In addition to the main grandMA at the FOH lighting position, grandMA programmer/operator Patrick Rakus had a laptop running grandMA onPC software and a 12-channel DMX desk that was triggering one page on the grandMA, giving an additional twelve faders for TV and band key lighting.
Werner Kokott, CEO of Five K Lighting & Video Design, who supplied lighting equipment for the Session, said: "Most Lighting Designers - including Günter Jäckle, Billy Bigliardi, Geoff Hall and Marco Zepeda - were happy to use the grandMA for their show. All shows were broadcast live, so it was vital they had a completely stable system - that's why grandMA was specified."
Lighting fixtures included 24 Vari*Lite VL3500 Spots, 14 VL3000 Washes, 24 VL500, eight VL2500 Spots and 18 DTS Delta R. Kokott adds: "The DTS fixtures are really bright and perfect for TV shows, especially with a design containing VL3000 and VL3500s, where you need an LED fixture powerful enough to compete, and one that enhances good close-ups for the cameras."
Production lighting designer for the 2008 Session was Ronny Widuch, who collaborated with Werner Kokott on the overall show look and design. Cast Switzerland is the exclusive distributor of MA Lighting in Switzerland. The event was sponsored by Avo Cigars.
(Jim Evans)
