Rigging / Staging

Star film captures stunning VerTech build

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - A new Star Events' video captures all the angles of its 25m VerTech structure build in Hyde Park: https://vimeo.com/192692782

Produced by In The Bag, the short film follows construction from the first steel day, to raising the Great Oak Stage roof, to show time at Barclaycard presents British Summer Time (BST).

An extraordinary piece of festival infrastructure engineering, the BST VerTech supports Es Devlin's heavyweight design and 900sq m of 9mm LED screen, more than 50 tons across the front edge, before Star Events starts rigging the stage production.

Star made the strongest roof in the business stronger still this summer, fitting it with high tensile steel and doubling the spans, to accommodate 115 tons in the air for Mumford and Sons' rig plus the pre-rig for Take That.

Roger Barrett, special projects director at Star Events, comments, "This engaging VerTe

Straightpoint launches StageSafe load cell

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - Entertainment rigging professionals have welcomed the launch of Straightpoint's latest innovation, StageSafe, a 3t load cell dedicated to the theatre and live events industry.

Straightpoint products are already used in entertainment applications - its Wireless Load Shackle and Loadlink plus are commonplace - but StageSafe is the first product the manufacturer of force measurement, load monitoring and suspended weighing load cell equipment has dedicated to the sector.

StageSafe is matt black and disappears into back-stage rigging, sets and lighting. It also offers riggers the ability to utilise the load cell in wired or wireless applications, which, Straightpoint believes, is a unique feature set to revolutionise the way loads are monitored in the industry. Practically, it means the load cell can be applied to the two main types of monitoring in the theatre industry -

https://www.claypaky.it/products/ultimo-hybrid/

Unusual suspension of Antony Gormley sculpture

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - The National Portrait Gallery has called on the expertise of Unusual Rigging to dramatically suspend a life-size sculpture by Antony Gormley as part of Antony Gormley - OBJECT, the artist's first display at the gallery.

OBJECT 1999, is a sculpture of the artist's body cast in iron, and occupies a position of maximum visibility from the ground floor and in passing from the escalator to the Gallery's second floor.

Speaking of the decision to bring Unusual Rigging on board to assist with the display of this prestigious display, Allan Tyrrell, the Gallery's engineering manager, explained: "Some years ago I saw an exhibition at Tate Britain where a Harrier jet was suspended from the ceiling; through my contacts in the International Association of Museum Facility Administrators I found out that Unusual Rigging had carried out this work. I spoke to Robin Elias after an initi

AC-ET receives Prolyte Group's Platinum Award

Details: 14 December 2016

Europe - A.C. Rigging, a sales division of A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd. (AC-ET), has been awarded Prolyte Group's 'Platinum Award' for StageDex and LiteDeck products for the second year running, at the brand's global partners 2016 event in Germany.

One of the world's largest manufacturers of aluminium trussing, staging and structural solutions, every year the Prolyte Group hosts its PIE event (Prolyte immersion event), which gathers together key global personnel and distributor representatives to hear about new products and company updates, and to acknowledge high performing distributors.

The A.C. Rigging division of AC-ET received the award in recognition of its strong sales performance and support for the brand's StageDex and LiteDeck product ranges.

Matthew Millward, sales manager for the division, commented, "It is an honour to have received this award two

A Specialz summer for Xylobands

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - They seem to have been a part of the Coldplay arsenal of live audience participation forever but in fact the very first Xylobands were used on 6 October 2011 for Coldplay's launch show for Mylo Xyloto in Madrid.

Deanie Thain and Jason Regler were the brains behind the hardware. Thain recalls how it all unfolded, "We have just celebrated our five-year anniversary. The first wristbands had a timer, so each one had to be programmed individually to go off at exactly the same time - quite a challenge and very time-consuming and a lot of friends and family helped to get them done on time.

"The original idea came from Jason Regler seeing Coldplay perform at Glastonbury 2005," continues Thain, "He wanted something to unify the crowd with lights and make them part of the show. After the first trial event, we then had another short time to create a radio-controlled version of t

Triple E solution for Selfridges' windows

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - Triple E's track systems are bringing London department store Selfridges' Christmas window displays to life this festive season.

