PLASA’s managing director Matthew Griffiths commented: "Concerns about the lack of suitable and relevant training in the entertainment technology industry have been voiced for some time, and PLASA originally scheduled this appointment into its long-term strategy as part of its first five-year plan in 2000. During 2001, we conducted an extensive programme of research into the issue with the aid of our members, which enabled us to move
Mitchell started SIS in the 70s as a manufacturer of NAB ‘jingle’ machines, but moved into disco lighting manufacture in the early 1980s, as well as wholesaleing for other manufacturers. Ian Brown, now of Coe-tech, was SIS’s sales director in this period, but moved on when SIS’s success enabled it to move to larger freehold premises. Unfortunately, higher overheads and bad debts led to the failure of the company only a few years later. David was well-known and respected. He was likeable, with a mischievous sense of humour. Many of his friends in the industry will regret, as I do, that his relative obscurity in recent years meant that they could not easily keep in touch with hi
By adding several new features to its rental management software system RentalDesk, Navigator Systems have now made it possible to search quickly and easily for the ‘First Available Date’ for the ‘demo’ item required. Thus, if a company requests a mixing desk for a five-day period in June, the sales rep can check whether it’s available for that period and if it isn't, give the
The Secretary of State has declared that he is 'very selective' about 'calling-in' planning applications, and usually only takes this step if 'planning issues of more than local importance are involved' and 'that the application is one that he ought to decide himself because he considers the proposals may conflict with national and regional policies on important matters.' This vin
Founded in Belgium in 1985, Stageco now has rental operations in Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Germany and the USA, and has serviced some of the world’s most high-profile tours, sporting events and festivals, counting the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Pink Floyd, U2 and Robbie Williams among its clients.
The company stocks in excess of 7,000 different products - sometimes holding as many as 10,000 examples of each - making for a stock-holding which numbers literally millions of items. Consequently, the logistics of tracking movement and availability presents a huge administrative effort, hence why the company turned to RMS.
The system that
In addition to the main exhibition, there is also a complementary programme of theatre-related seminars, which includes the following. Revitalising Health & Safety: Eric Pirie, a health & safety inspector, will discuss publicly funded bodies and the Government in relation to key pieces of Health & Safety Legislation, together with a discussion of the role of the Broadcasting & Performing Arts Joint Advisory Committee.
Sound System Design in the Theatre: John Taylor of d&b audiotechnik UK Ltd will look at issues of sound intelligibility and in particular, the acoustic part of the signal path between the loudspeaker and the listeners&
The exhibition showcases favourites from the extensive collection of film and television material held by the BFI chosen from thousands of films, programmes and production materials. David Atkinson Lighting Design was contacted by Land Design Studio to come up with a cost effective, flexible and dynamic lighting design to cope with the scope and scale of the exhibits, as well as the touring schedule. Land devised a bespoke modular steel system, with the resulting architectural solution having something of a warehouse feel.
As the designers wanted to use colour to define areas within the exhibition, Atkinson chose to use a large quantity of Encapsulite fluorescent fittings,
All PLASA members were recently mailed a flyer (pictured above) containing full details and booking information on the day’s events. We would like to remind you to return your booking forms to the PLASA Office as soon as possible. The event provides an unmissable opportunity to meet with other members, the PLASA committee and staff, to learn about what the Association is doing on your behalf and to discuss issues that are important to you.
Contact:
PLASA's Matthew Griffiths commented: "Concerns about the lack of suitable training in the entertainment technology industry have been voiced for some time, and PLASA originally scheduled this appointment into its long-term strategy as part of its first five-year plan in 2000. During 2001, we conducted a programme of research into the issue with the aid of our members, which enabled us to move on to the next stage. I am very pleased to have now reached this point in the process, and I welcome Nicky to our team at Eastbourne."
Nicky's first task will be to formulate a Tr
The company is supplying all technical infrastructure, co-ordination, site and production management for this mind-boggling task, working closely with show producer Major Sir Michael Parker and the Golden Jubilee Weekend Trust. Unusual has employed over 250 sub-contractors and mounted a major logistical exercise to ensure the event - being broadcast live worldwide - is a well-oiled operation. To this end, the company has been interfacing with various authorities including Westminster City Council Special Events, the Metropolitan Police, Royal Parks, the GLA, the WRVS, London Underground, London Ambulance, St. John Ambulance and the British Red Cross.
