Australia Working with its dealer, ULA Group, ChamSys has increased its presence in that market by naming Audio Visual Engineering Pty (AVE) as a distributor of its QuickQ line of consoles. The company’s MagicQ products will continue to be represented exclusively by the ULA Group, which will also continue to serve as a QuickQ distributor. As a result of this move, ChamSys says it will be in ‘an optimal position to serve the entire spectrum of the lighting console market in Australia, from mobile entertainers and users focused on small and mid-sized functions, to those working at broadcast studios and major arena tours’. “I’m excited to see AVE joining the ChamSys family,” said Aziz Adilkhodjaev, international sales and business development manager for ChamSys. “With their full focus only on QuickQ range, I’m confident, AVE will help us develop the marke
Germany - Magic Light + Sound GmbH (MLS) has invested in 88 Robe Esprites to facilitate its ongoing work in the television lighting sector. After an initial dip in March 2020, business has now re-built. “Like everyone, immediately the pandemic hit everything slowed down,” explains co-CEO Marco Pütz, “but after a few months, the pace picked up again, so we re-scaled to suit the new circumstances and have now fully re-opened.” Marco’s grandfather, Heinz Pütz, originally founded the company in 1961 to service the burgeoning film industry in and around Cologne. Marco Pütz is now a co-CEO together with Thomas Hessling. Once things stabilised and were rolling again, Pütz and Hessling saw this time as an opportunity to invest in some of Robe’s latest LED moving light technology. They wanted something new to boost their already substantial 3000 str
Spain - Equipson's loudspeaker products were chosen by TecnoSonido when it was tasked with installing a new audio system at a five-star hotel on the Costa Blanca. With a customer profile that includes both national and international guests, the SH Villa Gadea hotel in Altea, Alicante, was keen to ensure that its new restaurant, the Purple Rain Lounge, delivered a sophisticated and enjoyable ambiance. Sound was a key part of this requirement as the hotel wanted to ensure that customers could hear music being played, but not at the expense of their own conversations. "When we go to a restaurant for dinner, we don't want to listen to loud music," says TecnoSonido's managing director Alexis Roldan. "What we are looking for, in addition to a good dish, is a pleasant atmosphere for all the senses. This is where sound plays a very important role." TecnoSonido's brief for
USA - Cameron Birchill has been designing lighting for metalcore rockers Beartooth since 2018 and recently turned to an Elation rig of DARTZ 360, Artiste Picasso and Protron 3K Color luminaires for the band’s The Journey Below Livestream, where fans got their first chance to see and hear the band performing songs from their latest album Below. The livestream took place 14 July at the Clyde Theatre in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, an historic building that recently underwent a $9m renovation. For their first livestream event, the band gave Birchill a blank canvas to design the type of show he thought would look best for an on-camera audience. The LD subsequently contacted New York-based rental company Squeek Lights and owner Victor Zeiser, who has worked with the band for years, including as lighting designer for a headlining 2018 tour. Birchill has lit numerous l
Australia - Sydney's corporate event production specialists Sightline were early adopters of the Prolights EclPanel TWCJr, 1×1 LED soft light. “The fresnels in our studio were giving us too many unwanted shadows so we were looking for a replacement,” explains Steve Hill, lighting director at Sightline. “We had used Chameleon's larger EclPanels and thought they were great however we only required the smaller model for our work.” Sightline purchased eight Prolights EclPanel TWCJr along with 60° egg crates to create a narrower beam when required and barn doors to adjust the light beam. “The first thing I noticed was that the colour out of them is amazing and the spread is incredible,” enthuses Hill. “Everything about the EclPanel TWCJr is great which is very impressive.” Owing to Covid restrictions, a good portion of Sightline's events are no
USA - The recent Can’t Cancel Pride livestream fundraiser for the LGBTQ+ community created powerful yet graceful and moving moments that drew attention to critical issues. Among the highlights of the virtual benefit, which was sponsored by iHeart Radio in partnership with Procter & Gamble, was a heartfelt performance by Leslie Odom of Hamilton fame at the historic Cicada Club in downtown Los Angeles. Reflecting the spirit of the event and the passion driving the Tony and Grammy winner’s performance was a balanced Will Chandler lighting design that featured Chauvet Professional fixtures supplied by Envizion Group. “This was an especially moving performance, since it commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting,” explains Chandler. “The production designers created an evocative performance area that was surrounded by a se
