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UK - Under the direction of Mick Anderson, business development consultancy MAC is expanding, adding to its client list and recruiting new specialist skills to the team.

MAC has been signed up by the German loudspeaker manufacturer CODA Audio to develop its export sales direction on a global basis, and assist CODA's owner Svetley Alexandrov in positioning his company to take best advantage of the international market.

Anderson comments: "We're delighted to be joining the CODA operation. This company is driven by highly credible technology and has a proven ability to produce the goods, from manufacturing operations entirely based in Europe.

"CODA Audio is a vertically-orientated company, producing all elements of the sound system - drivers, hardware, enclosure, even the inductors and electronics - and thus keeping extensive control of quality, There are very few com

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USA - Following lengthy industry speculation, ETC is to enter the LED luminaire market, having acquired the Selador product line from Selador co-founders Rob Gerlach and Novella Smith.

"We didn't want to make a 'me too' RGB or RGBA product that didn't provide the kind of significant innovation in lighting we strive for," says ETC CEO Fred Foster. "With its exclusive x7 Color System, the Selador product line produces a far superior quality of colour and light to anything that we had seen before in LEDs. We also benefit from the brainpower of Selador LED experts Novella and Rob - great people who will join our ETC team."

The Selador x7 Color System finds its perfect counterpart in ETC's control products, says the company. ETC's marketing manager David Lincecum explains: "ETC brings to the table a unique capability to make the control of LED luminaires ea

PLASA Show 2025 - Banner - June-Aug 2025

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UK - Solutions Group (UK) Plc recently opened the doors to its brand new product demonstration auditorium - The Solution - to a specially invited audience.

Bucking the current economic trend, Solutions Group has invested in excess of £100,000 in creating what it believes to be the UK's first club-sized room for the demonstration predominantly of professional sound and lighting equipment, distributed to the trade through its specialist operating division Impact Products (Europe) Ltd.

As the events of the day went on to show, however, the versatile 100sq.m auditorium will offer a host of other applications to the Company and its customers.

With the room laid out as a retro-style Bistro, the congregated crowd was literally led down the red carpet for the official ribbon cutting by the Mayor of Northampton, councillor Brian Markham.

With staff dressed as 1920s gangsters

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UK - The PLASA Technical Resources Office invites PLASA and STLD members to forget the worries of the credit crunch for a day by blasting around the Silverstone race track.

The event is organised by PLASA's Technical Resources manager Ron Bonner: "If you have ever wanted to drive your own car above the legal 70 MPH limit to see what it is capable of without being snapped by a Gatso - then this may be your big chance. The PLASA Technical Resources Office has reserved Silverstone for a day to hold a day of fun on the track. Included in the day is lunch and if you need it, tuition on how to drive your car in this environment. (Additional tuition fees apply)

"The day is provisionally booked for Friday June 26th 2009 - just a week after the British Grand Prix has been decided - and it is estimated that the full cost of the day and lunch will be in the region of £210

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No Show - Peter Gabriel has pulled out this week's Oscar ceremony after learning his performance as a best song nominee would be limited to just 65 seconds. The singer, co-nominated for Down To Earth from Wall-E, said he had hoped to perform the song in its entirety. The three shortlisted songs will be performed as part of a medley. "It's a bit unfortunate," said Gabriel in a video on his website, adding that he was "an old fart" who could afford to "make a little protest". The Academy had no comment.

In a change to previous years, producers - eager to bolster viewing figures for the Oscar ceremony later this month - have chosen to cut back on song performances. But the British singer, nominated alongside American composer Thomas Newman, said songwriters "deserve a place in the ceremony as well". "The songwriters are a v

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UK - As reported on LSI Online last week, fears over the future of the entertainment and broadcast industries' use of radio spectrum continue, in the face of Ofcom's vague and inadequate assurances of protection and compensation.

At a meeting on 13 February, representatives of the programme making and special events (PMSE) sector agreed their common position on Ofcom's latest proposals for the future of the 'Digital Dividend' spectrum. These stakeholders included equipment manufacturers, end users, rental users and trade associations.