The event i
PSL is the first (and currently the only) rental and staging company to be awarded this accreditation. The process involves an ongoing quality audit by an independent professional body and covers all operating divisions within PSL, who have qualified independently in their own areas of expertise. Gary Davis, managing director of PSL stated: "This accreditation illustrates our ongoing commitment to providing the highest levels of service to our custo
Despite a fiercely fought semi-final between Vari-Lite and White Light, particularly as the scores drew closer, there was an atmosphere of fun and a great day out was had by all. As the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard read Fourth Phase as the winners, with Vari-Lite as runners up, followed by White Light, Creative Stages and DHA. DHA were 'compensated' with wooden spoons that have since taken pride of place on their desks. Louise Tester, UK & Eire sales manager at DHA, also received a plaque for being the only female willing to take part! Sadly, for all his pains, Nigel 'the cat' Sadler only got a pain in his back, having spen
The BBC-produced Garden Concerts at Buckingham Palace and the surrounding infrastructure through central London included a roll-call of experts that would be familiar to any top-flight rock tour or major spectacular, including Mark Fisher (design), Robbie Williams (production management), Edwin Shirley Staging, XL Video, Screenco, Fourth Phase, VLPS L
Behind the Scenes will take place on Thursday 12 September, immediately following the PLASA Show at Earls Court - one of the highlights of the entertainment technology industry calendar. As a participant in the tour, you will be transported by coach from Earls Court Exhibition Hall to the Royal Albert Hall, where you will be conducted on a backstage tour encompassing the breadth of the venue’s recently-completed £70 million refurbishment. The tour will take you through front-of-house and the historic audito
Following the ‘business’ of the day, around 100 people sat down to an enjoyable dinner with entertainment provided by two guest speakers - ex-footballer Paul Fletcher and impressionist Kevin Connelly - before retiring to the bar for some serious networking. Wayne
The programme, ‘’A Test Is Worth A Thousand Words,’ gives theatres in the US the information and support they need to monitor and test all types of fog, including glycol/glycerin, mineral oil, dry ice/liquid CO2 and liquid nitrogen fogs. Venues can then compare results to accepted standards and guidelines and advise performers and crew members that the theatre monitors and tests
The Code is being issued in four sections, namely: general record management, recruitment and selection, monitoring in the workplace and genetic and drug testing of workers. Not all the Code will be binding, but it will outline what the Information Commissioner believes is best practice for employers wishing to comply with the Data Protection Act and/or avoid criminal liability. The part of the DPA concerning manual records including e-mail monitoring and the interception of pho
Some of the key points in the proposed legislation and the new duties employers will face if enacted are:
Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave and Pay.
Six months’ paid and a further six months’ unpaid maternity leave for working mothers.
Six months’ paid and a further six months’ unpaid leave for working adoptive parents.
Two weeks’ paid paternity leave for working fathers.
A 60% increase in the rate of statutory maternity pay (SMP) to £100 per week.
Reimbursement of maternity, paternity and adoption payments made by
This is not a ‘showroom’ in the traditional sense - though its intention is very much to showcase the latest lamp innovations from the company - but more of an interactive experience, hence the name ‘Osram Light Experience’. Stretching across over 200sq.m and incorporating a café, light studio and auditorium, the venue can work as a single space or be split into two areas by a ‘light wall’, allowing different groups to visit the studio simultaneously.
It is clear that the design team from Furneaux Stewart, led by Jane Huggins and Keith Feeney, understood Osram’s brief for something out of the ordinary all too
The Queen's Award is conferred each year upon a limited number of companies for international trade, innovation or sustainable development. Over 150 guests attended the presentation including Lord Attenborough, the President of the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, and many people from the theatrical and architectural professions.
(Ruth Rossington)
Visit www.isce.org.uk for full programme and discount details, or telephone Cathy Mackenzie on
ABTT’s emphasis on training and education was demonstrated by the wide-ranging seminar programme which accompanied the event, but the highlight was the ABTT Dinner staged on the first evening where Major Sir Michael Parker, famed for his work on such events as the Royal Tournament and more recently All the Queens Horses, was the guest speaker. The Awards announced during the Dinner recognized the work of sound designer Andrew Bruce of Autograph Sound who collected a Lifetime Achievement Award, whilst the Technician of the Year award went to Nick
Guests ranged from well-known industry figures to those at the beginning of their careers: whatever their background or experience, the evening gave an opportunity for everyone to mix and talk over the recent Jubilee celebrations. £400 was raised for the Welfare & Benevolent Fund in a raffle organised by Brit Row with prizes donated by Telex Shuttlesound, Yamaha and Brit Row.
(Lee Baldoc
