UK - The team behind the ground-breaking Blackout installation have released the results of the UK Backstage Entertainment Industry’s Evaluation on Mental Health Awareness. This pioneering study was launched alongside the acclaimed 6-minute immersive experience at September’s PLASA Show, held at London Olympia. Funded by leading industry associations PLASA, the ALD, the ASD, the ABTT and the PSA, the academic analysis was conducted by Dr Paul Hanna, research director in clinical psychology at the University of Surrey. Hanna has worked closely with Blackout’s core creative team since they launched the installation in May 2019 at The Guildford School of Acting.
According to the survey, the prevalence of mental health issues among those working in the UK technical, backstage and entertainment industry is far higher than the national avera
UK - The Stage to Studio competition for the best audio mix, hosted by PLASA in association with Sound on Sound and Headliner magazines, ends on Monday, 13 January. Those interested in entering can find out more on the PLASA Show website. The competition launched in November inviting submissions for the best mix of VC Pines’ Stage to Studio session from PLASA Show 2019. The packed sessions saw a line up of emerging artists perform live, headlined by VC Pines who was recently BBC Radio One’s artist of the week. The sessions were mixed at the show by eminent engineers, with Pines’ recording overseen by Jamie McEvoy (Noel Gallagher, Placebo, the Vaccines.) The raw audio files were then released for the competition. Audio professiona
Fire Damage - North London music venue Koko has been damaged by fire. The London fire brigade said it was called to the scene in Camden, in north London, shortly before 9pm on Monday night (6 January). About a third of the roof of the venue, which in previous incarnations was known as The Music Machine and Camden Palace, was alight as firefighters tried to save the rest of the building. The former theatre is covered in scaffolding as part of a renovation. The venue was due to reopen in spring 2020 after a “major state-of-the-art” refurbishment, after the purchase of two adjacent buildings. Royalty Cheque - Bohemian Rhapsody's success at the box office in 2018 was replicated in the living room last year. The Freddie Mercury biopic was the biggest home video of 2019, selling 1.7m copies in the UK. Two-thirds of those copies were on DVD or Blu-Ray, with the re
South Africa - DWR’s first sale of Astera Titan Tubes in the country was to freelance gaffer Andre Beumer from Just Light It in Pretoria, who works extensively with several leading DoPs and other clients in the film, TV, commercials and video industry. No sooner had DWR and Astera struck the distribution deal, Andre was on Duncan Riley’s doorstep, and in fact the eight-way Titan Tube kit was DWR’s original demo kit, which he purchased on the day it arrived in their warehouse in Johannesburg! Duncan commented: “I always knew Astera was going to be popular, but even I was taken aback by Andre’s enthusiasm. He rocked up, virtually snatched them from us, transferred the money and disappeared in a cloud of dust up the road,” he says laughing. “I think he was straight out on a shoot that day using them.” “They are totally amazing tools,” confirms An
UAE - CT has announced that it is officially an authorised L-Acoustics calibration certified provider. L-Acoustics recently announced the creation of authorised calibration centres, designed to both strengthen the technical partnership between L-Acoustics and its certified providers (CPs), and to deliver a greater level of system configuration and calibration expertise at a local level for small to medium installations. “For Creative Technology, being an authorised calibration centre allows us to provide a greater level of service, knowledge and support to our clients, both from within our technical engineering teams and having direct access to L-Acoustics development and support management,” says Andy Reardon, Middle East managing director. “We pride ourselves in delivering solutions based on engineering and from the ground up. The Authorised Calibration Centr
USA - The Live Design International Conference and Tradeshow (LDI) has joined Questex, a global business information company. Questex states its goal is to create a “world-class information services business by advancing companies who help people live longer, healthier and better lives through the experience economy.” “This exciting development allows us to provide our audience and exhibitors with even better experiences, professional training, and engagement as Questex is strategically focused on the experience economy,” comments LDI show director, Jessi Cybulski. “LDI remains dedicated to serving and growing the live design community. We don’t anticipate any of our live design/LDI community will experience any changes, except good ones, as we move forward. Expect more information on this soon.” Paul Miller, CEO, Questex, adds: “The experience ec
