Rigging / Staging

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14 March 2016

The locomotive needs to be hidden upstage at the top of the show before, self-supported and powered by crew alone, moving 4.5m downstage to slew round into its final position between two video walls and over the walkway.

Various effects needed to be incorporated into the design, including lighting, pyrotechnics, smoke, C02, headlights, a brass bell and deployable, light-up devil horns, not to mention concealing - and then supporting - a huge inflatable known as Rosie.

The complete centrep

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14 March 2016

The site has been filled with new content and redesigned with a vibrant look in line with the new corporate image of Litec, says the company.

Among the most important innovations is the Products section. The new section aims to make the whole range of Litec products more understandable. Each product is listed with its main technical features and users can also download all technical documents as well as having a look at a gallery of installations where the various products have been applied.

It is also now possible to find a product by typing its code or part of it in the search box of the site. All information about a single product will be collected quickly and directly on one page. "This will certainly hel

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14 March 2016

Managing Director, Mark Harding, spoke to the prestigious audience on the second day of the event, focusing on the critical issues around training in the UK. Speaking alongside the BSIA's Olympic 2012 project director David Evans, Harding focused on the potential benefits and pitfalls for the UK security industry presented by the 2012 London Olympics.

Harding stated: "The security industry contains a lot of experienced, qualified professionals and it should be those people driving the agenda towards the Games. The training programmes and qualifications infrastructure for the Ga

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14 March 2016

The project is managed by Jon Bray at Summit, who has liaised closely with the tour's head rigger Richard Wythes and production manager Henry Crallan to ensure that that things are running smoothly now the show's on the road.

10 trusses have been supplied by Summit to Red Piano, which are being used to suspend a variety of dramatically camp scenic pieces, drapes, two side IMAG screens and a 24.5m wide by 8m high upstage MiTrix video screen weighing seven tonnes.

To meet the tight gig scheduling, specific rigging, automation and lighting elements are being advance rigged on certain shows, so Wy

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14 March 2016

The first phase of the project, which will see the production area expanding by a further 350sq.m, began on 3 November. The shell of the building should be in place by the end of the year; the scheduled completion date is the 31 March 2009. During this phase, eight new jobs are being created and two new test beds, each with a well 6.5 metres deep, installed.

The second phase of construction will begin in the spring. When complete, it will add a further 400sq.m to the production and presentation areas. During this phase, a training facility will also be created, which will provide a realistic environment for par

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14 March 2016

Arena Seating installed 505 of its In Style temporary seats, finished with handrails, carpets, drapes and timber sides, all in muted black, rendering it almost invisible to the camera. The company's scaffolding expertise allowed the seating to fit snugly into the restricted studio space. In addition, it provided camera platforms and the supporting structure for ITV 2's Xtra Factor studio. An additional 165 Milano floor seats were provided by Spaceworks.

"Arena Seating designed

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14 March 2016

The company recently commissioned two new dual antenna HD trucks, equipping each with 20-channel Soundcraft BB100 production/on-air mixing consoles.

Designed to offer complete diversity and unparalleled transmission resilience, each vehicle contains two fully-isolated/fully redundant SD/HD transmission chains, and comprehensive audio/video test and monitoring.

Dave George, project manager for SIS Live, says, "We looked into the marketplace and found the BB100 to be a high specification desk at a competitive price. It offered an excellent featureset, such as the mix minus facility, and we use the sub

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14 March 2016

Once Upon A Dream is one of a number of shows which play in repertoire during the liner's cruise schedule. Brilliant Stages' components for the set comprise of huge moving walls which frame the stage to the side and rear. The side walls each measure 6m wide x 4.1m high, and the back wall a staggering 9m wide x 4.1m high - and all are designed to move at speeds up to 0.5m per second.

The moving walls are used to transform the set into an ever-changing series of different shapes and sizes. The side walls are attached to the proscenium by hinges on which they can pivot, whilst the back wall can be tracked up and down stage to meet with the sides. Side wall ang

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14 March 2016

Anthony Banks, operations manager for Gearhouse Rigging was head rigger for the tour, which played a mix of indoor and outdoor venues.

