Germany - ASC has expanded its maritime projects business area with the arrival of Dirk Schmerschneider to cover the yachting/residential sectors.

Dirk Schmerschneider has been responsible for the newly created yachting/residential business area since December 2014 as key account manager at ASC. He reports in this position directly to ASC's management. With his experience as a project manager for entertainment systems on luxury mega-yachts, he has added to the Hamburg-based system integrator's expertise in the field of Maritime Projects and has extended it strategically to encompass a target group made up of exclusive private clients.

Leif Witte of ASC management, comments, "Dirk Schmerschneider represents the next logical step in the expansion of our maritime projects business area. We have had repeated enquiries from private ship owners during our activities as a system

UK - Shannon Harvey has joined Backstage Academy as course leader on the BA (Hons) Visual Production degree. Harvey previously worked as account manager at d3 Technologies - one of the course's core supporters - and will now be responsible for running the degree and ensuring it delivers against the industry's current skills requirements and technology.

Harvey's experience covers the architectural, theatrical and entertainment industries, working with lighting, video, projection and special effects projects on a wide range of applications.

Said Backstage Academy's Sara Gleadhall, "Shannon Harvey is a huge asset to the course and brings with him a wealth of knowledge on video and lighting system design as well as a unique creative vision which means he is an all-round inspiration for the students.

"Entertainment technology is evolving so rapidly that we need to draw

Record Sales - One Direction, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay helped UK artists account for one in seven of the albums sold globally during 2014, the BPI has said. With 13.7% of worldwide sales, it's the highest British share since the BPI began recording those figures in 2000. Sales of albums by British artists rose in Canada, Australia, Italy and Sweden, as well as the US. Albums from Sam Smith and Pink Floyd also made the top ten list of the world's biggest-sellers of 2014.

According to the BPI's Music Market 2015 report, Taylor Swift topped the list of global recording artists, after shifting six million copies of her album 1989. The figures, which take into account album sales, track sales and streams, put One Direction in second place and Sheeran in third. The BPI also found that streaming had doubled in the UK during 2014.

Royal Ruler - Dame Helen Mirren was named

USA / Canada - Another draft American National Standard has been posted for public review on the PLASA TSP website at http://tsp.plasa.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php: BSR E1.51 - 201x, The Selection, Installation, and Use of Single-Conductor Portable Power Feeder Cable Systems for Use at 600 Volts Nominal or Less for the Distribution of Electrical Energy in the Television, Film, Live Performance and Event Industries in Canada. Its public review period runs through 3 August, 2015; the review is over and the links to the review materials disappear when 4 August starts.

BSR E1.51 is intended to offer guidance in accordance with existing applicable standards and regulations in Canada on how to select, install, use and maintain single-conductor portable feeder cables used to supply power for television, film, live performance, and special events in Canada. Materially affect

UK - The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has issued a warning to UK employers about the risks of being misled regarding their obligation to undertake periodic thorough examination of all lifting equipment.

The advice reflects growing concerns within the lifting industry that some companies are being tempted to cut costs by not conducting thorough examinations as frequently as required by LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

Geoff Holden, chief executive of LEEA, said: "All UK employers are subject to LOLER, which clearly states that, once in service, lifting equipment for lifting persons or accessories for lifting must be thoroughly examined by a competent person every six months. Lifting accessories include commonly used items such as shackles, steels, hooks and round slings. Only for lifting equipment that does not fall into one o

UK - Hylec-APL, the specialist supplier of electrical and electronic components, enclosures and rack systems, has announced the Techno TH392 waterproof connector with X-Dry technology. All cables are hydroscopic to some degree and will therefore absorb moisture that can collect inside the cable sheath, moving along its length and even crossing terminations in the cable. The X-Dry technology blocks moisture transmission across terminals, protecting electrical and electronic equipment.

"The special barrier prevents moisture condensation, which runs through the cable, from entering the connector, protecting the system in critical conditions of use," said Mark Severn, director of sales for Hylec-APL.

The connectors have screw or piercing terminals and can accept cables with diameters from 8 to 12mm; maximum cable cross section is 4mm2 for screw terminals and 0.5 to 1.5mm

Canada - KRE Electric has announced the availability of a unique tool to serve all industries where the use of single pole cam lock type connectors is common.

