Two new studios to be developed in the Channel 7 Melbourne Broadcast Centre are to be fitted out in a turnkey operation by Coemar De Sisti Australia. The installation will include full mechanicals (hoists, etc), dimming, control, DMX distribution system, power, leads and accessories and all luminaries. The Product Studio, to be used for drama and variety productions, will feature a full set-up of De Sisti hoists, with 36 self-climbing 140kg SWL units, 3 Modular Cyclorama 180kg SWL units, 4m Pantographs with a 14kg SWL. All hoist controls are also provided as part of the installation. Lighting for the Product Studio comprise a wide range of De Sisti luminaires including Magis 300/500/650 PO fresnels, DesiLux Fluorescent PO video luminaires with DMX on/off control, Giotto PO twin-compartment Cyclorama units and Duccio four-compartment groundrow units. Several zoom profiles are also part of

Architectural lighting specialists i-Vision supplied equipment, crew and expertise to lighting designer Lee Forde to illuminate a spectacular urban backdrop to the Liverpool section of the BBC’s recent Proms In The Park broadcast. Liverpool’s event - part of a quartet of shows also staged in London, St Austell and Gateshead - was located in William Brown Street near St Georges Hall in the heart of Liverpool’s Cultural Quarter. The concert was promoted by Liverpool City council, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Capital Of Culture bid, and was attended by a crowd of over 4000, entertained by the LPO conducted by Gerard Schwartz.

The buildings to the right of the audience as they looked stage-ward are the majestic NMGM Museum and the Liverpool City Council Central Library. After the first Liverpool Proms event last year, the BBC realized that they were missin

Exhibition and conference lighting specialist Stage Light Design has had a hectic start to the autumn, with shows for Hewlett Packard, Cogent at the DSEI show, Logitec and the ECTS Show and the Awards Ceremony at Frankfurt Motor Show. SLD made LWT Studios on the South Bank into a trendy lighting environment for the latest Hewlett Packard product launch in a show produced by Studio 9. The product was a new wireless computer link. SLD’s Alastair Crooks designed the show, utilizing the studio’s in-house television lighting equipment, fixtures and facilities, and prepared the show in advance on screen with SLD’s WYSIWYG facilities. He also used WYSIWYG to visualize the show for the client.

The technical production and set design was by Studio 9 Conference Services. It featured a home scene, an office scene and three 3 x 5 metre pods, initially screened off, for a reveal.

Stagetec enjoyed a busy PLASA Show, displaying a whole raft of new lighting products from Compulite, LSC and others. Several deals discussed at the show are already turning into solid orders and deliveries. Stagetec has supplied and installed a new Compulite lighting control system to the Towngate Theatre in Basildon, Essex. The system consists of a Compulite Ovation 4D console, plus a Compulite 4D tracking back-up system, complete with a new Rigger’s Remote and the CompuCAD 3D lighting design software package. To minimize disruption to the theatre’s schedule, the DMX output from the consoles was converted to the old Compulite C105 protocol so the existing demultiplexers could be re-used. The Compulite was specified by the theatre’s Technical Manager Tim Lloyd and follows Stagetec’s recent supply of a new Soundcraft M Series mixer to the venue.

Stagetec also clo

Color Kinetics Inc has announced the awarding of its fifth US patent (#6,292,901). This newest patent covers Color Kinetics' new Smartjuice intelligent power technology and encompasses methods and systems for multiplexing power and data over conventional wiring, allowing for control of intelligent digital light fixtures. Smartjuice technology can be found in the company’s Juice Box product, which is used to enable advanced control of the company’s award-winning iColor MR lamps.

