General

Diane Grant of DHA takes over as chairman of PLASA, and Andrew Bishop of Carlsbro Electronics is the Association's new vice-chairman.

New chairman and vice-chairman at PLASA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) has announced that Diane Grant of DHA Lighting and Andrew Bishop of Carlsbro Electronics have been elected PLASA chairman and vice-chairman respectively, with Tim Brown of Apple Sound re-elected as PLASA treasurer. The Association's previous chairman, David Hopkins (OBE) of Audio Design Services remains on the PLASA committee, but former vice-chairman Sammy de Havilland steps down, having completed his term in office.

During the year ahead, the new committee will focus on several key themes, including improved services for the membership and greater emphasis on safety and training.

(Lee Baldock)

PLASA continues RIBA relationship

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - As part of PLASA's ongoing role as a CPD Network Provider for RIBA - the Royal Institute of British Architects - PLASA's Nicky Greet, in conjunction with Andy Brining of Stagepoint (and with input from Chris Higgs of Total Fabrications), has developed a seminar entitled Design Considerations for Buildings used for Corporate or Entertainment Applications, to provide architects with essential information in the design stages. The first will be delivered at PALME in Dubai next month (16-18 Feb), with others to follow.

The RIBA CPD Providers Network exists to provide quality, assessed, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for architects and other construction professionals. Manufacturers and suppliers from practically every sector of the construction industry are now represented on this highly respected Network.

The Association had been looking for an opportunity

Olivier Award nominations include Sound Design

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - This year's Olivier Awards nominations have been announced: three musicals lead the way in overall nominations, with Jerry Springer The Opera, Ragtime and Pacific Overtures each receiving eight nominations across a number of categories.

Best Lighting Design nominations are for PLASA member Simon Corder for his design for Hitchcock Blonde at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court and the Lyric; Hugh Vanstone for Pacific Overtures at the Donmar Warehouse, and Howard Harrison for Ragtime at the Piccadilly.

For the first time in its 28-year history, the Olivier Awards panel has added a Best Sound Design category to its list of honours, with nominations going to Mike Walker for Jerry Springer - The Opera at the Lyttelton and Cambridge theatres; Nick Lidster for Pacific Overtures; Peter Hylenski for Ragtime and

David Johnson to head up LD & ED magazines

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Primedia Business Magazines & Media has announced that David Johnson, long-time editor of Entertainment Design (ED) and a veteran of both Entertainment Design and Lighting Dimensions magazines for 10 years, has been named associate publisher/editorial director of the magazines with immediate effect, reporting to group publisher, Bob MacArthur.

The move comes as two of the magazine's staff leave the company - David Barbour, long-time editorial director for the magazines and publisher, Jackie Tien. "Jackie Tien and David Barbour should be proud of what they helped build here over such a long period of time," says Primedia Business senior vice-president Pete May, "and of their numerous contributions to the entertainment lighting industry. We thank them for all they have done. David Johnson will build on that foundation to bring growth and d

PLASA announces new American publication

Details: 14 March 2016

UK / USA - The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) has announced the formation of a new commercial subsidiary, PLASA Media Inc, which will publish a new, high-quality magazine for the Americas market - Lighting&Sound America. This monthly industry publication will launch in Spring 2004 and will cover the use of professional lighting, sound and related technologies in entertainment, presentation, club and worship applications.

The New York City-based team will consist of four well-respected and high-profile individuals from the industry - publisher and general manager Jackie Tien, associate publisher Adrienne Gurman, editor-in-chief David Barbour, and senior technical editor Michael S. Eddy, all of whom have extensive experience and knowledge of the industry.

The team will work in close collaboration with PLASA's chief executive Matthew Griffiths, and t

VME Ltd appoints new events director

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - VME Ltd, the audio and lighting sales and hire company, has appointed Jane Fernihough as its new events director. Fernihough joins VME having spent the past seven years at Wigwam Acoustics where she was part of the Wigwam Events Team. Her experience with both indoor and outdoor events range from the Royal Albert Hall to some of Europe's largest parks, and televised events for Britain's leading gospel television station.

Prior to her post at Wigwam, Fernihough had worked in a variety of roles in the entertainment industry. Her responsibilities as VME events director is to extend the company's client base and to fully utilize all the facilities that VME have at their disposal.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Forthcoming Events . . .