In Cape Town they used an 18m wide by 12m deep TFL roof. The PA Towers were done with Layher scaffolding, while the Durban gig was staged on a 20m wide by 14m deep Stageco roof with integral PA wings. The PA wings were at a height of 25m metres. The Johannesburg shows which concluded the tour took place in the Dome, a 13 212 seated capacity venue which sold out for two nights.

The GHSA lighting department was led by Rob Baker, a regular freelancer for the Cape Town branch, who worked with 4 touring crew

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14 March 2016

The Globe chose The Winter's Tale as the perfect play for a summer's evening and Maltbury provided appropriate staging.Metrodeck Ultra, Maltbury's lightest staging system, was chosen. The package was straightforward yet versatile using an aluminium frame with a lightweight plywood top. As the tour made its way around the country, Russell reported how vital it was having flexible and manageable staging. "I would have no hesitation in recommending Maltbury to other companies," he says.

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14 March 2016

Damon Albarn (musical score) and Gorillaz partner Jamie Hewlett (visuals, stage & costume design) present this innovative performance work fusing Chinese opera and circus with animated video cartoons and live performance.

Summit won a competitive tender to supply rigging services and equipment to the show which is staged by AEG Promotions UK. Summit's team is project managed by Chris Walker who is working closely with AEG's site production manager Tom Armstrong and Monkey Journey 2008 (the touring company) production manager, Jim Leaver.

The show's flown infrastructure is based around a 22.4m wide by 20.5m deep ground support system that was installed into the tent by Star Events Group.

From this, Summit

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14 March 2016

Stage One were brought in by Top Gear Live production manager, Simon Aldridge and were responsible for the construction of both the set and Swampy, along with the associated automation. Designed by Paul Bonomini, the set both framed and became part of the live action.

Stage One built a replica oil tanker, which split open to reveal Swampy - an 8m high, automated, fire-breathing monster. Swampy was constructed with a steel frame, a moulded head and four metre long arms with over sized sculptured hands. He was scenically dressed in camouflage netting

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14 March 2016

The Wired Remote VAC, designed for the Pro Series, allows technicians to move hoists, set or modify cues from a variety of onstage positions. The walk around, full-function work station (along with up to 100ft of cable) gives the technician freedom to see the hoists clearly during movement.

"Theatrical rigging requires precise movements, in close proximity, at very high speeds. You need to be able to see the equipment moving," said Ted Paget, Vortek central region sales manager. "The Wired Remote VAC allows for a clear line of sight between the technician and the equipment when it is moving."

Other features for the

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14 March 2016

LD Mark Payne supplied two different plots for the tour - one for the outdoor shows in Durban's Absa Stadium and Cape Town's Newlands Cricket Ground and one for the indoor show at the Dome in Johannesburg, where the tour concluded in two sold out nights.

The Dome show consisted of three trusses, with a total of 24 Martin Professional MAC 2K Profiles and 24 MAC 2K wash fixtures spread between them, plus four Robe 700w fixtures on the floor for band illumination. The front truss also featured seven 4-lite Molefays for audience lighting.

Gearhouse supplied a total of 10 follow spots - eight front-of-house (new 2K Supertroupers) and two on the upstage truss. Three scenic trusses

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14 March 2016

At a meeting with the ABTT held on the 3 December, the HSE explained that research that they have carried out indicated there were potential occasions when such a practice could cause the Tallescope to topple and thereby seriously injure the technician in the cage or those on the stage. This research follows on from similar, but not exactly the same, research, carried out on behalf of the ABTT. Therefore, the HSE considered that they would not change their position or advice until such time that it could be shown that their research had produced an erroneous conclusion or the statistical risk of an accident could be reassessed.

Having seen the confidential report, the ABTT is content that

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14 March 2016

"For Litestructures Studios, 2008 has been year of growth and development." says the Studio's general manager Brent Woods. "Increasingly we are becoming the rehearsal facility of choice amongst the biggest touring productions. We have been honoured to work this year with the most innovative and ambitious tours. We have exciting plans for developing the Studio further and are looking forward to a fantastic 2009."

