Artistic Licence has concluded a new phase of sales expansion with the addition of no less than seven companies to its list of national and international dealers. In the UK, two companies join the dealer list: Northern Light joins as a mainstream dealer, while Lightfactor Sales has also joined, the Artistic Licence product range providing and excellent complement to the company's existing brands which include LightProcessor and High End Systems.

In Austria, Technik Design will now represent Artistic Licence products in addition to established dealer, Leman. Technik Design has a wealth of practical experience in all aspects of entertainment technology, and Artistic say that their consultancy and sales divisions provide a perfect complement for the Artistic Licence projects and products portfolio. In Finland, two new dealers add to the company's extensive coverage: Studiotec represents o

AC Lighting Ltd has announced that the first sale has been made in the UK of an MA Lighting grandMA ultra-light console. The console was specified by Andy Mahaffey, technical manager at Watermans, a multi-purpose entertainment complex in Brentford, West London. The venue is undergoing a complete refurbishment and is scheduled to re-open in Spring 2002. Watermans incorporates a theatre, cinema and 500-capacity multi-function café/bar area as well as a studio and gallery exhibition space.

Following an extensive evaluation at AC Lighting’s demonstration facilities in High Wycombe, Andy Mahaffey found many attributes of the compact grandMA ultra-light to his liking. He commented: "I love the ease of accessibility to functions and adaptability offered by this console," adding: "It’s amazing to have this level of functionality in a console that occupies so little

The Event Lighting & Design Company was asked by Charlotte Wolseley Brinton to design the lighting for the launch of the revamped Royal Exchange in London, and to provide the party with two completely different looks, as well as highlighting the beautiful architectural features of the building. The event aimed to put the Royal Exchange back on the map since its transformation into a luxury retail environment. Filled with exclusive stores such as Hermes and Tiffany's, the Royal Exchange is now one of the city's smartest shopping venues.

Outside, each of the front colonnades was uplit in strong red, the central colonnades in magenta and those at the rear of the portico in contrasting royal blue. The archways at the back were highlighted, with the crest of at the top picked out in open white light. Lamps on the first floor balconies were used to light up the first and second floor facades

Martin Professional A/S has entered into an agreement with Chako and Hiroshi Yoshida, long-time distributors of automated lighting in Japan, to establish a joint company, Martin Professional Japan Ltd. The new company, located in Tokyo and consisting of eight employees, will handle distribution and service of Martin, Jem and Mach products throughout the country.

The establishment of a single professional distributor in Japan, which had previously been covered through three separate companies, is an important step in Martin’s goal of increasing focus on the Asian market. Martin Professional president and CEO Kristian Kolding has assumed the position of chairman of the new company. Other board members include Mr. And Mrs. Yoshida and Martin’s area sales manager Jonas Eisenhardt. The official opening of the new company is expected sometime in February.

High End Systems' Catalyst recently received a top honour for lighting products at the 10th Anniversary of the EDDY Awards in New York, hosted by Entertainment Design magazine. High End's Al Ridella and Brad Schiller accepted the award during the ceremony, which took place on December 7, at John Jay College Theatre.

This is the fourth award for Catalyst. It won two top awards at PLASA in September for Design Excellence and Technical Innovation, and Product of the Year for Lighting/Entertainment at LDI 2001 in November. Catalyst is currently making its splashy debut at New York's Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers games.

As Christmas approaches, White Light has been busy lighting landmarks around London for the festive season. At Somerset House in the West End, the dancing fountains in the building's main square have been replaced with a public ice rink for the Christmas period - a transformation which first took place last Christmas and which now seems set to become an annual tradition. To add to the atmosphere, White Light was asked to light the buildings around the rink in festive blue: the transformation was achieved by Tim Bray and Ian Scott with a collection of exterior floodlights and a large collection of mains distribution! The ice rink lighting continues White Light's involvement with Somerset House, where White Light Group member The Service Company commissioned the architectural lighting control system.

South of the Thames, White Light revisited another old friend: the 1940s House at the Im

The Wife, a new DMX tester from Martin Professional, is a sophisticated, battery-powered DMX 512 and MIDI analyzer with simple to operate characteristics that will find any fault in a lighting rig of intelligent lights. This new DMX tester receives, generates and/or re-transmits DMX 512 or MIDI data streams and includes automatic moving light test facilities. An auto-backup tool features a double and single-ended cable test procedure and displays both update rates and the number of channels. The Wife also houses 15 preset memories.

