General

The Week in Lighting & Sound

Details: 14 March 2016

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

Black Light on the move

Details: 14 March 2016

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)

Version 4.2 of Watchout makes regional debut at PALME Middle East

Dataton brings Systems Manager to the Middle East

Details: 14 March 2016

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

Charcoalblue growth drives staff expansion

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Following another year of strong growth, leading theatre consultancy Charcoalblue has appointed four new team members: theatre consultant and lighting specialist Paul Franklin, architect and theatre planner Elena Giakoumaki, stage engineer and innovator Giles Favell, and acoustician Byron Harrison.

Paul Franklin brings international theatre consultancy experience to Charcoalblue. Skilled in the design of lighting, dimming and control systems for a wide range of environments and functions, Franklin has contributed to a number of prestigious projects including the critically acclaimed Wexford Opera House, Ireland. Franklin says: "My focus at Charcoalblue will be to design lighting and lighting control systems that enhance our clients' projects and provide flexibility and reliability well into the future".

Trained architect and theatre planner Elena Giakoumaki, pre

Thames Gateway creative community study underway

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Artists in East London and the East of England are being offered an opportunity to become part of a new creative community in the Thames Gateway. A study is underway to assess potential interest in a purpose-built, artists' studio building as part of a new £60million cultural centre in Thurrock, Essex, less than 30 minutes by train from London.

The Production Park will feature a state-of-the-art set production workshop for the Royal Opera House and a new centre of excellence for the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills, where students from every corner of the UK will be able to train in backstage theatre and live music production. At the heart of the complex a restored group of Tudor farm buildings will form a contemporary visitor and conference centre offering experiences based on creativity and inspiration.

A feasibility study is now looking at t

Gearhouse SA plays for laughs and charity at Sun City

It's No Joke for Gearhouse SA

Details: 14 March 2016

South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa supplied technical production including lighting, video and sound for It's No Joke, the landmark 46664/Real Concerts comedy festival event at Sun City Super Bowl.

This one-off event utilised the universal language of laughter to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela charities by uniting 10 of SA's cutting edge comedians - Trevor Noah, Marc Lottering, John Vlismas, Tumi Morake, Nik Rabinowitz, Ndumiso Lindi, Chris Forrest, David Kau, Riaad Moosa and Barry Hilton - all performing in the same evening.

Gearhouse's Tim Dunn was asked by promoter and show producer, Roddy Quinn, to create a visual concept for this high profile showcase that was enjoyed live by over 4500 people.

Dunn rose to several technical and creative challenges. One was producing a sophisticated, yet uncomplicated stage look that allowed the performers to communicate di

Raynok Motion Control system selected by CAST f to be a launch partner for BlackBox

Raynok Motion Control priority link to BlackBox

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Hoist UK has announced that its Raynok Motion Control system has been selected by CAST Software of Toronto Canada to be a launch partner for its new BlackBox.

Gilray Densham, president of CAST says, "BlackBox is a live, realtime, 7D positioning and high speed communications solution that will change the way that productions are planned and produced in the future by providing a common communication interface for all the different technologies used in show production.

"BlackBox, to be released later this year after thorough beta testing, will use wysiwyg files as a primary source of information concerning the 'space', and then links to existing proprietary systems such as lighting consoles, media servers, 3D audio positioning systems, RFID tracking, imaging systems and the Raynok Motion Control system. Input data is received, the position(s) determined and then co

AC-ET's Audio division supplies four independent PA systems to the University of Glamorgan's ATRiuM facility

AC-ET equips ATRiuM arts facility in Cardiff

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - AC-ET's Audio division has supplied four independent PA systems featuring over 90 separate product lines to the University of Glamorgan's ATRiuM drama and music teaching facility. The audio equipment is helping music and technology students to learn the principles of live sound reproduction through a combination of hands-on training in the classroom and during live events.

The ATRiuM campus is a purpose-designed building for the university's creative division, the Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries. Featuring the latest industry technologies, students studying music and sound now have access to a comprehensive list of live sound equipment including four medium venue systems with microphones, mixing desks, outboard equipment and speakers.

