UK / USA - Are you a student looking to get a jump on your career and make connections in the industry? Then the ETC LDI Student Sponsorship colud be the solution you are looking for.

You can apply now for ETC's LDI Student Sponsorship, which awards deserving students an all expenses paid trip to the LDI 2013 tradeshow, to be held in November 2013, in Las Vegas.

Entrants must be master's or PhD candidates, or in their final year of university (or equivalent) study, and studying lighting design, theatre technology or a related field. The application - available at www.etcconnect.com/LDISponsorship - takes about 15 minutes to complete. All applications must be received by 10 May 2013.

ETC will choose six finalists: five from North America and one internationally. Recipients each get round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, meals, a full LDI conference pass and exclusive swag,

UK - The Guildhall is Portsmouth's premier entertainment venue, playing host to everything from orchestral concerts, comedy, rock concerts, dance and exhibitions. In addition it houses the city's Council chamber, as well as being home to numerous local groups and services. The original Guildhall was completed in 1890 having been designed by Leeds architect William Hill but during the Second World War it was extensively damaged and had to be rebuilt. Portsmouth Guildhall was re-opened in 1959 by HM the Queen.

Drama by Design were engaged by Portsmouth City Council to design and specify a new house lighting system for the Guildhall, which was supplied by Hawthorn Theatrical Ltd and installed by local contractor ICE Electrical.

The management of the venue wished to expand its range of use, particularly during the day, to include conferencing and similar events. Previous complaint

Romania - Combining a mixture of bowling, billiards and darts within a full nightclub ambience in Bucharest's Sun Plaza Mall, the popular Oxygen Club has recently invested in eight of PR Lighting's XR 200 Beams.

With the new Philips Platinum 5R beam moving head at the heart of this new automated stage light, the fixture has a highly developed optical path, and offers enormous brightness in a compact form factor. It was the impressive output to size ratio that attracted club owner Ion Tanasescu, after the venue had been supplied other beam effects from the Chinese manufacturer when it first opened.

The venue itself is different in that it opens at 10am and offers entertainment for all the ages. On weekends the nightclub trades through until 5am.

Activities on offer include 20 top class billiards tables and eight bowling lanes, mechanical and electronic darts, PlayStation/Wii

UK - Three of the lighting industry's brightest sparks have joined the Knight of Illumination panel as judges in the Concert Tour and Events category, previously the Rock Category.

Ryan Hopkins of UK lighting Rental Company HSL will be stepping up to the challenge, along with event technology supplier PRG's senior account manager Scottie Sanderson and Julian Lavender, project director for Neg Earth.

All have strong connections with live events through their work. Ryan as technical director with HSL, Scottie who has been involved in the lighting industry since 1989 working with many high profile artists, and Julian who has worked as a highly valued project and freelance production manager with a number of respected acts. The trio will be tasked with reviewing a wide range of lighting designs by LDs nominated for a Knight of Illumination Award (KOI). All judges say they are thri

UK - MilTec (UK) Ltd reports a busy time at the ISE exhibition in Amsterdam. Partially funded by Intellect, the UK association for the ICT and electronics industries in the UK, it was an opportunity for the company to increase exports of their professional lighting and audio products into Europe and the rest of the world.

Attracting great interest was the new MT3D LED tube system. This consists of a matrix of vertically hung LED tubes, allowing the user to generate spectacular three-dimensional lighting effects using controllers such as ShowCad. The system is easy to install with low maintenance costs. The tubes are available in four lengths from 0.5m up to 2m. Visibility is 360 degrees with a standard linear density of 16 pixels per m. 32 ppm is also available.

"We had a large number of sales and inquiries from UK and overseas distributors," commented sales director

Germany - SGM has announced that it has been overwhelmed with advanced orders for its IP65-rated LED G-Spot - even though it won't be seen publically until Frankfurt Prolight+Sound in April.

SGM CEO Peter Johansen said: "We had planned to keep the unique features of this world-beating Profile Spot firmly under wraps until Frankfurt - but word got out and it quickly went viral. Of all the years I have been in the industry since setting up Martin Professional, I have never been associated with a product that has caused such a buzz of anticipation."

Ever since the evolution of LED technology enabled a genuine colour mixing moving head spot to be produced, the market has been screaming for an all-weather IP-65 rated version.

