UK - Welsh language TV Network S4C commissioned the return of popular entertainment series An Audience With which was produced in co-production by Boom Pictures and Mr Producer in late 2013.

The series was recorded at Cardiff's Enfys Studios over the course of a week. Each programme contained musical artist from Wales, plus their guests in front of a live studio audience. Boom Pictures engaged their regular lighting director Steff Jones and his team on the production. Steffan was also asked to consult on the design of the LED and screen technology used to form the set.

Originally, the series was to be produced at ITV Wales's Studio 1 facilities but due to unforeseen last minute circumstances, Boom Pictures had to relocate the production to Enfys Studios.

"Originally we were set to be loading into ITV Wales, which is a much larger space than Enfys Studios," s

Benelux - With the start of a new year comes the start of a new arrangement for Robert Juliat in their distribution network as AED Distribution takes on the role of official distributor for the Benelux countries.

The agreement came into force on 1 January 2014 when AED Distribution took on responsibility for the Netherlands, having represented Belgium and Luxembourg since 2011.

AED Distribution will cover all markets but are especially excited at the prospect of supporting the theatre market with Robert Juliat products.

"We are very happy to bring the full range of Robert Juliat products to the BeNeLux territories, and in particular to the theatre market", comments Hans Vanderheijden, MD of AED Distribution HQ. "From single lens luminaires and profiles to followspots, Robert Juliat's range covers every requirement from the smallest to the largest venues."

USA / UK - PLASA has announced the launch of its International interactive job board. With its focus on the creative industries, the PLASA Job Board offers its members - and the creative industries at large - an easy-to-use and highly targeted resource for online employment connections.

"We're very excited about the PLASA Job Board because we know how critical it is for employers in the industry to attract first-rate talent with a minimum expenditure of time and resources," said Kacey Coffin, Director of Membership for PLASA worldwide. "And it's important for us to help enable smooth career transitions for our members and those seeking industry jobs."

Both members and non-members can use the new PLASA Job Board to reach qualified candidates with members receiving special pricing. Employers can post jobs online, search for qualified candidates based on speci

UK - Live entertainment sustainability consultancy :entertaining sustainability is partnering with energy measurement experts Measure My Energy to provide their full range of sophisticated, web-enabled smart energy meters.

The system, which is perfectly adapted for use in either performing arts buildings or supply chain warehouses has been developed to deliver easy-to-read live consumption information for electricity, water and gas direct to buildings or facilities managers securely over the internet.

The information gathered can help drive down energy use by identifying exact wastage points. Logical grouping of areas, departments or buildings is easily achieved, with detailed reports easily created to show weekly, monthly, annual or custom period usages.

SMS or email alerts can be sent to key workers in the event of defined parameters being met - be that, for example, unexp

Italy - An all-Robe moving light rig took its place in the ring for the 2013 Golden International Circus Festival which ran over three weeks through December and January at the Theater Tendastriscie in Rome, Italy.

Lighting designer Massimo Tomasino added his own touches of magic and spectacle to the various high energy performances with 24 x Robe Robin Pointes and 24 x Robe Robin 600 LEDWashes.

Some of the best international circus acts in the world were presented by Liana Orfei in the show produced by Golden Production Srl to thousands of delighted circus fans as the event celebrated its 30th season.

Tomasino takes up the story, "I chose to combine these two excellent Robe products because I knew their potential was exactly what I needed."

He's used LEDWash 600s many times before on tours, concerts and musicals, however it was his first time incorporating Robe'

Spain / The Netherlands - Among all the products for AV installers and integrators that Work is presenting at ISE 2014 (stand 7-M176), UDA 16, the array configuration column, is "probably the crown jewel", the company says.

"This new concept of column loudspeaker with line array shape provides many advantages for integrators: controlled beamwidth for almost all frequencies reproduced by the column which leads not only to minimise undesirable effects induced by walls and ceiling reflections (reverbs and echoes) but also to excellent results in reverberant acoustic conditions and a perfect music and speech intelligibility," says the company.

Another attractive launch prepared for Amsterdam will be the new series of active and passive subwoofers Z15 and Z18. This new series is composed of four models, Z15 (single 15"), Z18 (single 18") that can be co

UK - Lamp and LED lighting specialist CLD Distribution has announced a comprehensive new range of retrofittable direct replacement LED light sources called Integral.

