USA - MDG will be returning to LDI, Las Vegas this year (Booth 701) with its latest product, theFAN.

Released amid celebrations at Prolight+Sound, Frankfurt in March, theFAN is a digital, fully DMX/RDM operated stand-alone unit. Its appearance at LDI 2012 will mark theFAN's first showing in the USA.

theFAN has a very low power consumption of only 100W so benefits from very economical running costs. Nor is it channel hungry: the velocity of its three-bladed rotor is controlled via DMX (1 channel) or RDM, or locally using a discreet 4-button controller with LSC panel on the base of the unit.

A surge-protected, universal switching power supply covers the full range of 100V - 240V, 50/60Hz ensuring theFAN can be used anywhere in the world at the flick of a switch.

Also on the LDI stand will be the latest version of MDG's revolutionary dual mode Digital Atmospheric Generator, T

USA - At the LDI show in Las Vegas, J. R. Clancy will unveil a series of new rigging control systems that will address the entire range of performance venues - from the most complex flexible performing arts space, sporting complex or Broadway show to the stages of high schools and colleges.

Clancy has partnered with Niscon, Inc., creators of the Raynok Motion Control System, to develop the SceneControl 5000 Stage Automation Control System. SceneControl 5000 brings unprecedented capability and flexibility to Clancy's bestselling SceneControl brand.

SceneControl 5000 answers the call for a single common control platform across the multitude of stage machinery found in many venues. The SC5000 system offers multi-level cueing, sub-master control, free and locked groups, and unlimited numbers of axes in a system. There are no restrictions on the quantity of cues in a performance, o

UK - PLASA Skills is set to take part in TheatreCraft at the Royal Opera House, London (30 November) and is looking to promote work experience initiatives in place at PLASA Member companies on its stand throughout the event.

TheatreCraft is open to anyone between the ages of 17 and 25 and provides a unique glimpse into the behind the scenes world of theatre - from stage management to wig-making, lighting to marketing and writing to designing.

PLASA Skills will be present at the event to give young people advice about getting the skills and experience they need to give them a head start towards an enjoyable career in theatre.

PLASA Members are welcome to promote their own work experience initiatives through the PLASA Skills stand. Anyone interested in this opportunity should email Michele Enright with details.

(Claire Beeson)

UK - Stage Technologies has been contracted by Radiohead production manager Richard Young and Richard Kent of Aerial Rigging Techniques to provide a 60 axis 'pod' system running 12 free flying video screens on the Radiohead tour in Europe, New Zealand and Australia this autumn. Following a well-documented roof collapse earlier in the summer the tour's automation system had to be replaced. Despite being in the midst of its busiest year to date the Stage Technologies rental team created a new bespoke system within 30 days.

Stage Technologies provided control for the band's existing winch system including: 10 AU:tour control racks, a 60 axis system, plus new motor looms racks, desks and programming tools. Each pod in the system contains 4 point hoist winches each lifting a corner of the screen. Each is able to rotate to create multi-dimensional movement within the screens.

Stage

USA - British motorised track solutions specialist Triple E is gearing up to launch its pioneering SDRIVE system at LDI Las Vegas with Rose Brand, Triple E's American distributor.

Triple E's Managing Director David Edelstein will unleash SDRIVE, a track mounted motor for moving stage curtains, for the first time outside of Britain at the annual LDI show on the Rose Brand booth number 1029, 19-21 October 2012 at Las Vegas Convention Centre.

The American launch follows a hugely successful UK premiere of SDRIVE at Portsmouth's magical King's Theatre in September.

"SDRIVE is the result of demand from the industry and our distributors for a budget motor aimed at smaller venues," says Edelstein. "It's easy to specify and easy to install, and is designed to motorise both straight and curved systems and will be available off the shelf."

It's thought the SDRIVE,

USA - This year's LDI exhibition will mark 21 years of business for Southern California based truss and structure manufacturer Total Structures.

In order to celebrate the achievement the Total Structures LDI booth (number 126) will have a celebratory theme throughout the show and they will also be personally acknowledging the 'Top 21' customers who have helped them establish their market leading position during that time.

Making his LDI debut for Total Structures will be Eastern sales executive Don Halchak, who joined the company from Mountain Productions earlier this year. Halchak is based in Wilkes Barre, PA and supports all of Total Structure's north eastern customers as well as developing their growing sales of Columbus McKinnon and associated lifting products.