SGM's highly accomplished R&D team - boasting more than 100 years of accumulated moving head design experience - rationalised that moving heads ar

Czech Republic - Showlight has always been highly regarded as one of the best networking events in the international lighting calendar, with plenty of time allowed for the social aspects of the event. This year's visit programme, featuring eight different tours each with a different itinerary, is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity, with an afternoon of visits arranged in and around the host town of Cesky Krumlov which offer a mix of strictly business and the not-so-serious.

The visits programme is included in the delegate fee and takes place on the afternoon of Monday 20 May, with a choice of eight tours, each with a different selection of visits. One of the most popular visits will undoubtedly be the Baroque Theatre inside Cesky Krumlov's castle, where Showlight is being held. Dating back to 1760, the theatre is one of the oldest fully operational Baroque Theatres stil

UK - Stage Electrics has appointed Alex Cann to the newly created role of technical project manager for professional theatre. Due to increased demand and a substantial order book for 2013, the company has taken the decision to create a role to oversee this work. Recent shows include the re-release of Hairspray (UK tour), the Dolly Parton themed musical 9-5, New Jersey Nights (UK tour), Brendan Cole's Licence to Thrill UK tour, Imperial Ice Stars international tour and the recent two month residency of Fuerzabruta Argentine Carnival extravaganza at The Roundhouse.

Cann previously worked in Stage Electrics' hire operations department working on a broad cross-section of hire and event work. Prior to joining Stage Electrics, he spent seven years working within the theatre industry, graduating from University of Essex- East 15 Acting School with a BA Hons

UK - Black Light reports that it is now one of the national distributors of the ilumo Range of LED Spots which are designed and manufactured in the UK by Lumonic Ltd.

"We think that the product range is world class and truly innovative," says Phil Haldane, Black Light's head of company development, who is particularly impressed by the functionality that ilumo's software provides. "We are very excited to be working with Lumonic throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK."

The ilumo Spot is a high power, high efficiency LED soft edged spot unit with full colour mixing optics and a remote motorised zoom. It features 12 High Brightness Osram LEDs controlled by market-leading software.

The product comes with a strong pedigree. The team involved in its development has been instrumental in bringing LEDs into the entertainment industry, having used the technology

UK - A new exhibit at the Natural History Museum challenges visitors to see beyond dinosaurs and dodo birds and explore a more complete view of extinction in the natural world.

Earlier this month, the museum held a special event to celebrate the Grand Opening of Extinction: The End of the World? giving guests a first look at the temporary exhibition. Guest of Honour Sir David Attenborough and Environmental Secretary Owen Paterson were invited to unveil the newest attraction in style. Entertainment specialist White Light provided the lighting design, equipment and personnel to make the night a success. Using bold colours and patterns, White Light set a stunning backdrop for the event. Guests were treated to a glowing Dippy the Dinosaur and an exclusive look at the information, artefacts, and interactive games presented in Extinction.

The team from White Light, led by Richard St

UK - HSL supplied lighting equipment to Rita Ora's first full production tour which blasted its way round the country, with lighting design by Andy Iliffe.

The critically acclaimed chart topping singer-songwriter's show features an impressive array of props and stunning costumes in addition to her vibrant performance.

HSL's Mike Oates project managed and comments, "Rita Ora is one of the hottest emerging talents in the UK, and Andy's light show was every bit as original and exciting as her stage presence. We are extremely proud to be involved."

Iliffe's dynamic touring rig for Ora's energy fuelled Radioactive tour was completely floor based. At each venue he also hooked into a front truss prepared to their LX spec with profile and wash fixtures.

He explains that a key starting point for the design was that it had to be scalable so it could fit into any of

Sweden / USA - Wireless Solution Sweden AB, manufacturer of the W-DMX wireless DMX technology, reports that it has been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to Interlite AB (mother company and patent owner) an invention patent in regards to their new technology for wireless communicating using adaptive frequency hopping (US 8,340,157).

In accordance with the granted patent, it is possible to in a more precise way handle an adaptive wireless environment including a plurality of wireless devices competing for the available bandwidth. Accordingly, this new technology makes it possible to increase the reliability of wireless transmission and control of wireless devices for example used in relation to the entertainment, architectural, commercial, industrial, street and/or event industry.