Smartjuice is a new technology that adds a new level of lighting control and design options in many environments, such as retail, architectural, and residential. Producing advanced dynamic lighting effects before Color Kinetics Smartjuice technology meant adding a data cable to the existing wiring setup. But Color Kinetics’ patented Smartjuice technology multiplexes power and data on one wire s

Film, art, hosiery and fashion was the combined theme for Laser Grafix on 17 September 2001 with a spectacular film projection on to London’s Natural History Museum. The occasion was the first night of London Fashion Week and Julian Roberts, designer for the fashion label 'nothing nothing', was launching his label 'Julian And'. Laser Grafix of Royston used three DLP 10SX Digital Video Projectors and ran the show footage from a Beta Cassette - with the equipment installed within the (now famous) Laser Grafix projection vehicle sited directly in front of the Museum. A 2000W outdoor sound system was used to playback live mixing by a Japanese student who works for the Fashion agency nothing nothing. The film was art directed by Julian Roberts who described his featured collection as "based on all the ‘heroes and anti-heroes’ who influence my fashion world, whether I li

One of Amsterdam’s latest landmarks is its futuristic stadium, the Amsterdam Arena. Home to Holland’s most famous football club, Ajax, the Arena has also created a number of opportunities for developers. Since its completion in 1996, the surrounding area has fast become a hotspot of urban renewal, with an ever-widening range of restaurants, cafes and hotels, malls, cinemas, and business centers.

One such development is Amsterdam’s new design emporium, Villa Arena. Conceived as a stylish home furnishings center, the building includes over 70 designer stores, and is intended to address the growing reluctance of shoppers to spend time browsing in stores, and to counter the allure of the cyber mall by offering a degree of entertainment, and a range of ancillary, non-retail facilities. With this multi-functionality in mind, Villa Arena required a lighting design that could

The BEAB (British Electrotechnical Approvals Board) and The Lighting Association have joined forces to offer luminaire manufacturers quality ENEC testing and certification, enabling them to gain access to European markets and to international markets via the CB Scheme. The ENEC (European Norms Electrical Certification) Mark is a European Certification mark of Conformity, based on Harmonised European Safety Standards. Currently accepted by 20 European countries, the ENEC 19 Mark for luminaires demonstrates that a product has been independently tested by the Lighting Association and certified by BEAB. In addition to product testing, annual factory inspection and market surveillance are integral requirements of the ENEC Mark, providing maximum confidence to everyone in the supply chain.

International CB testing and certification is also available to manufacturers, helping them to access m

Top UK girl band, Atomic Kitten, performed their first concert to a sell-out crowd recently at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, and supporting them at their debut show was an array of Martin Professional fixtures. Lighting designer Barry Halpin used Bandit Lites UK to supply the Martin fixtures, along with generic fixtures and control equipment for the show. Halpin chose MAC 600 wash lights, MAC 250s and his favourite, the MAC 2000. Barry commented: "I know the MAC 2000 and its capabilities well after using them with Westlife earlier this year. I knew that in a venue such as Shepherds Bush Empire they would really cut through and be very dominating - and sure enough they were. One of the girls in the band has an allergy which prevents me from using smoke or haze during the show, so the beams don’t look as pronounced as normal, but they still show up, better than any other

Now here’s an artist looking for a voice - literally. Since the demise of the ‘cock on legs’, Thin Lizzy’s guitarist has been in need of a singer. As a guitarist he stands tall, maybe not a Robert Cray or Mark Knopfler, but nonetheless he does have his own style, and it sells. As Andy Crookston (tour manager), Mark Scrimshaw (lighting designer) and Andy May (house engineer) all confirmed, "he tours year after year, and makes money."

He also produces an album every two years or so, and on tonight’s evidence he certainly has an ear for a melody. And that’s essentially why he needs a voice; for the bluesy part of his repertoire he can get away with his shouty vocals, just another cracked walnut veneer on the guitar of melancholy, but when it comes to Parisian Walkway and the like, he needs a voice that can match all the subtlety and nuance of

At the start of 1998, finance company Nykredit invited a number of architects to participate in a competition aimed at finding the best design for its new Head Office in Copenhagen. The winner, Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen, presented a building with its front and back façades made entirely of glass. Nykredit wanted to create a building of high architectural quality. Completed in October 2001, the architects have more than matched their demands. Only half the building is used as office space; the rest is given to a large, central atrium with a glazed façade, which makes the ten-story building very transparent.

