General

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

Integrated Systems Europe

Details: 14 March 2016

Switzerland - Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the latest addition to the European audio-visual sector exhibition circuit, took place in Geneva's cavernous Palexpo complex in early February and was generally considered to have been a success on several fronts. The event, which is jointly sponsored by CEDIA, ICIA and NSCA, was spread over three days and included an extensive education and training programme alongside the exhibition in which around 120 companies promoted their products and services.

In a bullish build-up, the three associations promised to deliver "a unique trade exhibition and conference designed as a business-to-business event by industry insiders for the entire industry". Exhibitors did indeed cover the various industry sectors that are increasingly being integrated - commercial and residential sound, display, ommunications, security and audio-visual

The Centaur at Cheltenham

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - In a bold move likely to impact on the region for years to come, the management of Cheltenham Racecourse has decided to go 'all out' in their development programme with the construction of a flagship new 4,000-capacity entertainment venue - The Centaur at Cheltenham.

The Centaur is a multi-purpose indoor venue, and ranks as one of the most modern and flexible entertainment centres in the South West of England. The response to initial marketing of the arena has been quite remarkable, and the bookings diary is already looking extremely busy for the next 24 months.

This purpose-built auditorium can accommodate 2,200 people seated and 4,000 standing. The state-of-the-art LiteDeck staging system from LiteStructures forms the basis for a variety of function layouts, ranging from sporting events and concerts, to conferences and exhibitions.

Peter Allison, technical manager for

Nordíc sense . . .

Details: 14 March 2016

Denmark - "Back in 1987 when Lydkompagn9et was formed there were two dominant sound companies in Denmark - CSR (Copenhagen Sound Reinforcement) and DPA (Danish PA). CSR no longer exists and DPA has merged with Sound Co. Neither considered Lyd' a serious threat, both companies underestimated their strong business orientation and the company's determination to sweep away old practises."

That's Lars Fredriksen, a Danish freelance sound-man of some 20 years' experience, who only recently has chosen to leave the road and find a more settled career in sales. Readers may recognize the Lyd' name - they featured in L&SI when they serviced the Eurovision Song Contest from Copenhagen in 2001. But Nordíc is the new brand - I asked Nordíc's MD Lars Aunsberg, why the change of name? "Two reasons; our customers from Germany and the UK couldn't pronounce the old name; and secon

LIPA Futures Forum

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) presented its Design and Technology Futures Forum 2004, an industry-meets-academia event designed to encourage interaction between the professional production industry and the college. This inaugural event was organized by Kathy Sandys, lecturer in Theatre & Performance Design. Its ultimate aim, explains Sandys, is to ensure that LIPA continues to produce graduate students equipped with the relevant practical and theoretical skills to be employable when they leave.

The forum attracted nearly 60 people from all areas of the industry. Speakers included Bandit Lites UK director Mark Powell, and two LIPA graduates - Matt Gant and Sion Clarke - both now working as TV production designers. Powell paid tribute to the great creative energy at LIPA, and the commitment of the teaching and support staff to ensuring that students receive q

RMS at Prolight+Sound 2004

Details: 14 March 2016

Article

L to R: Rodger Hughes, managing partner - clients and markets, PricewaterhouseCoopers - Jim Reid, Wolfson Microelectronics plc - Guy Peters, Arbuthnot Securities - Penny Smith.

Wolfson awarded New Company of the Year

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Wolfson Microelectronics has been named as the New Company of the Year at the recent annual PricewaterhouseCoopers, PLC Awards in London. The award - sponsored by Arbuthnot Securities Ltd - is given to a "future company of the year, but one that has too short a track record to be considered for that award" according to the organizers. The winner had to have gone public in 2003, yet had already "demonstrated that it possesses both growth and management qualities" and had "in effect served notice to the investing community that there is a formidable growth public company in the making."

"Whilst there was a limited number of new issues in 2003, the voting panel were delighted to see an extremely high quality technology focused business as the ultimate winner of this important award," commented Nigel Hopes, PricewaterhouseCoopers partner

L-R: James Brace, Emma Jervis, Simon Baker, Jayney Bell, Ross Mc Givern, Alex Keighley and Paul Armstrong.