"Like many great inventions, once seen, everyone remarks 'why didn't I think of that, it is so obvious'. For anyone who has run a 500-foot, five-wire cam lock feed made up of 100-foot lengths, relief is here. The Cam Wrench is designed to remove the pressure on your wrist and elbow to delay or avoid the onset of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). This type of injury is caused by the repetitive motion of tightening (adding pressure) of the cam lock devices and golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis), which is caused by the release of pressure (un-tightening) of the cam lock devices," says KRE.

This simple tool allows individuals working with cam lock type connectors to avoid repetitive stress and apply leverage

Worldwide Appeal - Foreign music fans visiting the UK for gigs and festivals boosted the economy by £3.1bn in 2014, a report by industry body UK Music says. The report said foreign visitors spent an average of £751 and helped sustain almost 40,000 full time jobs. Across the UK 9.5m people travelled to music events.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said the news was "fantastic" but not surprising as "British music is legendary around the world". He added, "Festivals like Glastonbury hold an iconic status on the world music scene and are one of the reasons why international tourism is booming in the UK, drawing in streams of visitors to all parts of the country. We know our UK creative industries contribute an astonishing £76.9bn to the UK economy but this report confirms they are truly world-class and a powerful advert for the UK.&quo

UK - A host of industry experts, including Tower of London Poppies theatre designer Tom Piper and Episodes actress Tamsin Greig, attended the 2015 Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance Graduate Exhibition and New Writing Season at the Bargehouse on London's South Bank from 10-14 June.

The exhibition, which attracted over 100 visitors, included work by upcoming graduates from the School of Design Management and Theatre Arts (DMTA), including Costume Production, Creative Lighting Control, Lighting Design, Performance Sound, Scenic Arts, Theatre Design and Stage Management.

In addition to the Graduate Exhibition, DMTA students collaborated with BA (Hons) Acting and BA (Hons) Actor Musicianship students to present the college's New Writing Season of three plays in association with The Bush Theatre, Theatre 503 and Theatre Ad Infinitum.

Professor Michael Earley,

UK - When 25 industry companies came together at Sandown Park on 17th June to raise money for industry charity, Behind the Scenes UK, at their annual karting day, leading crewing company Showforce was only too happy to submit a team and lend their support. Other companies competing included: White Light, Stage Electrics, Wonder Works, Brilliant Stages, DiGiCo and Crewsaders.

The karting day saw 25 teams of up to 6 drivers race for 3 hours on an open air course with organisers promoting a competitive atmosphere of skulduggery, out-manoeuvring and general all out 'race to win' attitude. There was also a Formula One style pit stop challenge where the team quickest to change their tyres could claim bragging rights off the track as well as on it! With a BBQ and lots of opportunities to network with clients, catch up with old friends and take part in raffles and stalls to assist with

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) Ltd. is hosting a two-day charity cycle ride between its High Wycombe and Leeds sales offices on 18th - 19th July 2015, to raise money in remembrance of a beloved colleague, the late Kevin Fitz-Simons.

Kevin held an important senior role as Northern Lighting Sales Manager in AC-ET's Leeds office. He was an extremely well liked and respected colleague, and a larger than life character. During his diverse career spanning over 30 years, Kevin built up an incredible number of customer relationships and friendships. He sadly passed away on 31st December 2013, aged 53.

This event - known as the 'Fitz-Simons Challenge' - is being organised by Stuart Burdett, Technical Sales Executive for AC-ET's Video product division. It will raise funds for two great charities which would have met with Kevin's approval, and aims to secure a minimum of &p

UK - This year's First Night Riders charity motorbike and classic car tour of British theatres, which raises money for The Theatrical Guild's (TTG) vital work, takes to the roads on Friday 3 July.

This year marks the sixth year that some of the theatre industry's biggest movers and shakers zoom together for a weekend aimed at raising awareness and much-needed funds to help TTG support Backstage and FOH staff in need. Established in 1891, TTG is dedicated to looking after theatre personnel who, due to a variety of circumstances need welfare advice, counselling, educational sponsorship and many other forms of help.

The charity has many supporters in the industry, including Dara O'Briain who is also a Trustee of The Theatres Trust.