As well as exhibiting at the Las Vegas Convention Centre event Total Structures are also holding an outdoor str

USA - On show for the first time at LDI and after receiving an outstanding response at PLASA 2012, Dirty Rigger's new Rigger's Tool Pouch is set for another hugely successful exhibition, says the company.

The new slim-line rigger's tool pouch offers six inner pockets secured with a full width drawstring netting and hook & loop closure flap. Manufactured using extremely durable, high quality nylon, providing outstanding flexibility and durability.

The Rigger's Tool Pouch comes complete with three D-ring attachments for easy linking of accessories and a long-handle screwdriver opening on left side pocket.

(Jim Evans)

USA - The latest additions to the XLNT CyberMotion range, the CyberHoist II and C-Trolley, will receive their North American premier at LDI 2012 at booth 614.

XLNT CyberHoist II is specifically designed for heavy-duty, world-wide touring and large-scale events. XLNT CyberHoist II allows a show designer to create precise, complex 2D and 3D movements at variable speed (1.5 ft/sec.), with multiple actuators in single, group or subgroup formations. Extra creative power and convenience are enabled by combining products within the XLNT CyberMotion family. Features include a compact all-in-one design including motion processor; world-wide multi-voltage power supply (200-440V (+/- 10%) / 50/60HZ), absolute positioning (0.1 mm), elevated duty cycle (60%) for fast lifting of heavy loads and network controlled E-stop and Dead Man's Handle without additional cabling.

The versatile XLNT C-

UK - A record breaking 5,212 enthusiasts descended on Brooklands last weekend for the smart Festival, a celebration of the much loved urban car brand, produced by Mobile Promotions. The venue was transformed into a smart enthusiast's paradise with street-themed activities, such as slacklining and urban basketball, live music and the chance to engage with some of the hottest new vehicles around.

Comperes, comedian and F1 specialist Danny Hornigold partnered with car expert and BBC commentator Andrew Coley to ensure everyone was well informed and enjoyed the fun. Pro freestyle skateboarders Kilian Martin and Alfredo Urbon impressed the crowd dazzling with their skills on the Fun Fortwo, the world's first-ever tandem skateboard and foot-tapping artists Threepenny Bit and beatboxer champion Jack Hobbs AKA "Hobbit" added an eclectic soundtrack to keep the fun and light-hear

USA - The Le Mark Group will launch the Dirty Rigger SRT glove at LDI 2012. On show for the first time at an LDI Show, the new SRT Glove has achieved remarkable success in the UK and Europe and is already gaining interest from dealers across America. Offering exceptional grip and outstanding protection the SRT rigger glove boasts silicone embossing on key areas for a confidant performance in all-weather working conditions, ssays the company.

High density knuckle padding and finger guards to protect against impact, combined with micro-perforated inner fingers help to keep fingers cool even in the toughest of environments.

(Jim Evans)

USA - PLASA Events has announced the line-up for the next three editions of its North American regional trade show series. Following PLASA Focus: Stamford 2012, to be held on 12-13 November, 2012 at the Stamford Marriott in Connecticut, the new-style regional events will roll into Orlando on 15-16 May, 2013; Austin on 10-11 September, 2013; and Nashville on 5-6 February, 2014.

Having made a name for itself in its first year, the PLASA Focus series is committed to providing live production professionals that can't attend national shows with a chance to check out new technologies in their own backyard.

The events are the first chance for many entertainment tech communities to meet at a dedicated event for their area. Each event showcases the very latest pro audio, lighting, AV and stage technologies, much of the gear making its U.S debut, fresh from international launches.

CEO

UK - Preparing for the new 2013 catalogue, members of the Dirty Rigger team were sent into the freezing cold at the Xscape Snow Dome in Milton Keynes. With no better place to capture Dirty Rigger's new SubZer0 Cold Weather Gloves in action, the team were subjected to freezing surface temperatures as low as -15C throughout the shoot.

Dirty Rigger's product manager Steve Marshall says, "The cold weather gloves were outstanding. This is the first time I have personally used them in such a cold and demanding condition and they did not disappoint. The Thinsulate 40gram lining gave an excellent combination of insulation and dexterity, allowing me to get a good feel for the activities we were undertaking.