New team at Stage Electrics

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - After the move from Waterloo Road, the Stage Electrics London team have settled into their new unit at 175 Long Lane SE1. Jayney Bell has joined the team as branch coordinator after working in the West End and being on tour for the last 12 years. Bell has an impressive resume with appointments such as chief LX for such shows as The Play What I Wrote - UK Tour, Godspell - UK Tour , deputy chief for Fosse European and Japanese tour and deputy chief, Lion King- West End. Alex has joined the London branch as hire manager after five years working in Cambridge in a similar role. Keighley felt the challenge to take the London branches hire forward was exciting and has made big differences already. Simon Baker has been promoted to assistant project manager, working closely with the production department based in Bristol. Baker has been with the London bran

StageAccess.com hits Australia

Details: 14 March 2016

Australia - StageAccess.com, the entertainment information resource, gave the Australian market an insight into the potential available to them at the beginning of this year. Developments manager Helen Baker spent two months demonstrating the site; including stints backstage at Robbie Williams' concerts, awareness promotion at Big Day Out and presentations at Australian Music Week.

Baker, who is returning to her native Australia in mid-March, will continue to support and help increase the Australasian and Asian community membership on the site. She told us: "We had an amazing reception to the concept wherever we went. There has been a huge amount of interest in the Teams Tool function, with people such as Garry and Christo Van Egmond, AC/DC's promoters, expressing a desire to investigate the application further.

"There's also a big demand within the Australian commu

theatresearch expands

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - After almost 14 years, David Wilmore has left his job as head of the technical division at the Harrogate International Centre to concentrate full-time on his theatresearch theatre restoration practice. The theatresearch work has been expanding over the last few years working on projects that include the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond (1788) and the Gaiety Theatre & Opera House on the Isle of Man (1900) and Wilmore felt that this was the right time to explore and develop other projects.

theatresearch has recently been involved with Hayles & Howe (specialist ornamental plasters) with the dismantling of the Royal Opera House in Scarborough. Prior to demolition the auditorium was dismantled and key elements carefully stored for future reconstruction in the same way that the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith and the Dunfermline Opera House were. It is hoped that the theatre will one

Ballantyne announces increased profits

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Ballantyne of Omaha, a manufacturer of motion picture projection and specialty lighting equipment including the Strong International range of followspot products, has reported financial results from continuing operations for the three- and 12-month periods ending December 31, 2003. Net revenue from continuing operations for the three months ending December 31, 2003 rose 44% to $11.1 million, up from $7.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2002. Gross profit from continuing operations in the quarter rose 110% to $2.7 million from $1.3 million in the year-ago period, due to lower manufacturing costs resulting from increased sales volume and a more favourable sales mix.

John P. Wilmers, president and CEO of Ballantyne, commented: "The financial health of the theatre exhibition industry is steadily improving and our customers are gaining improved access to capital for new

AGM and Association Day

Details: 14 March 2016

We know there are numerous demands on Members' time, however this is a rare opportunity to get free advice on how to develop your business, discuss common concerns with others in the industry, hear about market trends and network with other PLASA members.

On Friday 11 June, we are heading to Celtic Manor in Newport (two hours from London) for our AGM and Association Day. The first part of the day - the AGM - will cover what we are doing for members and will be a chance for you to raise questions or highlight issues you'd like feedback on.

Following lunch, Mike Southon, better known as the Beermat Entrepreneur, will get you thinking about how you can rekindle the entrepreneurial flame in your business. After a mid-afternoon break for coffee, you then have two options - you can either join a 45-minute workshop on sales or one on leadership, motivation and teamwork.

During the cours

Ongoing Developments

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA is working with the VPLT on the translation of the new German rigging standards.

Consulting with International members about new initiatives.

Launching a new healthcare scheme for members. Full details next issue.

Tower Productions open new hire facility

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Tower Productions of Edinburgh has opened an hire facility just South of Oxford at Watlington to better serve an ever increasing client list in the South and Midlands. Offering a full dry hire service of; lighting, dimming, control, rigging, mains distribution, and event heating equipment, hires can be delivered at very cost effective rates, or may be collected from the warehouse just off the M40 and only an hour from North London.

Tim Shaw of Tower Productions said: "The company aim to offer the slightly less usual items like; single phase Prostar motors (run 11 from one 13a socket) and rated keder clamps for tent rigging, white minuettes and birdies, 240v exterior birdies, exterior par cans etc."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

New PLASA Members

Details: 14 March 2016

Full: Sico Europe (+44 1233 643311), specialists in floors, stages, screens. Laser Light International (+44 1234 326777), manufacturer of 'Stealth' laser systems.

International: Oxo (+33 1 69 10 33 90), developer of intelligent lighting.

Associate Business: (+44 117 971 1490), supplier of lamps, colour and equipment.

Associate Student: Alex Lewer, a student on the BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology and Design Course at Brunel University.