Alan March, representing manufacturer Sennheiser, is a member of the British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG), the sector's campaign group formed to represent the interests of PMSE users to Ofcom. He said it was "unfair, unreasonable and impractical" of Ofcom to expect the industry to move to "new spectrum which is undete

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USA - NBC Universal has accepted a seat on the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Council. The Council is the governing body which manages the development and implementation of ETCP, the industry-wide certification programme for entertainment technicians.

Paul Jordan, vice-president, production safety will be representing NBC Universal on the Council. "This is a great opportunity for NBC Universal to work closely with this Council and its diverse partners. We look forward to the work ahead," said Jordan.

ETCP chair, Tim Hansen commented: "The ETCP Council considers NBC Universal's involvement with the programme invaluable because they are truly a powerhouse in film, television and performing arts productions; their wide ranging experience will bring a unique perspective on safety to the table."

(Jim Evans)

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Eurovision Update - Georgia has chosen an entry which takes a swipe at Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for May's Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow. But disco-funk song We Don't Wanna Put In, a play on the politician's name, could fall foul of Eurovision's rule against political content in entries. A contest spokesman told BBC News some lyrics are "sensitive", but any action would be deferred until next month. Russia and Georgia went to war last year over the region of South Ossetia. Relations between the two countries have been tense for several years.

Tout Control - A new website has been launched to try to help fans buy secondary gig tickets more safely. The Concert Promoters Association (CPA) has developed the website and says it is in response to a lack of government action on touts. Anyone will still be able to use the site, but the CPA

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UK - With just 10 weeks to go, the first PLASA Focus event has grown to fill two halls at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th April 2009 - and has announced its first, comprehensive, seminar programme.

To ensure the show is as valuable as it can be for busy visitors, a packed two-day seminar programme in a purpose built auditorium will cover a broad array of topics, including health and safety, rigging, sustainability and more.

Six seminars have so far been confirmed (with two more still to be announced). These cover 'Tallescopes - Friend or Foe?', 'PPE for Working At Height - Clearing The Mist' and 'The Theatres Trust - Open Forum' (Tuesday 28th); and 'Sustainable Events - Making BS8901 Work For You', 'Freelancing In The Industry' and 'Regulatory Reform - Fire Safety' (Wednesday 29th).

All seminars are free to attend and tackle a wide spectrum o

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UK/China - A partnership between the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing and the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills and the Royal Opera House, respectively, was sealed yesterday at the Royal Opera House, ensuring closer links between the UK and China in supporting the development of backstage and offstage production skills.

The agreement is designed to facilitate the exchange of contemporary and state-of-the-art techniques for running a successful and prosperous theatrical industry and establish a practice of exemplar training that can create a greater skilled workforce in theatrical production industries.

Tom Bewick, chief executive of Creative & Cultural Skills said: "By working cross-culturally, we are able to share the strong and specialised musical theatre skill set we have here in the UK with China. The new National Skills Acade

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UK - Showsec secured the Brit Awards 2009 with at Earls Court and simultaneously, they played an instrumental part in the War Child Benefit gig at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, with some artists appearing at both venues.

Showsec's Operations Director Simon Battersby managed the Brits project, liaising with organisers from the BPI and production management M.J.K. and Earls Court. He said, "This is the second year that we have worked at the BRITs and the smooth, assured manner in which we undertook such a complex operation underlines the professionalism and capabilities that are present at all levels within our team."

Maggie Crow, event director for The BRIT Awards 2009 noted: "Showsec provided the most exemplary security at this years' BRITs. My feedback has been every guest - and there are over 12,000 of them who are all treated as VIPs - were welcomed and dire

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UK - The CEDIA Awards 2009 promise to be a truly international affair, having received a record amount of entries from outside of the UK, say the organisers. ESP member companies from as far afield as India, Pakistan and South Africa have all shown their support for the scheme, which showcases best practice in the residential custom installation industry.

"We are delighted to have received such an overwhelming response to our call for entries this year," says Wendy Griffiths, CEDIA executive director. "And, for this to include a record number from outside the UK is the icing on the cake. At CEDIA we are working hard to reach out to our members across the territories with initiatives such as the new International Committee, and their participation the Awards is very encouraging and definitely proves we're going in the right direction."

