Pharos - Leaderboard - Nov 2024
HOF - Banner - Oct-Nov 2024
ISE - Banner - Oct 2024

General

Details
PLASA has launched a new healthcare scheme for members that reflects the changing needs of the industry. The Foresight Healthcare Plan, offered through Westfield, represents an excellent risk management tool for employers and an employee benefit that will be highly valued.

The new scheme offers cost-effective solutions to employee health and can be used on its own or in conjunction with private medical insurance. All pre-existing conditions are covered, no medical is required and there is no waiting period.

For as little as £1 a week employees can claim back the cost of dental, optical and therapy treatments (physiotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic). The plan also covers specialist consultations and provides early access to MRI, CT and PET scanning.

One of the key benefits for members will be the Employee Assistance Programme, which offers telephone or face-to-fa

Details
UK - The alarming truth about Britain's nightclubs has been revealed in new research published by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) - the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the UK. The report, A noise hangover?, is based on the findings of a covert survey of 15 nightclubs in five UK cities - London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast - and reveals noise in Britain's clubs has reached damaging levels.

RNID commissioned the survey, which measured noise levels in three different areas within each club - the dance floor, the bar and the chill-out area. It found that in some venues, the noise was so loud on the dance floor - sometimes as loud as an aircraft taking off (approx. 110dB(A)) - that for those clubbers regularly exposed to loud music, the cumulative effect could be very damaging. Someone who goes c

HOF - Banner - Oct-Nov 2024
ISE - Banner - Oct 2024

Details
UK - Thames Valley University (TVU) is hosting a music technology conference sponsored by major computer company Apple on Tuesday 11 May, aimed at keeping the music and technical staff at HE and FE institutions keep abreast of developments in this field. There will be a series of talks about and demonstrations of Apple computer software for music technology, and also for video production. This event is open to staff and students from TVU, staff from other further and higher education institutions and to the public upon application.

The conference will include presentations by Apple or related key industry personnel on software such as Logic Pro, GarageBand and FinalCut Pro. Some presentations will be followed by a demonstration of the package in use, by TVU lecturers.

Richard Liggins, senior lecturer in music technology at TVU, commented: "It is crucial for us to have str

Details
UK - From November 2004, ExCeL will become London's latest entertainment venue, with a capacity of up to 17,000 seated and 20,000 standing. The purpose-built venue offers fully flexible configurations for concerts, sports events and family shows, plus regularly available time-slots for rehearsals and sound checks.

Says Rob MacKenzie, ExCeL's London EventCo managing director: "Already London's premier venue for exhibitions, we are perfectly placed to host large-scale entertainment events. This has always been part of ExCeL's medium term strategy and is a logical extension of our existing client base. We are delighted to announce this move and with the assistance of our strategic consultant Andrew Zweck, who has 25 years' experience in the industry, we hope that ExCeL will become a popular venue for concerts and entertainment events."

The phenomenal success of the Schr

Details
UK - Carlton-Lee Business Development was set up to provide experienced business development consultancy services to companies in the consumer and pro audio markets, particularly those looking at expansion and diversification. The company has now started a division to specifically look after public relations and marketing services - Carlton-Lee Communications.

Derek West of Carlton-Lee explained: "Business development is a very confidential service, as detailed strategy, financial and product development issues are discussed - we won't even disclose client's names. PR, on the other hand, is very open and up-front and the whole industry can be aware of who you work for. Because of the demand for PR from clients it became very obvious that I had to split the two services by operating separate divisions, one for business development and one for communications."

West con

Details
USA - On Thursday 6 May 2004, just before David Bowie was due to start his A Reality Tour at the James L. Knight Centre in Miami, a local lighting technician, later identified as Wally Thomas, fell 50ft to his death from a metal wire and rod ladder. Investigators are now trying to determine the circumstances which led up to the death of Thomas who had worked in the industry for 25 years and was an extremely experienced stage technician.

The Miami Herald reported that Homicide detective, Ed Avila told them: "Wally Thomas and two other workers - who were looking after stage spotlights - were all wearing full body harnesses. However, the speculation is that Thomas was not clipped into the safety line when he fell to his death.

According to colleague and stage hand Chris Ryan - who has worked with Thomas since 1978 - he was stunned to hear he was on a truss spot

Details
UK - PLASA Media has learned that First Leisure Corporation, operator of 28 nightclubs throughout the UK, has gone into administrative receivership. RSM Robson Rhodes LLP partners Simon Bower and John Whitfield were appointed joint administrative receivers of Leicester based First Leisure Holdings Ltd and its two principal trading subsidiaries, First Leisure Corporation Plc (First Leisure) and First Leisure Trading Ltd on the 11 May 2004.

