Acclaimed designer Michael Gill was responsible for the set design for the gala event held in the Ballroom, with manufacturing by Just Sets. Robert Grobler from Techrig, along with Dennis Hutchinson, was responsible for the lighting design. "It was a big set that had to be lit properly and with a slick line-up, it had to be perfect," commented Grobler. Performances by George Meiring, Vicky Sampson, Jay and Lianie, Yollandi Nortjie, Flip A Coin, Dozi and Nianell, further complemented with stunning decor, ensured an evening that did not disappoint.
"We had to work around limitations of weight and availability of points to rig," said Grobler. "Height was another problem so a mother grid was out of the question. We ended up using the chandelier recesses to our advantage which gave us that desirable clean look."
The predominantly Robe-based rig featured the company's Robin LED products (24 Robin 600 LEDwash), which Grobler described as "mind blowing": "The units by themselves made the gala dinner work with a mighty punch. The Robin 600 LEDs are a force to be reckoned with," he added.
Also in the rig were 16 Robe CityScape 48s and ColorSpot 700E ATs. Four Vari*Lite VL3500 Spots were also used along with conventional fixtures including ETC Source Four and Philips Selecon Pacific profiles. Control was from an MA Lighting grandMA Full-Size desk, while some atmospheric souping-up was provided by a Le Maitre MVS Hazer.
The conference, held in the Pilansberg Room at Sun City, kicked off with live performances including dancers. The main conferencing area had multiple video playback with interactions and included a mock-up studio for a Q & A session. It worked like clockwork, Grobler says.
Here again a grandMA Full-Size was in control, with the rig featuring mainly Martin Professional MAC 700 wash and profile fixtures. Again, Le Maitre MVS Hazers provided the atmospherics.
The event, which required a large crew complement, was a huge success. "Each person had an important role to play in making the event work flawlessly," said Grobler. "Thanks to everyone involved, you rock!"
(Lee Baldock)
