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Rigging / Staging

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Another SIB exhibitor quietly enjoying significant growth is Dutch company Highlite International, which now produces a huge range of lighting, audio and trussing products. Company owner Huub de la Haije told me that since the company was founded in the early 90s, it has doubled its turnover every two years. Highlite has always manufactured its products in China, and has more than 10 years' worth of relationships with Chinese manufacturing interests under it belt. Consequently it is somewhat ahead of the game now that everyone's eyes turn are turning eastwards.

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UK - For performing arts professionals and students based in Scotland, it's a long trek to trade shows in the Midlands and south to see the latest products and talk to equipment manufacturers. So this year the Department of Technical and Production Arts at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) added a Sponsors Trade Show to run alongside its annual graduate exhibition. Spearheaded by Ros Maddison and David Ripley (RSAMD's head of Technical and Production Arts and production manager respectively), the combined event was held on 24-25 March.

The show fulfilled three functions: to give the Academy's sponsors something in return, by bringing their products out 'to the market' and providing a forum to informally talk direct to the students; to give the students the opportunity to talk to the companies, to discuss products, working practices, work placements and employ

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UAE - The Middle East is an exciting market for lighting, sound, AV and systems integration providers. For example, the UAE is slated to invest $28billion in new architecturally-driven projects over the next five years. Across the Middle East region, research has indicated that the sound and lighting industry will be worth $2billion per year within five years.

This huge level of investment aims to open up massive new income streams to these previously oil-dependent states, with tourism and leisure on the grandest of scales being the big earner of the future. All good news for suppliers and installers of entertainment, presentation and communication systems.

Against this background, IIR Exhibitions has put the Pro Audio & Light Middle East - PALME - exhibition firmly on the international trade show calendar after just two events. This year's show, which took place in February,

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UK - The Coliseum, home to the English National Opera, was in the final stages of its £41m refurbishment when I visited in early February. Having experienced hideous delays resulting in both the cancellation of Nixon in China and the advertised first night of Rheingold, ENO tentatively opened its doors on 27 February with the first part of Wagner's pioneering tetralogy, The Ring Cycle. Whilst the opening show received mixed reviews the interior itself procured gasps of admiration from FOH staff and punters alike.

Originally a variety house designed by the renowned architect Frank Matcham, the Coliseum has been home to the English National Opera since 1968. This restoration is the first major programme of repair since it opened in 1904: the venue has undergone several face-lifts in the past, some of which have eradicated many of the theatre's beautiful original features.

Respo

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UK - Experienced industry executive, Garry Broadbent, has been confirmed as the new MD of CRS Ltd and Powerent. Broadbent will take the reigns at two of the Longville Group's specialist equipment rental companies after a complete restructure by the new board which was appointed at the end of last year. CRS is one of the country's leading climate control hire specialists and Powerent provides power and generator solutions.

Broadbent was one of the original founders of CRS in 1995 and moved with the company, becoming sales director, when the Longville Group acquired it in 1999. Broadbent not only has a background in sales but also mechanical engineering, which is crucial in what is a technical, installation and solution driven market.

Broadbent said: "The restructure at Longville has created a great opportunity for our businesses to focus on their own unique strengths and c

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Ireland - On 19 February, Pink, the bad girl of pop, made a dramatic entrance onto the stage at the Point Theatre Dublin as she was lowered smoothly to the stage in a rusty steel bird cage (pictured right). Pink opened her show with the hit song There You Go, telling the 8,000 strong crowd that the evening was to be an 'illusion of music'. . .

Brilliant Stages were approached by production manager Rich Barr to work on the Mark Fisher design for the European leg of Pink's world tour. The company supplied two 'smart' hoists - to lower the cage to the stage - preferred for their ability to ramp up and down from a soft start to produce a smooth descent. The set pieces include two exaggerated speaker stacks mounted to an upstage raised walkway, accessed via two open-tread aluminium staircases on stage left and right.

The 64 speaker cones, constructed from fibreglass, are up to 3ft

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Germany / International - The current Metallica world tour kicked off at the Fillmore in San Francisco on 18 May, 2003, and the celebrated heavy metal band has been touring the globe - from America to Europe, Japan and Australia - with only a few short breaks and occasional days off ever since. The final curtain will fall on the 10 October, 2004, in the HSBC Center in Buffalo, New York.

