"The VLX fixtures in the system replace the VL3500 wash and VL2000 wash fixtures that I used last year," commented Ian Anderson, production lighting director for the show. "There wasn't a specific reason for choosing them this year other than I really just wanted to give them a go."
This is the first time that he has used an LED source as one of the main workhorses in the rig and he is delighted with the result.
"The VLX fixtures provide the entire colour wash on the stage," he explained. "They have been working very reliably and their responsiveness is spot on. In particular their zoom is very quick. The colours are comparable to any discharge fixture and for television there is more than enough grunt out the front."
Anderson has added City Theatrical top hats to the front of the VLX fixtures which help concentrate the beam. "All LED fixtures that I have used on television have an annoying spill out the sides of the lenses so I have this habit of adding all the accessories possible to assist with this." he said. "The lens on the front looks good on camera, not quite the same as my all time favourite the VL5 but still excellent."
(Jim Evans)