Lighting

The Christmas window display at Harvey Nichols in London.

Mushroom's White Christmas for Harvey Nichols

Details: 14 March 2016

Northampton-based event and display specialists Mushroom Events provided a white Christmas for shoppers at the famous Harvey Nichols department store in London's Knightsbridge, by creating half-hourly artificial snowfalls in the street outside the store. The display began on November 14 and ended on Christmas Eve, running from 10.40 in the morning through to 7.20 in the evening.

Mushroom, which has created window display lighting for the store's branches in London and Leeds for the past three years, and the new Birmingham branch which opened in October, came up with the idea as a follow-up to last year's seasonal decoration when strings of fairy lights adorned the store's façade. The snowfalls are created by three snow machines, mounted on the store's roof, which produce a totally safe, detergent and water-based, white foam. Forced through a fine mesh and released into the air, it tak

Carpenter Joins HES West Coast

Details: 14 March 2016

Industry veteran Doug Carpenter has joined High End Systems as its new west coast regional accounts manager. Carpenter has 15 years of experience in the lighting industry, most of those concentrated at control and dimming manufacturer NSI. During his years there he worked his way up from production test technician to service manager and onwards to worldwide sales manager. Carpenter will work closely with Randy Mayer, HES' inside sales rep, who recently moved to the company’s LA office.(Lee Baldock)

Heads Up with American DJ

Details: 14 March 2016

American DJ has launched the XP-3 intelligent moving head - a high performance DMX-compatible fixture with a fully rotating head and an affordable price tag. "In the past, moving head fixtures were beyond the price range of the average club and professional DJ," said Scott Davies, general manager of American DJ. "The XP-3 offers those who have a smaller budget the excitement of a moving head fixture, without a high price tag."

The XP-3 features a fully rotating head, with pan and tilt. It includes four DMX channels and incorporates smooth stepper motors and an easy-to-read digital display. Features include 17 gobos plus spot, six colours plus white and four multi-colours and strobe. The XP-3 can be operated with any standard DMX controller. It can also be used with American DJ’s Utopia/C Controller (sold separately) to control black out, slow scan and strobe a

Barry Manilow in performance; lighting design by Seth Jackson.

Bandit Lites & Manilow Embark on LIVE2002 Tour

Details: 14 March 2016

Barry Manilow is once again venturing out on a world tour with lighting designer Seth Jackson, and Bandit Lites. This year’s tour began on 3 December and is expected to be out for nine months playing theatres and arenas across America and Europe. This year’s lighting system is again based around a moving light package from Martin Professional. Jackson is using 31 MAC 300s and eight MAC 600s for his washes and utilizing 17 MAC 250 and 15 500 for some striking beam looks and effects. Production manager for the tour is Joe Clayton, stage manager is Steve Ernaut and crew chief is Tom Fulscher.

(Lee Baldock)

New Year, New Beginnings

Details: 14 March 2016

It's a shame that all the great work that goes on in the run-up to Christmas fades so quickly into the past. The lights might be up until January 5th, but the party ended New Year’s Eve, such is the ephemeral nature of the season and the entertainment that accompanies it. Looking forwards is the resolute option, and this January LSD Fourth Phase has much to look forward to, not least with a re-scheduled tour by Destiny's Child out there in the middle distance.

S Club 7 is the biggy of the month; the group is at Elstree studios for rehearsals as we speak, with the tour commencing at the end of this month. This is a major production, set design by Charlie Kail (built by Total Fabrications Ltd) with Pete Barnes designing the lighting rig which will contain Icons, PC Beams, Super Cycs, Studio Colors and 64 trusty Par cans. Out in the audience a huge flown catwalk (flown by Summit Ste

Louis Teo - Lighting & Sound Distribution.

Louis Teo Starts New Distribution Company

Details: 14 March 2016

Louis Teo has left Singapore-based distributor Del Salado Entertainment Pte Ltd to start his own company, Lighting & Sound Distribution. The new company will also operate from Singapore and will import and export lighting and sound goods including special effects such as fiber optics, foam machines, CO2 Jets, as well as distributing brands such as Logic System Pro Audio, Starway, MBN, DiscoTech, Supervision and Dare Pro Audio in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

(Lee Baldock)

John Merrylees, York St John's lecturer in Technical Theatre (left) with Adam Beaumont, who headed the AC Lighting North team.