Martin Stanford, anch

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The Netherlands - www.event1001.com is a new international industry portal and search guide for organisers and suppliers of events, congresses and incentives.

"Now that Event1001 is live, organisers and suppliers of events, congresses and incentives can actively experience for themselves how clearly and easily this search guide works," says a spokesman. "Event1001 is a platform where companies worldwide can be found easily on the map and can make use of each other's services.

As of now, suppliers and organization bureaus from the events sector throughout the world can register themselves and publish their profiles on the site.

The profiles of the participating companies and organisations are detailed, conveniently arranged and much useful information. The search function is completely free of charge to the user. With a simple search query, anyone wishing to se

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UK - The PAI Group of Companies - incorporating Vaughan Sound Installations, Lighting Technology Projects, PA Installations and Link AV - has been awarded ISO 9001 certification.

The rigorous two-day external assessment recognises the Llanelli-based company's work in the "design integration, supply, installation, service and support of bespoke audio-visual, lighting, sound and dynamic signage solutions to the leisure, retail, education, heritage and sports industries".

PAI Group MD Paul Adams says: "ISO 9001 status is a great validation of our systems and working practices. It's also a massive tribute to the overall vision of all the companies in the group in addition to the incredible teamwork of our full time project managers, administration, service and support personnel and regular sub-contractors. It will enable us to move forward with our current strategic

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UK - The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills celebrated its first regional partnership launch in the East of England last week. The Skills Academy is tasked in satisfying training needs in the backstage and offstage industries serving the live theatre, music and events sector.

By 2017, there will be a need for 30,000 skilled technicians in the backstage and offstage industries. The Skills Academy is endeavouring to match training provision with employer needs, through regional partnerships to deliver training and a dynamic and influential membership network.

The consortia of leading employers in the East of England including the UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Aldeburgh Music, The Royal Opera House and The Mercury Theatre, Colchester are working closely with three of the founder colleges in the East of England, South East Essex College, Norwich City College and

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UK - Stage Electrics has announced new developments to the shape of its business, designed to meet the needs of a changing marketplace.

The company has expanded its technical field sales team to 32 sales professionals based all over the UK. This move helps Stage Electrics to achieve its objective of getting closer to individual customers in order to serve them better, says the company. In addition, Stage Electrics has restructured staff at its headquarters to create a central sales and hire support team. The team with specialists from all disciplines is available for customers from 8 am until 8 pm.

Further reinforcement of the company's drive to get closer to their customers is the introduction of new regional support offices. It now has locations in Edinburgh, Manchester, Tyneside, Cambridge, Birmingham, London, Exeter and Plymouth all supported by their Bristol headquarters.

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UK - Branding specialist Sunbaba opens the doors of its new London studio this week. The studio will be managed by account director Jonathan Booth.

The addition comes as Sunbaba's work with London-based agencies and for events in the capital increased in the last 12 months, prompting the need for a London office for clients to discuss complicated branding projects and see Sunbaba in action, says the company.

Sunbaba launched a range of new products in 2008 for both indoor and outdoor events, expanding the range from air permeable fabrics for outdoor branding to include correx board, voiles and soft fabrics and a range of eco-friendly products.

Jonathan Booth said: "Having a base in London makes us more accessible to our clients in the capital. Customers are welcome to drop into the studio at any time to see fabric samples, review artworks or simply to have a coffee and

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Web News - A musical based on the Marvel comic book hero Spider-Man will open on Broadway in 2010. Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark will include the story of the superhero's origins and will feature music and lyrics by U2 members Bono and The Edge. It will be directed by Julie Taymor, the creative force behind Disney's long-running Lion King. The musical will open in February 2010 at the Hilton Theatre with preview performances beginning in January. The show is reportedly the most expensive Broadway production ever, costing $40m (£27.6m).

China Crisis - Oasis' debut concerts in China have been cancelled after the authorities revoked the band's licences to play, deeming them "unsuitable". Shows in Beijing and Shanghai due to take place next month have been pulled, and fans are to be reimbursed. Concert promoters said the Chinese culture ministry

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UK - MTFX was at the Brit awards at Earls Court providing confetti 'butterfly effects' for Chris Martin from Coldplay.