A.C. Entertainment Technologies, a previous supplier to the University, won the tender to provide the live sound equipment

MTFX invests in Stadium Shot cannons

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - MTFX has recently invested in the new Stadium Shot confetti cannons. These cannons give a spectacular burst of confetti or streamers, providing their "shot" via a compressed air accumulator tank pressurized to 8 bar. This means they can fire confetti to 35m and streamers to an 50m.

Each cannon is flight cased to allow easy transportation and to enable them to be easily positioned for use.

(Jim Evans)

The Week in Lighting & Sound

Details: 14 March 2016

Madonna Most Played - Madonna was the most played artist of the last decade in the UK, according to music licensing body PPL. The singer, who had her first UK hit with Holiday in 1984, beat The Beatles into second place and Robbie Williams into third. Queen were fourth and Take That were fifth in the chart compiled for BBC Radio 2.

It was based on plays - between 2000 and 2009 - on TV, radio and in public places including pubs, clubs and shops. PPL collects royalties for sound recordings. Last year, another chart compiled for Radio 2 - also by PPL - found that Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade of Pale was the most played song in public places in the previous 75 years. The song, which features a distinctive organ riff, stayed at number one for six weeks in the UK in the summer of 1967.

Health & Safety - Three workers were injured when part of the stage for a co

HME Acquires Clear-Com Communication Systems

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - HM Electronics Inc (HME), the first to develop the wireless intercom system for the pro audio industry, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Clear-Com Communication Systems, a business unit of The Vitec Group plc and a leading provider of mission-critical voice communication systems for broadcast, live performance, military, federal government and professional audio markets.

Clear-Com will continue operation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HME, with no changes planned for its award-winning product portfolio or its current mission to be the world's first choice for high-end intercom solutions.

HME, a privately-held company, based in Poway, California, is a pioneer of digital wireless intercom solutions for restaurant, hospitality, sports and pro audio markets. The company says: "Combining HME's world-renowned expertise in wireless with Clear-Com's leadersh

USITT attendees support Behind the Scenes

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - The Long Reach Long Riders and The ESTA Foundation have announced the results of their joint raffle to benefit the Behind the Scenes programme at the USITT conference in Kansas City. A total of $6,677 was raised from raffle ticket sales during the three-day conference, over $1,500 above last year's total.

The winners and their prizes are: George Epting - Altman Rentals' Ghostlight; Bruce Jackson - Apollo Design Technology's Smart Move DMX Rotator; Chris Hofmann - Barbizon's Stagehand Tool Kit; Chip Haas - Doug Fleenor Design's DMX/RDM Coffee Pot; Nathan Szewczyk - Field Template's SoftSymbols and Field Templates; Krystal Kennel - Broadway Master Class Pass donated by GLP; Kate Nocks - Sapsis Rigging's Gift Certificate; William Digneit - SeaChanger's iPod Touch and colorBUG; Shoshana Sims - USITT 2010 Conference Registration; Kevin Seime - Utah Shakespearean Festival's Tick

APS and AIF form strategic partnership

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the Access Industry Forum (AIF) - the forum representing the nine principal associations and federations involved in working at height - have announced an agreement to provide mutual advice and assistance and, in particular, to act as strategic partners with regard to construction health and safety risk management and working at height respectively.

The aim of the agreement is to provide advice and assistance to each other's organisation and respective members by recognising and benefiting from each other's knowledge and skill base.

The Access Industry Forum, which represents all sectors of the access industry, will provide the following support in respect of working at height: A dedicated enquiry service to all APS registered members and practices; Provide information and resource for the APS website and publications; Supply e

Emad Nabeel (Target-AVL), Elie Battah (Robe ME regional sales manager), Waleed Deeb & Osama Gado from Bingoand Robe's sales director, Harry von den Stemmen

Cairo-based Bingo goes with Robe

Details: 14 March 2016

Egypt - Bingo is a subsidiary of ZAD Group in Cairo which launched its latest strategic business unit, ZAD Impact, with the sole objective of making an 'impact' on its partners' stakeholders.