The Kent-based company's Unibeam, ChainTrack and ChainRail systems are 'animating' an art installation based on the concept of 'Always Be Open'.

The tracks are moving three different types of curtain: one Austrian, one centre opening and one swag curtain. The curtains are constantly moved from fully open to part-closed around the neon word creations 'Always', 'Be' and 'Open'.

The installation will run for 12 hours per day, every day, for the three months it is in place.

Selfridges approached art director David Lane to come up with the concept. He then brought in set designer Rachel Thomas to collaborate with him on the project. Lane is creative director and founder of The Gourmand magazine, Thomas' clients include Mulberry, He

Unusual aspect to Regent Street Christmas lights

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - London's Regent Street celebrated the start of the festive period on 17 November with the official switch on of its famous Christmas lights. This year's display, described as a throwback to Regent Street's first set of Christmas lights which went up in 1954, has been designed by James Glancy Design who in turn contracted Unusual Rigging to work alongside them to fulfil all their rigging requirements.

Paula Gordon, senior project manager at James Glancy Design explained: "Paul Dart, head of design at JGD and the designer of this year's lights, wanted to create a stunning concept based on a contemporary Spirit of Christmas theme, whilst staying in keeping with an elegant and traditional look, honouring Regent Street's time honoured yet progressive values.

"People have commented that the lights seem especially spectacular this year and indeed the project was incredibly a

Unusual Rigging makes Circulars Awards finals

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - Unusual Rigging has been nominated as a finalist in the Circulars Awards. The Circulars - an initiative of the World Economic Forum and the Forum of Young Global Leaders, is the world's premier circular economy award programme and aims to recognise individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to the circular economy in the private sector, public sector and society.

Entrants to the awards are leading the way in driving innovation and growth that is decoupled from the use of scarce natural resources. In 2015, Unusual Rigging was highly commended for its efforts - this year the company has beaten thousands of other entries to make it into the top six in the 'Young Global Leaders Award for Circular Economy SME' category.

Tom Harper, resource manager for Unusual said, "Unusual Rigging has been providing technical solutions to the live production and e

Blackout rigging team in A League of Their Own

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - Drapes and rigging expert Blackout, working for CPL Productions, returned to supply Sky One's sports comedy panel show A League of Their Own, in October.

Growing with the show over the last seven years, a team of six Blackout riggers led by project manager Alex Duke, was entrusted to supply, install and operate a range of drapes and rigging equipment to transform a sound stage in the well-loved TV set playing host to the likes of James Cordon, Jack Whitehall, Andrew Flintoff and Jamie Redknapp.

During the week-long install, black wool serge drapes were hung around the perimeter of the Elstree studio to improve the TV aesthetics and ensure the audiences' attention was focussed on the on-stage action, whilst also helping to soundproof the sound stage.

A selection of Pro-Lyte H30, Pro- Lyte 40 and Thomas Superlight truss was supplied, creating four lighting truss gri

Kinesys helps shape Placebo tour

Details: 14 December 2016

UK - Kinesys automation is central to show designer Jvan Morandi's visual concept for the current Placebo Retrospective tour, which features some of the musical highlights and moments from 20 years on the indie rock frontline for the band, known for their intelligent visceral, raw and creative approach to live performance.

Ten Kinesys Elevation 1+ vari-speed drive units, used with 10 x half tonne Liftket motors and Kinesys Vector control are being used to move five I-shaped trussing pods rigged in the roof above the stage.

The system is a new investment in automation by lighting and video contractors Colour Sound Experiment, which made several purchases for this lengthy arena tour to ensure that Jvan has exactly the right elements for the tour.

Colour Sound's Haydn Cruickshank comments, "We have sub-rented Kinesys systems as needed for some time now, so we know the kit

Second MILOS crowd barrier video now available

Details: 14 December 2016

Europe - MILOS has released a second video as part of its special three-month promotion on MILOS crowd barriers. In this video, Area Four Industries R&D director Marc Hendriks provides valuable information on the technical design and construction of MILOS barriers, as well as their optimal use in real world situations.

Click here to watch the MILOS Crowd Barriers video with Marc Hendriks.