First Leisure, the second largest nightclub operator in the UK, currently operates 28 nightclubs across England, Scotland and Wales. Created as a management buy-out from First Leisure Corporation Plc in 2000, the Group successfully disposed of its 'Brannigans' pub chain in the same year, leaving it to focus on its nightclub operations. The difficult trading environment was exacerbated by substantial property lease liabilities reverting back to

Details
USA - The North American Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA) has announced that two draft American National Standards - relating to Counterweight Rigging and Photometric Standards - are available to the public for review and comment from now through to 17:00 US Eastern Time on 3 August 2004.

BSR E1.4, Entertainment Technology-Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems, describes the design and construction of manually powered counterweight rigging systems. The primary purpose of the standard is to enhance the safety of these system, which are used widely in theatres throughout the world to support and move scenery and lighting equipment. The draft standard does not cover motorized systems, systems for flying performers, or systems used for moving materials during building construction.

BSR E1.25, Recommended Basic Conditions for Measuring the Photometri

Details
UK - The Theatre Royal Haymarket re-opened last night following its unexpected enforced closure when part of the plasterwork in the ceiling fell into the auditorium during Saturday evening's performance of When Harry Met Sally.

Approximately 750 people were evacuated from the building and 13 members of the audience were treated for cuts, bruises and shock on site before being taken to University College and St Thomas' Hospitals. One woman is apparently still in hospital having suffered facial injuries - all the others have been discharged. Emergency services had been called around 10pm and fire crews spent over an hour at the sight checking that the ceiling was secure.

In 1994 1.3 million pounds was invested in a major refurbishment of the Theatre Royal, which included an overhaul and reinforcement of the stage roof trusses, originally installed in 1821, and art restor

Details
UK - Mike Lethby, co-founder and director of Gasoline Media alongside Sarah James, has formed a new entertainment technology-focused PR, copywriting and marketing consultancy, MLM (Mike Lethby Media), while Sarah James will remain at Gasoline Media in the role of managing director.

MLM, which opened its doors on May 1, will work within the entertainment technology, production services and events sectors, and will also provide clients with photography, design and technical authoring facilities. Startup clients include Renkus-Heinz, the Ampco/Flashlight Group and Richmond Studios. A new office address will be announced soon. Gasoline Media will continue to represent DiGiCo, Lighthouse, MC2/Quested and XTA, among others, from its Leatherhead, Surrey offices.

Lethby comments: "After three-and-a-half successful and exciting years together, Sarah and I have different ideas on h

Details
UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians' annual showcase - The ABTT Theatre Show, staged in London's Royal Horticultural Halls on 16-17 June announced that it is 15% larger than last year's event - filling three halls to capacity for the first time.

With over 127 companies exhibiting a broad cross section of products and services, this year's show has expanded into three halls underlining its position as a technical showcase for professionals involved in theatre and auditoria. A host of new companies are exhibiting for the first time from the UK and mainland Europe, including theatrical video experts, XL Video, PA/VA specialists Millbank Electronics, Harman, Duran Audio, Ben-Ri Electronica, Alcons Audio and Turbosound. New lighting companies include Enlightenment and Associated Lighting. New exhibitors from the rigging side of the industry include: Metalworx, Tomcat

Details
UK - This industry - and in particular PLASA members and exhibitors at the PLASA Show - are being consistently targeted by online trade directories which approach companies about free online listings, but are actually being somewhat economic with the facts.

The companies send out a highly misleading mailshot to exhibitors asking them to update their free listing, but in reality, simply by updating and returning the form, exhibitors are actually signing a contract binding them to a three-year agreement, costing a significant amount per year. All the legal essentials and prices are hidden away in the small print - and the contract is then self-perpetuating unless cancelled in writing.

The companies will then refuse to cancel the 'order' and will aggressively pursue payment and threaten legal action. They apparently operate on the '10% Rule' - based on the fact that when threaten

Details
PLASA members and exhibitors are being targeted by online trade directories which are being somewhat economic with the facts. The directories send out misleading mailshots (associating themselves with PLASA or the Show) inviting companies to update a free listing. However, by returning the form, companies are signing a contract binding them to a costly three-year agreement. All the legal essentials and costs are hidden away in the small print.

