The Forum attracted major interest and was attended by over 200 invited guests including lighting and sound designers, programmers, operators, technicians and consultants from all sectors of the Chinese lighting industry - from television to live entertainment - and organisers and managers from large performance teams.
"Obviously it was very exciting and a great honour to be invited to China to speak about this work," says Marenghi. "There is intense interest in the skills, knowledge and technology involved in producing monumental shows and events ahead of the Beijing Olympics in 2008."
Marenghi's interactive 35-minute presentation detailed the evolution and execution of lighting design for the 2006 event in Turin, covering key aspects of what became a hugely demanding three-year project. Topics ranged from the lighting technology involved to the politics, diplomatic skills and superlative teamwork needed to make the show happen under exceptionally challenging programming and rehearsal conditions - and a harsh operating environment.
Marenghi outlined the lighting equipment chosen for the show - totalling approximately 1200 fixtures, including moving lights from Robe, Coemar, Martin Professional, LEDs and Searchlights from Space Cannon, installation by Agora of Rome and WholeHog 3 control - why they were chosen, and the tough climatic conditions in which they were working.
The one day China Forum was staged at the CTS Plaza building a day ahead of the opening of the PALM Expo 2007 China show. Other topics covered at the Forum included the applications of stage machinery; stage art design for large performances, lighting network control and sound solutions for large events.
(Jim Evans)