This video is part of the on-going three-month promotion series from MILOS that focuses on a selected range of MILOS products. During these promotions, MILOS provides its customers with valuable information and extra value with each purchase of the featured MILOS product.

(Jim Evans)

Power specialist targets Australian market

Details: 14 December 2016

UK / Australia - Power distribution specialist, ide Systems, is branching out to Australia with its range of British-made power distribution equipment. The equipment includes distribution units, transfer switches and power cables for sectors that need temporary power such as events and exhibitions, construction, healthcare, industrial and offshore.

The company started the expansion with its recent delivery of an Australian order for a range of bespoke 400A power distribution boards. Ide Systems responded with the prompt delivery of the customised product. The client chose ide Systems specifically because of its high-quality products made in Britain and its reputation across the UK.

The company has adapted many of its electrical products destined for the Australian market, such as using the red, white, dark blue and black colours for power cable insulation. With 22 year

The Science of Rigging

Details: 14 March 2016

Vertigo Rigging has completed the rigging of an intricate and complex art installation in the newly opened Challenge of Materials Exhibition at The Science Museum in South Kensington.Sculptor and designer Tom Heatherwick was commissioned to produce 'Materials House' a large exhibit measuring 6 x 3 metres and weighing 4.3 tonnes. The huge structure required raising and suspending from the ceiling of the exhibition. Ground support towers were built over the sculpture; the front of the sculpture was lifted first, whilst the back tracked along a rail, using base jacking wheels, specially fabricated by Vertigo. At this point the back of the piece needed to slot into a specially welded base plate in the floor, a millimetre-perfect manoeuvre achieved by jacking the wheels down at the correct point and time, thus lowering the sculpture into its grooves.

PCM Motor School 1999

Details: 14 March 2016

PCM hit the ground running after an incredibly successful PLASA and went straight into its autumn Motor School season. Responding to feedback from recent Schools, PCM reduced class numbers on the courses to enable two people to work on each Lodestar motor. Once again, the course was strengthened by James Thomas Engineering presenting a half day course on truss usage and how it integrates with motors. PCM's Motor School is fully compliant with the new LOLER regulations and at the end attendees are issued with a Certificate of Attendance which proves that they have been properly trained on the equipment.

A Bright Idea

Details: 14 March 2016

A new company has been launched to enhance Denmark's position in the lighting and truss manufacturing market. SeeLite merges together the activities of three companies - Paradise Tour Production Aps, Pan & Tilt A/S and Gøgler Lys Udlejning A/S and has been set up by Søren Nørgaard, Jens Lind, Frank Paulsen, Viggo Ladekjær, Leif Hellberg, Lars Nissen and Martin Corneliussen.

PCM Increases Motor School Training for 2000

Details: 14 March 2016

PCM is expanding its popular two-day Motor School training courses designed to offer attendees a comprehensive, hands-on overview of CM Lodestar motors. The company has traditionally run its annual Motor Schools in the week following the PLASA Show in September, but demand is now so high that training will be available all year round. Four Motor Schools per year will now be run at PCM's facility in Prenton, Wirral, commencing in January. PCM's drive to promote training is further enhanced by their five-day Rigging School, the first UK venture to be run on a no-profit basis. Following the first Rigging School, attended by 58 people, in July this year, bi-annual Rigging Schools are planned for 2000, with the first one scheduled for February.

PCM Announce first Motor School of 2000

Details: 14 March 2016

PCM has announced its first CM Lodestar Motor School training session of 2000, to be held on January 25th and 26th at PCM's base in Wirral, UK.The course has now been modified and streamlined to include an operational session on the use of the Lodestar Motor in addition to the usual hands-on assembly, disassembly and troubleshooting of the hoist. There will also be a seminar on truss safety and usage and discussion on the requisite safety issues of the professional rigging industry. As usual, the two-day course will be free of charge to all participants, who will just need to travel to The Wirral and cover their hotel costs.

