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18 December 2024

China - Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre, formerly known as the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Troupe, was established in 1953. The building is located in Yuexiu district, Guangzhou city and has a total floor area of about 40,000sq.m, including a 1,200-seat Grand Theatre, a 500-seat theatre and three 60-seat cinemas.

DiGiCo has played a part in the co-creation of two new theatres for the space, Hung Sin-nui Theatre and Red Bean Hall. An SD5 is installed in the Hung Sin-nui Theatre and a Quantum 338 in the smaller Red Bean Hall.

Cantonese Opera is one of the traditional Chinese opera genres, with a history spanning more than 300 years. The building of these two brand-new facilities will form a cultural centre for the world of Cantonese Opera and ensure a solid base for its revitalisation.

In recent years, Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre (GOH) ha

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18 December 2024

UK - Established in 2011, London brewery Signature Brew’s stated mission is to “unite people through the power of fresh beer, great music and unforgettable experiences”. The company has created beers with artists including Mogwai, IDLES, Mastodon and Enter Shikari over the years and also operates music venues within its Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow and Haggerston, Hackney locations.

The Blackhorse Road venue recently received a significant audio upgrade (supplied by Hertfordshire-based AV specialists Patchwork London) with an Allen & Heath SQ6 compact digital mixer at the heart of the new system. With the venue requiring setup and teardown for each event, Signature Brew needed a system that was both flexible and easy to deploy. Partnered with an Allen & Heath AR2412 AudioRack, the SQ6 was the chosen solution, as Signature Brew founder Sam McGre

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18 December 2024

USA - Trilogy Studios in Fort Worth, the largest cinematic volume in Texas, is a 30,000sq.ft facility with three advanced stages: a main stage, a car-processing stage for automotive shoots and a commercial stage.

During the design phase, Trilogy Studios collaborated with specialist integrators Optic8, and lead engineer Roman Schoissengeier-Nagel, to bring to life a complex virtual production infrastructure. Stage Precision's SP software was chosen for its ability to deliver seamless, scalable, and unified data management across all three stages, equipping Trilogy Studios with the tools needed to offer clients an innovative and adaptable virtual production environment.

"The focus was on creating a unified control solution across all three stages," explains lead engineer Roman Schoissengeier-Nagel. "Each stage required high-precision camera tracking an

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18 December 2024

Germany - The 21st season of the talent show Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar (DSDS) recently reached its finale with victory for Christian Jährig. At the same time, 24 of GLP’s new Creos fixtures enjoyed one of their first-ever TV appearances.

The production design of the long-running TV hit was once again developed by DK Design. Sebastian Huwig created the lighting design and planning for the finale on behalf of David Kreileman.

The new LED washlights, with fast, motorised tilt, were used together with other spotlights as a second light level on rolling risers, so that new lighting atmospheres could be created for each act. The modifications took place during the filming.

This time, the team chose not to use the option of seamlessly combining several Creos into huge LED bars, using the integrated connector system. Explai

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18 December 2024

Belgium - The Royal Conservatory of Antwerp has upgraded its lighting infrastructure with a Unity solution from LSC Control Systems, drawing on the experience of its partner facility – and one of Europe’s leading performing arts venues – De Singel.

Undertaking a full renovation of its Zwarte Zaal (Black Hall) – including new grid, cabling, patch racks, audio, data, video and lighting – led by main construction contractor Co-Ps, the Royal Conservatory insisted on quality, reliability and safety. To achieve this with new lighting infrastructure, they turned to De Singel, expert consultant Roadtech Services, and the technology of LSC Control Systems.

It was way back in 2018 that De Singel installed a Unity system from LSC in its main auditorium. At the time, the busy venue was having difficulty dealing with large amounts of varying types of li

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17 December 2024

Europe - The Showlight Student Sponsorship deadline is approaching. Applications close on Friday 31 January 2025. The scheme is open to students and recent graduates of lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

Successful applicants enjoy free-of-charge entry to Showlight 2025, with access to the full Programme of Papers, admission to the exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers, networking opportunities during the daily breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening and the Conference Dinner on Wednesday evening. Around 30 places are available but spaces are filling up fast.

Former Showlight student participant and presenter of Sweeney Todd – A Site Specific Experience, Amy Mae Smith, comments: “Showlight is an inspiring few days where you

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17 December 2024

USA - Southwest Value Partners, AEG, and L-Acoustics have announced that L-Acoustics is the latest entertainment industry leader to open office space at Nashville Yards. Expected to launch in the summer of 2025, it will become the company’s major operations and creative hub for the Americas, joining its global hubs in Paris, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore.

“The opening of our Americas headquarters in Nashville, the Music City, marks a significant milestone for L-Acoustics globally and reinforces our commitment to serving our partners throughout North America from a central location, said Laurent Vaissié, co-CEO of L-Acoustics.

