Rick Rudolph, chair of the Behind the Scenes Committee, responded: "We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant and the recognition of what Behind the Scenes is accomplishing and the community we represent. We have had an unprecedented number of requests for grants in just the first six weeks of this year and this gift from BC/EFA will ensure we can continue to assist our colleagues in need even through such difficult economic times."
Property News - Music group EMI has said it is not considering selling London's Abbey Road studios. EMI released a statement saying the studios, made famous by an eponymous Beatles album, should stay under its ownership. The firm added it had rejected an offer for the historic building last year and was working with "third parties" about funding a "revitalisation project". It ends days of speculation after it was reported that struggling EMI would sell Abbey Road to ease debts.
The reports led to Facebook campaigns to try to save it: the National Trust said it would look into buying the property and even composer Andrew Lloyd Webber expressed an interest in owning the studio. However, on Sunday EMI said that while it was looking for an investor in the site, based at 3 Abbey Road in St John's Wood, it was not looking for a buyer. "In response to recent press speculation, EMI confirms that it is holding preliminary discussions for the revitalisation of Abbey Road with interested and appropriate third parties," the company said.
Show News - The Prolight&Sound and Media Systems Prolight&Sound trade fairs in Frankfurt from 24-27 March 2010 will be characterised by a number of important changes, say the organisers. For the first time, the two fairs will occupy the new Hall 11 of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre while the new 'Portalhaus' adjoining Hall 11 will house the Media Systems Congress. Additionally the 'Portalhaus' will act as the new main entrance for both events.
The new Hall 11 will feature exhibitors from the lighting and stage segments. There, visitors will find products and services in the following categories: theatre, studio, show and stage lighting, design and installation, laser and effects and stage technology and truss / rigging systems.
(Jim Evans)
