This year the competition for the coveted Hook Clamp Trophies was as strong as ever, with a host of companies entered across five key categories, which represent the spectrum of the industry. The Awards continue to set a precedent, highlighting the spectrum of products and services for the theatre production and staging market. The winners of the Awards were:
Best New Lighting Product: White Light scooped the Award for best new lighting product with its Prism Reveal, which was chosen by the judges for its flat field, colour correcting ability and overall efficiency. The nominees in this category included: Robin 300 Plasma Spot from Robe; the Gekko Kezia LED Spot Lamp from PRG and the Cyclo LED Panel from Showtex.
Best New Sound Product: Orbital Sound was awarded the best new sound product award for its Da Cappo miniature microphone. This product impressed the judges with its waterproof qualities, which will prove invaluable on stage as it is also sweat resistant. Nominees in the category included: Digico's SD9 sound desk seen on the Autograph stand; the GDS Cue system using Ethernet connectivity, and Soundcraft's Vi1 mixing console distributed by Sound Technology.
Best New Engineering Product: Stage Technologies won the new engineering product with its innovative Split Pulley, which was chosen by the judges as an ingenius solution for special flying effects. The nominations in this category included: The new Loadstar chain hoist from AC Entertainment Technologies and the Orchestra Pit Rail Post from Unusual Rigging.
Best New Widget of the Year: AC Entertainment Technologies was awarded Best New Widget of the Year for its Leica Disto DXT - Laser Measure. This product wowed the judges with its ability to measure distances by laser in bright lights with angular compensation and the ability to provide differential distances in auditoria. Nominees in this category included: C Gripple from Alastair Fint and the Rope Assemblies stand; Unusual Rigging's TNG Point Sleave and the LOLER self-certification software from Nippy Industries.
Best Stand of the Year: XL Video accepted the award for The Best Stand at The ABTT Theatre Show 2010. The judges were impressed by the quality, definition and versatility of the display that clearly presented XL's messages to the visitors. Nominees in this category included: The Theatres Trust for introducing hydrogen fuel cells to The ABTT Theatre Show; d&b audiotechnic for uber-chic stand; Hayles and Howe; and Northern Light for the stand that received the most visitors after the show had officially closed!
Technician of the Year: David Droud. Chief Electrician at The Palladium, was awarded the Best Technician Award by Julian Rees from The Really Useful Group. Recognised for his committed approach and strong work ethic, his reputation goes before him since 1999 when he joined the company. Over the years he has ensured that producers and their team were all given the best service, no matter the cost in his long working hours.
(Jim Evans)
