Lighting

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20 December 2024

UAE - Prolights fixtures shone brightly over the Swan Lake on Ice performance by The Imperial Ice Stars, held at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. The award-winning show captivated audiences, blending Tchaikovsky's timeless music with breathtaking visual displays on ice. Lighting, designed by Level Production, played a crucial role in creating a visually stunning atmosphere on the skating rink.

For the lighting setup, Level Production collaborated with Pro Lab, the Prolights distributor for the MEDA region, selecting a range of fixtures that included Astra Wash19Pix, Astra Hybrid420, and RA2000HB Profiles from Prolights. These fixtures were chosen for their exceptional versatility, delivering the perfect balance of lighting power, colour precision, and creative flexibility. This ensured a uniform illumination across the entire rink, enhancing the v

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20 December 2024

USA - The Latin Grammy Awards celebrated its 25th anniversary in a big way on 14 November, putting on a glittering show that was impressive even by the exalted standards of awards festivals. Every genre in the galaxy of Latin music shined at Miami’s Kaseya Centre, which resonated with performances by Marc Anthony, Pitbull, Eladio Carrión, Becky G, Sivia, DJ Khalid, Luis Fonsi, Jon Bon Jovi, and multiple other artists.

For Tom Kenny and the rest of the lighting team (LDs David Convertino, Felix Peralta and Joseph Vineyard), creating distinctive looks that reflected the individual musical personas of all these performers in the three-hour live broadcast show represented a challenge.

"We had to come up with a lot of looks over the course of the show, so the flexibility of our rig was key," said Peralta. "We usually end up doing 18 to 25 music perform

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20 December 2024

USA - TobyMac, MercyMe and Zach Williams, three of Christian music’s most popular acts, teamed up for a concert tour illuminated with Bandit Lites.

“When we had the dream of bringing these artists together, we knew it would be big, but we had no idea just how big,” shares Dan Fife, president and founder of Awakening Events. “The response was unprecedented and the demand from fans for more dates was impossible to ignore.”

“Being a huge fan of all three of these acts made a challenging opportunity a lot of fun,” said client representative Allen Deneau. “All three camps are absolute professionals and very easy to work with, which made the process much easier. Putting together a great lighting rig to accommodate three headline acts, on the same stage, is not always easy but, their willingness to entertain options and suggestions was just

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20 December 2024

USA - Robe Lighting enjoyed the pre-holiday buzz in the air at LDI 2024 in Las Vegas, ‘wowing’ crowds with a new live performance stage production, The Fifth Dimension, which helped win the Most Creative Use of Light Award at the show.

Over three action-packed days, Robe launched two new products – the LedPointe and the T.5 Profile – and showcased several other new lighting fixtures for the first time at a US trade show, including iBolt which has just been approved and is available for US and Canadian markets.

Additionally, the company, its friends, colleagues, and team members celebrated the life and legacy of industry icon Craig Burross in a special tribute hour after the first day.

In addition to LEDPointe and the T.5 profile, four other new Robe products – the iForte Fresnel, the Painte Fresnel, the Svopatt, an

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20 December 2024

USA - From a showstopping light show that attracted eager crowds to Elation’s next frontier booth experience, to product debuts capped by a Best Debuting Product Award for Paragon, the company’s new class of LED profile luminaires, LDI 2024 was a major success for Elation.

Elation welcomed lighting professionals to Experience Tomorrow at LDI in Las Vegas through an immersive journey that spanned from the show entrance to the retro-futuristic Elation booth and the dynamic Battle of the Busk stage, all enhanced by an interactive digital campaign.

“LDI 2024 was a defining moment for Elation,” stated Eric Loader, global vice-president of sales at Elation. “We showcased our commitment to innovation and the future of lighting like never before, and the response was phenomenal. From the stunning debut of the Paragon Seri

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19 December 2024

Finland - The rock-band sound of Finnish favourites Apulanta met the sweeping strings of the Sinfonia Lahti for a series of special concerts recently – with a stage-wide, wraparound LED backdrop powered by tvONE's Green Hippo brand of Hippotizer Media Servers.

Taking place at the city of Tampere’s 15,000-capacity Nokia Arena, the two-night extravaganza drew fans of Apulanta – one of Finland’s most popular groups – to experience the fusion of rock and symphony. New-kid-on-the-block Avantrum Visuals designed and delivered the visual elements of the show, including stage, lighting, video design and live camera feed storyboarding, and lighting programming and operation.