The building’s northeast and southwest sides are defined by 24 horizontal ribs of granite, two per floor. By day these ribs serve to give definition to an otherwise virtually transparent building: with the onset of night, however, the architects’ clean lines were disru

The UV400 high intensity 400W ultra violet floodlight has proved a popular choice for visual effects since its launch last year, say manufacturer UV Light Technology. The level of international sales has prompted the Birmingham-based company to introduce a built-in electronic 'smart0box' to allow ‘plug in and switch on’ use anywhere in the world. The new electronics also facilitate power variation down to 60% of maximum, enabling adjustment of the light intensity and increasing of bulb life through under-running. A new rotating barndoor unit has also been added to the range, allowing more directed lighting effects. Light intensity may be adjusted by using Par 64 scrollers, which also permit rapid on/off ultra violet effects peviously not achievable with non-hot restrike ultra violet floodlights.

Having announced a move to new premises to celebrate its 30th birthday during the 2001 PLASA Show, the White Light Group has announced the date of the move: White Light and the other members of the White Light Group will be open for business at 20 Merton Industrial Park, Jubilee Way, London SW19 3WL from Monday October 22nd 2001.

The new main telephone number for all of the Group companies, including White Light Hire, White Light Sales, The Moving Light Company, The Service Company, Modelbox and Colourhouse, will be +44 020 8254 4800. The new main fax number will be +44 020 8254 4801. The White Light Group's new home includes 35,000sq.ft of equipment storage and preparation space and 10,000 square feet of office space, allowing all the Group members to be brought together under one roof for the first time. The new building also offers ample parking and easy truck access, and is easy to

On Friday, January 11, 2002, Brian Croft, Chairman of Vari-Lite Europe, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Created by Pro Production 2002, the award is dubbed the ‘Parnelli’, in memory of respected tour manager Rick ‘Parnelli’ O’Brien, who passed away in October 2000. The Parnelli recognizes outstanding individuals in the live event production industry and their contributions to the field.

Terry Lowe, executive director of Pro Production 2002. "We’re very pleased to establish the Parnelli here at Pro Production 2002. And there is no more fitting recipient for a lifetime achievement award than Brian Croft." Croft, whose production career spans 40 years, was a founding member of Britain’s National Youth Theatre, and studied at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol. He broke into the business as a theatrical stage manage

25 of Pulsar’s new LED ChromaBank fixtures were featured on a recent ‘Cliff Richard Special’ recorded at Fountain Studios. Lighting designer for the show was Brian Pearce, assisted by lighting operators Darren Lovell and Ian Reith. Pearce chose the ChromaBanks because they were the only product that could provide an even colour wash to light two upright opaque raised step areas that divided the stage into two levels.

Supplied by leading TV rental company Richard Martin Lighting, the ChromaBanks were hidden in the stage. Each of the fixtures feature 12 ChromaHearts packaged together in one linear lighting source - providing a high level of illumination from the 960 LEDs, numerous built-in internal effects and infinite RGB colour mixing possibilities.

Pearce was very impressed by the results, and commented: "Not only do they provide an even colour wash, but the b

The Production Factory, the Netherlands-based lighting and production specialist, has announced that the company headquarters is moving from Utrecht to a new home in Arnhem. From the end of October, you can contact the company at the following address:

The Production Factory BV, Delta 46, 6825 MS Arnhem, The Netherlands.

Telephone: +31 (0)26 38 40 110, Fax: +31 (0)26 38 40 111.

Luminaires purchased from Vari-Lite Inc by John Conti Lighting Inc will be used by NBC on a new, syndicated version of the quiz show, ‘Weakest Link’. Lighting designer John Conti purchased the Vari*Lite automated lighting equipment, consisting of 22 VL2202 spot luminaires, 14 VL2416 wash luminaires and a Virtuoso DX console for the syndicated version of the show.

"Basically, I loved the gear so much after seeing it, that I went out and bought it," Conti said. "We’re using the same, purchased set of luminaires and console on the syndicated version of the show as we're using for the primetime version. The 3D programming you can do with the Virtuoso DX console is great, and it's a real time-saver."