"There was little impact felt in my hands from the cold, even though at times they were working in direct contact with the freezing snow."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Le Maitre unveiled two new machines at this year's LDI.

Le Maitre's HazeMaster has been engineered to withstand the rigours of the road when on tour.

Le Maitre have taken all their experience from HazeMaster's predecessors, the renowned Stadium Hazer and the MVS Hazer, and designed a completely new machine with a host of new features and benefits. Le Maitre's acquired knowledge and original investments have enabled them to produce a much more competitively priced unit, despite using higher quality, longer lasting parts, says the company.

The combination of an industrial grade air-pump, a two-stage heating process and a microprocessor controller, produce an output so powerful that the HazeMaster can convert up to 500cc of fluid per hour. Despite the huge output, the high efficiency design results in the power consumption of the HazeMaster being just 800W - less than hal

UK - The Arena Group has begun the installation of a temporary building that will host a variety of major indoor events throughout 2013 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland as it is named UK City of Culture, October 2012.

Arena's TFS structure will become the primary venue for Londonderry, extending its venue capabilities and enabling the city to host the UK City of Culture for 2013, which will present a celebration of Londonderry's culture to local and international audiences through a series of high profile cultural events. Arena's semi-permanent venue that is being built now will remain on the specially cleared, former army base for the entire year.

Without an existing venue large enough to host the variety of events planned throughout the year, Arena was approached by the Department for Social Development and Ilex, the Strategic Investment Board and Central Procurement Directo

Australia - Mojo Barriers has opened a permanent Australian office giving event organisers and venues across the continent access to the full Mojo Barriers product range with enhanced logistical capabilities and customer service.

Mojo Barriers Australia officially opened doors on 2 October, and the operation is already in full swing for the start of the Australian event season. The main office and storage premises are based in Sydney and will house over 1,500m of stock, with additional barriers located across other major cities to allow for the most efficient and cost effective service.

Since the crowd safety product was first introduced to Australia in 2002, Mojo Barriers has firmly established a leading positioning the market, supplying events including Big Day Out, Soundwave and Future Music Festival via local partners. Now, in response to client demand, Mojo Barriers has b

USA - Bringing home "one of the best results from any international trade show", this year's LDI Exhibition saw an outstanding level of development in Le Mark's USA distribution network, says the company.

With four new dealers ready to take stock of the entire Dirty Rigger gloves & accessories range straight after the show, plus an additional 80 high profile enquires, the team have again been overwhelmed with the response.

Dirty Rigger product manager Steve Marshall said, "Within a little over 12 months we've managed to secure 11 new distributors across the USA for our rigger gloves & tool pouches. With the results of a second impressive LDI show, I have every confidence this will at least double in the first quarter of 2013. It's been a really amazing show."

Also featuring heavily at LDI were Le Mark's Professional dance floors and the all new 'TripLine'

UK - Edinburgh-based technical installation specialist Northern Light is the first company to purchase the newly launched SDRIVE motorised track system by Triple E.

Following an industry and press launch hosted by Triple E's managing director David Edelstein at Portsmouth's King's Theatre in September, Northern Light project manager Martin Tarpy purchased the SDRIVE system for The New Waverley School in Birmingham.

"We wanted to deliver the best possible solution for the school's main proscenium theatre and consulted a range of suppliers, including Triple E," says Tarpy. "The SDRIVE had launched that very week and appeared to meet all of our technical criteria, as well as our budget."

The SDRIVE system is a compact and simple to use motor intended for curtains weighing up to 50kgs and is suitable for drama stages in buildings such as schools.

The new Wa

UK - James Thomas Engineering has appointed Patrick Lockwood as special projects manager. Returning to JTE for his second stint with the company, Lockwood brings a wealth of experience from terms at Tomcat, Lite Structures and more recently Prolyte.

As special projects manager, Lockwood will handle every aspect from initial customer contact through to installation, as well as the development of new, cutting-edge truss products. "This will take us into an exciting future, and enable us to take the James Thomas brand back to the very front of truss manufacture globally," says JTE general manager Paul Young.

He added: "We are extremely excited at the appointment and knew that there are only a handful of people capable of fulfilling this role. Of those, Pat is our number one choice, so we are delighted to welcome him back."

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Right Structures has introduced three new models to its Geo Stage range, now available to the live events industry across Europe, October 2012.