AC Lighting’s Major Installation for York St John College

Details: 14 March 2016

Adjacent to the City Walls and near the famous Minster in the historic city of York, York St John College offers a range of opportunities for post-graduate and post-experience study, alongside an extensive programme of MA and PhD research degrees. The main 9.87 acre site with a history dating back to 1841 is located on Lord Mayor’s Walk, just a few minutes from city centre shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.

The College has recently embarked on a major programme of investment in infrastructure facilities to develop a state-of-the-art learning centre including a new library and IT facilities. The programme has also included a significant installation of lighting and audio equipment to enhance the college’s Communication Arts Studies in Media and Performance (CASMAP) facilities.

This part of the installation has been carried out by AC Lighting Ltd, creatin

ENTTEC launches the EVO at ENTECH

Details: 14 March 2016

At the forthcoming EnTech show in Sydney (4-6 February), ENTTEC is to release its flagship product - the EVO. This is a new generation of lighting desks based around Ethernet and new technologies. The hardware centres around a large 5'7 blue back lit LCD touch screen and seven motorised faders, whilst communication comes from an Ethernet port, and DMX options come via the desk’s DMXEthergate suite of products or a DMX over Ethernet solution.

The EVO was designed for maximum ease of use. Its user interface gives constant feedback over the current show or programming actions using plain English sentences. Thanks to the motorised faders, the user will be able to program scenes as on an analog desk or run entire cuelists from one submaster. ENTTEC have also included new features such as semi-automatic crossfades and web remote control. The EVO is not built around a PC, but uses an in

Cast Lighting Tackles Second Olympic Games

Details: 14 March 2016

Cast Lighting, a subsidiary of Cast Group, will set up and oversee the complex lighting requirements for CBC’s English and French Home Base coverage of the Winter Games in Salt Lake City during January and February 2002. The events will be broadcast live on CBC for approximately 16 hours a day for the duration of the Games. This is the second time the Canadian company has been invited to participate in the Olympics: Cast also supported the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, by providing full WYSIWYG pre-planning and visualization tools.

Cast will be represented at the Games by Allyn Terry, lighting director/designer and Russ Widdall as board operator/assistant. Preplanning of the studios will take place in Toronto. Terry and Widdall will spend some two months on site in Salt Lake City with the set-up and managing of the studios. These studios will have nu

Rock Muse-ic . . .

Details: 14 March 2016

Devon-based rock trio Muse appeared at a wide variety of UK and European venues at the tail end of 2001; Mike Mann saw them in the cavernous London Docklands Arena.

Lighting designer Oli Metcalf has seen his system squeezed into small clubs and stretched to fill a full arena stage - and has managed to keep the CAV-supplied rig intact along the way. Metcalf is using CAV for the first time, a decision, prompted by their stock of up-to-date High End product. "I’m using 16 Studio Color washlights and the same number of Studio Spot CMYs," he revealed. There are also 14 AF1000 strobes in his design and a quartet of modified Cyberlight Turbos - their rear cable entries have been removed to allow them to stand vertically under four fabric cones which form an important part of the set. "CAV seemed to have all the new High End kit I needed, and they had no problem with me wa

AES New York

Details: 14 March 2016

Phil Ward identifies some of the key product launches at the December AES Show in New York

New York at the beginning of December is a sentimental place. Horse-drawn carriages trot fur-coated shoppers along 59th Street at Central Park South. Sesame Street’s Big Bird switches on the Christmas tree lights outside the Lincoln Centre. Tourists flock to Ground Zero. And AES delegates - at least the Americans - exhibit, buy, sell and discuss in detail ‘classic’ audio technology.

One whole section of this show was dedicated to ‘When Vinyl Ruled’, and offered tear-jerking insights into valve and lathe technology. Even away from this grotto, microphone and signal processor designs from the 1950s were on display, re-issued and repackaged with loving attention to detail.

Les Paul himself, who pioneered multitrack recording in the 1950s, figured in Gibson La

RFH Transformation

Details: 14 March 2016

The Royal Festival Hall production team gave blood, sweat and tears to stage the 2001 festive ballet season, featuring the renowned Moscow Stanislavky Ballet.

The team, led by head of production Nigel March, and in collaboration with the venue’s riggers Vertigo Rigging, transformed the concert hall into a proscenium arch theatre, with all the expected rigging and flying facilities, ready to stage The Snow Maiden and Swan Lake.