It's clear that lighting and other effects greatly enhance the intense moments on the most popular game shows," said Rusty Brutsché, chairman and

Following the events of 11 September, PRG companies have contributed their support to US relief efforts by filling several requests to provide equipment and crew to charitable and commemorative productions. On Friday, 21 September, the nationally televised 'America: A Tribute to Heroes' became the most widely distributed television production and the most successful charity fund-raiser in history. Fourth Phase's New York and Los Angeles facilities provided scenic projection equipment, film and crew for the projection imagery designed by Jean Doherty under production designer Roy Bennett's direction, while Fourth Phase New Jersey supplied both intelligent and conventional lighting systems to the East Coast portion of the production. Yankee Stadium hosted several thousand people on Sunday, 23 September for a commemorative service. PRG supported this event by providing a variety of services

Mark Henderson is an LD of long standing and someone with considerable experience of the business of being a lighting designer. L&SI caught up with him recently at The Peacock Theatre in London, where he was in the midst of lighting Victoria Wood’s new live show. We took the opportunity to invite him to unravel a few of the mysteries of lighting design.

"I think 75% of what a lighting designer does is solving problems. So much of the design thought process is about creating the best picture within the limitations you’re working to - and there are always limitations! If you remember the basics of lighting design you can usually get a good end result - it may not always be the end result you were hoping for, but it can be a pleasant surprise.

"Don’t ever forget the basics: cover the performance area in a simple way and hopefully leave yourself something to p

Distribution company Coemar De Sisti Australia has announced the availability of the CAT (Colour Advanced Technology) from Space Cannon. This is a professional exterior and interior wash/spot luminaire that represents the state-of-art in specialized outdoor floodlighting. Small, light, efficient and environmentally friendly (without IR and UV rays output), CAT is designed to meet the specific needs of the architectural lighting professionals, combining impressive light output with unlimited colour mixing, variable photo metrics, all in a fully weatherized IP66 static unit. The CAT provides a cost-effective, full-featured alternative to other architectural fixtures available. The full colour mixing system, able to supply more than one million colours, is an innovative world-wide patented tubular quartz dichroic system which provides smooth and saturated cross fades throughout the entire c

PLASA Media has learned that Philip Norfolk has joined Martin Professional UK, in the role of stage and studio products manager, with effect from 1 October. Norfolk is a well-known industry figure, having worked for many years with Lighting Technology. It is understood that he will be taking over the role previously held by Mark Ravenhill, who is relocating to the Martin Professional HQ in Denmark. More details of the recent moves at Martin will follow.

The summer is about Festivals and this year was no exception: in late August, L&SI mingled with the crowds at the Reading Festival, part of the Carling Festival Weekend, which also plays in Leeds and Glasgow.

Sound for Reading (and Leeds too) was supplied by SSE. Chris Beale explained that the company had adopted a slightly different approach for the main stages this year, using BSS systems to split the Nexo systems into six separate zones and thereby optimize performance and controllability.

SSE used SIA SmartPro computer-based analysis software to give them precise system control. This ensured both systems behaved in exactly the same way in terms of SPL, EQ, dynamic performance and other general characteristics, allowing bands to have as near the same sound as possible at both sites - notwithstanding the natural variants of wind and atmosphere. True to form, the elements remained

MAVCO has been awarded the contract to design, supply and install a range of audio, video, lighting and effect systems in over 20 venues on board a third Crystal Cruises ship. Commissioned by ALSTOM Marine Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St Nazaire, France, MAVCO will be involved with the complete turnkey contract for local entertainment systems.Scheduled for delivery in late June 2003, the as-yet-unnamed 68,000-ton vessel will see an increased number of Crystal Cruises' most successful features, including more entertainment lounges, expanding on the best of Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony. The scope of the project ahead for MAVCO incorporates detailed system design, supply, installation and commissioning, shared between the company's offices in Miami and the UK.

The Galaxy Show Lounge is the main entertainment venue for the line's distinctive award-winning production shows,

In order to enhance the coordination of marketing worldwide, ETC announces that, with immediate effect, leadership for marketing in Europe will be provided by Tera Johnson, vice-president of marketing, ETC Inc. The position of marketing director within ETC Europe will no longer exist, but direct marketing support for Europe's dealer and distributor network will continue to be located in Europe. In addition, ETC will continue to be represented by Harmer PR in Europe. The result of the restructuring means that marketing director Peter Ed will be leaving ETC. For the past four years, Peter has been directing the marketing and business development efforts of ETC Europe, while his leadership in the Themed Entertainment Association helped develop a new market for entertainment lighting equipment worldwide. "We are grateful to Peter for his contribution to growing ETC's business in Europe

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