“At the very early stages, when designing the looks for each song, we were already imagining how we could utilise Hippotizer’s possibilities to deliver something special for

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19 December 2024

UK - Alton Towers Resort hosts its annual end-of-season fireworks extravaganza every November.

This year, lighting designer Olly Suckling, now in his eighth year working on the Alton Towers Resort Fireworks, elevated the display to new heights with a bold and vivid lighting design. His creation not only supported the pyrotechnic display but also built a cohesive visual architecture, connecting the spectacle more intimately with the large and appreciative audience.

Running his light show on two ChamSys MagicQ MQ250M Stadium consoles and a Mini Connect system, Suckling delivered a design that complemented every step of the fireworks display. By arranging much of his rig in horizontal rows of fixtures, he was able to create sweeping movements of light that extended from the main stage out to the larger left and right structures.

“The story beh

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19 December 2024

USA - Chauvet Professional built its LDI exhibit around the theme of Revealing Our True Colours. And true to form, evidence of the company's colour rendering prowess was everywhere in its immersive booth, which featured a design by Gigi Pedron. A pair of notable examples of this capability could be seen in new additions to the successful Maverick Storm and Strike series of fixtures.

The Maverick Storm 1 Flex and Strike V both build on the highly regarded reputations of their namesake series in terms of output and performance. Both fixtures also incorporate impressive new features that made them much talked about on the LDI show floor.

With the Maverick Storm 1 Flex, designers can enjoy the flexibility of a multi-functional unit alongside the reliability of advanced LED technology. Sharp beams and dynamic effects, CMY+CTO colour mixing, a tig

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18 December 2024

Austria - 80 of Robe’s most powerful moving light fixtures – iBolt, iForte and iForte LTX – were used to great effect for a lighting scheme designed by Thomas Maier from event production company NoiseGate Eventtechnik to illuminate a special performance show celebrating the completion of the 305m-wide Danube Valley suspension bridge – Donautalbrücke – in Linz, Austria.

NoiseGate was working for event creative agency Brandmood who produced the show for its end client, ASFINAG Bau Management, the organisation that manages the country’s nationwide autobahns system. The artistic director was Beda Percht.

The steel-reinforced concrete composite bridge is part of a new four-lane western bypass on the A26 autobahn spanning the Danube, railroad tracks and two main roads while circumnavigating the city of Linz. Its main cables are 500m long, and

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18 December 2024

UK - At the Annual Lighting Lunch held on Monday 16 December, the Association for Lighting Production and Design (the ALPD) awarded four new fellowships to Peter Hunter, Steve Huttly, Nick Peel and Alan Luxford.

Introducing the new fellows, chair of the ALPD, Johanna Town, said: “This year our ALPD fellowships go to four very dedicated lighting individuals, who have spent a lifetime’s career in our amazing industry.”

Peter Hunter: After training at LAMDA Hunter spent a season at Chichester, before moving to the Redgrave Theatre, Farnham, where he rose to become chief electrician. In 1980 he moved to Salisbury Playhouse as lighting designer and chief electrician. Now retired, he continues to be generous with his time, knowledge and support of the next generation.

Steve Huttly: Huttly started his career i

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18 December 2024

Germany - The 21st season of the talent show Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar (DSDS) recently reached its finale with victory for Christian Jährig. At the same time, 24 of GLP’s new Creos fixtures enjoyed one of their first-ever TV appearances.

The production design of the long-running TV hit was once again developed by DK Design. Sebastian Huwig created the lighting design and planning for the finale on behalf of David Kreileman.

The new LED washlights, with fast, motorised tilt, were used together with other spotlights as a second light level on rolling risers, so that new lighting atmospheres could be created for each act. The modifications took place during the filming.

This time, the team chose not to use the option of seamlessly combining several Creos into huge LED bars, using the integrated connector system. Explai

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18 December 2024

Belgium - The Royal Conservatory of Antwerp has upgraded its lighting infrastructure with a Unity solution from LSC Control Systems, drawing on the experience of its partner facility – and one of Europe’s leading performing arts venues – De Singel.

Undertaking a full renovation of its Zwarte Zaal (Black Hall) – including new grid, cabling, patch racks, audio, data, video and lighting – led by main construction contractor Co-Ps, the Royal Conservatory insisted on quality, reliability and safety. To achieve this with new lighting infrastructure, they turned to De Singel, expert consultant Roadtech Services, and the technology of LSC Control Systems.

