Lighting tests were carried out on the fixtures at PRG's East Molesey warehouse in South West London to gauge the length of the beams in the night sky and to see what visual effects could be used on the evening. The show was then pre-programmed for the launch by Pryderi Baskerville in conjunction with Durham Marenghi using WYSIWYG software.
Seventy-six Clay Paky Sharpy Beam lights were used and rigged on two circular trusses, the inner circle was made up of 36 Sharpy's and the outer circle held 40 Sharpy's. On the cloudless night, these reached high into the London's skyline. The colours pink and purple where used to promote the two new Durex Embrace sensual pleasure gels, also creating a romantic atmosphere.
The fit-up of the event proved challenging, with yet another winter storm with 90 mile an hour winds hitting the South Bank just at load-in time. Nonetheless Crew Chief, Chris Scott and his team battled through horrendous conditions to get the rig up and working for the photographers later that evening. PRG worked with Production Manager, Martin Heap, to conquer these trying conditions and to put on three spectacular shows on the following night for the public and press.
Martin spoke about the course of the events leading up to the night, "Having had a successful lighting test at PRG's East Molesey depot, the delivery seemed quite straightforward. However, the severe weather conditions that hit us during our build were unprecedented and triggered a very swift re-think as the team battled to maintain some semblance of a schedule. PRG rose to the challenge and provided the level of support we needed to ensure the show - Pete also turned up with his camera and proved himself to be a very worthy and useful photographer."
Peter Marshall, PRG account manager, remarked, "Given the weather conditions this was one of the most challenging shows that I have ever done but thanks to the hard work and dedication of the PRG crew and back-up support from the organisation we managed to pull it off and give the client a truly memorable and spectacular show."
(Jim Evans)