This reflects the growing demand for LED technology across a broad range of industrial, commercial and domestic sectors, and CLD's focus on staying at the forefront of this fast changing world by offering the most innovative and high quality LED lighting solutions. These help save money and the environment.

The Integral LED lamps are constructed using cutting-edge LED technology and the best components available, which sets them apart from the rest.

The range is available in a wide variety of popular types, Wattages, dim and non-dim versions and warm or cold whites. The types of fixture include PAR16, MR11s and classic light bulb replacements.

Recreating the much loved and familiar output properties of traditi

Mexico - Ending their 2013 El Objeto tour in style, well-known alternative rock Mexican band Café Tacuba played their last show of the year at the Palacio de los Deportes arena in Mexico City, for first time using 14 new Robe Robin Pointes, recently purchased by local rental company, Meridian Pro S.A de C.V. The Pointes were located right behind the band forming a line upstage.

The band's producer Sergio Serrano - who also has his own lighting and video company, LED Project, in the same city - commented that they are always looking out for the newest products that will keep the company at the forefront of the latest technologies.

"I saw the Pointe and proposed we used these for the last show to the band's German LD, 'Tiffy' Castellanos, who agreed and also really likes them. It's a fixture far better than others available on the market, and that's what we al

USA - With a soaring roof that's distinctively shaped like a nine-point star, Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection is a fabled landmark to passing motorists on nearby US Route 30. By some accounts the largest collegiate chapel in the US, boasting a 98ft high circular chancel, the 55-year-old structure is also 'big' in terms of the interior illumination challenges it presents - which is why Jeff Hazewinkel, director of the Centre for the Arts at the Indiana university, specified Chauvet Professional's award-winning Ovation E-190WW LED ellipsoidal for a recent lighting upgrade to the facility.

The Ovation E-190WW units made their debut in grand fashion, illuminating the 2013 Valparaiso University Christmas Concert, a beloved musical tradition in the community for more than 80 years. Attended by some 2,500 individuals, the concert featured the Valparaiso University Ch

USA - The EWDMX IP Transceiver is a wireless DMX transmitter/receiver and the next generation of powerful wireless DMX control from Elation Professional. Compatible with all previous Elation EWDMX and W-DMX products, this new unit offers full RDM support and comes in an IP65-rated enclosure for outdoor use.

The EWDMX IP uses W-DMX G4 protocol for reliable dual band operation and is an easy way to connect remote fixtures to a DMX system. It offers a fast and easy way of connecting and setting up a lighting system and is especially useful for a lighting system with hard to get at fixtures as no cables are required.

The EWDMX IP saves time and reduces expensive downtime by eliminating the hassle of having to run 100's of meters of cable, deal with loose connections or have riggers fasten and troubleshoot cables. The EWDMX facilitates both set up of the lighting system and lightin

South Africa - Durban's Barnyard Theatre, found in the Gateway Shopping Centre, Umhlanga, has thrilled audiences over the past year with one good production after the next. This steady flow has enabled the well run theatre to recently purchase additional gear including a grandMA2 Port Node, 10 Longman Stagebars, six Longman LED parcans and 80 new connectors and cables.

"Since the equipment arrived, we have received great compliments," said Eduard Biermann, who heads sound and lighting. The fixtures have been used to light the backdrop on stage, and it now jumps out."

The gear was purchased from Nick Barnes from DWR Distribution, Durban. The Stagebars in particular, with the colour changing LED properties and strobe effects, has created eye candy to jazz up shows. DWR's Nick Britz provided training for the grandMA2 Node, giving Biermann a boost of confidence.

H

USA - It wouldn't be Christmas without Mannheim Steamroller. The distinctive ensemble is marking the 29th anniversary of its Christmas concert tours with a multimedia display featuring a light show and big-screen images and videos synchronized with their music. Lighting designer Richard Jackson has included Clay Paky Sharpy Washes in his rig for the first time.

Mannheim Steamroller debuted their first Christmas album in 1984 combining the group's signature mix of baroque instruments and rock 'n roll beats to give a fresh twist to holiday classics. This year two tours of six-member ensembles played 80 dates on a Christmas tour running from mid-November to late December.