Italy - In May of this year, MSC Cruises launched the Virtuosa, the fourth in its Meraviglia class of ships. Like its predecessors, the new 331.43m long luxury liner is outfitted with a host of amenities including 13 gourmet restaurants, spas, shops and pools. Beyond these flourishes, however, there is another side of this regal ship, one that, although not readily apparent to those on board, incorporates the latest “behind the scenes” technology on their behalf. Some of these features, like the closed-loop exhaust gas cleaning system that reduces sulphur emissions by 97-perect, protect the environment. Others are in place to ensure that passengers enjoy the most rewarding experience possible in the ship’s clubs, lounges and theatre. On board the MSC Virtuosa, along with all the high-tech operational equipment, are 34 Chauvet Professional NET-X II nodes, su
USA - ARRI Rental North America has announced plans to open a new headquarters in Long Island City, New York, during the first quarter of 2022. The facility will offer comprehensive equipment and services. The new location will also serve as a creative hub for production communities in New York and the greater North Eastern region. As consumer demand for film and television content increases due to the growing popularity of streaming services, production spending - and the need to support filmmakers - has never been higher. ARRI Rental’s new office space is designed to fulfill these needs, helping creatives and studios access production solutions and services as they work to produce the next generation of entertainment and commercial content. “The relocation to our new North American HQ serves as another example of our dedication to supporting filmmakers in the hub
Croatia - Based in Dubrovnik, FiFi Sound, a technical production and rental company specialising in live events, has made a further investment in Robe lighting. Founded by Ivica Bušić and Johnny Čučević in 2001, FiFi Sound was always on a mission to provide the very best production equipment and technical services to Croatia’s vibrant live events market. The company started as an audio specialist, but both Iviča and Johnny soon realised that they needed to offer the full technical production package to maintain both an edge and the high standards they have set for themselves! The lighting division was started in 2005 and the other disciplines covered are staging, LED screens and AV services. “Basically, we are the one-stop solution for the client,” says Iviča. Lighting started modestly with various generics, dimmers, some LED and control, although
USA - tvONE is now shipping ONErack Spider, a universal multi-voltage DC power solution, which is the latest addition to the company’s ONErack universal rack mounting system. The ONErack Spider optimises installations by eliminating unreliable DC wall warts and other power clutter from the rack design. At the same time, it also ensures the provision of reliable power for a choice of up to seven different voltage options - 5V, 7.5V, 9V, 12V, 13.5V, 18V, and 24V. Available in a 1RU half-rack version (7-module capacity) or rear strip version (23-module capacity), the ONErack spider can be installed at the back or side of the rack to provide the ultimate installation flexibility. “Not every rack has enough space for a full ONErack chassis, and the Spider offers the same simultaneous DC voltages but with rear or zero space racking,” says Mark Armon, global product man
USA - Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Eggy took the stage at the Westville Music Bowl, a new entertainment venue created in a converted tennis stadium on the Yale University campus, campus, Newhaven, CT. Lighting designers Manny Newman for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Peter Spadaro III for opening act Eggy unleashed a torrent of dynamic looks, taking advantage of the high (over 30’) stage roof to shower their clients with immersive washes and moving gobos one moment, then transitioning into bright aerials and immersive audience lighting the next. “There was such a diverse range of looks that it’s difficult to describe it in a few words,” said Newman, who designed and built the evening’s lighting rig. “The one thing that characterized all the looks is that they were complete.” Helping to create the production were 18 Chauvet Professional Rogue R1 Wash
Germany - ARRI has announced the release of ARRI LightNet, a new software platform designed by ARRI’s Solutions Group to offer ‘smart, logical, and at-a-glance centralized monitoring, fault-finding, and management of broadcast studio lighting networks from anywhere’ This tool enables broadcast facilities to streamline the management of their lighting network in one platform. As remote, decentralized, and socially distanced working becomes more popular and established, ARRI LightNet provides comprehensive, user-friendly monitoring of lighting networks and will be offered with all ARRI Solutions Group tenders and projects. ARRI LightNet has been developed as a powerful, visually intuitive, and flexible tool to assist the smooth and efficient operation of contemporary studio facilities with both IP-based and DMX-controlled lighting systems. Features include a very
