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16 July 2024

Freelance Protection - Entertainment union BECTU has written to new culture secretary Lisa Nandy urging her to protect freelancers and the self-employed. The union also urges the culture secretary to champion equality and diversity in the arts. The letter from BECTU head Philippa Childs congratulated Nandy on Labour’s landslide general election victory and subsequent appointment, before calling on the new government to deliver its pre-election promises for the creative industries.

Starmer’s new government must secure a new deal for freelancers and the self-employed, who make up 28% of the creative workforce but currently lack many of the rights afforded to employees, Childs said. BECTU suggested "modernised protections and entitlements" for the freelance workforce "as part of a broader reform package on the legislative and institutional landscape on work

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15 July 2024

UK - Established for more than 15 years, Lancashire PA Hire is a supplier of audio systems for a wide range of events both locally and nationally. Festivals, gigs, weddings, corporates, parties, and mobile DJs are all catered for.

Over a year ago, Lancashire PA Hire took the decision to upgrade its large event system, and decided to invest in HK Audio products as owner Darryl Fraser explains:

“To begin we had invested in six HK Audio L4000 subs and four Linear 5 LTS tops. They proved to be a real success, taking us through 2023 and enabling us to comfortably cover shows of 800+ audiences. The only minor gripe we had with the system was a lack of control, but we got round this issue with our Allen & Heath SQ5 desk.

“Then at the end of 2023 we spoke to Andy Taylor from SoVeryAPT who mentioned that HK Audio were releasing MKII versions o

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11 July 2024

Japan - Three prominent companies specialising in various facets of the AV industry in Japan have joined forces to form GizaGiza, a commercial distribution company dedicated to representing 1 Sound as their exclusive distributor in Japan. With its headquarters strategically located in Shibuya, Tokyo, GizaGiza brings together ‘decades of expertise in audio design, installation, and comprehensive support and system maintenance services’.

GizaGiza has integrated 1 Sound loudspeakers into several high-profile installations and events in Japan and is ready to start audio demonstrations showcasing the full spectrum of 1 Sound’s catalogue.

Commenting on the collaboration, GizaGiza stated, “There is a growing demand in Japan for superior sonic quality, meticulously engineered loudspeakers. The sonic excellence and design fit with the needs of the mar

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11 July 2024

Italy/USA - K-array has announced the expansion and renovation of both its Italian and USA headquarters. These state-of-the-art facilities, featuring the latest KSCAPE RAIL and RAIL S technology, showcase the brand’s lighting and audio solutions.

“By integrating advanced design elements and cutting-edge technology, we have created an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration,” says Alex Tatini, K-array CEO. “The new spaces enhance our research and development capabilities and embody the K-array spirit of ingenuity and quality.”

At the Italian headquarters, nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside just outside Florence, the upgrade was focused on the brand’s R&D, software, mechanical, electrical and audio research departments. The new pavilion, comprised of two floors, has been completely renovated to encompass the ex

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10 July 2024

UK - The ABTT is inviting nominations for its annual Stephen Joseph Award, as an ongoing tribute to Joseph’s contribution to our theatre culture. Designed to recognise innovative and inclusive theatre excellence in today’s British theatre, the 2024 Award is now open for entries.

The aim of the award is to celebrate the variety of ways contemporary theatre practitioners continue to break new ground in engaging their audiences. The award is open for submissions and a wide variety of practice is eligible - the ongoing work of a theatre company, a specific production, an individual theatre artist or director, or an innovative theatre building design. Submissions welcome from theatres large or small, long-established companies or emerging artists. Nominations accompanied by suitable evidence can easily be made by theatres, practitioners, or the general public

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09 July 2024

UK - PLASA and LSi are calling for nominations for this year’s Gottelier Award. Named after the late lighting designer and innovator Tony Gottelier, the revered award recognises the invaluable contributions of the people behind the products.

Launched in 2007, the Gottelier Award aims to recognise product developers who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the advancement of entertainment, presentation, or installation technology over many years.

Last year’s winner was Howard Eaton whose self-named company, Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd, is known for delivering bespoke solutions to countless theatrical productions around the world – from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s flying car, to the crashing chandelier in the Phantom of the Opera, to the flying Olympic rings at London 2012.

