Avolites Arena makes headlines at Printworks
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The Arena was selected and installed alongside the rest of the event's lighting package by Poole-based lighting and rigging expert Wolf Lighting. The console is networked in the venue's 'crown jewel' event space; a 16.8m high, 120m x 30m area dubbed 'The Press Halls' on account of the original printing presses that still flank its sides.
"There was never a question of not using an Avolites console for the Printworks project," says Jonathan Oliver, director of Wolf Lighting. "We needed a console that could offer a wide range of live control options for each show. Lighting programmer and operator for the Printworks Issue 001 series, Jonny Godsmark, worked alongside me in selecting the Arena for its substantial, intuitive control surface, large touchscreen and audio input."
The Arena is the latest lighting control console to be released by the British manufacturer and is currently providing Godsmark with full creative control for the 13 week Printworks run. The console hosts two touchscreens, the second screen providing an additional workspace window and labelling the adjacent macro buttons and rotary pots. The fully assignable playback encoder pots allow Godsmark to intuitively control channels and effects during the live shows. The six LCD screens display electronic legends for 30 faders, providing access to pre-programmed playbacks, fixtures and palettes.
"For Printworks I wanted a console where I had access to as many control options as possible," says Godsmark. "I have been an Avolites user for years and their consoles just keep getting better."
The Printworks project is managed by London Warehouse Events (LWE), an underground promotor and producer of events in unusual and disused spaces, and international festival producer Broadwick Live.
"LWE is a long-term client of Wolf Lighting," explains Jonathan. "For Printworks, we worked closely with Loz Poulton, production manager at LWE, to put together a lighting package that would showcase the original and dramatic features of the venue, whilst playing to the incredible height of The Press Halls."
Completing Printworks' lighting control network is a backup Avolites Quartz console, the most compact of the brand's control surfaces which still retains the formidable processing power and range of control options of its larger cousins.
The Printworks Issue 001 series started on 4 February and will complete its run in April 2017; during this time it will host artists such as Nina Kraviz, Joy Orbison, Maribou State and Adam Beyer. Printworks is a temporary venue located in the Surrey Quays area of London. As well as hosting the Issue 001 music series the venue also hosts various art, culture, fashion and film events.
(Jim Evans)
