Over 300m of Prolyte Truss from was used to construct a large banner frame on the roadway, and a series of MPT based lighting towers along the red carpet. The focal point of the entrance area was a stage constructed from Layher EV100 Event Decks, forming part of a structure also incorporating Layher Allround scaffolding system components, and Prolyte H30V trussing to provide a platform for the famous James Bond Aston Martin DB5- lowered into place via HIAB. IPS then built a platform on top of the rear support tower to hold the large 007 logo. The stage was flanked on either side by 7m high Layher based structures that were dressed with LED screens.
Elsewhere onsite, IPS also used the LiteDeck modular staging system to create a tiered press photographers platform, and camera platforms. All structural elements were subject to planning approval from the stringent requirements of Westminster Council, and over 20 tons of ballast was used to ensure that everything was correctly wind rated. IPS worked with CCS Consulting and Layher to ensure that all the structures could safely support their design loads, along with the required wind loadings. IPS project manager Tom Warden said although he had enjoyed working on the event, he was glad that "Bond premieres on this scale only come once a year".
The ambitious lighting design featured over 250 fixtures, including Spaceflower lighting effects, Martin MAC 2000s, MAC 700s, MAC 250s and the large Clay Paky Alpha Beam 1500s, along with 2.5k City Colours, Sunstrips, and various other fixtures- including over 150 Fresnels and Source 4 generics. The lighting was controlled via ArtNet from a Chamsys MQ100 Pro lighting desk, with a second identical desk running as a tracking backup.
The impressive design had to incorporate architectural lighting of the Royal Albert Hall façade, lighting of the large red carpet area for the extensive press coverage of the celebrity and the royal guests, as well as the attention grabbing beams that featured in the television coverage.
All the equipment was installed over three days, working within the restrictions of the Royal Albert Hall's listed status, and considerations for the local residents. Despite the four trucks of kit, coupled with early mornings and late nights the team at IPS were left shaken, but not stirred!
(Jim Evans)
