This follows on from the successful 2005 ESC production in Kiev, which featured 350 Robe fixtures. Once again, the show's technical production manager is Ola Melzig, and the production company is Spectra from Sweden. Lighting equipment for the event, staged in Helsinki's 12,000 capacity Hartwall Areena is being supplied by locally based Eastway Oy, and the Robe units will be delivered directly to the show from the Czech Republic.
The ESC deal was cut with Robe's International sales manager Harry von den Stemmen, who comments, "This is take two for Robe at Eurovision, and it is really very exciting to be working with Ola and the Spectra team again. I caught a glimpse of Mikki's ideas for the show, during a start-up meeting, and they were very exciting. I am sure that the final design will look absolutely amazing."
Kunttu, who is working closely with Finnish national TV channel YLE on the show is also very pleased to be working with Robe. His rig will contain 120 ColorSpot 2500E ATs, 90 ColorWash 1200ATs, 120 ColorSpot 1200 ATs, 80 of the new ColorSpot 700E ATs, 60 ColorWash 250 ATs and 8 specially customised Robe Media Spinners that have been modified to hold Studio Due CS4 bars.
For the Green Room, Robe is also supplying 48 of its new StageQube 324 LED panels which will be used for mood lighting and ambient effects. GrandMA consoles will be used as lighting control for the show, which will be run via Ethernet - the most expedient option given the size of the event and the number of fixtures involved.
The load in commences on 17 April and the final is 12 May. Head moving light technician will be Dick Welland from the UK. The Robe fixtures on the show have all been sold to companies in the area and will be delivered to their new owners once the final notes are sung and played, the winner is declared and the de-rig is complete.
(Jim Evans)