Canada - Érik Nowosielski-Lamoureux lit a Canada Day celebration at the Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site, about an hour out of Montreal. Faced with a relatively large stage for the size of his rig, Nowosielski-Lamoureux relied on his own ingenuity to stretch his fixtures in a way that ensured that the three musical acts and procession of speakers at the event were all shown in the best light. Helping him achieve this feat was a collection of Chauvet Professional Rogue and COLORado fixtures supplied by RobinSon Productions of Quebec. “Our mobile stage was 32ft by 24ft, which was rather large for what we had; but with all the band gear, you quickly lose a lot of space,” said Nowosielski-Lamoureux. “So I spread the six Rogue R2 Beam units in my rig across the stage, placing two near the drum stand on 8-foot truss, two more on road cases, one on each side of
Europe - Robe Esprite luminaires and RoboSpot remote follow spotting systems – the first installed on an ocean-going liner – are providing a flexible solution for the Two70 Theatre space aboard the new 1,138ft long, 169 gross tonne Odyssey of the Seas, the latest Ultra Quantum-class ship launched by Royal Caribbean International. Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the technical specifications for the various onboard entertainment spaces were coordinated by Christopher Vlassopulos, Royal Caribbean’s sound, light and AV systems manager for new build projects. The installation was completed by media technology specialists and integrators, Amptown System Company (ASC). Two70 is featured on all four of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, and fitting traditional follow spots into these was always a challenge. Due to the steep angle of the sea
USA - Robert John Baker was called upon to light the award-winning Andrew Lippa musical based on the famously eccentric Addams Family, at the historic (121-year-old) Casino Theatre in Vandergrift, PA. “Before designing this show, I went back and watched some of the old Addams Family programmes and the film to see the world through their perspective,” he said. “The way they saw the world was quite different than what we deem to be normal. I wanted that to inform my design.” Baker’s empathy for the characters in the Addams Family is readily apparent in the way he uses light to distinguish their unique personalities, express their hopes, and accentuate key moments as their stories unfold in this darkly funny musical comedy. Helping him convey the family’s emotions, while creating a sense of mystery around them were the Chauvet Professional Ovation E-910
UK - TV lighting specialist Version 2 has launched a new Lighting for Radio podcast series that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of some of the UK's leading TV & film lighting professionals. Each episode will talk to some of the industry's leading lighting experts as they share first-hand experiences and lessons on how they reached the top of their profession. Nick Edwards, managing director of Version 2 explains the concept of the podcast. "Born out of a lockdown idea, this behind the scenes podcast series will give listeners and I hope In particular students’ ideas for their future career paths,” he says. Hosting every conversation is broadcaster Nia Visser, whose career credits include work as a radio presenter with the BBC and currently Jazz FM. The first episode, which is available now on all popular podcast apps, talks to Nick Edward
USA - LEDtronics has announced its latest series of Slim LED flood lights designed for easy installation in various applications. The area lights are offered with a choice of angular adjustable brackets with multiple mounting options for various lighting situations indoors or outdoors, such as in pole-mounted area and building security lighting, wall washing building exteriors, sign lighting, landscape lighting, tennis courts, parks, playgrounds, parking lots and structures, as well as driveway and walkway lighting, tunnels, caves and mines, and up/down spotlighting, among many others. The bracket choices include adjustable yoke, knuckle, U-bracket and trunnion for wall and roof, and adjustable slip-fitter for pole mounting. LEDtronics’ UL and CE-listed FLL00 series flood lights have a 110-degree-wide Type-V circular beam and are IP65 rated to be moisture-proof, mak
UK - Wycombe High School (WHS) is an Academy Grammar school for girls, located in the Buckinghamshire town of High Wycombe. The school takes a progressive view on the use of technology, both in terms of educating its students and engaging with the wider community. One of WHS’s recent eye-catching initiatives has been to create its own YouTube TV channel under the guidance of its marketing and communications manager, Bob Massie. Before joining the school in his current role, Bob enjoyed a career as a media executive, occupying key roles at ITV, IMG and XIX Entertainment amongst others. The knowledge and insight he brings to WHS has proved invaluable. With a brief to develop creative methods of marketing the school to prospective students and their parents, as well as to teachers and other potential staff members, Bob turned to the power of television. Harnessing every