Taking place from 3-6 July, this year's route starts in Scarborough and visits the Spa Theatre & Grand Hall and The Stephen Joseph Theatre. Over the

UK - This year's First Night Riders charity motorbike and classic car tour of British theatres, which raises money for The Theatrical Guild's (TTG) vital work, takes to the roads on Friday 3rd July.

This year marks the sixth year that some of the theatre industry's biggest movers and shakers zoom together for a weekend aimed at raising awareness and much-needed funds to help TTG support Backstage and FOH staff in need. Established in 1891, TTG is dedicated to looking after theatre personnel who, due to a variety of circumstances need welfare advice, counselling, educational sponsorship and many other forms of help.

The charity has many supporters in the industry, including Dara O'Briain who is also a Trustee of The Theatres Trust.

Taking place between 3rd and 6th July, this year's route starts in Scarborough and visits the Spa Theatre & Grand Hall and The Stephen Joseph Thea

Fair Pay - Apple Music reversed its payment policy, a day after the singer Taylor Swift said she was refusing to allow the company to stream her album 1989. In an open letter to Apple, Swift said she was withholding the record as she was unhappy with the three-month free trial offered to subscribers. Now Apple says it will pay artists for music streamed during trial periods. Swift had said the plan was "unfair", arguing Apple had the money to cover the cost. "I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company. "We don't ask you for free iPhones. Please don't ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation."

Olympic Achievement - The International Olympic Committee will receive an award at IBC2015 for its work on conserving and managing its audiovisual archives. The awar

France - Theatre Projects opened its new Paris office last Thursday 18 June at the Passage de Retz, the art gallery located at the entrance of Theatre Project new studios. Guests from the Parisian cultural and architectural scene attended.

The new studio in Le Marais District of Paris is also the base for two respected acoustic designers who have joined Theatre Projects Paris.

Seb Jouan Victoria and Chavez Thielemann will work with the rest of Theatre Projects' consultants on theatre design projects internationally. They will also provide standalone acoustic design services to architects designing sophisticated performance and entertainment spaces.

They are already working on several projects including the new Yves Saint-Laurent museum in Marrakech, the new Abu Dhabi District Lyric Theatre, the Weltmuseum in Vienna, The Casino de Paris and Folies Bergères in Paris, the next

Middle East - When the latest Disney On Ice production Princesses & Heroes was brought to the Middle East by Sports & Entertainment Solutions FZ LLC this May and June, Showforce were on hand to provide the full spectrum of staffing solutions including stage crew, skilled technicians, logistical personnel, demonstrators, follow spot operators and event staff.

The first part of the tour took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre from 27-30 May before moving to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 10-13 June.

An experienced Showforce team of stage crew led by a crew manager assisted with all aspects of the production.

During show days almost one hundred of Showforce's event staff were on-hand to help front of house, from selling tickets and merchandising to VIP hostesses and ushers guiding guests to their seats.

Ali Haidary, founder & CEO of Sports & Entertainment

UK - This year's ABTT Exhibition saw Lift Turn Move Ltd (LTM) introduce its new Entertainment Sales Manager, Alex Cowan to its Entertainment customers.

Alex has worked in the industry for 15-plus years, he previously worked for City Theatrical as European Sales Manager and James Thomas amongst others. He brings his considerable knowledge in this specialist area to LTM as well as a new outlook and plenty of enthusiasm.

Alex comments: "Having known John Jones and David King for a long time I was aware of the respect that they and LTM have in the industry, l didn't have to think twice when the opportunity arose to come and work with LTM. The first day everybody made me feel so welcome, and immediately made to feel part of the team. I am excited to work for a company where their customers are treated so well."

"It is a pleasure offering the range of hoist's that L

China - Flexibility and reliability topped the list of requirements when systems supply and integration specialist EZPro International was engaged to design an advanced audio processing system for a popular indoor children's theme park in China's Heilongjiang Province. Located in Lesong Plaza in Harbin, Songsong Town was developed by Thinkwell Group and incorporates a host of attractions alongside relaxation areas, educational spaces, catering and entertainment.