After his win, Eaton said: “It is quite somethin

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09 July 2024

UK - Located on the edge of London’s Regent’s Park, 229 is a multi-purpose venue with two spaces: Venue One has a capacity of 700 and Venue Two can hold around 200 people. Both are busy every night, often also hosting events during the day. There is residential housing above and the whole complex is managed under the umbrella of the charity International Student House, which provides a home and community for young people studying internationally. A hundred percent of 229’s profits go back into supporting the charity’s mission.

“We had been using our previous desk for about 10 years,” technical manager Alessandro Bonifacio explains. “Every investment is thought about very carefully, we have to think in terms of longevity and value. I’ve been using DiGiCo consoles on my freelance jobs for years, so I got in contact through Andy Huffer at HD Pro

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09 July 2024

UK - Protec, a full-service rigging and AV company serving the events and conference industries, has significantly improved its operations and reduced equipment damage by investing in Admiral Strong Boy truss dollies from Stage Electrics.

Graham Thomas, a key member of the Protec team, first learnt about the Strong Boy truss dollies from an industry peer after facing persistent issues with damaged truss. Following a consultation with Admiral Staging, Protec was directed to Stage Electrics, who facilitated the initial sale of four Strong Boy truss dollies and spacer bars. Impressed by the product's advantages, Protec has since purchased five additional pairs of dollies.

Before purchasing the Admiral Staging Strong Boy truss dollies, the Protec team were noticing considerable damage and wear and tear on their truss as is typical for companies in the ri

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09 July 2024

After The Campaign Trail - Lisa Nandy will become secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport after Thangam Debbonaire’s electoral upset. Nandy, the former shadow international development secretary, will assume the post that classically trained cellist Debbonaire had hoped to take on in the new Labour government.

Within the past 13 years, 12 different people filled the culture minister’s position for the Conservatives. Although Nandy does not have an arts and culture background, she has held a number of positions in Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet. Previously shadow ‘levelling-up’ secretary, she is a member of the Unite union and has expressed support for remaining in the EU and promoting an international outlook.

In a statement, Nandy said: "I am thrilled to be appointed to DCMS. Its industries give meaning to millions of lives and brin

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08 July 2024

UK - 2B Heard has announced its partnership with Naostage. 2B Heard will now offer Naostage's products to a broader market covering live events, theatres and entertainment venues.

"We are excited to collaborate with Naostage and bring their ground-breaking technology to our customers," said Sam Nankivell, director of 2B Heard. "Our commitment to providing the best in audio-visual solutions aligns perfectly with Naostage's vision of enhancing live performances through advanced automation. This partnership will allow us to offer unparalleled tracking solutions that elevate the quality and creativity of live events across the UK."

“Naostage represents an exciting concept of merging innovation into the creative process, allowing us to work with visual and audio concepts simultaneously,” says Sam Nankivell, director of 2B Heard. “The system, backed

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08 July 2024

Italy - Outline has entered into a distribution agreement for Italy with Audio Link, the Parma-based pro audio distribution company.

"Integrating Outline solutions into our portfolio, Audio Link can now offer a complete, highly-trusted audio signal chain of utmost quality and long-term value – with links by DiGiCo, Optocore, Sound Devices, Klang, TiMax, and Waves, to name but a few," says Federico Bianchi, Audio Link's general manager.

"Backed by Audio Link's undisputed tech support, Italian rental operators of any magnitude can now finally turn the superior audio performance of Outline solutions into a strategic advantage – in the entertainment, business and lifestyle events sectors", says Fernando Rey Méndez, Outline's sales director.

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05 July 2024

UK - Theatre Lighting Design: Conversations on the Art, Craft and Life, a new book offering fascinating insights into the design processes, work and lighting lives of 14 leading lighting designers, will launch on 25 July 2024 – and is available to pre-order now.

Written by lighting designers Emma Chapman and Rob Halliday, the book features individual interviews with lighting designers Neil Austin, Natasha Chivers, Jon Clark, Paule Constable, Rick Fisher, Richard Howell, Howard Hudson, Jessica Hung Han Yun, Mark Jonathan, Amy Mae, Ben Ormerod, Bruno Poet, Jackie Shemesh and Johanna Town.