Francesco Romagnoli, Clay Paky area manager for North and Latin America, commented: "It's great to see our Sharpy Washes added to such an iconic show. I'm glad that Mr. Jackson is getting good use out of th

Canada The Cirque du Soleil's Varekai, which has been touring the world since 2002, returned to Montreal, Quebec in December 2013 for its re-launch as Arena Shows. The production team proposed to lighting designer, Nol van Genuchten the deployment of the BlackTrax realtime tracking solution from CAST BlackTrax Ltd for moving light tracking of performers.

"As lighting designer for the very first edition of Varekai, it's great to be working on it again as it evolves. With the new arena tour, Varekai is hosted at a different location each week and presents its own lighting challenges allowing me to adapt the lighting to 'the arena' of each new environment," said van Genuchten.

"We introduced BlackTrax as an operational efficiency and cost saving tool as well as a way of calibrating lighting highlights to track performers on the stage area. Blac

Australia - Circus Under My Bed, performed by the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, presented at The Sydney Opera House as part of the Summer At The House season, was lit in style by Sian James-Holland and programmed by Matt Tweddle on a grandMA2 full-size.

Circus Under My Bed provided family entertainment in a linear narrative, following the simple storyline of a young girl preparing to move away the next day. Adventures ensue when magical imaginary friends with an amazing range of physical skills visit her to help pack.

The lighting design was delivered on a tight deadline and had to share a lighting rig with another circus company who use the space in a completely different way with a very different style of show. The production was playing in repertory in the studio theatre with La Soiree performing in the evening. Repertory poses difficulties for many producti

Belgium - Belgium based entertainment engineering specialists Wicreations combined their expertise and skills to develop and build a dynamic and sophisticated special performance structure, complete with a full motion control solution, to facilitate a spectacular show featuring 37 international artists including 11 aerial performers.

The show, Odyseo, was devised by artistic director Pascal Jacob to commemorate the 150th anniversary of world leasing Belgian chemicals and plastics manufacturer Solvay. Fifteen performances took place over 10 days in a special tented venue installed at the Solvay Campus HQ in Brussels.

Brussels based Y. Services handled all the artistic, technical and show production and scenography under the direction of Yvon van Lancker, well known for his work with Cirque du Soleil founder Franco Dragone in Las Vegas.

Wicreations was approached by Yvo

UK - London's Royal Albert Hall used their Jands Vista T4 console to provide thrilling lighting for Christmas Spectacular - a festive show collaboration with classic music promoter, Raymond Gubbay.

Christmas Spectacular featured a combination of favourite music classics, breathtaking dance, thrilling lights, sensational lasers and a fantastic indoor firework finale. Special guests included West End star Kerry Ellis and chorister Jack Topping.

Royal Albert Hall (RAH) lighting design and systems manager, Richard Thomas utilised the venue's Jands Vista T4 console to control the ambitious lighting production.

"The vision for my design was to produce an exciting and dynamic light show in conjunction with lasers and pyrotechnic effects, to complement the music, dance, ballet, and vocal performances," says Richard. "The music programme was quite varied,

USA - What's Thanksgiving without The Muppets? Or Lady Gaga? Or all of them appearing together in ABC's Lady Gaga & The Muppets Holiday Spectacular with guests Sir Elton John, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ru Paul. It was definitely an occasion to roll out Clay Paky Sharpys and Sharpy Washes.

Lighting designer Tom Beck got a call for the show the Monday before the Friday load in as Lady Gaga was finishing her latest album and time was running short.

"I really wanted to use Sharpys and Sharpy Washes," says Beck who grabbed 20 of the former and 23 of the latter from the inventory of ELS. "It was the first time I had the chance to use the Washes, which I really love. I wouldn't mind trying a whole rig of just Sharpy units."

The set designed by Tom Lenz featured "a lot of curves and arches - it was beautiful," Beck reports. "I put up an arche

Dubai / Qatar - With three spectacular events, A&O Technology in the role of general contractor, along with its in-house creative department under the leadership of the lighting designer Jerry P. Appelt, was able to close out the year 2013 in style and hit the ground running in 2014.

At the end of November, the lighting specialist bathed the Burj Khalifa in light to mark the announcement that the city had been chosen to host Expo 2020. On 18 December, a magnificent light show in Doha followed to mark National Day 2013, and a further superb lighting spectacle that included a record-breaking firework display on 31 December at the Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai heralded the advent of 2014.

"A&O Technology is now excellently placed in terms of ideas and expertise to participate in shaping the future of the lighting sector," says Marco Niedermeier, CEO.