Details: 14 March 2016

MARCH

Working at Heights Consultation: 8 March, New Holland Centre, Spalding, Lincolnshire.

Free to Members: Overwhelmed by demand for the first Working at Heights Regulations consultation in February, we have now arranged a second session, so more members can participate. Non-members can also attend for £30.00 +VAT.

To register email ron@plasa.org

Intellectual Property Seminar: 25 March, Victoria, London.

Free to members: This DTI-supported seminar will cover all the issues surrounding intellectual property including trade marks, patents, copyright and trade secrets, as well as giving practical advice on the most effective way to protect your products and brand.

To register email norah@plasa.org

MAY - Human Resource Workshop: Date & Venue TBC.

Clive Payne of CP Associates will discuss the latest employment issues and advise members on the impact of new l

Roundhouse consults with PLASA members on new venue

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA Members were given unique access to London's Roundhouse venue in mid-December as part of a link-up between the Association and the venue to ensure that its £28million refurbishment takes advantage of the services and technologies offered by member companies. Those who attended were given a tour of the main space and the planned Creative Centre and a direct line to any opportunities for involvement in the project.

The refurbishment will see this legendary venue (The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and The Doors all played here) transformed into a contemporary performance space. In addition to the main space and studio theatre, it will also feature a Creative Centre - a fully equipped broadcast and media space where young people of all backgrounds can learn new skills and develop their creative abilities.

The restoration is being handled by architects John McAslan and P

New Members

Details: 14 March 2016

Joining as Full EU members are Highlite International BV (The Netherlands), suppliers of lighting, audio and staging and Universal Effects (France), a manufacturer of smoke machines and special effects products.

Thales Space Technology (Bodelwyddan, UK), designers of optical systems and components, have signed up as Associate members, whilst a steady stream of applications from students has swelled this rank of the membership. New members include Adam Chandler (BTec National Diploma in Technical Theatre at Peterborough College); Katherine Davidson (BA Theatre Practice at CSSD); Daniel Manning (BSc Media Technology (Hons) at Southampton Institute); Thomas Nagels (Industrial Engineering Electro-Mechanics Automation at GroupT Leuven School of Engineering in Belgium); Christopher Pugh (BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance Technology Co

L&SI America Launched

Details: 14 March 2016

The Association has launched a new magazine for the industry. The first issue of L&SI America will be published in Spring 2004 and like its European counterpart, will cover the use of professional lighting, sound and related technologies in entertainment, presentation, club and worship applications.

The launch of L&SI America will ensure that the PLASA name, and that of its individual members, will have a much greater profile in the Americas, giving both the Association and its member companies an active lead in this market.

Roadcrew Providential Syndicate

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - L&SI recently received a statement from The Roadcrew Providential Syndicate which held its first meeting on Saturday 3 January at the Point 101 Club. The meeting resolved to set up a permanent organization, as part of the GMB trade union, to achieve representation for those involved in the production of live entertainment and other events. The RPS has invited any individuals who work in the following areas to join them, regardless of employment status: backline crew, local crew, bus drivers, truck drivers, tour managers, merchandise staff, catering crew, sound crew, lighting crew, AV crew, riggers, set builders, barrier crew, wardrobe, close tour security and other crew who are part of the industry.

Because of the nature of these particular jobs, individuals are often excluded from access to High Street financial services. By joining the Roadcrew Providential Syndicate, mem

Le Mark & Pro Tapes in alliance

Details: 14 March 2016

UK / USA - Le Mark Group and Pro Tapes/Permacel - the world's largest manufacturers of tapes for the arts and entertainment industry, have announced an alliance which sees Le Mark Group become a Master Distributor in the UK for the Pro Tapes/Permacel range of high quality self-adhesive tapes. Pro Tapes/Permacel is the leading manufacturer of vinyl-coated tapes including Permacel 665, the world's first gaffer tape.