The directory company will then refuse to cancel the 'order' and will aggressively pursue payment. They operate on the '10% rule' - in other words, that 10% of people will cave in and pay up. If any member has found themselves in this situation, e-mail info@plasa.org and the PLASA team will do all it can to help.

Details
The PLASA Awards for Product Excellence are being relaunched as the PLASA Awards for Innovation, with the focus on products which genuinely advance the industry. All nominees for the Awards - which take place during the PLASA Show in September - will feature in the Innovation Gallery (pictured right). Unlike previous years, the awards will not be categorized according to sector, but will be judged on the grounds of innovation alone. Eight Awards will then be presented at the Awards Ceremony on Monday 13 September. Call us if you want to know more.

Details
USA - Techni-Lux, Inc. of Orlando, Florida has expanded its team to include Rose Crowe as its marketing and media coordinator. Crowe brings with her a diverse background including theatre, web design, retail product placement, a B.F.A. in Sequential Art, and a great interest in entertainment technology. Some of her most recent work has been involving innovative web and graphic design for local production companies in the area.

Crowe will now work on enhancing the company's information channels, visually and technically. "Ms. Crowe's talent will be put to good use at Techni-Lux", states vice president, Alex Gonzalez. "We are very eager to enhance the many projects that we are continually developing, and we knew they required a focused and dedicated person like Ms. Crowe."

"Techni-Lux is growing in many industry directions," says Crowe "and I'm

Details
Japan - Jere Harris, Chairman and CEO of Production Resource Group (PRG), has announced the establishment of an Asian subsidiary - PRG Asia Inc - to be headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and dedicated to supporting PRG's many clients in the Asian marketplace.

"We've been serving clients throughout Asia for many years from our offices in North America and the UK," Harris explained. "The establishment of an Asian subsidiary is an important step in the expansion of our client support services in Asia."

PRG has more than a decade of experience serving clients in Asia in projects including theatre installations, theme park attractions, concert tours and corporate and special events. PRG Asia Inc will be engaged in business development and client support for all types of PRG products and services.

Makoto Yamazaki will serve as president of Asian Operations for t

Details
USA - Further to the news from Color Kinetics, two key PRG executives, Joe Schenk and Anne Johnston, will take over the management of PRG's Integrated Solutions Group to take over from Bill Groener, the group's former manager.

Schenk will lead the group's West Coast operations while Johnston leads the East. "Assumption of Bill's responsibilities by Joe and Anne will be a natural transition for us," says Michael Tomkin, president of PRG. "Each is intimately familiar with the operations of the group. Each also has unique expertise that will help the group's clients capitalize on important new trends in the evolution of entertainment technology."

As President of PRG's Nevada operations, Schenk has overseen some of the Integrated Solutions Group's most important projects in Las Vegas, including the Masquerade in the Sky at the Rio, Star Trek at th

Details
USA - A new insight into the trends in buying and specifying habits of a broad cross-section in the entertainment industries will be revealed with the publication of a significant new study entitled How Customers Specify and Buy Expendables, Equipment and Systems in The Entertainment Industries. The study is sponsored by ESTA, North America's Entertainment Services and Technology Association, and is believed to be the first study of its type ever conducted by a non-partisan, non-profit sponsor in the entertainment industries.

The study was managed by an ESTA committee of industry volunteers supplemented by the technical skills and guidance of a well known market research firm, Stiernberg Consulting. The database of customers and specifiers prepared for this study is the most comprehensive and wide-ranging ever used: utilizing its member resources, ESTA assembled the data

Details
USA - Though as with all of these awards ceremonies, the voting is supposed to be completely impartial and independent from category to category, there is a sense that the technical Tony Awards, presented on 6 June at the Radio City Music Hall in New York, went to some productions that had perhaps done less well than expected in the show awards.

In particular, the spectacular musical Wicked, an alternative take on The Wizard of Oz story, was generally considered the favourite in the Best Musical category. Instead that award, and also the awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score, went to Avenue Q, the hilarious show perhaps best described as Friends meets Sesame Street, complete with human and puppet stars. Only the humans were nominated in the performance categories, though there they were beaten by Idina Menzel from Wicked<

Details
USA - Roadcases, the company established to chronicle the history of road exploits through the eyes of backstage touring personnel, has joined with TV documentary experts, Incue Productions. Incue is a Los Angeles-based production company specializing in HBO First Looks, behind the scene making of specials, and was created by brothers Scott and Dave McVeigh.

