Unusual Rigging was first approached to quote on a lighting grid, but once there, Robin Elias of Unusual was quizzed about ways of 'growing' the cinema's existing screen to make it suitable for widescreen presentations. However, as a listed building there were restrictions that had to be taken into account, making major structural changes impossible. After presenting the initial idea, Unusual contracted Total Fabrications to realise the concept, who, in turn, contracted AVW Controls "after a number of strong recommendations," explained Neil Darracott, design engineer for Total Fabrications.
Working with both companies, AVW Controls contributed to the design and installation of a motorized screen-extending mechanism. AVW's control system can be operated from both the stage and the projection booth, whilst moving the screen forward and simultaneously 'growing' it by three feet on each side. And, as safety was an important factor for this mechanism, AVW has created a system that senses when objects obstruct the screen's extension, stopping the movement if someone or something is in the way. Equally, the screen control system will not allow the extension mechanism to operate if there is insufficient room for it to extend.
(Ruth Rossington)
