"We hadn't done any major upgrades or renewals since 2005," Mr McMahon explained. "Graeme came up to Bundaberg to do another job for the school and I spoke to him about it. That started a very strong partnership with Entertainment Production Supplies. With Graeme's expertise, we've significantly upgraded our lighting, media and sound facilities in the theatre."
Graeme Hicks, owner of Entertainment Production Supplies, is an industry veteran of 45 years. EPS, based on The Gold Coast, specialise in turnkey solutions for performing arts venues, supplying lighting, sound, control, and theatrical infrastructure. "I had a look at the performing arts centre at Shalom with the principal," recalled Graeme, "and I identified some issues. I then proposed we add to the lighting system, replace the lighting desk and PA system, add media and projection management, and set up a control system." Mr McMahon agreed, and EPS went to work.
Graeme chose an extensive range of equipment supported by Australian distributor Lexair Entertainment for the job, including lighting fixtures and control from High End Systems and media management from Green Hippo.
"To add to the existing lighting rig of tungsten fresnels, wash and spot lights, I chose two High End Systems SolaSpot Pro CMY LEDs," Graeme continued "At just 320 Watts, they're incredible. Bright, quiet and efficient, and I'm probably going to put some more in soon. I also installed eight High End Systems SolaWash 19 LEDs. They're a flexible, powerful fixture that doesn't have the ongoing problems of a discharge lamp."
Graeme was clear on his choice of lighting control; "High End Systems HedgeHog 4. It's the machine for schools," he stated. "I'm a big fan of the Hogs because they're industry standard, and the kids take to them really well."
Bringing the lighting rig up-to-date also required integrating a media server. "We've installed a Hippotizer Amba fitted with a capture card so the school can project real-time content from playback or camera," Graeme elaborated. "It's handling projection blending from two 7K projectors onto a 10 metre wide image on their white rear wall, and a third projector downstage. The students have taken to it quickly to create scenery. Having the flexibility to use moving images is fantastic for them."
Tying it all together, EPS implemented a Crestron control solution that connects to the HedgeHog 4, Amba and existing dimmers over ArtNet.
"The response from the students and staff at Shalom has been extremely positive. "Our students are loving playing with our new capabilities," reported Mr McMahon. "
(Jim Evans)