Recent credits include the 25th Anniversary Special Edition of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Pumping Iron, American Pie Revealed and a behind the scenes look into NYPD Blue, where Scott and Dave were granted phenomenal access to the show's set and actors.

Incue had already been looking to develop their own concept about life on the road until they heard about Roadcases from their other brother Greg McVeigh, VP of operations at Meyer Sound. "Greg was instrumental with the introduction of Roadcase

Details
Industry maverick John Jones is leaving Pfaff-Silberblau after 21 years service to pursue other professional and personal interests. Jones is probably best known as the MD of lifting, moving, turning and flying specialists PCM, the entertainment and leisure division of the German owned Pfaff.

He set up PCM in 1993. The company was responsible for establishing the CM Lodestar motor as the UK and European concert touring industry standard motor in the 1990s. Another major achievement for Jones was the establishment of a comprehensive infrastructure of motor and rigging training programmes based at PCM, and open to all. Training is one of the many areas he is passionate about.

Jones comments with trademark Liverpudlian dryness: "I've had a fantastic time with the company, but the time was right to move on - or I was in danger of becoming part of the furniture!" Jones is also a

Details
UK - "It's all about putting a face behind the brand," said Mark Miller, Selecon UK's new man in London and the South of England. He was talking about his role with the company which, from 1 June, will be to develop relationships with clients and discuss their lighting requirements.

"Mark will visit end users such as lighting designers, dealers, architects and theatres to find out what they need from our products, what we're getting right, and, importantly, what we might be getting wrong," said Mike Goldberg, Selecon's European sales director. "The information will be fed back to our designers and salespeople. It's all part of our continuous drive to maintain the high quality of Selecon products and ensure we develop products people want."

Miller will also play a key part in the upcoming UK Workshops that Selecon is holding around the country, det

Details
South Africa / Denmark - Four members of the South African Roadies Association (SARA) will spend two weeks engaged in on-the-job training in Denmark as technical and production on-the-job trainees. The famous Roskilde Festival will host the four SARA technicians as part of a skills exchange project between SARA and Roskilde Festival. For Relebogile Thapayo (23) from Mofolo (Soweto), Weziwe Mpande (22) from Ngqamakhwe (Eastern Cape), Vincent Mahlalela (24) from Chaiwelo (Soweto) and Johnie Tsotetsi (24) from Frankfort (Freestate) this will be their first chance of international travel.

The highlight of the visit is the Roskilde Festival, arguably one of the biggest festivals in Northern Europe with seven stages and more than 160 bands performing with an expected attendance of more than 70,000 people. The four will enhance their technical and production skills with some of the bes

Details
UK - Snifferdog is a new company which aims to provide intelligent and relevant research material for theatre designers, directors, production managers - indeed, anyone who ever wished they had a research assistant! Snifferdog was founded by Ros Morgan-Jones, a stage manager of ten years' experience who has worked on shows ranging from the fringe to the West End to the Royal Shakespeare Company. She left stage management to complete a two-year university course studying Furniture and Design History. "During that time, designers I knew started asking me to research projects," she explains. "That proved so successful that it has now grown into this new business."

Amongst the first to use Snifferdog's services was set designer Tom Pye, then designing the new Broadway production of Fiddler On The Roof. Snifferdog gathered together hundreds of images of Ea

  1. PLASA relaunches Awards for Innovation
  2. PRG joins ESTA Certification Council
  3. South African Roadies on exchange program
  4. Avesco announce preliminary results
  5. Randy Green goes to D-Tools
  6. PLASA AGM 2004
Page 92 of 240
GLP - Large MPU - Nov 2024
Robe - Large MPU
Showlight - MPU - June-July, Oct-Nov 2024

Latest Issue. . .

PLASA Media Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 4111709 - VAT Number GB 762 5913 14
PLASA Media Ltd, Redoubt House, 1 Edward Road, Eastbourne, BN23 8AS, UK Tel: +44 (0)1323 524120

 

login

Save
Cookies user preferences
We use cookies to ensure you to get the best experience on our website. If you decline the use of cookies, this website may not function as expected.
Accept all
Decline all
Analytics
Tools used to analyze the data to measure the effectiveness of a website and to understand how it works.
Google Analytics
Accept
Decline
Advertisement
If you accept, the ads on the page will be adapted to your preferences.
Google Ad
Accept
Decline