USA - Apollo Design Technology recently made the first donation to Behind the Scenes from first year sales of the winning templates in their annual Design-A-Pattern Contest. Each year, Apollo is committed to adding new gobo designs to their library of standard patterns but they wanted to get the actual users more involved so in 2008 they created the Design-A-Pattern Contest. Anyone can submit a design and those entries that meet Apollo's basic criteria for what makes a good standard pattern are posted on Apollo's website and the public votes for their favourite.

The first contest resulted in 30 entries and five winning patterns submitted by R. Christopher Stokes, Dwayne Thomas, Morgan Landrum, Todd Proffitt, and Gary McGarity. As recognition for being selected, the designer's name is included in the pattern name, the designs are added to Apollo's marketing material

UK - Small businesses are hoping to beat the recession by stepping up their sales and marketing strategies, a new survey has revealed. After cutting operating costs to the bare minimum, many smaller firms are hiring sales staff, improving their websites and boosting marketing activities in an effort to tackle tough trading conditions.

Research carried out by the not-for-profit Forum of Private Business (FPB) also found that business owners expect their efforts will pay off. More than half (56%) of those surveyed expect to increase their turnover in 2010 and 44% believe their business will grow.

The findings are the first of the FPB's new 'economy watch' panel - a body of more than 350 members who are sharing their experiences as the economy heads away from recession. The panel is designed to provide an accurate and timely reflection of what small businesses are experiencing on

USA - Bosch Security Systems has announced that John F. Anderson has assumed the role of product marketing manager, intercom.

Anderson will support the Americas region in his new role, applying his substantial industry experience and strong marketing background to develop and implement marketing strategies for RTS and Telex intercom products. Acting as the focal point for the voice of the customer in this segment, Anderson will report to Daniel Gundlach, VP Marketing - Americas.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Caroline Felton has been appointed interim Chief Executive at Creative & Cultural Skills. She takes over today from Tom Bewick and will lead Creative & Cultural Skills' next phase of development, creating a new strategic plan with staff and trustees.

Felton, whose extensive experience spans both the commercial and public sectors, said, 'I am extremely pleased to be joining Creative & Cultural Skills when there is so much potential for future development. I have a passionate commitment to skills, training and professional development and believe that there is much more work to be done on this within the creative and cultural industries.

"We will continue to campaign to ensure that education and training genuinely meets the needs of those we represent, and to ensure that the voices of employers across the UK are being heard. I look forward to working with Creative & Cu

UK - Following the successful launch of MicroTiles at ISE2010, Amsterdam, Christie has announced changes within its sales structure that assure this new product area is given the appropriate focus.

It has been confirmed that Joe Graziano will fulfil the new role of market development manager - MicroTiles. He has been closely aligned to the launch preparations for MicroTiles, preparing the EMEA market prior to the recent ISE2010 launch platform. His new role will position him as product champion, enabling him to support the regional sales team across EMEA as well as find and close business directly, says the company.

Graziano states: "I am thrilled with the new role and the amazing opportunity I have to be involved with such a special product as MicroTiles. I am eager to get in amongst the EMEA base and all our partners to help them make the most of their business opportun

UK - Following its successful audio training course that debuted last September, Avitas has announced a number of one-day and half-day courses for audio and AV professionals. Three separate one-day courses are being offered on Voice Alarm systems - EN54, BS5839-8 and BS7827, a course on BS7909 for temporary electrical systems - and two half-day seminars are available on how to manage installation projects and on digital audio networking. The courses are being run by Steve Jones, James Eade and Roland Hemming.

Steve Jones is a respected audio consultant having designed numerous large-scale systems including Wembley stadium and Ascot racecourse. In addition he sits on a number of British and European standards committees for voice alarm systems.

James Eade is an experienced project engineer having worked on countless installations and live events. He is consultant to the standar

UK - This week the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) and the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) launch their much-anticipated training partnership initiative, creating a new force in UK vocational theatre training.