This was the most ambitious set and lighting design ever staged at the South Bank, as well as one of the tightest timeframes. The initial task of the Vertigo team, headed by Paddy Burnside, was to install an 18 x 12 metre mother grid in the roof of the Hall. Below this was hung a trussing sub-grid to hold all the lighting and scenery bars and tab tracks. Because the changeover between shows was so tight, scenery and cloths for both had to be rigged at the

Lyon - City of Lights

Details: 14 March 2016

In recent years a growing number of manufacturers have turned their research teams towards the development of large-scale lighting instruments - big lamps with some of the newer features of modern theatre lighting - in-built colour changing devices, moving yoke, etc.

Why? Well, either the manufacturers are trying to drive new markets having saturated theatre, TV, concert and corporate events with smaller, highly developed models, or alternatively the market researchers have been busy and discovered that there is, in fact, a latent demand out there for such lighting equipment. Personally, I tend to the second view, but there’s no doubt that having once created a beast, chances are someone will find a use for it - witness the large xenon-powered searchlights that are commonplace at festivals and special events. But when we turn our attention to buildings, especially in the UK, we

Faithless Live

Details: 14 March 2016

This lot definitely break the convention: a dance band with a stage presence - and not before time. Faithless are almost a rock combo, a robust and rhythmical form of Steve Hillage, morphing and vibing, rather than worrying about melody and structure. It sounds great, though personally it’s not my cup of tea.

Sequencing apart, this is a very analogue sounding band, real guitars, keys, drums and percussion, yet on the outside their show embraces some of the very latest technology.

Lighting

These are never easy shows to light, the style demanding that you not so much light the artist, as the room. Juan Morandi has strong things to say about the subject: "The fact is you can’t tour a music production at this level with anything original unless you have a lot of money. This is a front and back truss situation with extremely boring moving lights." Sorry? &q

Avolites’ Special Training at White Light North

Details: 14 March 2016

Avolites is continuing its commitment to product training with three days of hands-on seminar style events at White Light North in Halifax. The dates are 13, 14 and 15 February. The Valentine’s offering - for all lovers of the popular Avolites Pearl console - will be led by Avo’s training manager Chris West and Chris Clarke from the sales team. Avolites is expecting to see a wide range of Northern-based customers attending the event.

Chris West comments: "It’s important to get out and about to see people, and open days are an ideal method of reaching a focused public, giving them an opportunity of hands-on experimentation with the consoles."

Avolites also see these events as an ideal chance for socialising, networking and catching up with friends and colleagues from all over the country who are involved in live production and performance.

(Lee Baldock)

CTS: Lighting & Sound Workshop

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA members Central Theatre Supplies, in conjunction with Solihull Arts Complex, is holding a Lighting & Sound Workshop on 2 February 2002 at Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull. This training day is open to schools and amateur theatres, providing an insight into stage lighting and sound, including demonstrations and advice on how to achieve certain effects. The cost for the day is £5, and tickets can be ordered from the Box Office at the Arts Complex, telephone 0121 704 6962.

Following the morning session there will be an exhibition where those attending will be encouraged to meet the manufacturers and view the latest products and equipment. People who do not wish to attend the workshops are welcome to attend the exhibition between 12.30 - 2.00pm. Manufacturers attending will include Zero 88, Selecon, HW International (UK distributor for Shure, QSC Audio and Phonic), Dought

Rob Kennedy Joins Christie Lites

Details: 14 March 2016

Christie Lites has announced the appointment of Rob Kennedy, former vice-president of theatre for Westsun International, to the position of rental account manager for Christie Lites Toronto. Kennedy’s early experience as a technical director and production manager in regional theatre and summer festivals, combined with his 14 years’ experience as a rental rep in the theatre market, makes him a very welcome addition to Christie Lites, say the company.

Kennedy’s professional accomplishments include assembling the lighting systems for The Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Show Boat, Ragtime, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Fosse, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Barrymore, Sunset Boulevard, The Bridge, Mamma Mia and productions of Disney’s The Lion King in New York, London, Toronto and Los Angeles.

(Lee Baldock)

The new Electrical CAD package from Hevacomp which now features iLight's range of lighting control products in its database.

Hevacomp Adds iLight

Details: 14 March 2016

Hevacomp, a portfolio of building services design software, has added iLight’s range of lighting control products to its database. The move will enable lighting control to be designed in with the other electrical services, allowing the designer to build the lighting, lighting control and electrical design straight into his system drawing.

Electrical CAD enables electrical systems to be designed on the building drawing using a DXF file or directly with AutoCAD. It comes with a comprehensive and easy to use BS symbol library: as symbols are entered onto the drawing, they automatically snap to wall orientations. Using extensive manufacturer’s databases of boards, protective devices, busbars, cable and luminaires, the designer can build the lighting and electrical design straight onto the drawing.