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Litestructures was approached by Brighton based design and development experts Millimetre to produce an outdoor system that would create a visual delight both externally and internally. Litestructures technical sales manager Paul Hadfield discussed the Wishing Well concept with Millimetre's Marc Thomas and Ivan Clarke to gain a greater understanding of what was required of the final installation and the Litestructures design and manufacturing team swung into action to provide the structure.

The main support structure is 7.2m high with 6m spans between each tower and consists of Litestructures high performance Lit

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14 March 2016

The mobile stage was designed as a multi-level stage to enable him to have optimum contact with his audience. Beside the visual aspect, the technical specifications also played an important role. Due to a tight touring schedule, production time to build the stage was limited. Prolyte advised to use the Easy frame C system, as support frame for the entire staging area, which assembles rapidly and without the need for extra tooling of forklifts.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The show included performances by several high profile artists including headliner Loyiso Bala, supported by Loading Zone, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Denim and Dozi, all MC'd by comedian Wayne McKay. The event was project managed on site for Gearhouse by Zane Carim.

The main stage was a 22m wide by 14 deep Layher construction, with a Slick Dome roof giving 12m of headroom.

Upstage of this was a Lighthouse high-resolution LED screen. Most of the artists performed before dusk, but it was dark by the time the main ceremony swung into action. This plus three del

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14 March 2016

The building is under new management of the Sabatini Group and home to the Virtus Bologna A Series basketball team, who play all their home games there. The Sabatini Group also plans to expand the general use of the venue - which can hold up to 13000 people using mobile grandstands - to host major concerts, shows, conferences and other live sporting events. This necessitated the need for a flexible all-purpose trussing system from which to hang sound, lighting and AV equipment.

As this was such a high profile project, Bologna-based Decima Italia designed, supplied and installed the three trussing grids themselves. The main one measures 22 x 20m and has a weight loading of 40 tons, while the two side grids each measure 12 by 4

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14 March 2016

This follows the confirmation by Royal Parks that Live Nation successfully retained the contract which extends their 10-year history there. Over the years Showsec has supplied a range of event security services for live events including the Wireless and Hard Rock Calling series of festivals.

Showsec operations director Simon Battersby comments: "We are delighted to be returning to Hyde Park. It is the jewel in the crown of London's outdoor event spaces, attracting prestigious events with high profile artists and visitors. I enjoy the challenge of delivering a consistent high standard security service at a range of very different events, working alongside the best production teams in our industry."

Live Nation's festival director

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14 March 2016

Working with the producers of the show, Channel 4, and production designer, Nick King, Stage One was responsible for providing Countdown with its most expansive and stylish set to date, demonstrating Channel 4's commitment to the continuing success of the show, which has been running since 1982.

Stage One provided new presenter and contestant desks and built the large set backing panels. These panels were mounted on to trucks in order to enable a smooth transition between shows as they are moved in and out of the studio.

The company also provided a central floor motif for the set that consisted of a backlit polycarbonate graphic, along with incorporating further backli

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14 March 2016

Simon Edwards, 5 Star's head of technical design says: "The current economic climate means we have to be as flexible as possible, offering a good range of options that won't break the bank whilst also not compromising on basic fundamental principals like quality."

Featuring a durable ply carcass with smart High Pressure Laminate (HPL) finishing, the Arena range is constructed using 5 Star's regular glue-and-pin method and finished with the usual Penn-Elcom hardware.

Arena is available from stock in black, or to order in any of 5 Star's standard range of colours. Three standard sizes are available, the Arena 600, 900 and 1200. Each size coming complete with divider rails and partitions.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The 28,500sq.m multifunction hall, which has a seating capacity of 12,000, has been equipped with chain hoists and a chain-hoist controller from ChainMaster.

For the Spaladium Arena, ChainMaster delivered four 6,000 kg BGV-C1 JumboLifts with absolute value encoders and load cells in VarioLift versions, along with a computerized controller and a switching cabinet for the positioning of the central video cube.

The ChainMaster computerised controller for the arena in Split boasts a number of additional features. Among them is an emergency lowering system operated by a key switch that ca