED Softlight Panel.
The Cameo Highlights

The Netherlands - At IBC, Sennheiser, Neumann, Dear Reality and Merging Technologies (D50 in Hall 8) will demonstrate immersive production workflows as well as solutions for audio capture, monitoring and processing. Creators and audio professionals of all levels are welcomed to stand.
Four spaces invite IBC visitors to explore state-of-the-art solutions for today’s content production: the immersive presentation zone, active and passive product islands, a Neumann area and a separate Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) zone.
In the immersive presentation zone, which is powered by a 5.1.4 Neumann monitor set-up with nine KH 150 monitor loudspeakers and two KH 750 DSP subwoofers, guests will be able to get hands-on with the Dolby Atmos/immersive broadcast workflows facilitated by the products of Merging Technologies, the latest member to join the Sennheiser Group.

UK - Plymouth’s varied event venues, from a private castle to the local football club, are being showcased at a trade exhibition next month (September). The city’s museum, gallery and archive, The Box, will host the event which features a wide range of hotels, venues and suppliers.
Potential clients looking for the perfect conference, meeting or event space, are invited to meet the exhibitors and enjoy a famed Devon cream tea on 11 September.
Among those taking part in The MeetPlymouth VENUE Showcase are: Pentillie Castle, a country castle on the banks of the River Tamar, available for exclusive hire; BLOCK, a stylish workspace, meetings and event venue at historic Royal William Yard; Plymouth Argyle Football Club, available for celebratory events from weddings and christenings to presentations and product launches, and Le Vignoble Wine Merchant and Lounge which o

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