At a time when the importance of training in the industry is much in the spotlight - with an emphasis not only on those joining the profession but also those with more established careers - this alliance heralds a new phase in each organisation's plans to raise industry standards.

BECTU, with project workers throughout the UK, identified in the ABTT a partner who - as one of the leading training providers - would deliver high quality, industry-recognised training, across the UK, to the benefit of its own and ABTT's members, as well as theatre in general.

The scheme will initially focus on implementing the ABTT's Silv

UK - Roscolab Ltd is proud to have supported the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund with its recent sponsorship of Philip Norfolk of MA Lighting who, along with a team of 10 led by PSA's Andy Lenthall, ran the Bath Half Marathon at the beginning of March.

President Mark Engel and senior sales manager UK, Paul de Ville, each pledged £150 on behalf of Roscolab USA and UK respectively, towards sponsoring the runners.

"When Phil approached us and said he was to attempt a Half Marathon on behalf of the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund, I told him that only people over a certain age would know what he was talking about and that I would normally eat the whole thing!" says Paul de Ville. "However, when he explained that he was actually referring to a sponsored run and outlined the work that the Fund does, we felt it was a very worthwhile cause and pledged our support imme

Canada/Germany - BlackBox from CAST Software has added three new partners filling the categories of media server, stereoscopic camera and network technology.

The first Alpha version will be debuted during ProLight&Sound, and the system is already in preliminary specifications for some major upcoming productions, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.

After a round of successful demonstrations and high-quality reviews following PLASA and LDI, Coolux, Magna BSPand SAND Network Systems have joined the ranks of the BlackBox current partner network.

Coolux Media Systems, with locations in the USA, Germany and China is the producer of the Pandora's Box media and show control system.

Magna BSP of Israel is the producer of BiScopic Protection, a high performance stereoscopic vision sensory system for the detection of perimeter intrusion.

SAND Network Systems,

On Broadway - A musical celebrating musician Ray Charles will open on Broadway in November, it has been announced. Unchain My Heart will be produced by Stuart Benjamin, who also made the 2004 Oscar-winning movie Ray which starred Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx. The musical was originally staged at the Pasadena Playhouse in 2007 with the title Ray Charles Live! A New Musical. The Broadway cast has yet to be unveiled. In 2004, Foxx was named best actor at the Academy Awards for his portrayal of the late musician, who was a pioneer in the genre of soul during the 1950s. The film also won the Oscar for sound mixing.

Performing Rights - The royalties that UK songwriters, composers and music publishers get from online sales are growing faster than the decline from CDs and DVDs. That is the finding of PRS for Music, the not-for-profit body which ensures such gro

UK - In a world first for the entertainment rigging industry, PLASA Events has announced the launch of the PLASA International Rigging Conference, to be held alongside two days of PLASA 2010, at Earls Court, London on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 September.

The aim of the conference, the first of its kind in the world, is to provide a unique specialist forum that will bring together entertainment rigging companies, riggers, venue operators, tour and event production managers and more. It is the latest industry-specific forum to be presented by PLASA Events and reflects the PLASA organisation's stated intent to reinvest in the entertainment and installation technology industries and deliver bespoke industry relevant events.

Chris Higgs of Total Solutions Group, consultant on the conference, comments: "This is one of those ideas that when you mention it, everyone says 'what a f

UK - While the Government is taking steps to 'divvy-up' the airwaves in the face of strong opposition, it keeps thinking of reasons not to fully compensate the little-guys being booted-out. Save Our Sound UK asks 'why the inconsistency in political will?'

In an unprecedented move last week, the Government sought approval from Parliament to tell the regulator Ofcom how to cut the spectrum cake, which the Government has referred to as the 'billion pound prize'. Meanwhile, the same Government has found a number of obscure barriers to delivering what Save Our Sound UK believes is needed to prevent a major setback to the live events and entertainment industries.