Le Mark has a wide range of award-winning 'tape-based' products and saw the benefits of offering the Pro Tapes/Permacel range through its own dealer network. Le Mark MD Stuart Gibbons stated: "The alliance between our two great companies is a natural and logical progression. Le Mark needed to meet customer demand for specialty products, in particular gaffer tapes with more colour options. The Pro-Gaffer range is available in 17 standard colours and four fluorescen

TPi 2004 Awards

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - This year's TPi Awards - the third annual Total Production International magazine awards event - took place at the Novotel London West in Hammersmith earlier this week. Hosted by former Spandau Ballet bassist and actor Martin Kemp, the event saw 25 awards presented, with winners including Jake Berry (Production Manager of the Year), Robert Collins (FOH Engineer), Blue Leach (Video Director), LSD Fourth Phase (Lighting Rental Company), Star Events Group (Staging Company) and Carling Academy Brixton (Venue).

Highlights of the evening included the presentation of The Editor's Award to video director Dick Carruthers, made by Led Zeppelin rock legend Jimmy Page. This year's Lifetime Contribution Award went to the original founder of Brilliant Stages, Charlie Kail - presented to him by Brian Croft - and Robbie Williams' tour manager Andy Franks picked up a personal award, plus an

More new roles and faces at White Light

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Complementing the recently-announced changes to the staff of White Light Hire, the White Light Group is pleased to announce one further change of position and two more new appointments.

Richard Wilson, White Light's long-serving operations director spent many years as he making the practical side of getting the lights out of the door work he is now moving to the position of business development director, working to introduce The White Light Group to new clients and new areas of business. Bryan Raven, White Light Group's general manager, commented: "Richard's record of making the sharp end of our business work is well proven - after all, however much we promise it means nothing unless we actually get the right lights out at the right time! Having successfully established new working methods for our warehouse in the two years since our move to Wimbledon from Fulham, Rich

RSAMD exhibition and sponsors' Trade Show

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - For two days in late March the final year students of the Technical and Production Arts Course at the RSAMD will be exhibiting a broad range of their work from their three years of study in the Chandler Studio Theatre.

This year, in tandem with the Graduate Exhibition, the college is also launching its Sponsors' Trade show. During the same two days in March the New Athenaeum Theatre will be turned over to RSAMD's industry sponsors and suppliers enabling them to demonstrate and discuss their most recent equipment and products with prospective clients and visitors to the Academy. Companies such as Autograph Sales, VLPS Lighting Services, Rope Assemblies, Crosby Europe, Rosco, Zero 88 and Lyon Equipment Ltd will be talking part.

This is an opportunity for people to meet the RSAMD's staff, students and industry supporters as well as seeing what is happening at one of the fore

New developments at the PSA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Annual General Meeting of the Production Services Association (PSA) was held recently at the Novotel Hammersmith in London and saw the appointment of two new members to the council - Lee Charteris of StageAccess.com and Mick Bowles, a freelance event, site, production, safety and licensing manager.

The meeting was followed by the PSA conference, which included important announcements on the new National Rigging Certificate and the PSA's proposed Safety Passport scheme in association with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The day's activities were followed by the Annual TPi Awards dinner where it was announced that the magazine's owners, Mondiale Publishing, would be seconding Total Production magazine's co-founder, Andy Lenthall, to the PSA to be their full-time general manager. At the same time, Mondiale will be contracted to the PSA to manage the accoun

AMPTP joins ESTA Certification Council

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - AMPTP - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, has accepted a permanent seat on Entertainment Services and Technology Association's (ESTA) new Certification Council. The AMPTP is the primary trade association with respect to labor issues in the motion picture and television industry. AMPTP negotiates 80 industry-wide collective bargaining agreements that cover actors, craftpersons, directors, musicians, technicians, and writers - virtually all of the people who work on theatrical motion pictures and television programs. The Certification Council is the governing body, which is managing the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.

AMPTP has appointed Dennis King, AMPTP vice-president, as their representative to the Council. King is the Chair of the Motion Picture Industry-Wide L

Forthcoming Events . . .

Details: 14 March 2016

MARCH - Intellectual Property Seminar: 25 March, Victoria, London.

Free to members: This DTI-supported seminar will cover all the issues surrounding intellectual property including trade marks, patents, copyright and counterfeiting, as well as giving practical advice on the most effective way to protect your products and brand.

To register email norah@plasa.org

APRIL - Design Considerations for Buildings: 28 April, Interbuild, Birmingham.