What this patent means is that W-DMX can now protect this technolog

Nigeria - The Money Drop (Nigeria) is a new version of Endemol's high-tension TV games show and the first such series to be aired on the African continent.

It was recorded in Kew Studios in Johannesburg with lighting supplied by leading SA rental company, Blond Productions.

Robe moving lights - including new Robin LEDBeam 100s, MMX Spots and 600E Beams plus ColorSpot 250E ATs, ColorSpot 700E ATs and 575 XT Scans - were used extensively. The fixtures were a major element of an impressive lighting design by Peter Reick, while Anolis ArcLink optic 4 LED strips were used to illuminate key parts of the set.

Centurion based Blond Productions was involved right from the outset through their close working relationship with Endemol South Africa.

They came up with a staging concept and supplied the full technical production as well as production management and co-ordination,

USA - Multi Grammy Award-winner Barry Manilow returns to Broadway for the first time in more than two decades and this time he's accompanied by grandMA2 consoles. Bandit Lites supplied the grandMA2 ultra-light consoles to the St. James Theatre for the entertainer's limited-run engagement featuring a catalogue of his hits.

Production designer Seth Jackson began using grandMA2 consoles during the programming process. "We did a lot of the programming while the band was on the road, then we had a lot of stuff to re-program and no window to do it all at once," he recalls. "So we did most of the programming with a MA onPC command wing in California during rehearsals. Then we took the MA onPC command wing to New York to do a lot of ESP programming. It was a massive amount of work, and with the MA onPC command wing, it was like having a real grandMA2."

Once settled

South Africa - In the Pretoria CBD, the South African State Theatre is doing phenomenal work as it produces successful shows which play to full houses. It can be described as a theatre that keeps up with the times. In 2012, it not only appointed a new and passionate CEO, but it was also the start of implementing LED technology to the venue.

When DR Quinton W Simpson was assigned CEO in May 2012, he was open to new ideas to further enhance the theatre including the request to transform the theatre to LED. "I asked if we could start changing to LED due to the power, gel and weight of conventional fixtures," said Simon King, senior lighting technician at the State Theatre.

Soon thereafter, the work began with the two smaller venues first. Robin DLX fixtures and LED parcans were purchased. "We realised that we could not buy LED fixtures alone, we also had to change

World - Bloc Party are currently in the midst of their biggest, most ambitious tour to date. The Four tour completed 2012 in Mexico and, so far, 2013 has taken them across the USA then on to Europe, via Japan. The end of February will see the band playing to a 19,000 strong audience at Earls Court before March escorts the tour down to Australia and the Far East.

The lighting design reflects the band's persona; direct, clean, sharp and uncompromising. Rob Sinclair, designer of both set and design sums it up succinctly, "Set, light and lasers exist as a whole, unified visual force." A designer with names such as the Kaiser Chiefs, Peter Gabriel and Pulp under his belt, Sinclair is straightforward about his choice of lights for the show: "I've been using Clay Paky products on a regular basis since I first programmed a show with four Golden Scan Mk1s in 1992!&q

Czech Republic - Registration is now open for Showlight 2013, the event organised for lighting designers by lighting designers, that takes place only once every four years. This year's event, say the organisers, exceeds all previous expectations as we invite you to join us at a beautiful fairy-tale castle in the Czech Republic, home to our sponsors Robe, on Saturday 18 - Tuesday 21 May 2013.

Three days of papers from renowned international lighting designers, an afternoon of visits, which includes the castle's very own baroque theatre, and discussion with manufacturers of the highest quality lighting equipment are included. There's also the opportunity to visit the Robe factory after the close of Showlight.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Super Bowl XLVII was a memorable game, but the full Super Bowl experience started well before kickoff with a pair of live pre-game concerts broadcast on VH-1 and CMT where Clay Paky Alpha Spot QWO 800s and grandMA2 light consoles played key roles.

VH-1 and the NFL joined forces to celebrate the Super Bowl with Train headlining on Friday night. CMT and the NFL partnered the following evening on a Crossroads special starring superstar country band Rascal Flatts and iconic rock band Journey. Both concerts were held at The Sugar Mill in New Orleans, which seats 4,000-5,000 fans.

Atomic Lighting of Lititz, Pennsylvania provided 40 Clay Paky Alpha Spot QWO 800s and a pair of grandMA2 light systems with wings for the concert series. PEDG was the production design team collaborating. Bob Pederson was acting lighting designer on the broadcast truck.