This consisted of three cues, one on each of the chorus of Viva la Vida. To produce the effect the producers hired 12 of MTFXs Confetti storms, four extra large venturi blowers, three extra large spinners and 250kgs of red, white and blue Butterfly confetti.

(Jim Evans)

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Together Again? - Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are to appear at a charity concert in New York next month. Sir Paul will headline the concert at the Radio City Music Hall on 4 April, while Starr has been named among a string of special guests. The David Lynch Foundation initially said the pair would perform together, but a spokesman for Sir Paul said a collaboration had not been confirmed and a spokeswoman for Starr said he would perform "a few songs on his own". The David Lynch Foundation, set up by the film director, promotes transcendental meditation in schools.

Glasto Update - Glastonbury Festival organisers are planning to mark its 40th anniversary next year by booking 40 bands from the past 40 years to play the 2010 event. "We want to have a band from every year on the Pyramid Stage," said Emily Eavis. "We'll have a lot of the biggest p

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UK - The cream of acting talent came together last weekend for the 2009 Laurence Olivier Awards. The ceremony, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London is presented by The Society of London Theatre to honour the best West End stage productions.

The winner of the Best Lighting Design category was Paule Constable for her design for The Chalk Garden at the Donmar Warehouse; this is the third time she has won the lighting Olivier, with a further four nominations to her credit.

In the other technical categories, awards went to Gareth Fry for his sound design for Black Watch at the Barbican, to Todd Rosenthal for his set design for August: Osage County at the National.

The awards were presented against a backdrop of record West End attendances in 2008, 14 million people, a one per cent rise on the previous year. Chris Patton, divisional sales manager for Stag

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UK - Kave Theatre Services supplied all lighting, sound and crew requirements to Move It (the UK's largest exhibition for Dance) for the latest addition to the show: The Freestyle Stage. The show took place from Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th March at Olympia, London.

The Freestyle Stage is an area the organisers created to allow dancers visiting the show, to show off their dance skills to a crowd. The brief from organisers was to create an area that allowed maximum flexibility with lighting and sound, as there are no rehearsals or even any idea of the genre that will be performed. The performers just show up with an iPod or CD with their chosen track and take to the stage.

Kave supplied a flexible lighting rig consisting of Martin Mac 600s, Mac 2000 Profiles and the new Mac 575 Kryptons for lighting the stage, Chroma Q Colour Blocks as truss toners, Le Maitre MVS hazers, and 2 Rob

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UK - The National Outdoor Events Association's Annual Tribute Celebration Evening, held on 26h February 2009, saw AP Security add another award to its growing list - the Training in Events Tribute.

The Tribute was awarded to AP in recognition of the results its training programme has produced at events such as Leeds Festival. Each and every AP employee attends a pit training course held during non-show days at the O2 Academy Brixton, one of the many venues at which AP is responsible for crowd safety.

Leeds Festival 2008 marked AP Security's tenth year of providing crowd safety at the event. As the festival has grown, so AP's role has developed alongside it, as has a solid relationship with promoter, Festival Republic.

"Attending the course doesn't guarantee work in the pit," says AP's general manager, Andy Stevens. "But you definitely can't work there u

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UK / South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa - the country's leading supplier of presentation and event technical equipment - is a long-standing XTA user and supplier, so when the time came to upgrade their loudspeaker processing inventory, they naturally turned to local XTA distributor, Tadco.

Offering services across all disciplines including lighting, audio, structures, power, staging and set design, Gearhouse takes an imaginative approach to project design and prides itself on its state-of-the-art equipment.

Dave Tudor of Gearhouse explains the background to this recent purchase: "With the sale of equipment into Nigeria, we needed to replace and upgrade our stock of audio processing. XTA has proved a very reliable product in the past, which contributed to the decision to make the purchase." He continued: "We currently have in our inventory a number XTA DP224s

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  4. A.C. revamps bargains website
  5. The Week in Lighting & Sound
  6. Events industry fundraisers to target Hadrian's Wall
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