Australia - The first Astera NYX Bulb installation in Australia has been completed by Elite Event Technology at One22, a new music-driven bar and night entertainment concept in a reimagined space that has long served night and party people in Canberra. Owned by the same team who also run the popular Fiction Club and Fact Bar, ACT’s largest club, One22’s new lighting design includes 60 x Astera NYX bulbs in an individually mapped ceiling art piece. EET’s Darren Russell was invited to create a fresh new lighting look to match the eye-catching raw industrial chic of One22’s interior design, and integral to this is the NYX bulb roof installation. “The client wanted to be able to change the mood and dynamic of the venue instantly and drastically but without having any roof trusses full of lighting and rigging,” explained Darren. Having invested ste
UK - The live events sector is set to get a boost with a government-backed insurance scheme worth over £750m, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday (5 August). The news comes after many months of campaigning by the events sector and the wider music industry for the introduction of such a scheme. However, it comes too late for many, with over fifty per cent of scheduled festivals – both large and small – cancelled or postponed. The government has partnered with Lloyd’s to deliver the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme as part of the Plan for Jobs. The scheme will see the government act as a ‘reinsurer’ – stepping in with a guarantee to make sure insurers can offer the products events companies need. This scheme will support live events across the UK that are open to the general public - such as music festivals and business events. It will cover
China - Resulting from the heightened popularity and massive growth within the eSports industry, Tencent China and Riot Games recently joined forces to create TJ Sports, Asia’s first large-scale eSports remote production centre. As the eSports industry continues to expand across the globe, production companies are looking to streamline operator workflow. Providing a technologically advanced, yet simple-to-operate control solution, TJ Sports selected TSL Products’ TallyMan Advanced Broadcast Control System to accomplish the management of large-scale video switchers, audio mixers and the AV matrix for its events. “TSL enables us to produce more events that are more intensive and complex,” says Zhang Xuming, head of broadcast technology planning at TJ Sports. “The TSL TallyMan controller greatly reduces execution risk during production while improving the overal
USA - Trading off the needs of one audience for another is sometimes unavoidable – but not always. Chad Landers demonstrated that on 12 July when he lit Worship Forever, a 20th anniversary celebration of Michael W. Smith’s landmark Worship album, with a rig supplied by CTS and 4Wall Entertainment. Held before a live audience at the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University, the show, which featured Smith and special guests like Amy Grant backed by a full orchestra, was videoed for later release and broadcast on the TBN Network. Landers was seeking a way to engage the audience with a direct wash from his downstage position without being distractive on camera. He found it with help from a collection of 25 Chauvet Professional COLORado Solo Batten fixtures. “My challenge was to turn what is basically a basketball arena into an elegant mode
UK - Tate Britain today has unveiled Rupture No l: blowtorching the bitten peach, a new work by Heather Phillipson. Lighting, alongside sound and motion, played a key part in her spaces, with vibrant hues being created via two light sources from the eLumen8 and LEDJ brands. Phillipson’s three interconnected illuminated spaces are populated with the remains of scrap goods repurposed to form creatures. These structures, coupled with media, audio and projected light, create the scenes you see in the images from the commission. The whole installation utilises 40 of the eLumen8 Endura 1Q120 RGBW COB Zoom exterior fixtures and 42 LEDJ Performer 200 Quads, all supplied by Colour Sound Experiment. They were chosen for their high outputs, smooth colour mixing and robust built quality; and came highly recommended by Colour Sound Experiment as the features they had to o
USA - OSA International which delivers entertainment technology, event production and systems integration, based in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Nashville, has added a large complement of Claypaky Xtylos fixtures to its rental inventory. “Our lighting division was launched in November 2019, so everything we have is the newest and highest technology,” says Mark Fetto, OSA’s vice president, lighting. “Acquiring the Xtylos was the perfect way to build our inventory with the latest and greatest.” OSA had previously purchased Claypaky Mini-B fixtures for the new division. Fetto believes that, as a beam light, the Xtylos will be not only in demand for the touring market but also for special events and entertainment shows at big corporate gatherings. “We really like how vibrant and punchy the Xytlos is when you add colour – that’s where it’s really strong,