It began with the n

USA - Lighting Designer Justin Townsend (Here Lies Love and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) specified Elation Platinum Beam 5R moving heads for the Broadway musical A Night with Janis Joplin playing at the Lyceum Theatre in New York and was delighted with the fixtures.

A Night with Janis Joplin is a musical journey celebrating the legacy and unmistakable voice of '60s rock legend Janis Joplin. "It's rock 'n' roll so I wanted a lighting fixture that could be featured visibly, as well as one that projects a nice beam," Justin says, who acts as both set and lighting designer on the show.

"It's my first time using Elation and I'm really happy with them. They are bright, have great articulation and the price point is nice; just perfect when you have to watch the budget. They project a great, sharp beam and are really dynamic. They made for a nice a

UK - The Kings Theatre in Southsea, Portsmouth is one of those Edwardian treasures that are fast becoming a rarity in the provinces. This exquisite example, with its Italian Renaissance style of décor and façade, first opened its doors in 1907 and has seen the likes of Sarah Bernhardt, Noel Coward and Ivor Novello grace the stage. As a centre for arts and entertainment, it has served the audiences of Portsmouth and Southsea faithfully ever since.

Fast forward to 2013 and the Kings has successfully moved with the times, upgrading and modernising its facilities without losing any of its original charm and theatrical heritage, not always an easy balancing act as technical manager, Nick Benjamin explains. "The time had come to replace our house followspots - the inclusion of new moving light fixtures on our rig meant our old models were simply not bright enough to do th

Brazil - DJ David Guetta completed an incendiary nine-date Brazilian tour in January, which saw Robe moving lights on the spec for most of the shows.

Guetta's lighting is designed by Jonathan 'Leggy' Armstrong - well known for his imaginative and stylish shows which have graced several leading dance acts including Basement Jaxx. The touring team works with entirely locally sourced productions wherever they play, and lighting on the road for this leg of the ongoing world tour was overseen and operated by two lighting directors - Alex 'Junior' Cerio of Smash Productions and Sam MacLaren of LightLab - both also LDs in their own right.

Between them and the video visuals produced by Ben Brett's Pilot video control system, operated by Nick Briggs, Guetta gets a dynamic world class show wherever he plays.

This is also a very exciting and refreshing way to work, fusing structured el

USA - Elation Professional invites lighting professionals to the intimate environs of PLASA Focus Nashville and Booth 429 for the opportunity to talk in depth with qualified Elation personnel and get a more thorough look at Elation's line of versatile lighting and control solutions. Join the Elation team 18-19 February at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium where the Elation staff will be happy to demo the latest products.

"We always enjoy exhibiting at the PLASA Focus shows because of the amount of quality time we get to spend with visitors," states Elation sales director Eric Loader. "Getting detailed feedback on our products and really taking the time to show what our products can do is often hard at the larger trade shows. The intimate format of PLASA Focus and the high-quality free educational seminars bring in customers who want to learn about new technology

UK - SGM's versatile and compact LD-5 light domes are increasingly finding favour in some of the UK's key late night entertainment venues.

Having been plunged into paper lanterns for Wonderland in Maidstone, and featured in a giant immersive display at Sanctuary in Glasgow, they are now being put to equally innovative use by two installation specialists, Andy Pound, operations director of Technical Arts Ltd, as part of Luminar Leisure's Oceana nightclub conversions into Pryzm, and by Sound Power director David Ridout as a standard fit in the large Australian outback themed Walkabout Inns.

These LED domes, with an outer diameter of just 80mm, can be used in any orientation, with a maximum number of 35 domes in a single chain. They can also be custom designed to fit any housing, and are controlled via three-channel DMX.

An example of their adaptability was shown by Pound in Pr

UK - 2014 looks set to be the year of the B-EYE, the latest innovation from the Clay Paky stable of moving light fixtures. The design and effect possibilities of the K20 and its smaller sibling, the K10 are best seen when the lights are in action; even a thorough study of the written documentation doesn't really seem to quite do them justice.

Exclusive UK and ROI distributors, Ambersphere Solutions were on hand to provide support and service at one of the B-EYE's latest outings - the recordings of the Jonathan Ross Show for production company, Hot Sauce and at the Graham Norton Show for So Television. All the fixtures for these recordings were supplied by Aurora Lighting Hire who have a well-established reputation in television lighting and know exactly what works best on camera.

Lee House from Ambersphere's technical sales was enthused by the B-EYE's reception.

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