The eviction of the Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) sector from the airwaves in question will generate a massive windfall for the Treasury. Just to make sure that it is allocated in the right way, the Government

UK - The second biennial conference of the Schools' Theatre Support Group (STSG) was held on Saturday 20 February at Rugby School in Warwickshire. The STSG was founded in 2005 for technicians, designers, managers and teachers working in school or college theatres. The Group has over 100 members from independent and state schools, colleges and universities around the country, allowing members to share ideas and problems, as well as raising awareness of school theatre work amongst fellow professionals.

The conference was organised by Paul Durose of The Leys School, Cambridge, and was hosted by Rugby School. The event was generously sponsored by White Light, Philips Selecon, Showcomms, A.C. Entertainment Technologies, Zero 88 and Stage Electrics, with workshops run by KV2 Audio, Philips Selecon and Showcomms.

Brian Attwood of The Stage newspaper chaired an open?forum session, in

Belgium / USA - Barco has acquired the products, intellectual property (IP) rights and know-how of Element Labs, an LED video systems expert based in Santa Clara, California. With a focus on mid-end market requirements in rental, staging and fixed installations, the Element Labs products complement Barco's existing high-end product range.

Through this transaction, Barco strengthens its position as a leading provider of LED, projection, image processing and lighting products. This comprehensive product portfolio allows Barco to serve customers with different budget levels in the media and entertainment market. Barco will not book any goodwill on this transaction.

"This expands Barco's portfolio for the mid-range markets," Eric Van Zele, Barco's president and CEO, comments. "Element Labs' products in these markets have proven their worth on many occasions and perf

UK - The Prime Minister has given his full support for the build of the £13 million National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills in Thurrock. This state-of-the-art building, set within the Royal Opera House Production Park, will deliver industry-led training for the creative sector, addressing an anticipated need for 30,000 skilled backstage and technical theatre staff by 2017. It will also provide technical accreditation and professional development for the existing workforce.

This announcement confirms the finance required from the Homes and Communities Agency to start work on the building. This investment complements the £5 million already committed by the Learning and Skills Council. Work will commence on the building in November 2010, ready for a 2012 opening.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said: "Today's announcement is positive news for the

Frankfurt 2010 - The lighting and sound industries head for Frankfurt this week for what promises to be an interesting and well attended ProLight&Sound. Judging by the number of press releases and product launch invitations received, the LSI team will be kept busy.

On The Left - Musician Billy Bragg is to curate his own stage at this summer's Glastonbury Festival, organisers have announced. Bragg will book the bill for the Leftfield tent, which returns this year after being axed in 2009. Bragg said his role would be "a bit of everything - curator, MC, performer, guitar roadie [and] juggler." The stage will aim to bring a political dimension to the event, described as "the original activist festival" by the Barking-born veteran. Glastonbury, said Bragg, "has always had that political edge since its rebirth in the 1980s as a gathering for dissidents

UK - Rycote has appointed a new sales & marketing manager. Based at Rycote's headquarters in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Stefano Pucello is now responsible for all Rycote sales nationally and internationally, replacing Gabby Davies, who left the company at the end of last year to complete her PhD.

"It's an exciting time to join Rycote," comments Italian-born Pucello, who has been settled in the UK for 12 years and previously worked in the wire and cable industry. "The company's new Universal Studio Mount redefines the concept of the low-noise recording microphone suspension, and, at well under the price of a typical dynamic recording mic, has affordable mass appeal to anyone who uses microphones, whether they're recording in a back bedroom or AIR Studios. That's a big new sales area for the company to service, in addition to the windshield market, where Rycote has al

UK - Showsec has completed the first phases of its operational management restructure, to take effect from 1 April 2010.

The new-look management team will focus on continued operational and customer service improvements as part of strategic business development. This significant restructure sees two key members of staff promoted with widened responsibilities supported by a number of area managers taking on new roles, says the company.

Alan Wallace, who has worked with Showsec for 15 years, has been appointed regional manager in the North. Wallace was one of the first Showsec managers to complete a Foundation Degree in crowd management, and will draw on his extensive experience as Manchester area manager in his new role.