The lifting gear used for this epic has been provided by ChainMaster of Eilenburg, Germany, and plays a pivotal role at the end of the show, when the precise lifting and lowering of trusses, accompanied by dramatic sound and pyrotechnic effects, is used to simulate the collapse of the entire grid. The Metallica production involves the use of 30 VarioLifts (22 x 500 kg, 8 x 250kg) among other hoists, and two computer systems supplied by Show Distribution, the North American ChainMaster distributor

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Germany - The Fun Company, a new Germany-based venture aimed at bringing new show control solutoions to the market, launched its E.GO show control system at the recent Frankfurt ProLight&Sound exhibition. The E.GO system offers control of lights, video and sound in professional theatrical or event environments, and follows a fully modular concept which allows the user to add and combine any number of modules to one console.

In addition, each module can work as a stand-alone unit, so it can function as a full desk on its own. There are three modules available, each being tailored towards a specific use: the Designer module for direct access, the Performer for playing back complex shows and the Fader module for flexible device mixing.

Technologies such as the easy to use ColorTarget and the ShowDrive make the E.GO show control system one of the most versatile and easy to use s

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UK - Drapes and rigging specialist Blackout has appointed Ken Nock as senior project manager, to work closely with managing director Steve Tuck and existing project managers, Chris Brain and Kevin Monks to deliver creative solutions to Blackout's expanding global client base.

With over 30 years' experience handling complex large-scale rigging projects across corporate and entertainment sectors, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the Blackout team. Well known for his work with Unusual Rigging in the nineties, Nock was before that Head of Rigging at the NEC and has a prestigious history in project safety management. His most significant and lasting impact has been felt in the area of rigging safety at large venues, not least getting a proper, movable rigging grid into Wembley Arena.

In his new position he will lead Blackout's growth in exhibitions and corporate events

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UK - Summit Steel has designed, co-ordinated and installed a versatile rigging scheme for Cliff Richard's current month-long run at the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to the usual production rigging requirements for a large V-Dosc PA and four lighting trusses, this also allows for the straightforward staging of a variety of other shows during the 'dark' slots in Cliff's standard two days on and one off schedule.

The diverse selection of 'other' shows include a tribute to Ronnie Lane, an Islamic Relief event and shows for Classic FM and 19 Management as well as a gala dinner. The Cliff Richard run continues Summit MD Jon Bray's long standing association with the artist, and his production team, which stretches back over 20 years to 1982, and includes the galvanising Cliff 40th Anniversary Tour, staged in-the-round at the same venue in 1998.

This year sees him renew his acquaint

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UK - Stage specialists Stage Technologies has seen a marked increase in its exports to America in recent years, with high profile projects including the Lyric Opera House Chicago and the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, the latest additions to their already impressive client list. It is with their American clientele in mind that Stage Technologies have recently become a UL-listed company, now authorized to produce UL-approved electrical control panels.

John Hastie, sales and marketing director for Stage Technologies, commented: "UL is a universally recognized standard and it provides our growing global client base with an instant assurance that Stage Technologies conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety."

(Lee Baldock)

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Italy - Proel S.p.A. has recently reached a strategic commercial agreement with Litec Srl. In just two years, Proel's Lighting division has gained strong results in both turnover and export, in addition to its already positive performance in the domestic market. Litec is a leading trussing company, finding innovative solutions in the field of aluminium structures.

Fabrizio Sorbi, Proel chairman, said: "This agreement will allow both companies to develop several strategic activities. Litec means research and development, design and skilled mechanical planning. We will research advanced solutions for a new range of products, thus enabling us to meet the different needs of the market and to be closer to our customers in terms of pre-sales and after-sales services."

Giuliano Luvisotto, Litec general manager, commented: "We consider this agreement interesting and ext

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USA - Kurt Kern, long-time TMB sales representative, has relocated to Cleveland to join Vincent Lighting Systems. TMB's East Coast sales manager, Brian Dowd, said: "Kurt has been a great asset and friend to us all. We respect the devotion to his family that prompted this move. The growth of our New York office over the past few years would not have been possible without Kurt's knowledge, talent and hard work. Paul Vincent and everyone at Vincent Lighting are very fortunate. Meanwhile, we now have to deal with our worst nightmare: a customer who knows our deepest, darkest secrets!"