The curved roof of Right Structures Geo Stage has been made available in 20m, 30m and 45m spans. Right Structures officially launched to the industry earlier this year and has continued to develop its range to offer festival and event organisers a flexible, structurally sound staging system.

Ruben Caruana, Right Structure's business development director, explains, "The creativity and flexibility of our modular Geo Structure System allows for a design-led alternative to the traditional stage set up and we have continued to invest in equipment and develop our product line in recent months to meet client's needs. Our new standard stage models, Geo20, Geo30 and Geo45, provide organisers with a cost effective, attractive solution

UK - Flightcase manufacturer 5 Star continues to enjoy brisk business this autumn with a wide variety of projects including a substantial supply of cases to Edinburgh-based lighting, sound and AV specialist, Black Light.

The cases - a series of general purpose and custom items - were purchased to protect and transport Black Light's newest equipment investments, including lighting and rigging kit.

5 Star designed, manufactured and delivered the order with their characteristic speed and efficiency so the cases were able to go straight into action on a range of events and hires.

5 Star was selected for its reputation for producing robust, premium quality cases as well as the expedient turnaround, and was project managed for them by John Barsby out of the company's Wisbech HQ.

Eight Eurotrucker road trunks with full trays, one ETC Gio lighting console case, two Selecon Acclaim

UK - The Bristol Old Vic, one of Britain's most historic theatres, founded in 1766 by 50 merchants, lawyers and politicians, has been given a spectacular £12.26m makeover in the first phase of a major redevelopment.

Originally designed by the Bristol architect James Saunderson, the theatre is believed to be the oldest working theatre in the UK. Stage Electrics was awarded the contract to design and install a completely new technical infrastructure and production lighting, audio and communications systems. The project has been headed by consultants Charcoalblue with design by John Stevens and project management by John Woodley; architect Andrzej Blonski and builders Galliford Try.

The refurbishment includes the raising of the stalls and gallery to dramatically improve sightlines throughout the Georgian auditorium, a new, flexible thrust stage format, conversion of the pai

UK - A Stage Technologies rental AU:tour control system provided the overhead flying for Nicholas Hytner's triumphant version of Shakespeare's Timon of Athens at the Olivier Theatre in the National Theatre. The production, which opened on 17 July, finished its run on 1 November in front of a live audience in London and was live-streamed to cinemas around the world.

The Stage Technologies system included 15 BigTow winches, ranging from 12 BT200s and two BT390s which flew smaller scenic items to a single BT490 which moved a very large scenic wall. The control system included several AU:tour control racks and an Acrobat G•6 desk, running the eChameleon software.

Stage Technologies' director of rentals services Ted Moore said: "It is a great privilege for our rentals team to be asked to provide an automation system for the National Theatre, one of the most famous

USA - CAST is pulling out all the stops for PLASA Focus Stamford with not one, but four new products, plus an educational seminar. PLASA Focus will be held 12-13 November at the Stamford Marriott in Stamford, Connecticut where CAST will be exhibiting in Booth 121 and will demonstrate their newest products, BlackTrax, wysiwyg R29, Vivien 2012 and Vivien Online.

Jim Hutchison, product manager wysiwyg and Vivien, will present the seminar entitled, The Birth, Childhood, and Apparent Adolescence of Lighting Design Technology as part of the PLASA Focus Professional Development Programme. The seminar will be held on Monday, 12 November from 1:30-2:30pm and again on Tuesday, 13 November from 12:30-1:30pm in the Massachusetts Room.

Hutchison's session will take trip through the last 75 years or so of lighting Design technology, from its birth with paper and pencil through the ab

UK - Milton Keynes based Impact Production Services (IPS) supplied all the lighting, staging and rigging for the recent James Bond Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Working for Limited Edition Event Design, IPS built various Prolyte Truss and Layher Scaffolding based structures, which were then dressed with event branding and LED screens. IPS also supplied intelligent lighting fixtures from Martin, Clay Paky and Studio Due, along with a substantial quantity of generic fixtures, mainly 1k and 2k Fresnel's. All the lighting was controlled via a Chamsys desk.

Over 300m of Prolyte Truss from was used to construct a large banner frame on the roadway, and a series of MPT based lighting towers along the red carpet. The focal point of the entrance area was a stage constructed from Layher EV100 Event Decks, forming part of a structure also incorporating Layher Allround scaffoldi

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