"Being part of this dynamic creative hub perfectly aligns with our ambition to connect people through the best-shared sound experience, building a vibrant community with the most creative artists and entertainment prof

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17 December 2024

UK - Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC’s flagship dance competition that has enthralled millions since its 2004 debut, relied on Shure to deliver audio and ensure that the musical performances could be enjoyed to the fullest. Filmed at Elstree Film Studios, Strictly Come Dancing features celebrities paired with professional dancers who compete weekly, showcasing their technical skill and emotional storytelling.

Behind the glamorous facade of sequined costumes, dramatic performances and music lies an intricate technical landscape in which audio technology plays a crucial role in capturing every moment. Thanks to its reliability, stability, control and quality, Axient Digital Wireless System was chosen by Terry Tew Sound and Light (TTSL) to be deployed across the show's complex production.

“Elstree Film Studios, with its multiple sta

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17 December 2024

USA - GLP chose to reduce the footprint of its booth at this year’s LDI expo in Las Vegas, freeing up budget that was reinvested into their lavish 30th anniversary party at the luxury Venetian Resort, attended by over 2,000 guests.

The Venetian’s Atomic Saloon Show provided a perfect showcase to launch the new aptly named Mad Maxx, an IP65 LED fat-beam fixture which is designed mainly, but not only, as a SkyBeam fixture.

Aside from the razzmatazz, back at the Convention Center GLP’s rationale in significantly reducing its booth size was based on close scrutiny of its environmental footprint.

Construction of all stand furniture, plinths and podests was with 100% reusability in mind. Explains director of marketing, Uli Steinle: “All are specially built road cases that will feature on every road show and exhibition in the US, go

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17 December 2024

Denmark - Entertainment automation specialist Motor Stage Automation (MSA) supplied performer flying winches, hoists for scenic motion, stage lifts and a full Moveket control system together with innovation, creativity and expertise in the art of automation for the production of Another Brick in The Wall, Part 5 staged at the charismatic Østre Gasværk Teater in Copenhagen.

MSA was brought in by Østre Gasværk’s stage manager Rumle Dons, artistic director and creative producer Søren Møller, and production manager Markus Schulin-Zeuthen, together with the show’s director Heinrich Christensen when they decided on automation as the best technical solution to deal with several challenges involved in staging this complex work.

“We needed so many elements precisely executed at specific times to fit the musical timeline and narrative,”

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17 December 2024

Europe - Garbage’s latest European tour was the band's first headline tour for five years. The huge dynamic shifts in their music were matched by intense stage lighting and graphics displayed on large-scale, high-resolution LED screens, delivered by independent video technology company, 80six. 80six deployed a combination of ROE Visual LED screens powered by Brompton LED processing to ensure a suitable display of the band's visuals.

The client's primary requirement was to produce a solution that would keep up with the visual complexity of the show and have the highest accuracy. High-quality LED equipment was crucial, providing a flexible, creative visual backdrop, powerfully enhancing the creativity of the performance and immersing the audience in the emotion of Garbage's music.

80six provided a 12m by 7.2m ROE Carbon 5.7 LED screen for the two are

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17 December 2024

UK - Polar has announced the launch of Polar Leasing, which will allow its customers the freedom to finance any product or service Polar provides. The scheme will enable Polar customers to better align their investments with their goals, or allow them to offer their own customers the flexibility to finance purchases.

Polar Leasing allows customers to use assets without upfront purchase over a lease duration customised to align with their working capital needs. During an agreed term a customer makes fixed payments classified as operational expenses, which are 100% tax deductible. The customer can settle the lease at any time or at the end of the leasing period will pay a nominal fee to take ownership. This flexible arrangement also allows customers to upgrade equipment during the lease period, ensuring that they have access to the most up-to-date technology.<

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17 December 2024

UK - Part of the Merlin family who operate predominantly in the South-West, the 500-capacity Regal Theatre in Redruth occupies a 1930s art deco building, doubling between cinema and live events.

Local contractors, TruCru, were brought in recently to overhaul the theatre PA, replacing an archaic system with a Martin Audio FlexPoint solution. As a community facility, the new PA needed to demonstrate the versatility to cater for a wide variety of shows – ranging from am dram, touring tribute acts, operatic societies and nationally recognised stand-up comedians, with a high SPL. Most importantly, it needed to banish the pre-existing hotspotting that was evident in a challenging building with a balcony tier and an acoustically difficult ‘stepped’ ceiling above.

While TruCru have had widespread experience specifying the manufacturer’s popular CDD s

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17 December 2024

France - Val Thorens' renowned nightclub, Malaysia, has undergone a €2.5m transformation to become Malaysia 2.0, all thanks to a video installation overhaul featuring Smode’s real-time compositing and media server platform.