Roadcases calls for touring memories

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - A new company has been formed to chronicle, produce and distribute a shared history of production touring from the perspective of industry professionals. Roadcases, founded by Paul Dexter and Larry McNeny, is in its early stages of development, beginning with a website along with a new idea for a cable television series and a future book.

Dexter has been writing steadily in American industry magazines since early 2000. "I wrote an article early on called 'Is there Life After Rock'n'Roll Touring?'" says Dexter. "After touring, going out into the real world with rock'n'roll attitude was a huge shock. I need freakin' therapy now and I've discovered that I'm not the only one."

McNeny and Dexter met on Ozzy Osbourne's 'Diary of a Madman' Tour in 1981-82. McNeny was the tour manager, as he had been for the BeeGees and Eric Clapton, and Dexter was Ozzy's l

Golden Ears 2004!

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Installation Europe in association with TOA Corporation are inviting installers, consultants, distributors and manufacturers to nominate projects for the 2004 Golden Ears Award. The Award will celebrate excellence in the design of electronic systems in commercial buildings.

First prize is a dream tour of the Far East, sponsored by TOA Corporation to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. For an entry form, please visit the website below.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

New MD of CRS

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Experienced industry executive, Garry Broadbent, has been confirmed as the new MD of CRS Ltd and Powerent. Broadbent will take the reigns at two of the Longville Group's specialist equipment rental companies after a complete restructure by the new board which was appointed at the end of last year. CRS is one of the country's leading climate control hire specialists and Powerent provides power and generator solutions.

Broadbent was one of the original founders of CRS in 1995 and moved with the company, becoming sales director, when the Longville Group acquired it in 1999. Broadbent not only has a background in sales but also mechanical engineering, which is crucial in what is a technical, installation and solution driven market.

Broadbent said: "The restructure at Longville has created a great opportunity for our businesses to focus on their own unique strengths and c

Capital in Basra

Details: 14 March 2016

Iraq - Capital Productions' contract with Combined Services Entertainment (CSE) - which provides entertainment to HM Forces serving worldwide - last year extended to Iraq.

With a high number of British troops stationed in Basra, the shows tend to be more complex. Here Capital created the staging, barriers and ground support system, supplied the backline kit and sub-contracted the lighting from Brian Leitch's company, Siyan.

Capital's Paul Timmins told us: "I'm always striving to improve on the equipment and I desperately wanted to use the Martin line array system. It's the first time these premium speakers have been in the sand."

An array of eight W8L enclosures and six ground-stacked WSX subs were positioned either side of the stage, supported by a further six Martin Audio W2s for barrier fills. With air support provided by the Royal Air Force, some 24 tons of e

ESTA: New documents for review

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Three new documents have been posted on the ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association) website for public review. Two of them are draft American National Standards, while one is an informational handbook, designed to help camera crane operators use cranes safely. Comments are requested by the dates indicated below.

Camera Crane Operator's Handbook: Public comment is invited on a proposal to publish a Camera Crane Operator's Handbook. Camera cranes are simple devices, but improper use of them can result in injury or death. The handbook is intended to offer nonbrand-specific advice on how to use a camera crane safely. The public review of the Camera Crane Operator's Handbook is scheduled to run until 17:00 Eastern Time on 8 June. The complete public review packet, including the draft handbook, is available on the ESTA website at

Musicians Channel set for launch

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - May 26 2004 sees the launch of the Musicians Channel (M-Channel), the first digital television channel dedicated to encouraging, inspiring and educating all people with an interest in musical activity. The launch is seen by many key figures within the music industry as a new dawn in creating opportunities and the teaching of music. It will be broadcast on the Sky platform, free to air, and plans to make itself available to as many digital homes across Europe as possible. And, the channel's owners believe, there is a huge market for a service of this type, citing research by the National Campaign for the Arts, which reveals that 53% of UK adults (23 million) take part in arts or crafts activity, and as many people play a musical instrument as play football.

The main aim of the channel is to promote participation in music through access and education - and to equip its potent

Mike Wood launches industry patent database

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Mike Wood Consulting LLC has announces the launch of a web-based database containing full versions of patents relating to entertainment lighting. Although patents are public documents which can be obtained from the various Patent Offices around the world, it takes time and resources to locate the ones you want. This new, freely accessible database makes it easy to get hold of important or interesting lighting industry patents and will help keep you up to date with new patents as they issue.

The system is fully searchable and currently contains nearly 400 US patents including both utility and design patents: applications and European patents will follow. Complete copies of all patents in the database are available for immediate download as PDF documents.

To access the database visit the web address below and follow the 'Industry Patents' link.The database is for general i

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