It was way back in 2018 that De Singel installed a Unity system from LSC in its main auditorium. At the time, the busy venue was having difficulty dealing with large amounts of varying types of li

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17 December 2024

Europe - The Showlight Student Sponsorship deadline is approaching. Applications close on Friday 31 January 2025. The scheme is open to students and recent graduates of lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

Successful applicants enjoy free-of-charge entry to Showlight 2025, with access to the full Programme of Papers, admission to the exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers, networking opportunities during the daily breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening and the Conference Dinner on Wednesday evening. Around 30 places are available but spaces are filling up fast.

Former Showlight student participant and presenter of Sweeney Todd – A Site Specific Experience, Amy Mae Smith, comments: “Showlight is an inspiring few days where you

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17 December 2024

USA - GLP chose to reduce the footprint of its booth at this year’s LDI expo in Las Vegas, freeing up budget that was reinvested into their lavish 30th anniversary party at the luxury Venetian Resort, attended by over 2,000 guests.

The Venetian’s Atomic Saloon Show provided a perfect showcase to launch the new aptly named Mad Maxx, an IP65 LED fat-beam fixture which is designed mainly, but not only, as a SkyBeam fixture.

Aside from the razzmatazz, back at the Convention Center GLP’s rationale in significantly reducing its booth size was based on close scrutiny of its environmental footprint.

Construction of all stand furniture, plinths and podests was with 100% reusability in mind. Explains director of marketing, Uli Steinle: “All are specially built road cases that will feature on every road show and exhibition in the US, go

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17 December 2024

Denmark - In the autumn of 2023, Det Musiske Hus, a notable cultural venue in the northern Danish city of Frederikshavn, initiated a project to improve its conventional front and house lighting systems.

Seeking to enhance both the technical capabilities and the overall atmosphere of the space, the venue opted to install Fuze Profile automated framing moving heads and Fuze Pendant downlights, both cutting-edge luminaires from Elation that offer a full-colour spectrum and high CRI.

The upgrade, driven by the need for improved safety, greater flexibility, and expanded creative lighting possibilities for its diverse events, comes as Det Musiske Hus celebrates 20 years as a multifunctional event space. The venue’s largest hall hosts concerts, theatre performances, stand-up shows, business meetings, and conferences for seated and standing audiences of up

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17 December 2024

USA - Robert Juliat is delighted to report a highly successful appearance at LDI, Las Vegas 2024. Partnering with ACT Entertainment, its exclusive distributor for North America and Canada, Robert Juliat showcased its range of LED lighting solutions.

Robert Juliat’s latest LED followspots took centre stage, offering versatile solutions for venues of all sizes. Demonstrated on-site were the Sully 10.5-22.5° (115W LED) for smaller spaces, the Tristan 7-14.5° (825W LED) for mid-sized venues, and the Arthur LT 4-10° (800W LED) for large-scale applications, each delivering exceptional performance and versatility.

The Tristan followspot proved particularly popular. With its compact body and powerful 825W LED engine, Tristan rivals the performance of traditional 1800W MSR followspots, making it an attractive solution. A highlight of this innovative mode

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16 December 2024

Spain - Italian digital artist Quayola’s Creative Keynote presentation on 5 February at 15.30 will give ISE visitors insights into his projects, including the mesmerising Arborescent projection mapping experience on Casa Batlló, which takes place on 1 and 2 February as the next edition of ISE kicks off in Barcelona.

Celebrated for his pioneering fusion of technology and art, Quayola will also present his artwork Promenade on Tuesday, 4 February at 18.30, on the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via’s award-winning south access welcome screen, providing both the citizens of Barcelona and ISE visitors with another chance to witness his creative talents in action.

“In Arborescent, I aimed to identify, catalogue, and digitally reconstruct a variety of tree species. I am interested in studying their growth systems and understanding

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16 December 2024

USA - At The Caverns, part of an 8,000ft underground cave passage located a little over 80 miles south of Nashville, designers like Justin Casey have to contend with a lack of level surfaces.

"Nothing there is level," Casey, owner of Helm Projects said of the venue. "That's the first challenge. We have done so many shows at this place, so we know it takes some time and thought to come up with a design that's right for it – but once you do, it's well worth it."

Casey and his team recently created a stunning design for electronica star LSDream's two-day Rave Cave event at the Cavern that played off the venue's intricately craggy features to create looks that flowed seamlessly with the captivating vibe of the performances on stage.