"Atomic had suggested u

UK - Richard Martin Lighting has added the Chromlech Jarag-L to its already extensive inventory and they are available for hire here now.

The Jarag-L provides the performance of a conventional lighting array with the ability to create unlimited lighting effects. All the electronics required (dimmers and controls systems) are built in, making it simple and easy to use.

It provides a complete range of originally shaped lighting instruments and accessories specially conceived to give a broad spectrum of visual effects with unlimited scope for setting up designs. The system is modular and is made of units with individually controlled lamps. This fully integrated, programmable multiple light source system is a simple means of producing lighting effects.

The controller is built into the unit ready to use. Patterns and video textures can be programmed into the system and videos can

UK - Colour Sound Experiment (CSE) supplied a ground support system, lighting equipment, production design and crew for the first ever Jazz FM Awards, which celebrated the work of jazz musicians, composers and contributors from across the globe.

Staged at One Marylebone in London, CSE was working in conjunction with Insight Lighting and production company Swim Productions.

CSE's Project Manager Fletch collaborated with creative director Brendan Clarke from Insight Lighting to create the lighting and production design for the much anticipated event, which saw several live performances from Cerys Matthews, Carleen Anderson, Ahmad Jamal among others.

The main room featured a stage and seated a capacity audience of 268 for dinner, and there was also a reception area that needed lighting.

The CSE team started with the installation of the four legged ground support system - meas

South Africa - The upgrade and installation of a Philips Strand dimming system at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, is now complete.

The Baxter Theatre at the University of Cape Town purchased their new Philips Strand Wallrack Dimmer units from DWR Distribution. "As time allowed and as the venue became available, the old dimmers were steadily replaced," commented Dave Whitehouse from DWR.

"We chose Strand because it is a trusted name in theatre lighting," said Patrick Curtis from The Baxter. "The linkage to Philips is a positive development, but mostly we chose the product because we are assured of 100% backup from DWR."

"We would like to thank Patrick Curtis from The Baxter for the opportunity to work on this installation," ended Whitehouse.

(Jim Evans)

UK - The first Robe Robin MMX WashBeams fixtures to tour the UK went out on Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour, which played a month of UK arenas following the latest of the BBC's popular hit TV series. The glittering 2013 tour line up included reigning Strictly champion and Olympic gymnast, Louis Smith, dancing with Ola Jordan.

Lighting was designed by Richard G Jones, who was asked on-board by show director (and judge) Craig Revel Horwood last year.

Jones ensured that no-one was disappointed, creating a show awash with colour, movement, drama and pizzazz to match all the dancefloor action, energy and high jinks!

All lighting, sound & rigging equipment was supplied by south Wales based rental and production company, Sonalyst.

The 14 x MMX WashBeams together with 23 x Robe Robin MMX Spots are newly purchased by Sonalyst for their hire stock - which now contains g

USA / Denmark - Harman reports that it has completed its acquisition of Martin Professional A/S of Denmark.

Blake Augsburger, Harman executive vice-president and president Harman Professional Division, said: "As we move forward together and institute Martin Professional as a business unit within Harman Professional, our customers from both the lighting and AV disciplines will soon be able to capitalize on joint innovations, efficiencies and access to our systems portfolios. In doing so, I am confident we'll also drive growth into emerging markets and vertical markets where digital technologies are increasingly central to the commercial enterprise - specifically transportation, hospitality, retail, communications and education."

Martin is in the process of launching new products across all of its product lines including new models in the award-winning MAC Viper family

UK - Charcoalblue's lighting designer Alex Wardle has used Philips Selecon PLCycs as part of his minimalist lighting rig for the well-received touring production of Birdsong.

With a number of very different scenes to evoke in a single environment set, designed by Victoria Spearing, Wardle had his work cut out. Lighting works with the set and direction to seamlessly shift the mood from the claustrophobic world of the tunnels under no man's land to bright outdoor scenes and the house where main protagonist, Stephen Wraysford, falls in love.

Wardle uses the PLCycs to deliver an evocative backdrop, symbolically conveying the time, place, feeling and atmosphere of each with his clever application of colour, transition and intensity. Wardle explains: "Because this play shifts so quickly between locations and time periods, we need to help the audience understand where we

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