The new units were an integral element of Tim Dunn's lighting design for the event, which was broadcast live by the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC) to over 200 territories worldwide. A hundred of these relayed it live, creating a new FIFA Draw record.
The new 2500s were supplied to Gearhouse by Robe's South African distributor DWR Distribution. Gearhouse first bought Robe moving lights - 48 of the 700 Series - in January 2007, followed by another 48 700 Series fixtures in October, quickly followed by the 2500s this month - just in time for the FIFA event.
Dunn worked closely with set designer Dewett Meyer and Richard Baker from LEDVision (suppliers of the onstage LED elements) on evolving the look and feel of the show and the stage space. The idea was to present something that looked uniquely African with a contemporary and international twist. It had to look good on TV as well as for the 4000 delegates and worldwide press gathered in the convention centre for the Draw.
The set consisted of a series of curved surfaces, embossed with generic African patterns, finished in pale light-inducing materials. The floor and steps were finished in a high gloss plastic coating.
(Jim Evans)
