Simon Garrett from Oceania Productions lit the show-space which is also known as 'The Runway' by NZFW fans. Simon has been involved with the event for many years, but this was his first using 12 x of Robe's powerful BMFL Spots, which were rigged on a spine truss above the 30m polished concrete presentation runway.
Fashion - and its increasing penchant for drama and theatrical presentation - is demanding more thought, imagination and lateral thinking - when it comes to lighting, in addition to the pressure to replicate those camera-perfect flesh tones for the massed photographers and videographers.
This year Simon's goal was to bring some extra visual thrills to the party with the versatile BMFLs, and having them on-board also enabled him to create hugely varied lighting and make each collection different and individual, delivering great value for his client, which included event producer, founder and organiser Pieter Stewart.
With the majority of the rig being a standard tungsten set up - 120 plus profiles on three box truss spines above the runway and a substantial front array ahead of the photographer pens - Simon wanted effects lighting that could instantaneously change the whole vibe of the space at the start of the shows, helping them to be memorable and fun.
To create these high-impact opening sequences he required a fixture that was bright, with good CTO control, quality gobos and an effective and efficient zoom - so BMFLs ticked all the boxes!
"The sheer power of the BMFLs is incredible," he stated. "I bounced light off the walls and ceiling for effects as well as projecting onto the entrance way, and the wide range of colour temperature options was invaluable."
Having the BMFLs on the rig, run via a Hog 4 console, also enabled him to literally close down the space - which accommodated between 400 and 800 guests depending on the show - with areas of light and dark, creating a much more intimate atmosphere and inclusive environment when required.
(Jim Evans)
