Four stages were set up in the studio, each with its own lighting and sound rig, three of the stages had live bands performing in six 15 minute shows, the work was then judged by three judges on the fourth stage. The four live bands (Red Eye Banquet, Kaz Simmons Jazz Band, Geniac and Barney) provided a wide range of material to enable the camera, sound and lighting operators to have experience working on a real live music show. The first day was for the rig and fine light, the second to rehearse and record the shows.
Each stage was provided with a cross-section of lighting equipment which might normally be found on any television light entertainment show. Stage 1 had 12 Martin MAC 500s, four JTE Pixeline 1044s, four 6-lamp Par bars and four 8-lights, all controlled from a Compulite Vector Blue console; Stage 2 had 12 Vari*Lite VL2402s, 12 Pulsar ChromaStrips and four 8-lights controlled from a Compulite Vector Green; Stage 3 had four Vari*Lite VL3000s, two Martin MAC 600s and six Pulsar ChromaBanks, controlled from a Compulite SparkTOP; Stage 4 had four Martin MAC250s, two Novalight High Grounds, a Martin MAC 500 and four JTE Pixelpars controlled from a Compulite SparkTOP.
The Craft Day provided an excellent opportunity for the junior operators to stretch their wings and further develop their skills, and they were assisted by experienced BBC Studios craft supervisors. BBC Studios has recently purchased a Compulite Vector Lite console for their in house training room.
(Lee Baldock)