USA - AMS Neve and Westlake Pro have partnered to create the first AMS Neve Showroom in the US. Located at Westlake Pro’s headquarters in North Hollywood, the space provides an environment for clients to listen to the entire AMS Neve product portfolio. David Walton, AMS Neve’s distribution manager, comments: “It’s really exciting to be working with Westlake Pro and the new showroom because they have enormous experience, ranging from frontline sales to complete integrations and development of some of the biggest, most famous studios around the world. With products like mixing consoles, support is very important. Westlake’s experience with design and integration, as well as on-going support for the products they sell, means that we are in a really good position to work together moving forward both with existing and new products.” Walton adds that, as AMS Nev
Poland - Absen has appointed SQM as the company’s official distributor in Poland. SQM, a specialist provider of multimedia and event services, will have exclusive rights over the sale and distribution of the Aries AX1.5 MiniLED rental display, in the Polish rental staging market. Headquartered in Poznan, SQM provides multimedia and audio-visual rental services for trade fairs, conferences and events across Europe. The company has recently added over 100sq.m of Absen’s AX1.5 product - part of the Aries MiniLED rental series - to its inventory, making it one of the few partners to be able to offer rental customers such a high-quality 1.5mm fine pitch LED display. “Quality is the most important factor for us and the AX1.5 certainly delivers on so many levels,” says Michal Górski, CEO at SQM. “After visiting Absen’s manufacturing base in China and witness-tes
Europe - Notch, the company behind the realtime visual creation tool, has launched a podcast, Showcast, giving creatives a platform to share their project stories. Showcast is “made by creators for creatives” and covers real-life experiences from Glastonbury to music videos. It is recommended for those who want to get insight into realtime production workflows. During the 30-minute episodes, key industry creatives share their experiences, techniques, and stories across live touring, VFX, XR and motion graphics. The upcoming podcasts for season one will include discussions with Kevin Zhu, senior designer at All of it Now on how he helped Korean supergroup BTS create the first tour to ever use live integrated AR camera systems; as well as an interview with director Pod Bluman and Notch designer Kyle Reseigh at Bluman Associates. Pod and Kyle will be di
USA - Entertainment technology charity Behind the Scenes has announced that the The Lightpower Collection’s work of famed Rock‘n’Roll photographer and author Neal Preston is returning to the NAMM Show (16-19 January, Anaheim). Neal’s pictures will be displayed in the BTS booth #10747 and will include pictures not previously seen at the show including Mötley Crüe, Kiss, and Bruce Springsteen. Neal’s books Exhilarated & Exhausted and In the Eye of the Hurricane and posters, including his famous images of Robert Plant and Carlos Santana, will be available for sale. Proceeds will benefit the charity. Neal will be present in the Behind the Scenes booth to sign books and posters on Thursday, 16 January at 3pm and on Friday, 17 January at 11am and 3pm. Neal’s archive is regarded as one of the music industry’s most extensive and signif
UK - IPS is the first rental stockist of the new SGM G-7 BeaSt fixture. This LED moving head with beam and strobe effect incorporates a parabolic reflector, which creates zoomable collimated beam effects with a 10,000-lumen pixel controllable strobe in the centre. IPS MD James Mason says: “I was really impressed with these units from the first time I saw them, as they are able to create such a wide range of effects. Also, they are incredibly bright - and fully IP66-rated.” The G-7 BeaSt fixtures will join a well-established range of SGM products already working hard in the IPS hire inventory, including G-Profile Turbo, P-5 and Q-7 fixtures. MD Mason adds: “There has been a lot of anticipation following previews at PLASA Show, and then the big reveal at LDI - our customers are already specifying the G-7 BeaSt on shows for 2020.” (Jim Evans)
World - As the LSi office closes for the Christmas break, we would like to wish all our readers a very special holiday and a happy and prosperous 2020. We'll be back with more daily news here at LSiOnline in the New Year, kicking off on 2nd January. Until then, have a great time - and thanks for reading . . . The LSi team
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has announced that Brad ‘fixintogetmixin’ Divens will present two masterclasses at the 2020 NAMM show in Anaheim. In addition to currently working as FOH engineer for Enrique Iglesias, Divens has also worked for Linkin Park, Garbage, Cyndi Lauper, HIM, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Mötley Crüe, Jane's Addiction and more. Divens will speak at two exclusive Masterclass events, presented by JBL and Soundcraft. Both events will take place on Thursday, 16 January 16 in the AES Academy 2020 room on the fourth floor of the Anaheim Hilton and will be hosted by Soundcraft’s live sound product specialist, Tom Der. During his Building the Mix masterclass, Divens will discuss and demonstrate his approach to putting together a live mix, including technical topics such as the basics of input gain, EQ, compression, plu