With this in mind, Bingo has invested in Robe DigitalSpot 3000 DTs. It specializes in the design & management of turnkey corporate events, training seminars and multimedia solutions. Initially focused on the medical and pharmaceutical sector, it has also gained work in other industrial areas.

The company is directed by three entrepreneurs - Waleed El Deeb, Osama Gado and Amr El Fass. They have extensive experience within the Middle East/North Africa region in the pharmaceutical sector as well as with other multinationals in different industries, producing both experiential and creatively designed & managed interactive events.

Bingo wanted some new technology to help with its production

The Week in Lighting & Sound

Details: 14 March 2016

Chinese Whispers - Two Chinese singers have become the first in the country to be fined under laws banning lip-synching. Fang Ziyuan and Yin Youcan were fined 50,000 Yuan (£4,760) after they were caught miming at a concert in Chengdu. The pair say they were "only" backing singers and will struggle to pay the fine to cultural authorities. The law was introduced in the wake of the 2008 Beijing Olympics after a girl deemed prettier mimed to vocals performed by another child. The other girl was not considered attractive enough to be the face of China during the opening ceremony.

The fined singers said the sanction was "unfair", while some internet discussion forums have said Chinese authorities are still allowing established stars to lip-synch at events. Chengdu officials said the fine was justified and ruled that their microphones were not giving out any s

Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference 2010

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Following the successful format of previous International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conferences, the three days will see over a hundred experts take part in around thirty presentation and discussion sessions. The Conference, to be held in London from 13-15 June, is attracting a broad range of delegates from venue design, construction, installation and management as well as a large number of designers and practitioners.

All delegates are invited to attend the opening plenary session, which asks the question, Do we need any more theatres? The keynote speaker will contrast the values of having a permanent theatre with the benefits of using found spaces and will examine ways in which venues can be designed or modified so as to be fit for purpose in the modern world.

As well as the main Conference sessions, there are presentations by the major sponsors and bo

Alistair Kilbee – business development manager for Gearhouse Splitbeam

Gearhouse launches new theatre company

Details: 14 March 2016

South Africa - The Gearhouse South Africa Group has expanded its portfolio with the launch of Gearhouse Splitbeam. This joint venture between theatre services supplier, Splitbeam and Gearhouse SA is an equipment and technical solutions provider for theatre productions countrywide.

Alistair Kilbee, Splitbeam's business development manager, believes that the collaboration between the two companies fills a much needed gap in the area of theatre lighting supply in South Africa. Until now, rental companies stocked the "wrong type of equipment at the wrong prices for theatre productions," he states.

In addition to managing technical production services and requirements, Gearhouse Splitbeam benefits from a theatre-based and priced rental stockholding, serviced and maintained by the skilled and knowledgeable Splitbeam staff.

Kilbee joins the Gearhouse Group's Bezuidenhout

The Samsung Cuboid was provided by UK-based LM Productions.

LM Productions with Cityneon on the Samsung Cuboid

Details: 14 March 2016

Qatar - Samsung was one of the official partners of the IAAF World Indoor Championships held in Doha, Qatar on 12-14 March. A Samsung Fan Zone was created in the Sports City outside the Aspire Stadium: part of this zone was the Samsung Cuboid, provided by UK-based LM Productions for client Cityneon.

The Cuboid was split into two areas - the Lounge and Promo area where nine plasma screens played promo videos and live feed of the Championships, plus camera demos.

The Visual Multimedia Area consisted of video projection, via three Sanyo DLP projectors, on three of the walls including two Wii gaming screens for visitors to play the new Summer Athletics 2009 Wii games. The other two walls showed Samsung sponsorship, sports advertising and archive footage. On the fourth wall were simple Samsung gobo projections. At night the Cuboid was lit up in an array of colours from LED batons p

Stardraw Control supports Apple iPad

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - As the first shipments of Apple's much-discussed iPad roll off of the production lines and into the eager hands of US consumers (delivery dates in Europe are still vaguely described as "end of May") software provider Stardraw.com confirms and demonstrates support of the iPad through their universal system control platform, Stardraw Control 2010.