This RIBA-supported seminar has been developed to provide architects, designers and installers with essential information when designing buildings for corporate or entertainment use.

To register email nicky@plasa.org

MAY - Human Resource Workshop: 18 May, Victoria, London.

Free to members: Clive Payne of CP Associates will discuss employment issues and advise members on the impact of new legislation.

To register e

Grants for UK Exhibitors to CALM

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA - through UK Trade & Investment - has secured government funding for UK exhibitors to CALM 2004, which takes place from 30 May-2 June at the China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing.

All eligible UK companies planning to exhibit at CALM can receive a grant for 50% of costs, up to a limit of £2,500. The grant covers expenditure on such areas as exhibition space, stand construction costs, freight and display materials. For further information, contact Norah Phillips on:

New PLASA Members

Details: 14 March 2016

Joining as Full members are Leeds-based Fibre Optic Systems (+44 113 263 0633), a manufacturer of fibre optics for the entertainment and leisure industries; Surrey-based George P. Johnson Company (+44 20 8614 3210), one of the world's largest event delivery and marketing agencies; Pro Light Concepts of Darwen (+44 0870 7503900), a distributor of sound, lighting and effects; Special EFX, based in Stratford-upon-Avon (+44 8700 664100), a specialist in the development of LED-based products for architectural lighting solutions.

Harman Pro UK of Potters Bar (+44 1707 668041), a distributor of pro audio equipment, has signed up as a Corporate member, Macostar Hong Kong (+852 2814 1881), a supplier and specialist contractor of design, supply and installation services, has joined as an International member and Install UK of Ludlow (+44 1584 711

Market Savvy?

Details: 14 March 2016

For the past three years, PLASA has been conducting a major research exercise into the key trends within the industry. The results have not only provided robust confirmation of what's happening in the market, but have also shed some light on the performance and spending habits of companies within the industry.

The report covers four key sectors - Lighting, Pro Audio, Staging and AV - giving members a better understanding of the main market sectors, and a statistical platform from which to support their business planning and applications for funding. The research has also proved a useful benchmarking tool, allowing members to compare, for instance, their own experiences with the trends in average revenue per employee and the percentage others are spending on marketing and R&D.

The fourth phase of the research is now about to begin and PLASA members will be contacted shortly with an

Advice on Intellectual Property

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The growth of the international marketplace, and a significant rise in digital communications, has made the protection and management of Intellectual Property an increasingly important issue for all those investing in design and development. To help PLASA members gain a broad understanding of Intellectual Property, and the related issue of brand protection, PLASA is running a FREE seminar in Central London on 25 March.

The day will set out to define Intellectual Property and offer advice on how members can protect their products and brands, with Professor James Woudhuysen, a respected lecturer and writer, talking about future trends in product design and innovation. Areas such as copyright, patents, trade marks, trade secrets and the protection of products abroad, particularly from counterfeiting, will also be covered. Members will also get to hear from Briffa - specialists

IATSE provides major support to ETCP

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - At its recent meeting, the General Executive Board of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) voted to contribute $75,000 to the development of the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). IATSE president Thomas C. Short commented: "Assuring safety on the job is of paramount importance to our members. The new certification program is a step toward achieving a more secure working environment for our members."

IATSE's generous donation further demonstrates their significant commitment to safety in the entertainment industry. The organization was formed more than a century ago and is the largest labour union in the entertainment and related industries. Underlining their commitment to , IATSE has appointed Anthony DePaulo (international vice-president), Brian Lawlor (international vice-president and division director of Stagecra

Northen Lights up Theatre Museum

Details: 14 March 2016

UK- Many familiar faces from the lighting industry attended the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden on 10 February, for the opening of an exhibition which celebrates the life and work of the late Michael Northen. Known to many as the first lighting designer of British theatre, Northen lit over 300 productions during a distinguished career that spanned six decades. In addition to being a prolific lighting designer, he was the first LD to gain a printed credit for lighting designer in a programme.

Speakers at the event included Mark Jonathan, well-known lighting designer and manager, who represented members of The Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) - an organization Northen founded with Joe Davis and later became chairman and then president of in 1995. Also speaking was Robert Camac - Michael Northen's long-term partner whom he was with from1948 until his death in 2001, and Giles

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