UK - Audiologic has announced that it has been appointed as UK distributor for microphone manufacturer MXL’s UCC range of products. Andy Lewis, Audiologic managing director, comments: “We’re pleased to be able to offer our customers the MXL UCC product range. Flexibility and scalability are key to successful unified communications and the MXL conference solutions are also Zoom Room certified. This excellent addition to our portfolio is sure to be a very popular choice in the UC sector.” (Jim Evans)
UK - Focusrite, the global music and audio products company, has announced the acquisition of pro audio solutions manufacturer Martin Audio. The total consideration to be paid is £39.2m for the business. This will be funded through a combination of existing cash resources and a new loan facility of £40m with HSBC and Natwest. The completion of the loan facility, and hence the completion of the acquisition, is dependent upon shareholder approval in a general meeting on 30 December 2019. Martin Audio will continue to operate from their headquarter offices and factory in High Wycombe, under the leadership of managing director Dominic Harter. Harter comments: “We are excited by the transaction and what Martin Audio can achieve together with Focusrite. Focusrite is a strong brand in the industry and given the geographic proximity of both our businesses we know t
Germany - Trussing, staging and rigging solutions manufacturer and distributor HOF has expanded its premises by 5,000sq.m, adding over 650 storing positions and increasing the size of its production site. HOF has also improved the exterior landscaping by installing a heavy-duty pavement that can withstand the weight of cranes for up to 120 tonnes. Trial installations for stages and constructions of up to 36 x 22m can also take place on the new surface. There is also an apartment on the new premises, which can be used by clients and installation staff during the trial installations. The new premises has a fully functional photo studio for product photo shootings and video productions. The new showroom now spans over two levels along with three meeting rooms. On show there are HOF trusses, XOOP Lighting and Excellent Line, brands owned by HOF. CJS Coupler and Br
USA - One London-based lighting programmer took home a brand-new MagicQ MQ70 console as he triumphed in ChamSys’ Programmers Competition, which took place during the LDI 2019 tradeshow in Las Vegas. The contest required programmers to programme a large Chauvet Professional rig for a one to three-minute song of their choice using MagicQ with MagicVis Visualization, with the top three entrants invited to playback their entries live at the trade event. “We were blown away by his incredible work,” said the panel of judges in a statement announcing that Matt Blake had won the contest. Chris Kennedy, director of ChamSys, added: “Matt made excellent use of the different fixtures on the lighting rig, created lots of different visual effects some static, some moving and made the most of ChamSys powerful control abilities to create a stunning show. This is all th
Vietnam - Prolights has announced the appointment of Vietnam Pro AVL as its distributor for Vietnam. The developing company has been founded in Hanoi by a young and resourceful team, whose main goal is to ‘bring the highest standards throughout the Nation, focusing on the establishment of the world class brand which represent and providing to the Vietnamese clients professionalism and the best AVL solutions suitable to their needs’. Lê Mạnh Thắng, Vietnam Pro AVL president, says: "I've been following Prolights for a few years, and I was deeply impressed by the fast process of growth the company has brought to the market. When I visited their HQ in Italy, I saw up close the hard work and the long term vision of the team about the brand establishment, as well as the attention to details in the products that perfectly meet the core values we aim to bring in our e
Czech Republic - Adamson Systems Engineering has added BaSys CS s.r.o. to its global network as its exclusive distributor for Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Based in Prague, BaSys CS is a division of Swiss-based technology distributor BaSys, which represents a number of AV and consumer electronics brands in Central Europe. “We’re proud to represent a prestigious brand like Adamson in the Czech and Slovak markets,” begins Ondřej Tureček, the head of sound for long-time Adamson Network partner ZL Production and now the Adamson brand manager for BaSys CS s.r.o. “Having worked closely with Adamson products and representatives through ZL Production, one of the biggest Adamson rental partners in Central Europe, I’m very familiar with the brand and its many competitive advantages, and see plenty of exciting opportunities and potential for growth in our region.”