"Who can blame Kurt for moving to a town with such an awesome football team?" said TMB's sales manager, Tommy Stephenson, famous follower of lost causes, adding: "Paul, did you get a chance to look at my resumé yet?"

"These have been great years," comments Ke

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UK - The exciting new season planned at the English National Opera, the first in the restored Coliseum, left the ENO's technical and production department looking for a new solution to allow them to update their flying system. With a technically ambitious season ahead, the system needed to enable them to stage some of the company's largest shows to date, such as their current production of Phyllida Lloyd's Ring Cycle.

The ENO approached Stage Technologies for a solution with the view to purchasing a Nomad control console and renting 36 Big Tow winches. This would allow them to move very heavy loads quickly and safely, including a two-tonne suspension bridge, which is part of the set for Rhinegold, and allows them to stage some complicated and impressive effects for forth coming productions such as Valkyrie and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The well-pub

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UK - The brief was to retain the original architectural vision of wood floors in the studio of London's Jerwood Space and yet provide a suitable dance surface for a range of dance disciplines. Housed in a converted Victorian school in London's Southwark district, the Jerwood Space was created to help dance and theatre professionals by providing the best rehearsal space at a price appropriate to their means.

As director Richard Lee explained: "Our four main studios were equipped with pine sprung floors but the differing demands of theatre and dance companies, as well as public events, meant these had to be protected with a practical roll-out floor - practical but unattractive and requiring frequent taping."

The solution proved to be Harlequin Fiesta, a floor originally developed to stand up to the rigours of percussive dance, while Fiesta's oak-strip patterned hard su

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UK - Le Mark Group has introduced one of the world's most extensively-used gaffer tapes to its range. Pro-Gaffer from Pro Tapes & Specialities replaces Scapa 3101 as Le Mark's heavy-duty all-weather tape.

Pro-Gaffer is one of the best vinyl coated cloths available and is used by leading movie technicians and engineers worldwide. The advantages over Scapa 3101 are that the range offers 20 standard colours plus a superior matt surface thus reducing light reflection. Vinyl coated cloth tapes offer advanced performance in both high and low temperature applications and a high adhesive weight ensures a strong hold for extreme conditions such as 'off shore location-filming' and extreme rigging and fixing. Pro-Gaffer now companions Permacel P665 within the ever-growing Le Mark waterproof cloth based specialist tape range.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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International - The June 2004 issue of Lighting&Sound International magazine (published 9 June 2004) will feature a Technical Focus on the new Working at Height Regulations. PLASA's Health & Safety consultant, Ron Bonner, has been delivering a seminar to the industry on the subject of the new regulations, including at the PALME exhibition in Dubai in February, and at this week's A.C. Lighting North trade show in Leeds. He comments: "This legislation is being forced on our industry - and a number of others - very soon. As so much of the work in entertainment technology is carried out at height, I believe it is vital that professionals working in this industry have an understanding of what is in store for them."

The Technical Focus article will also go on to provide a round-up of chain hoist motors and their control systems. The review will examine standards and safety,

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UK - Star Events Group has hired out its first Star Orbit stage since buying the range of stages earlier this year. The stage, hired to the Rockingham Racetrack over the May bank holiday, also marked the first of the venue's summer series 'Days of Thunder' shows. 20,000 visitors enjoyed an exciting day's racing before being entertained by Freefaller, D'Side and V, with Blue closing the evening.

Since opening the UK's first purpose-built motor racing circuit in May 2001, with grandstand seating and modern facilities for visitors' comfort, Rockingham has encouraged family audiences to visit the state-of-the art venue by adding funfairs and pop concerts to the racing days.

Rockingham's Jeff Carter commented: "Last year we hosted several successful concerts with Star Mobile and this year we have bought in Star Orbit with their dome-shaped stage, which looks great and the arti

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UK - The BBC brought live music to Northern Ireland this spring with their BBC Music Live week, which kicked off with 'One Big Weekend' and closed with the 'Beautiful Night' concert. Star Events Group was bought in to provide the staging and rigging services for both events. 'One Big Weekend' took place on 24-25 April, incorporating both a dance day and a band day. Faithless took to the stage on Saturday whilst Sunday's headliners Ash got the crowds bouncing, and were warmed up by performances from Avril Lavigne, Kelis and Franz Ferdinand.

