Austrian team scoop Hog Factor prize
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This year, in collaboration with the German branch of parent company ETC and German distributor LMP Lichttechnik, High End Systems opened up the competition to teams of students and trainees from across Europe, giving the contest a real international flavour. As in previous years, LMP provided valuable support during the preliminary stages – LMP product manager, Marcel Vranken hosted a series of training sessions and was involved in the shortlisting process.
From the numerous entries received, four teams from four different countries were selected to compete against each other in a live final during the trade show. The finalists were required to programme and operate a light show using the Hog 4 control platform, to the Sia track Never Give Up.
The judging panel featured several internationally-acclaimed lighting designers – JoJo Tillmann, Björn Hermann and Manfred ‘Ollie’ Olma. Tillmann, who picked up a prestigious award during Prolight + Sound for his work on the recent Milky Chance tour, said: “It’s an honour to be involved in Hog Factor. I especially appreciate the internationality and the enthusiasm in the competition – a wonderful concept.”
The competition was very close, with team Status Cue, from Austrian vocational school BS Evita, ultimately scooping first prize. Status Cue competed against Elecor from Ukraine; Knickerbocker from the German Beuth Hochschule in Berlin; and PLASA London 2017 Hog Factor champions, the Rainbow Chasers, from LIPA in the UK.
The judges were unanimous in their decision, remarking that “Status Cue’s design had a ‘soul’ to it.” They felt the team had “followed through on a design idea and it wasn’t just effects, effects, effects”.
The winning team of Leo Van Kogelenberg, Nina Mesitz and Ute Koller were overwhelmed by the honour, and thanked High End Systems and ETC for the “amazing opportunity”. Van Kogelenberg said: “What an unforgettable experience – an evening to remember! I’m really looking forward to further developing my skills on the desk.”
Following their victory, ETC CEO Fred Foster congratulated the winners on their achievement. They also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with several world-renowned lighting professionals and obtain valuable insights for their future endeavours. All the finalists are set to receive a selection of Hog-related prizes.
(Jim Evans)
