The grandMA consoles were integrated into a multi-user session, which was a new concept to the Brazilian technicians. "The people were really surprised and constantly asked, which console controls which part of the lighting plot?" reports Daniel Ridano of MA Lighting Latin America. "The answer was simple: They are able to control anything from any of the consoles in the network." Valmor Neves CEO of Zuluz says: "We used MA technology, firstly because it was a choice of David Hill, the LD of the event. The second reason was the ease of programming, operating and design functions. I think that in the near future the grandMA should be the most popular console in the world and I hope to have my own as soon as possible."
80 MAC moving lights, 288 PAR 64s, 16 8-Lite Molefay and 14 Atomic Strobes formed just part of the lighting rig. Neves was responsible for the lighting issues at the Rio stage. Companhia Da Luz provided the lighting equipment.
The line-up included artists like John Legend, Sergio Mendes, DJ Nado Leal, Funk 'n a lata and DJ Marlboro. It was designed to create a festive climate and to promote a cultural interchange between Brazilians and people from other countries participating in the Nokia News Year's Eve.
(Chris Henry)