RML specializes in the television lighting, and is already the largest Compulite rental house in the UK, with 19 systems in stock. However an increase in its workload necessitated the additional systems. Current RML TV shows with Compulite in control include Blue Peter, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Crimewatch, Midweek Lottery, Shooting Stars and the Saturday Show.
One of the latest productions for which RML has supplied a Spark console is ‘Smart’ for CBBC. The show demonstrates different techniques for drawing, painting and creating. Lighting designer Dave Davey had the challenge of designing a flexible, but economic lighting rig. As such, he went for one stocked with Clay Paky Stage Zoom 1200s for projection onto the set and floor, Martin Mac 500s for colourful beam work and Pulsar ChromaPanels built into the set, all controlled from the Spark console.
Alton Towers already owns a Compulite Micron 4D console, and they’ve now decided to standardize on all the equipment that they use. The Micron has now been operating for a year in an extremely harsh environment - a big top tent, that resembles a fridge in winter and a sauna in summer, and is also very damp at certain seasons. There’s also a high proportion of mains power spikes in the park due to the electric motors on the rides. The Micron is controlled via MIDI (using a PC running a sequencer package, slaved to SMPTE), and replays the show faithfully time after time. The new Spark 4D desk will be used in a 650-seat traditional proscenium arch theatre that’s housing a brand new show for 2003. The show features The Tweenies and will have a basic generic lighting rig, designed by Alton Towers’ resident technical manager, Simon Horsley.
(Ruth Rossington)
