Mark Pearmain, project manager for Willow SoundVision explained that the lighting system had to bring a "wow" factor to the venue, the lighting had to be exciting and make a huge visual impact. The design needed to utilise a large space and also serve live entertainment events such as regular hosting of Radio 1 in the summer months, live acts such as the Levellers and the main purpose of the venue, as a bar/nightclub. Budget and product reliability was a large factor in choosing Martin Professional products, said Pearmain.
The lighting design included two custom lighting structures with gauze material tubes, a stage goalpost truss and a stage lighting bar. The lighting rigs comprised of 12 Martin SCX 700s, four Martin Wizard Extremes, four Atomic Strobes and two Atomic Colour Scrollers. This was supplemented by the existing three Wizards, nine moving heads and a new Jem Club Smoke system on the stage truss, all controlled via a Martin Light Jockey system.
Pearmain explained: "The SCX 700 scanners were chosen for the project mainly because of the outstanding optics and features for a low cost fitting. During a demonstration meeting with Clive Bailey I was asked if I wanted to see the SCX 700, I initially said no as the product seemed too small and was part of the Mania range. Having been persuaded to switch one on, I was blown away by the fitting. The optics are very impressive and I can honestly say I have never seen such a light output from CDM 150 lamp. The other products were chosen for the project from past installation experience and proven product reliability."
Mark commented that: "The project was completed in just three weeks from an initial meeting with the client to complete installation, thanks to the support and cooperation of Martin Professional and the dedicated Willow SoundVision installation team."
Pearmain continued: "In addition to the above project, we carried out a lighting roll out within the Barracuda Group estate during December installing EFX 600 and EFX 800 fittings. The EFX 800 debuted for us at the launch of a Smith & Jones venue in Bedminster. The clients were so impressed with the fixture they requested them to be installed in a further nine venues over a two week installation period, including some EFX 600s. All programming and control was by a 2510 controller, this product was chosen due to reliability and operational simplicity."
Willow SoundVision have recently completed another custom lighting design and installation in Barracuda Bar Bridgend consisting of eight MAC 250 Kryptons, four Wizard Extremes, an Atomic Strobe and a Club smoke system.
(Lee Baldock)
