"This was the very first time they used the equipment they recently bought," said Kagiso Tiro Moima from Blackmotion, who helped specify and supply the gear to the SABC. On this occasion Moima notably wore different hats. As a lighting designer and operator for Fan Base he simultaneously managed to instruct staff on how to rig, patch, operate and safely hang lights.
"I love training," explained Moima. "The more people we have in lighting the better. I don't just want to get a cheque from the SABC for work done. For me it's nice to share knowledge so that the team can sustain themselves and build their own skills."
Aired on SABC 1 on early Friday evenings, Fan Base is a light-hearted music variety show where a celebrity is invited to participate along with three contestants / SuperFans. The aim is to see if the contestants / SuperFans know more about the celeb then they in fact know about themselves.
Recorded in Studio 7, one of the larger studios at SABC, the set was designed by Nicola Mayer of NickNak. As the show is intended for a younger audience, the SABC incorporated their new moving lights to construct a vibrant and colourful mood.
Robin 300 Spots were used for gobo work on the white set, and created an effect as if the set itself was moving. The Robin 300 Washes produced highlights and coloured the live audience. Robin 600 Spots dressed the floor with a watery effect while the Robin 600 Washes ensured dynamic looks with bright saturated colours, the red and amber being particularly popular.
Clay Paky Sharpys were placed behind each contestant / SuperFan's chair and successfully managed to make them look angelic in appearance.
"The SABC loved the look and feel," said Moima. "Even the production house have said it's the best season they've shot this far. At the end of the day, I think this made the SABC realize the investment they made was worthwhile and for the first time they have not had to outsource gear."
For Kagiso Tiro Moima, a successful black business owner, it's about what you leave behind after you've done the deal. "I try to inspire and to show people that all things are possible. When you have a passion, the greatest affirmation is when you can impart a certain amount of knowledge to someone else's life."
(Jim Evans)