Helping Casey and his team realise this vision inside the 1,500-capacity space (aka The Big Mouth Cave)

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16 December 2024

The Netherlands - After over a decade of excavation, preparation, and research, five dinosaurs are now on display together for the first time at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden. Among them is the majestic herbivore Triceratops, renowned for its large frill and three horns – a true icon of the dinosaur era.

This exhibition has been brought to life through a lighting design by Tom Verheijen, with equipment and custom solutions provided by Lichtpunt Theatertechniek.

To illuminate the dinosaurs and their surroundings, various Prolights fixtures were used, including the EclProfile FWTU and EclMini CC, which were instrumental in creating a visually stunning experience. These fixtures were supplied by FullAVL Distribution, Prolights distributor for the Netherlands.

The EclMini CC fixtures, with their compact design and refined optics,

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13 December 2024

UAE - Avolites announces a change in partnership in the Middle East, which will see the UK-based lighting and visual control manufacturer distributed and serviced by Robe Middle East as of 1 January 2025.

Service and support throughout all Middle Eastern countries will be managed via the considerable resources, experience and organisational infrastructure of Robe Middle East, headed by managing director Elie Battah and his talented team.

It will give Avolites investors, users, and customers in the area access to the Robe Middle East Technical Centre, which will become the hub for Avolites sales, tech support, repairs and returns plus an active schedule of Avolites training opportunities and initiatives currently being developed.

Avolites’ MD Paul Wong thanks Procom Middle East for their “incredible” work that has delivered and supported

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13 December 2024

UK - The £100k Funding Campaign for 2030 Outdoor Event Sector’s Climate Transition Plan has hit 75%. Wide support from across the sector has secured production of the Show Must Go On Sector Transition Plan, which will set ambitious climate plans for 2030 for the festival and live outdoor events industry.

Chris Johnson, Vision: 2025 chair, states: “The working group is delighted by the widespread support from an industry struggling against the economic backdrop in 2024. This is an acknowledgement that now is the time to show leadership and ambition in taking action, meeting the urgent challenge of climate breakdown, and coming together as an industry to chart a clear path.”

Vision:2025 is working with the AIF and other industry organisations to raise the final 25% to reach the £100k target. The remaining funds will underpin the promot

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13 December 2024

UK - After another year of ‘inspiring and groundbreaking entries’, the ABTT’s Stephen Joseph Committee faced a challenge in selecting the 2024 Award winner, which honours innovative and inclusive theatre excellence.

Named in tribute to leading post-war British theatre pioneer and founding ABTT member, the Stephen Joseph Award celebrates the bold ways in which theatre practitioners push boundaries in using theatre space and forging close, creative connections between performers and audiences.

After a lively and passionate discussion about the submissions, the judging panel reached a unanimous decision: the 2024 ABTT Stephen Joseph Award goes to Frozen Light, a Norwich-based company that is revolutionising multi-sensory theatre for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Presented at the ABTT Christmas Party, Bob Milli

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13 December 2024

Italy - The organisers of Afterlife invited fans to embark on “a captivating sensory journey and unique immersive experience” when promoting their show at the Snai Hippodrome in San Siro, Milan.

The one-day techno event delivered a multi-sensory mix of music and visuals that enveloped fans in a transformative blend of sensations.

Afterlife’s creator Tale of Us performed at the event and was joined by a line-up that featured Mind Against, Massano and Olympe as well as two performances alternating on stage by Anyma introducing Genesys, and Mrak introducing We Don't Follow. These DJ sets captivated with the telling of intimate and visionary travel stories of the musicians behind the decks.

Supporting the DJ performances and endowing them with even greater mind-expanding power was an audio and visual prod

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13 December 2024

USA - Elation capped off a successful 2024 LDI Show by winning the Product Innovation Award for Paragon, the company’s new flagship series of intelligent lights for entertainment.

Toby Velazquez, ADJ Group global CEO, comments: “We would like to take this moment to commend the incredible efforts of our engineering and R&D teams, along with everyone involved in the development of what we believe is the finest moving head series Elation has ever produced. The creation of Paragon stands as a testament to their dedication, technical brilliance, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

At the centre of Elation’s Experience Tomorrow booth, Paragon captivated attendees throughout the show and featured in the company’s crowd-pleasing hourly light show.

“From the very beginning, this project was guided by a singular focus: to