And why is it named The Wife? Well, if there’s a fault, she’ll find it!

Stagetec (UK) Ltd has just completed the design, supply and installation of a sound, communications and lighting system for the new performing arts centre at the University of Plymouth's Exmouth campus. This major new GBP2.5 million teaching complex incorporates a performing arts area housing a large lecture theatre, a performance area and seminar rooms. Stagetec’s design was based on an outline specification from University staff. The lighting system features an internally-wired grid over the auditorium and stage areas, connected to eight LSC iPRO 12-channel digital installation dimmer packs. A Compulite Spark 4D console was chosen for its quick and easy programming facilities, its power and expedient size.

Stagetec supplied a selection of luminaires from the Selecon range, including 1.2kW fresnels, 600W Pacific profiles, Aurora cyclorama floods and a Performer followspot. Stage

MA Lighting has announced the latest software release for its Scancommander lighting desk. In the new version 4.3.1 further 36 moving heads were integrated in the products' library.Accordingly this list includes now also the following types: Clay Paky Golden Spot 1200, Coemer CF7 Zoom Wash, High End Studio Spot CMY, Martin MAC2000 Profile, Vari*Lite 2402 and 2406 and many more.

All customers who use a Scancommander with a 4.xx software version will get the new release free of charge.

(Lee Baldock)

TMB has continued the expansion of its sales department with the addition of Lisa Kerwath, based at the company's offices in Burbank, California. Kerwath's experience in entertainment lighting includes one year as production manager at Design Lighting Group and two years at Light & Sound Design, where she worked as a production coordinator. "We know that our customers are going to love working with Lisa. She is experienced, extremely intelligent and has a great attitude," says Tommy Stephenson, TMB sales manager. "As soon as we’ve got her Fly Fishing, she'll be the perfect TMB employee!"

(Lee Baldock)

Stage Electrics has launched a number of projects for the New Year, the first being the decision to offer its full range of hire stock from its London branch. The new branch was one of the success stories of last year and will be the subject of further expansion in the coming year. 2002 will also see the consolidation of the Stage Electrics group of companies into one brand to create a nationwide network of branches. As a result, Theatre Direct in Cambridge and Theatre Vision in Cardiff and Brecon will become branches of Stage Electrics from 1 February 2002 and will benefit from the extra support, access to a wider range of equipment and resources that come with being more closely aligned to Stage Electrics.

(Ruth Rossington)

As a result of continued problems with the supply of key components for the Sirius range, Zero 88 has announced that it is discontinuing production of its Sirius 250 and Sirius 500 desks. "This has been a difficult decision," explains Tim Burt, Zero 88's brand manager. "The Sirius has been a pioneering range for Zero 88, introducing a number revolutionary new features to the industry such as the Cueline graphical interface. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to source components for these desks, making manufacture and delivery unreliable. We do now have the complete Frog range in place and will be adding some new functionality to the Frog software in the New Year to make these desks even more powerful." Zero 88 will continue to support the product range with technical support and updated fixture data.

(Ruth Rossington)

Following the recent integration of the Zero 88 and iLight management teams, Zero 88 has promoted Tim Burt to Zero 88 brand manager. As a result of Graham Eales' recent move to head up the iLight Group, Burt has taken over the day-to-day running of the Zero 88 brand. With over 10 years' experience in the lighting industry and a pivotal member of the Zero 88 sales team over the last five years, Burt is ideally placed to take on the position. "I intend to continue the work which Graham Eales started with the brand and build on the opportunities which our partnership with iLight has presented," commented Burt.

(Ruth Rossington)

Martin Professional has reorganized some key internal departments at its Danish headquarters with the goal of increasing the range of its sales and marketing functions. Martin President and CEO Kristian Kolding has taken over the position of international sales director - entertainment, previously under the leadership of Pio Nahum. Pio will maintain his position as international marketing director, as well as his post as CEO of Martin Professional Italy.

Gorm Teichert, who recently filled the new position of international sales director - architectural, assumes responsibility for product management in the architectural segment. In addition, export sales manager Anders Kryger has taken over responsibility for Martin's qualified team of area sales managers, as well as a growing number of associated companies.