Lodestars Flying With Texas

Details: 14 March 2016

Adlib Audio have bought 12 one-tonne Lodestar hoists from PCM that have just made their debut flying the PA on the recent, highly-successful arena tour by Scottish band Texas.The deal was completed during PLASA 99 by Adlib's Dave Kay and PCM's John Jones. Adlib also bought two PCM's four-way motor controllers. These Lodestars join Adlib's existing stock. Dave Kay comments that they went for Lodestars because they are the industry standard and he believes they are the most reliable motor on the market.Kay completed one of PCM's Motor schools three years ago which he found very useful for learning the fundamentals of the machine. However, the motors have also proved so solid and robust that Adlib have never had occasion to dismantle or repair them. On Texas, Adlib's Lodestars were used to suspend their Martin Wavefront PA system which was engineered by Andy Dockerty at front-of-house with

Stage Design Exhibition

Details: 14 March 2016

Now in its twelfth year, the biennial Linbury Prize for Stage Design offers the UK's most promising stage design graduates an opportunity to work with some of the country's leading professional companies. An exhibition of designs by shortlisted prize contenders can currently be seen in the Lyttelton Exhibition Foyer until the 8 January 2000. Up to 12 graduates are exhibiting scale models, sketchbooks, plans and costume designs. Judges this year include Richard Hudson, who has designed extensively for productions in the UK and abroad, Tim Hatley, who has worked for theatre, opera and dance and Vicki Mortimer who has worked on a variety of productions for both the West End and Broadway.

Pure Group Introduce new SuperStructure

Details: 14 March 2016

The SuperStructure from the Pure Group is a new mobile venue, designed to the highest construction standards and developed by the Group to provide another link in the chain of the Total Production Solution offered by the Company. The SuperStructure measures 65 metres long by 14 metres wide and features 14 styled arches, each with a uniformly distributed weight loading of two tonnes - more equivalent to a permanent venue specification. There is 8.5 metres of headroom at the top of the arches which have 4.8 metre centres - again far more than you'd normally expect in a tented structure. The Group turned to the engineering and design skills of James Thomas Engineering to construct the arched roof framework for the new venue. The result is the first such arched outdoor roofing system that Thomas has built.

PCM Announces Next Rigging School

Details: 14 March 2016

PCM's next five-day Rigging School will run during the week of 21- 25 February 2000.This underscores PCM's total commitment to training and follows its very recent announcement of the expansion in its two-day Lodestar Motor School programme which is running throughout2000. Once again, it will uniquely be run on a non-profit making basis - the first such course of itskind to be constructed around this principle.PCM has been running Motor Schools to enlighten owners, users and specifies of the Columbus McKinnon Lodestar motor since 1993. PCM will team up with five other like-minded companies - Columbus McKinnon, Vertigo Rigging, James Thomas Engineering, MAN Flying Systems and Rope Assemblies, all of which will combine to offer a fully comprehensive week of tuition with hands-on participation covering all aspects of rigging. Vertigo Rigging will run the rigging section; James Thomas Engine

Triple E's UniRing Is Widget of the Year

Details: 14 March 2016

David Edelstein, MD of truss and track specialist Triple E, collected the award for Widget of the Year at this year's LDI Awards ceremony. He told PLASA Publishing: "It was a complete surprise and we are absolutely delighted that UniRing has been awarded this accolade!"Created for Triple E's Royal Opera House project, UniRing is a specially designed plastic ring which enables borders and legs to be clipped directly into Triple E's own aluminium track sections. No more tying knots: to attach borders and legs on bars, staff simply twist them in, saving a great deal of time during change arounds.

Maltbury Sells Hire Division

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA Publishing has learnt that London-based staging specialist Maltbury has sold its hire division to Gallowglass of West London. With sales accounting for more than 70% of the company's turnover, it was felt the time was right to concentrate on the core market, say Maltbury. MD Philip Sparkes told us: "The hiring of staging is labour intensive and Gallowglass is a specialist crewing company, so it's an extremely logical deal." The two companies will continue to work together on various projects to provide the most effective solutions for clients.

Le Mark and NDC Work Together

Details: 14 March 2016

Le Mark has appointed NDC as its dealer in Switzerland. The company, run by Nicholas de Courten, will handle the full range of Le Mark products. It already has strong ties with the major TV studios, theatre and production companies across Switzerland and is looking to expand into the conference and exhibition markets. NDC's appointment follows a series of new appointments by Le Mark including that of Strong In Spain.

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