A final interview talks to the lighting team responsible for creating the hit musical Billy Elliot about how the lighting design evolved as the show was created and then how it has been maintained as the show has been remounted over the last 18 yea

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04 July 2024

Austria - ARRI Rental has announced the expansion of its service offerings in Vienna with the opening of a new facility supplying lighting and grip equipment as well as logistics to productions of all types and sizes. Camera equipment will continue to be offered through the existing ARRI Rental Vienna office.

Located at 7 Haidequerstraße 6, 1110 Wien, the new ARRI Rental facility is located on the premises of the hq7 studios complex, which will open this summer as a premiere European production centre, capable of accommodating major international film and TV productions. The area is ideal for easy access to the airport, central station, and city centre.

ARRI Rental’s new Vienna facility covers 750sq.m of floor space and can supply lighting and grip equipment, including the latest ARRI lighting fixtures such as SkyPanel X and Orbiter, as well as AR

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04 July 2024

UK/USA - Stage Precision, has announced its 2024 schedule of education training days. The sessions, open to users from a variety of industries and taking place in locations in both the UK and USA, cater for both complete newcomers to Stage Precision software, and those who have previously completed a Core Skills workshop in the past.

“Training is important to us,” confirms Kevin Li, technical solutions specialist at Stage Precision. “Not only does it help us to spread the knowledge of software such as SP and grow our user base, but it also creates an opportunity for Stage Precision to develop the skills of our users and strengthen our community.”

SP by Stage Precision is the brand’s most popular product, a ‘Swiss Army knife’ that can be integrated with leading production technology to unify workflows on even the most complex projects. H

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03 July 2024

EMEA - Fulcrum Acoustic continues its expansion into the EMEA region with the appointment of Avientek as exclusive distribution partner for the Middle East and Africa.

With offices established across the region, Avientek will represent the entire Fulcrum Acoustic range of loudspeakers and immersive technologies.

Val Gilbert, director of business development for export at Fulcrum Acoustic, comments: "Avientek are a well-established structure in the GCC region and beyond. Their dedication to performance solutions and customer support meets Fulcrum's ambition for the territory. Avientek are growing quickly in the commercial audio sector, and we're excited to be partnering and supporting this growth."

Vikesh Thamban, general manager - business development – audio at Avientek, states: "Fulcrum Acoustic is a perfect addition to the Avientek portf

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03 July 2024

UK - With over 4,000 registrations, this year’s ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace was busier than ever. This industry event drew a broad range of attendees at all stages of their careers alongside an ever-increasing list of exhibitors from all areas of the industry, say the organisers.

“Running once again over two days, the ABTT Theatre Show gave the industry an opportunity to meet face-to-face in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The ABTT would like to thank all those exhibitors who returned, along with the many new exhibitors joining us for the first time. With a 10% increase of exhibitors on the show floor, this year’s event gave attendees over 165 brands with whom to speak, catch up and discuss new projects with.”

New exhibitors for 2024 included 2scale.shop, Acoustic Design & Architecture, Ascender, Cameo, Cell Pack Solutions, C

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03 July 2024

Europe - Peerless-AV has announced it is embarking on a dvLED Roadshow in partnership with 7thSense, Absen and NovaStar touring across Europe this September.

Taking place at Midwich Group country locations and Absen regional showrooms, the roadshow will incorporate specialist training and hands-on practical sessions on all the elements of a dvLED video wall installation, from mounting structures to display specifications to content control and image configuration. The objective, in one day, is to educate and equip dealers, system integrators and consultants with all the tools and skills necessary to install a fully operational dvLED video wall system, with ease.

Starting in the UK at Absen’s new regional showroom, located in Theale, Berkshire, the roadshow will continue to the North West of England, before moving to Absen’s German showroom in Fra

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02 July 2024

Chile - MA Lighting International has announced MMT as new exclusive MA distribution partner in Chile. From this month, MMT will offer the entire MA Lighting product range, support & service for hardware and software, as well as training.

Stephan Saremba, managing director of MA Lighting International comments, “We are excited about joining forces with MMT to develop our brand in the Chilean market. Both companies have a clear focus on providing high-quality products, excellent customer service and solutions to address customer needs in the various markets we are active in.