There's been a lot of debate about the features (and possible failings) of the iPad but in the view of Stardraw.com CEO David Snipp, the device has great potential in the control market. "It isn't really an issue if people say that the iPad isn't as good as a netbook, or that it doesn't have a camera or support Flash or multi-tasking. If the worst you can say is that it's a big iPod touch - and a lot of people are saying that - then it will excel as a touchpanel interface for system control: for Stardraw Control, a bi

By Design Day - It's not too late to join in!

Details: 14 March 2016

USA / UK - By Design Day 2010, which is set to raise money for Behind the Scenes in the US and Light Relief in the UK, is nearly here. To date over 30 of the industry's top designers have pledged a day's royalties to the two charities and their shows are a real indication of the global aspect of our industry. Although the majority are UK or US specific, several are international - in fact raoyalties are coming from shows in some 15 countries. But even if you are not in a royalty situation, you can still contribute by making a donation to show that you care. Businesses too - particularly scenic, audio and lighting rental companies - can show their support with a day's rental fee or single donation.

Established in 2007 as Light Relief Day and now renamed By Design Day, 24 April, is the day that, each year, people in the professional entertainment design busine

Orbital's Training Week hits nine-year high

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Orbital Sound ran the ninth Sound Fundamentals Training Course for theatre sound technicians last week (6-9 April 2010), to a full house of 24 students. Orbital's training week is designed specifically to prepare theatre sound and more advanced technical theatre students for careers in the live entertainment industry, with the training held at the company's dedicated seminar facility in Brixton, south London.

Highlights of this year's course included backstage tours at West End shows Chicago and Grease, giving the students the opportunity to see the theory in action and get a first-hand insight into the sound behind a successful show. The students were able to quiz the operators on the day-to-day challenges of running a West-End sound department, and picked up invaluable tips for giving their careers in sound a kick-start.

The course's focus is on pre

The delay to the appointment is due to both the complex nature of the award and also to the “unacceptable risk of disruption to the Olympics”, say Ofcom.

Ofcom postpones Band Manager appointment

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Ofcom has delayed its plans to appoint a new Band Manager responsible for managing the spectrum used by the PMSE (Programme Making and Special Events) sector post the digital switchover.

Following an extensive consultation process which began in 2007, Ofcom had been due to make the appointment this spring, but earlier this year announced its intention to defer any decisions until after a third consultation. In a statement posted on the Ofcom website on 15 April, it announced that it would now fully defer any decisions until after London2012.

"In the light of our consultations and the responses we received, we have decided to defer the band-manager award until after the Olympics. This is in part because of the outstanding complexities of the award itself. But it is particularly because we consider there would be insufficient time to develop, test and implement the nec

The Week in Lighting & Sound

Details: 14 March 2016

The Show Goes On - Icelandic volcanoes and closed airports have not stood in the way of attending this year's PALME exhibition which closes today, say the organisers. The eighth annual PALME Middle East 2010 was officially opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre by Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality. "PALME has always been an important show at which to do business and this year is no exception. The exhibition has grown 10 per cent compared to 2009, proving the importance of the date on the international entertainment calendar," said Alex Heuff, exhibition director.

The team from A.C. Entertainment Technologies drove through the night to Nice, France, from London to board a flight to Dubai, arriving at 1am this morning to make the show. "We said we would be at the show and when we say something we mean it, but this is also an impo

Nigel March, former head of production at the Royal Festival Hall, brings over 30 years' experience to the company.

Nigel March joins Hawthorns

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Hawthorns has announced the addition of Nigel March to its business development team. Nigel has over 30 years' experience in the theatre and live events industry, specialising in AV programming and large format projection. He previously worked as head of production at the Royal Festival Hall before moving abroad to sunnier climes where he continued in production management for events and fiestas. Since returning to the UK recently he has focused on LEDs and media servers.

Nigel comments: "I'm thrilled to join Hawthorns. I believe they are the industry's best-kept secret, with excellent crew and an incredible portfolio of kit, and will do everything I can to make sure the secret is well and truly out of the bag!"

(Lee Baldock)

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