Steve Reynolds, formerly a project manager, takes up the position of southern regional manager. Having worked at Showsec for over 10 years after graduating f

UK One of the North East's largest venues is set to embark on a major campaign to attract large scale exhibitions and conferences.

St James' Park has more than a 100 boxes and suites which can cater events ranging from those for a handful of people to a sit down dinner for a 1000.

And now the club's events team is set to proactively market the venue to highlight its easy accessibility and the versatility of the spaces available to organisations and companies wanting to stage an event or an exhibition in the North East.

The conference and banqueting at Newcastle United is run by Sodexo Prestige. In 2009 the club held more than 2000 events, including accommodating over 1500 people who turned up for the auditions for Big Brother.

The club is now planning to raise its profile outside of the region to highlight its easy accessibility and versatility of the space availabl

UK - Employers are being urged to embrace new guidelines which aim to clarify their responsibilities around volunteering, work experience, internships, traineeships and apprenticeships. They are launched as new statistics reveal that almost half of the Creative Media workforce (44 per cent) said they had carried out unpaid work to get into the industry.

The guidelines clearly set out the law and employment duties in the creative industries, where gaining entry is so often informal and open to a "who you know" culture. Put together by Skillset in collaboration with Creative & Cultural Skills and Arts Council England, the guidance aims to promote good practice and clarify the various entry routes into the creative industries.

It is the first time such guidelines have been drawn up for the creative and cultural industries. They include: Limiting work experience placemen

Germany/USA - EAW has announced the appointment of Ibbenbüren-based Trius Vertrieb as EAW's exclusive distributor for Germany. Effective immediately, Trius will handle distribution for EAW's products, interfacing with EAW's European sales director Sean Martin, EAW application support group EMEA representative Moray McMillin and other key members of EAW's team in Europe. The announcement was made by Jeffrey Cox, VP Pro Audio, at the Musikmesse Show in Frankfurt.

Kai Boeckmann, Trius managing director, stated, "Trius has been a German market leader for several decades, having built successful business relationships throughout the region, and we look forward to using our experience and contacts to lead EAW's sales initiatives in Germany. EAW produces high-quality products, and with their manufacturing facilities and European warehouse, they are in a position to offer highly p

Frankfurt Postscript - Organisers of Musikmesse and ProLight&Sound 2010 report satisfactory attendance figures. "With around 2,340 exhibitors, 62 percent of them from outside Germany, and almost 110,000 visitors from 128 countries, Musikmesse and ProLight&Sound exceeded our expectations," said Detlef Braun, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt. "Moreover", he added, "the number of exhibitors and visitors remained stable in comparison to last year despite some dramatic drops in sales of up to 30 percent in both sectors over the last 18 months." Overall, the impact of the difficult economic situation in the two sectors was limited to minor declines in the number of exhibitors and visitors compared to 2009 (2,388 exhibitors, 112.478 visitors).

In line with the difficult economic situation prevailing in both sectors, which has hit the ex

UK - Black Light is moving to a new location as of 5 April. The new premises, only 1km for its current premises, will allow for the continued growth of Black Light, with additional warehouse and extended office space.

The new address details are: West Shore Trading Estate, West Shore Road, Granton, Edinburgh. EH5 1QF. All other contact details will remain the same.

(Jim Evans)

UAE - Swedish image processing and show-control specialist Dataton returns to Dubai for PALME Middle East with a new take on its flagship product, Dataton Watchout. Version 4.2 of Watchout, which will be making its regional debut at the show, incorporates a new development, Watchout Systems Manager.

Based on Adobe Flash technology, Watchout Systems Manager allows users to create interactive front ends for their Watchout-driven systems and presentations. It includes two ready-to-run applications for remote control and scheduling of shows, and also features an Application Programming Interface (API) and a Communications Library so that users can create their own applications.

Michael Engström, director of sales at Dataton, comments, "Remote control and scheduling are invaluable aids in larger, more complex multimedia installations. The remote-control application within Wat

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