Perched at an altitude of 2,310m, The Malaysia club, established by Jean-Pierre Roux in 1985, is open seven days a week for the entire winter season. Dubbed the biggest dance floor in the Alps, it attracts around 700,000 people per season, hosting over 2,000 partygoers every night for live concerts and DJ sets. After almost four decades, the venue needed a ‘facelift’ to create an identity using digital art to stand out in the après-ski scene.

The transformation of Malaysia, spearheaded by the integrator Kinesik, involved developing a complete 3D model of the club to simulate the layout of the LED screens and the flow of v

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17 December 2024

UK - Staged at the conclusion of its recent On Tour event at Production Park in Wakefield, this year’s Production Futures Breakthrough Talent Awards proved to be a major success. The awards recognise and mark the achievements of young talent within the production industries, with a mission to inspire the next generation.

Designed in cooperation with awards sponsors, the 2024 edition once again based its ‘prizes’ around ‘opportunity and access’ in contrast to the customary ‘glass trophy’ recognition. Winners received either mentoring sessions with judges and sponsors, all of whom are leading industry professionals, training sessions, or travel bursaries to visit next year’s ISE.

21 categories were covered by the awards, including six for outstanding achievement, reflecting the wide diversity of opportunity within the

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17 December 2024

UK - MT Helmets MSI, 2024 Moto2 team championship winners, wanted its new dual-truck hospitality suite to hold pole position in the MotoGP paddock, so approached Audio-Technica, who recommended Optimal Audio and its commercial audio ecosystem.

Audio-Technica has close links to the MotoGP production, working side-by-side with the media company behind the series, Dorna Sports, to develop and deliver both trackside and on-board microphone technologies for race-day audio capture, and were pleased to be asked to help the MT Helmets MSI team with a solution.

The racing team’s requirement was for a high-quality audio system that would operate across the two-truck demountable build, but remain simple to set up and use for the team’s crew and non-technical hospitality suite staff. To link the audio system across the trucks, Audio-Technica created custom-d

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17 December 2024

Denmark - In the autumn of 2023, Det Musiske Hus, a notable cultural venue in the northern Danish city of Frederikshavn, initiated a project to improve its conventional front and house lighting systems.

Seeking to enhance both the technical capabilities and the overall atmosphere of the space, the venue opted to install Fuze Profile automated framing moving heads and Fuze Pendant downlights, both cutting-edge luminaires from Elation that offer a full-colour spectrum and high CRI.

The upgrade, driven by the need for improved safety, greater flexibility, and expanded creative lighting possibilities for its diverse events, comes as Det Musiske Hus celebrates 20 years as a multifunctional event space. The venue’s largest hall hosts concerts, theatre performances, stand-up shows, business meetings, and conferences for seated and standing audiences of up

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17 December 2024

UK - Situated in the garden village of Port Sunlight on the Wirral, the historic Gladstone Theatre began life as an assembly and recreation hall with a platform stage for entertainment. The half-timbered and red-brick structure was opened by Prime Minister William Gladstone in 1891 and saw a proscenium stage added in the 1920s. Converted to a theatre in the 1950s, the Gladstone continues to stage a diverse range of commercial productions from an eclectic range of artists.

Music of every type, comedy, theatre, pantomime, variety, and dance all feature at the 400-seater venue, which is also used by local societies and youth groups.

Catering for such a wide range of productions demands a versatile sound system, and the Gladstone recently took the decision to improve its audio provision with the installation of a Coda Audio solution. Venue technology spe

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17 December 2024

Spain - Spatial audio brand TiMax will showcase the recently launched TiMax panLab on stand 7A300 at ISE 2025 (Integrated Systems Europe - Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via – 4-7 Feb 2025). For the first time since its launch, the macOS application will be available for hands-on demonstration to a Europe-wide audience. TiMax panLab is the first major product release since both TiMax and panLab joined the Focusrite stable, marking the first step in an exciting roadmap of product extensions and updates.

Free to download from the TiMax website, panLab packs a loaded feature set to enable the simple and intuitive creation of spatialised audio designs in both entry-level and large-scale systems. Adding 3D rendering capabilities to QLab, alongside a wide range of mixing consoles and system processors and now for the first time, TiMax SoundHub, TiMax panLab democratise

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17 December 2024

USA - Robert Juliat is delighted to report a highly successful appearance at LDI, Las Vegas 2024. Partnering with ACT Entertainment, its exclusive distributor for North America and Canada, Robert Juliat showcased its range of LED lighting solutions.

Robert Juliat’s latest LED followspots took centre stage, offering versatile solutions for venues of all sizes. Demonstrated on-site were the Sully 10.5-22.5° (115W LED) for smaller spaces, the Tristan 7-14.5° (825W LED) for mid-sized venues, and the Arthur LT 4-10° (800W LED) for large-scale applications, each delivering exceptional performance and versatility.

The Tristan followspot proved particularly popular. With its compact body and powerful 825W LED engine, Tristan rivals the performance of traditional 1800W MSR followspots, making it an attractive solution. A highlight of this innovative mode