"Q1 combines our international experience and expertise with the impressive service reputation of Showtime Lighting in Vancouver and our expanded asset inventory in our 20,000 sq ft facility here in Vancouver," stated partner Marc Raymond on behalf of partners Phil and Brian at the open house.
Representatives from Vari-Lite, High End, Strand Lighting, Rosco, Smart Stage and Leviton/Colortran demonstrated the new products now available through Q1. The open house also provided Q1 with the opportunity to unveil its strategic relationship with Vari-Lite Inc. Having made a substantial commitment to feature Vari-Lite as the premiere automated luminaire of its rental fleet, Q1 was able to demonstrate the complete line of Vari-Lite products including the prototype of the yet-to-be released VL3000. Vari-Lite vice-president of sales and marketing Bob Schacherl along with senior product manager George Masek gave the packed house a run-through of the features of the product line. John Bilyk, Vari-Lite’s Canadian regional sales manager was also in attendance.
High End representatives Randy Mayer, regional account representative and technician Mike Hanson demonstrated the Catalyst video imaging system and the new, versatile Wholehog III Console. Industry representatives and guests also had the opportunity to attend a lighting workshop conducted by LD Don Holder.
Q1 Production Technologies Inc. was originally established by Marc Raymond in March 2001 in Winnipeg where he was joined by David Budzak and Jason Wagner, formerly of Westsun Winnipeg. In February 2002, Marc Raymond and long-standing business associate Phil Bernard became partners in Showtime Lighting Inc in Vancouver. In August 2002, Q1 acquired all the rental inventory assets of Westsun Winnipeg and Vancouver. The re-branding of Showtime under the Q1 banner completes the reorganization of the partnership into one company with two locations.
Brian Konechny, founder of Showtime Lighting, stated: "With the expertise of the original founders of Westsun combined with a new energy and approach to the business, we expect to propel Q1 into a leadership position in the industry."
(Lee Baldock)