(Ruth Rossington)

The Event Lighting & Design Company added yet another high profile job to their portfolio recently by designing the lighting for one of the most talked about events of the year - the Lord of the Rings premiere party at Tobacco Dock. This spectacular party, organised by Lady Carolyn Townshend & Associates, aimed to recreate scenes from the film and bring Middle Earth to the Docklands. EL&D worked closely with the film's production designers (who have already won an American Movie Review Award for their work) to recreate the lighting effects seen on screen. Each area in the party had a distinct atmosphere reflecting particular scenes in the film.

Lothlorien, home of the elves, reflected the beautiful wooded landscape. The party also recreated the Prancing Pony, a warm, welcoming Pub with custom-made hanging silk flames. The Village Green was lit to show outdoor twilight where hanging la

Following its first public showing at the PLASA exhibition in September 2001, the new Diversitronics Mark 3000 Super High Intensity DMX Strobe is now being shipped by AC Lighting Ltd. The strobe features a long life high power quartz xenon lamp and delivers 24,000W peak flash intensity. Built into a streamlined housing with extensive aluminium heat sinking and automatic fan cooling, the unit is rated for continuous duty.

A major feature of the Mark 3000 is the ability of the strobe to accept both DMX and analogue remote control, as well as operating in stand-alone mode with integral speed control. To facilitate ease of connection, the strobe is fitted as standard with DMX input and through 5-pin XLR connectors and analogue (0 -10V) input and through 4-pin XLR connectors.

The Mark 3000 operates over a speed range from 15 flashes per minute to 15 flashes per second and features a Hyper

If you missed it don't worry, it will return. The World Wrestling Association presented by AAA is the latest wave to catch onto the growing craze for choreographed violence for the under 10s. The recent tour of rippling muscles with cartoon personas has swept through the UK, visiting major venues like Sheffield Arena and Wembley. "When you're presenting shows in venues of this size, and to audiences of 10,000 plus, the same rules apply as for the biggest rock shows," explained production manager Nick Levitt. "That's why we have three artics parked outside - there's a lot more to this than two men grappling in a ring."

One truck was almost totally filled with the ring itself and associated props, such as chipboard ringside tables for the commentators, which shatter harmlessly as these Cinderella Titans hurl each other from the ring in mock fury. In the air, 160ft of

Stagecraft has recently been involved in a major development at the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth. The company supplied lighting and sound equipment to the venue and is also planning a programme of disabled workshops at the theatre.

In 1972 a fire destroyed a large part of the backstage of the Victorian theatre and the refurbishment provided an opportunity to re-design the theatre to provide greater accessibility for all theatregoers. One of the key areas to be developed was the lighting and sound systems and thus Stagecraft supplied a range of technical equipment, including Martin intelligent lighting, Selecon Pacific luminaires, Compulite Luna moving yolks, Zero88 lighting control and dimming, and a range of audio equipment, including Tannoy speakers, Shure microphones, QSC amplification and Allen & Heath control.

Grant Bales-Smith of Stagecraft worked closely with the New Theat

AC Lighting has announced that Nic Tolkien is to retire immediately from the position of export sales director. Tolkien had been instrumental in developing the export market for AC Lighting since 1984 and managed the export sales office on a daily basis. AC Lighting's managing director, David Leggett commented: "Nic is our longest serving employee and has been with AC Lighting since the early days. We would like to publicly thank him for all his hard work over the years."

Cally Bacchus, export sales manager, continues to lead the day-to-day export sales operation with the established team of directors retaining overall direction. There are no immediate plans to appoint a replacement.

American DJ has introduced the Dual Gem and Super Jewel, upgraded versions of two of its most popular sound-activated moonflower effects. As its name suggests, the Dual Gem is a double version of the Color Gem. The Super Jewel is similar to the American DJ Jewel, but has sharper optics and a bigger beam spread to provide even more impact.

The Dual Gem includes an FX switch, which allows it to be operated in sound active, static or continuous rotation mode. A special sensitivity knob has also been added to control the degree of intensity with which the beams respond to the music. With the sensitivity adjustment, DJs can set the effect for high-energy movement or for calmer effects.

The Super Jewel features a high-power LL-64514 120V, 300W lamp. In addition to its increased brightness, new colours and wider beam spread, the Super Jewel now includes an FX switch for operation in sound a

AV specialist Saville Audio Visual has appointed Matt Alexander as area sales manager for South London, Kent and parts of Surrey and Sussex. Formerly based in Devon with Greenham Video, Alexander has extensive experience in the AV industry and his responsibilities will include sales of LCD projectors, audio visual and conferencing systems.

(Lee Baldock)

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

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)

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

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