“With the commitment and expertise of MMT a strong sales force present in many regions and a well-trained and dedicated technical service we are aiming to resume and strengthen relationships with existing MA users as well as to expand into new markets. We are delighted to

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02 July 2024

Spain/Chile - zactrack has announced new distributors for Spain and Chile – SeeSound and MMT respectively.

"We are delighted to partner up with SeeSound for the distribution of zactrack in Spain.”, says Stephan Saremba, managing director for zactrack International. “With their wide product portfolio of audio, lighting and video solutions as well as an extremely passionate team of professionals in each market sector, we find SeeSound to be the right partner for us to bring fully automated tracking technology into the Spanish market.

“We are looking forward to work hand in hand with SeeSound, strengthen relationships with existing users and to expand into new markets. We are truly excited to continue to drive tracking solutions and creative tools to our users in Spain."

Nacho Alberdi, CEO of Seesound adds, “The tracking system is some

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02 July 2024

UK - Pixl Evolution, provider of event technology and production services, has recently achieved ISO 27001 certification. This significant milestone underscores the company's dedication to ensuring the security and privacy of client data.

In today's digital events landscape, ensuring data security is crucial for both event organisers and their chosen suppliers. Pixl Evolution, who achieved the certification as part of the Entertainment Technology Partners (ETP) family of brands, is proud to be one of the few technical production companies to achieve ISO 27001 certification.

The ISO 27001 certification process is rigorous and demanding. It requires companies to establish a comprehensive framework for managing information security risks. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, implementing robust security controls, and maintaining a culture of secur

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02 July 2024

New Zealand - NW Group is New Zealand’s largest live event technology and full production – lighting, audio, and video – specialist in New Zealand, where it’s represented by the Oceania and Spyglass brands with bases in Auckland and Wellington on the North Island.

The company has recently invested in 24 new Robe Spiider LED wash beams which are added to their 56 x Robe BMFLs (32 x Spots and 24 x Blades), delivered via distributor, Jands New Zealand.

NW Group’s work encompasses arts, performance and entertainment shows, concert touring, all types of corporates, special projects and they are also service providers to some of the busiest venues including the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland.

They were looking for value and solidly reliable LED wash beam that could be used in any environment explained head of ligh

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02 July 2024

Airport Music - Heathrow Airport has launched a live music stage. Based in Terminal 5, the first show featured performances from acoustic rock band China Bears, folk singer-songwriter The Halfway Kid and R'n'B artist Olivia Nelson.

Heathrow said those performing on the stage have "access to an audience bigger than Glastonbury", as it expects 30m passengers to travel through its terminals this summer. "The Heathrow Introducing stage isn't just about providing entertainment, it's about propelling careers to new heights," said Karoline Komolafe, of music events company Sofar Sounds, which has partnered with Heathrow. "It's a game-changer for those aiming to break into the industry, especially with festival season at its peak, offering exposure to execs travelling through.

Heathrow director of services Tonia Fielding said: "We're proud that we're providi

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01 July 2024

Germany - Neumann & Müller (N&M) is establishing a new logistics site at a freight transport centre in Augsburg. The company intends to use the location as a base for moving equipment to and from trade fair locations in the south and southwest of Germany as well as for serving recurring event productions in the region. The company is aiming to ‘boost its performance capability in its enterprise-wide logistics operations so that it can better meet the constantly growing demands placed on the various N&M business units’.

Setting up the new site in Augsburg will increase the number of logistics sites to three: up to now, Bochum and Leipzig have served as the main handling locations for a large part of the equipment. Measuring around 10,000 m², this new site can handle a similar capacity to the other two locations and will have two positive eff

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01 July 2024

USA - Cloud Microphones has announced a new partnership with Eric Hollaway, celebrated bass vocalist, voice-over (VO) artist and social media sensation known as ‘thatbassvoice’.

Hollaway has captivated millions with his deep, resonant voice and versatile performances for household brands like ESPN, Mercedes-Benz, General Mills, the US Army and many more.

“Partnering with Cloud Microphones feels like a natural step forward in my musical journey," said Hollaway. "The clarity and warmth that the Cloud 44-A Ribbon mic brings to my vocals have impressed me, and the Cloudlifter has been an indispensable tool in my recording setup. I'm truly excited about what this partnership signifies for the future of my music and the quality I can bring to my fans."  

"Eric is a phenomenal talent and we're honoured to have him join the Cloud family," sta