UAE - Allen & Heath has appointed Dubai-based NMK Electronics as its exclusive distributor for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. Responsible for the full Allen & Heath range, NMK will offer a broad range of solutions to customers, from MI and pro audio through to AV installation. The partnership takes immediate effect, with plans for regular training and product support activities now in place. “We are extremely proud to partner with such a legendary brand. NMK has witnessed Allen & Heath grow at an increasing rate over the last few years,” comments Dino Drimakis, business development manager at NMK. “Thanks to the highly talented and friendly team at A&H and with the addition of Avantis joining the flagship dLive, SQ and Qu Series, we feel A&H perfectly complements the NMK portfolio and feel confident that we can continue to r
USA - Behind the Scenes (BTS) - the US charity that provides financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals who are seriously ill or injured - has now awarded $1,000,000 in grants. The milestone has been reached with the support of the wider industry, with numerous companies and organisations backing the charity via direct donations or by donating portions of its sales profits or service fees. “Every person or organisation who has made a donation, bought a raffle ticket or a holiday card, organised or participated in a community fundraising event, or become a Pledge-of-Support Partner has made it possible for Behind the Scenes to bring help and hope to our colleagues during some of their most difficult moments,” says the charity in a statement. Grants have been provided to individuals from across the US and Canada working in every facet of th
Big Issues - Industry bodies have highlighted the biggest issues for the arts following the general election result – with Equity stating it is “extremely concerned” about the impact of Brexit. Following the Conservative win in last week’s general election, organisations, also including the Creative Industries Federation, UK Theatre, Incorporated Society of Musicians and the Back for the Future Campaign, have outlined their priorities for the creative industries. Equity general secretary Christine Payne said: “As the largest union in the creative sector, representing more than 48,000 professionals, we strongly encourage the government to take up the offer we make today of expert guidance on matters that are crucial for the future health of the UK’s creative industries. “Equity remains extremely concerned about the impact Brexit will have on our memb
UK - Audiotonix has reached an agreement for a next-stage investment from private investment house, Ardian. James Gordon, Audiotonix CEO, comments, “This is an outstanding opportunity to partner with Ardian to enable further growth, and it represents a significant step in the future development of Audiotonix. We have built an incredible infrastructure within the group in the past five years, which has clearly benefited all our brands with manufacturing know-how, developing new technologies, and growing their worldwide reach. Ardian’s financial support and advice, combined with Astorg’s, who are also remaining as an investor for this next phase, will help expand our brands and product portfolio even further.” Olivier Personnaz, managing director, Ardian Buyout, comments: “How people enjoy live, televised and streamed entertainment is going through a revolutio
UK - West London rental specialist Entec has announced the appointment of Daniel Scantlebury as its new head of sound, effective immediately. Scantlebury, who has joined after several years with Manchester-based dbnAudile as a senior project manager, says: “It was time for a new challenge and an incredible opportunity like this does not come along very often, so I’m thrilled. I’ve always respected Entec for its approach to business as well as its impressive history, and moving south to be closer to my family was also a consideration.” The news of Dan’s appointment coincides with another major move for the company’s sound department. A committed d&b rental house since 1995, Entec recently invested in the brand’s latest generation SL-Series with the purchase of 50 KSL line array loudspeakers - 28 KSL 8 (80° dispersion), four KSL 12 (120°) and 18 card