(Ruth Rossington)

Stagetec Completes BBC TC3 Studio Refurbishment

Details: 14 March 2016

Stagetec (UK) Ltd has recently completed the supply and installation of production lighting equipment for the BBC Television Centre’s Studio 3 refurbishment. This is one of the major studios at the BBC’s Wood Lane HQ in Shepherd’s Bush, London.

The project, managed by BBC Technology’s Consulting & Projects division, involved Stagetec in the design, manufacture and installation of a complete DMX network running throughout the studio. A total of 148 DMX outlets were installed by Stagetec, dotted around the studio in custom made socket boxes. These were wired back to patch panels located at grid level in the roof and in the new control area. Eight IES 10-way DMX splitters were mounted in the patch cabinets to provide DMX distribution with the existing analogue dimmers retained. Stagetec then installed 552 channels of Compulite demultiplexers in the dimmer room so t

Wybron's Eclipse II Scoops Another Award

Details: 14 March 2016

Wybron’s Eclipse II was honoured with an EDDY Award at the close of last year. This marks the second award for the product in 2001, which also collected an LDI Product of the Year Award earlier in the year.

The Eclipse II is a variable speed DMX controlled iris douser with linear control using a single motor. It can realistically fade fixtures that use non-dimmable arc and metal halide sources, products which are becoming more and more prevalent in lighting design today. One of three lighting accessories awarded the EDDY 2001, it was the smooth and seamless fades of Eclipse II which impressed the panel.

Keny Whitright of Wybron and theatre legend George Izenour collected the award at the 10th annual EDDY Awards at John Jay College Theatre in New York City. The EDDY Awards are presented annually to honour excellence in entertainment design and technology, as well as innovation i

New Appointments at Stage Electrics

Details: 14 March 2016

To further enhance the service Stage Electrics offers its West End and UK touring markets, the company has promoted Chris Patton to work alongside Matt Lloyd in developing and supporting current commitments and future initiatives. Patton will relocate from Birmingham, where he was responsible for developing local business through the theatre and event market. During his time with Stage Electrics he has been on-site with several major theatrical companies, including the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Andrew Suggs has been promoted to branch account handler at the busy Bristol customer service centre. Suggs has worked for Stage Electrics for six years, covering all aspects of hire. Most recently he was a contract handler in the Bristol Warehouse, managing the co-ordination of all major hires leaving the building.

Tony Rhodes has joined the company as business development manager at the NEC

All Change at ACDC

Details: 14 March 2016

Gareth Frankland and David Horsfield have taken over the operation of ACDC Lighting Systems Ltd, part of the Standel Dawman group of companies. The two have been key members of the management team for some time, and had been instrumental in developing ACDC into one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of cold cathode lighting systems.

The company will continue to work with designers to develop lighting solutions and will launch a new dynamic range of high intensity LED products later this year.

(Ruth Rossington)

Animatec to distribute Coemar in Switzerland

Details: 14 March 2016

The recent inclusion of Coemar within the Stanton Group, following the acquisition of a controlling interest in the company by Tracoman Inc, has led to the appointment of Animatec SA as the sole agent for Coemar Spa in Switzerland. Silvio Cibien of Animatec commented: "We are convinced that the strong synergy created by this distribution agreement will be a benefit for all our partners."

The move adds further strength to Animatec SA’s distribution portfolio, which also includes top lighting brand such as MA Lighting and Pulsar along with pro audio brands such as Ecler, Stanton and D.A.S. Audio.

(Lee Baldock)

The headquarters of the Merseyside Police Authority, lit by i-Vision.

i-vision in spectacular Police Job!

Details: 14 March 2016

Architectural lighting specialists i-Vision has completed a lighting design and supplied all necessary instruments and fixtures for the permanent illumination of Merseyside Police Authority’s (MPA) HQ in central Liverpool.

i-Vision was approached for the project - part of the ongoing scheme to light landmark building in the City of Liverpool - by Tony Woof, chief executive of Liverpool Architecture and Design Trust (LADT). I-Vision’s brief was to produce an interesting and cost-effective design to transform this somewhat imposing looking building into an attractive, integrated element of the landscape.

LADT has been overseeing the River of Light project, which started with a massive light, laser, projection and visuals show for the town on Millennium Eve. It completes with the lighting of eight key buildings in Liverpool - the last of which is the Police Authority HQ. Wit

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