The event took place in a huge Kayam tent, in which Star Events Group created the show's focal point. A 20m x 15m Vertech stage was erected inside the structure with an impressive video and lighting set-up. The stage was branded with BBC Radio 1 and Music Live logos. A crew of 10 built the impressive structure over three days with Pete Englis

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The Netherlands - LGH Rigging Services, specialists in the hire, sales and service of rigging and associated equipment, has recently expanded into Holland in order to meet the increasing demand for its services in Europe.

LGH Rigging Services was established as a dedicated, back-up, equipment resource for the entertainment industry in 1997 by LGH Group plc, leaders in lifting and winching equipment for over 30 years. The business has until now been solely UK based at Three Mills Island Studios, London and is managed by Bob Dean.

Following its success in the UK, it has been decided to further support and develop European customer relationships by establishing a new mainland European base at Utrecht in Holland. Paul Fulcher, operations director, LGH Group, explained: "Our personnel's lifting and rigging expertise in the entertainment industry has been combined with a vast h

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USA - On Thursday 6 May 2004, just before David Bowie was due to start his A Reality Tour at the James L. Knight Centre in Miami, a local lighting technician, later identified as Wally Thomas, fell 50ft to his death from a metal wire and rod ladder. Investigators are now trying to determine the circumstances which led up to the death of Thomas who had worked in the industry for 25 years and was an extremely experienced stage technician.

The Miami Herald reported that Homicide detective, Ed Avila told them: "Wally Thomas and two other workers - who were looking after stage spotlights - were all wearing full body harnesses. However, the speculation is that Thomas was not clipped into the safety line when he fell to his death.

According to colleague and stage hand Chris Ryan - who has worked with Thomas since 1978 - he was stunned to hear he was on a truss spot

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Balanced Technology is a new distributor on the Australian entertainment production scene, supplying an eclectic mix of products ranging from inline 5-pin to 3-pin DMX adapters and followspot sights, to Littlite task lights and complete aluminium truss systems.

Balanced Tech was featuring two new products. Brown's Precision Welding have developed a 500mm stacking truss system which, due to its advanced webbing design, is rated for higher loads than 500mm box truss. One person can comfortably move eight 3m lengths of this truss on a simple dolly.

Also on stand, Nic Moreau of Enttec was demonstrating his unique DMX Datagate, a sophisticated DMX device with one Ethernet port and eight bi-directional DMX512 (RDM) ports. The device can be configured, via its web interface, to perform any conceivable function with its ports: DMX distribution and routing, Ethernet to DMX, DMX to Ethernet,

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UK - Summit Steel has purchased a large rigging automation and movement system by Kinesys from Brilliant Stages. It consists of 30 model LL Lodestars, operating with Elevation 1+ vari-speed hoist controllers and Kinesys' Vector Motion Control software. The purchase is part of Summit's ongoing commitment to the specialist area of movement and motion control, say the company.

Each Elevation 1+ Variable Speed hoist controller allows the variable speed running and full positional control of an electric chain hoist via an RS485-based protocol. The unit itself also incorporates a full variable-speed manual control plus remote handset control for basic running. Units can be daisy-chained together for easy set-up of multi-point lifts.

Summit is using Kinesys' Vector Motion Control software as the primary show control. Vector is a fully-featured motion control sequencing system that c

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UK - Star Rigging provided the rigging requirements for Westlife's Turnaround tour, to ensure the group could incorporate their latest stunt to get them close to their fans. The production focal point of the show was an aluminium catwalk lowered from the ceiling, on which the band performed four numbers over the heads of the audience. Star Rigging ensured the catwalk was rigged and lowered safely at each of the shows. The complete catwalk was 120ft long and incorporated an aluminium mesh walkway with a circular stage at the end, with Perspex flooring allowing the crowds to see the band throughout their performance. During the show, the giant catwalk was lowered out of the arena roofs to a 3m height above the heads of a delighted audience.

Star Rigging's Phil Broad designed the rigging plots and programmed the company's Ibex motion control system, ever mindful of the safety of th

  1. Blackout jazzes up Henri Salvador set
  2. LiteStructures gets De-Lovely at Cannes
  3. Live Across the Networks with Stage Electrics
  4. Andy Trevett to leave Prolyte
  5. PLASA Awards Relaunched for 2004
  6. James Thomas at ABTT 2004
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