A long-time Symetrix DSP user, EZPro was aware that products from the highly scalable SymNet range would be able to handle audio processing duties across two expansive floors. Taking advantage of the SymNet devices' ability to support robust, Audinate Dante media networking, the resulting design covers no fewer than 11 sound reinforcement zones and specific tasks including: performances on two compact stages; background

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians 2015 Theatre Awards took place on 24 June alongside the Stage Management Association's National Awards, after the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show in its new London home, Alexandra Palace.

The experienced jury for the ABTT Awards, comprising of working practitioners and industry peers, judged nominations meeting the entry criteria that had been previously submitted or which were brought to their attention on the day.

Commenting on the event, ABTT CEO Robin Townley said, "The Awards ceremony held in the Londesborough Room was a great event to round off the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show.

"Held at Alexandra Palace for the first time, the ABTT Theatre Show was very pleased to host the presentation of both the ABTT Theatre Awards and the SMA National Stage Management Awards.

"A great atmosphere in the Lon

Off The Beach - Brian Wilson has cancelled his UK tour in September to focus on promoting a new movie about his life which has become an "overwhelming success". The former Beach Boy was due to play a series of shows in support of his current album No Pier Pressure. But due to the success of biopic Love And Mercy, starring Paul Dano and John Cusack, Wilson is postponing the tour to support the movie. He also announced next year will be his last ever tour in Europe: "I'm sorry I won't be able to make these shows this year, but I look forward to seeing all my fans in 2016 to help me celebrate 50 years of Pet Sounds. This will be my final European tour.

Thriller Tour - Thriller Live will embark on a UK tour in October, as the West End production of the show undergoes a creative overhaul. The London run of the Michael Jackson producti

UK - Secret Cinema reveals that the first Secret Cinema X event, which took place on 28-29 June, hosted two special preview screenings of Asif Kapadia's documentary Amy, which will be released in cinemas 3 July 2015..

Secret Cinema X will bring to life cult classics and exclusive previews in extraordinary locations worldwide. Acting in partnership with Secret Cinema it will unite Secret Screenings and The Other Cinema, whilst creating a new distribution platform for film.

The sold out event brought Kapadia's Amy to life whilst honouring an extraordinary artist through transforming Camden's Koko into the Jazz nightclub Round Midnight, taken from Amy's favourite track by Thelonious Monk and inspired by the late singer's idols, music and collaborators. Director Asif Kapadia and Amy's manager Nick Shymansky joined forces on stage to honour this extraordinary occasion

UK - The summer is finally here and to mark the fact Britannia Row Productions Training - now in its new home in Twickenham - is offering a specially discounted summer training package for all those wanting to pursue a career in live audio, and learn from the professionals.

Anyone who books now for the July Live Sound Basic 2-day PA Course and then also takes one of the two 15-week part-time courses beginning in September, will receive a discount from the September fees - effectively making the Basic Course free, the company says.

For full details and t&c's of the offer, contact Britannia Row Productions Training on 0208 893 4997 or email info@training.britanniarow.com.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - The University of Derby's College of Engineering has partnered with Cloudbass Limited to launch a new undergraduate degree in Broadcast Engineering and Live Event Technology.

The University of Derby is the first UK University to partner with Cloudbass Limited.

Based in the East Midlands, outside broadcast specialist Cloudbass Limited provided filming facilities and crew for the 2012 London Olympics. Previous and current clients include the BBC, BBC Sport, Eurosport and Sky Sports.

The BSc (Hons) Broadcast Engineering and Live Event Technology will start in September 2016. The three year course will prepare aspiring engineers for a career in broadcast engineering and live event technology by teaching them broadcast and engineering techniques, and developing their knowledge of sound technology, analogue and digital electronics.

The course will be taught at the Universit

UK - The renowned PLASA Professional Development Programme will once again bring global experts together to share their insight and experience at the 2015 PLASA Show, which takes place at London's ExCel from 4-6 October. The first tranche of seminar sessions has just been announced, featuring a wide range of fascinating and thought-provoking subjects.

One of the PLASA Show's new initiatives for 2015 is a sector-specific zoned layout, which will make navigation around the show easier than in previous years. The show's seminars feature a similarly zoned theme, with sector-specific stages hosting over 150 speakers throughout the three days, highlighting case studies and advice on Lighting, AV, Audio, Broadcast and Staging.

The first 16 sessions have subjects ranging from high profile productions and technical best practice

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