Germany - Cameo will debut the OTOS H5 at Prolight + Sound 2022, a new IP65-rated hybrid moving head suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Developed in Germany, this beam/spot/wash fixture has a wide range of application options and targets the requirements of professional lighting designers as well as rental and installation companies. The multi-functional spot light has a high light output ideal for night clubs and large-capacity locations, whilst its IP65 certification makes it suitable for outdoor areas such as open-air concerts and classical festivals. Due to its versatility, the OTOS H5 can also be utilised for TV and film recordings. The fixture boasts a range of effects and weighs 33 kg, making it the lightest product in its power class according to the manufacturer. Daniel Wrase, Cameo’s product manager light technology, comments: “We are delighted to fin
USA - Chip Self, owner of Logic Systems, likes to follow his own rules. Creativity, he believes, tends to flourish more intensely that way. “The very first thing I do with every fixture is find a way to use it wrong,” he says. “For example, I find that traditional, lighting angles get really predictable and boring - very quickly. So, I strive to be unpredictable. It keeps the audience guessing and interested.” Self put this design philosophy into practice recently at the Pageant Theatre when he deployed a collection of Chauvet Professional fixtures in distinctive ways to light St. Louis rockers Pale Divine. The concert marked the 30th anniversary of the release of Pale Devine’s first album. It also saw the band reunite with its former lead guitarist Richard Fortus of Guns’N’Roses fame. Self reflected the personas of the artists on stage by accentuating ea
USA - ETC presented Behind the Scenes with a cheque during USITT for $40,316.27, representing the 2020-21 proceeds from sales of the company’s iRFR and aRFR (Radio Focus Remote) applications. Since the launch of the iRFR in 2009, ETC’s mobile app sales have now generated over $440,000 in donations. The iRFR and aRFR mobile apps enable convenient, touchscreen-based remote control for Eos family consoles and controllers. You can learn more about the apps from the ETC website and download them from the iTunes or Google Play stores. David Lincecum, vice president of marketing for ETC, states: “ETC is honoured to play a role in Behind the Scenes, but we are just the vehicle. The money we give comes entirely from the buyers of our iRFR and aRFR apps. The real thank you goes to the many Eos family users for their continued participation and support.” Tracey Co
Canada - The hit series Revolution, airing on TVA and the biggest dance competition ever broadcast by Quebec television, used Claypaky Xtylos to showcase the dynamic moves of the dancers facing off against each other for a $100,000 cash prize. “From a lighting perspective, the idea that we ran with for the show was to be consistent with other contemporary dance shows while also leaning into more variety because contemporary dance doesn’t always lend itself well to mass television audiences,” explains lighting designer Jonathan Barro. “Revolution prides itself on presenting different styles of dance going head-to-head, so we wanted to create a space where all these dancers could express themselves in the best way possible. With that in mind, we got into the specific movements of the dancers and landed on the name Revolution, which stems from
Romania - The Steaua Stadium is a new, multi-purpose stadium located in the Ghencea neighbourhood of Bucharest. With a 31,000-spectator capacity, it’s the home of CSA Steaua Bucuresti and is now the largest sports complex in the country. A replacement for the outdated stadium, the new venue was used by the North Macedonia team during preparations for UEFA Euro 2020, before being officially inaugurated in the summer of 2021 with a football match between Steaua and OFK Beograd. The contractor for the Steaua Stadium chose an LED lighting system from Philips Signify, featuring 252 Arena Vision LED DMX and 152 Uni Flood RGBNW fixtures. The lighting control system comprises an LPC 1 (Lighting Playback Controller 1) and a TPC (Touch Panel Controller) from Pharos Architectural Controls. The LPC 1 offers 512 channels of DMX/eDMX, while the TPC offers 512 channels of eDMX for
UK - Back To The Future, Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard’s popular musical is currently playing London’s Adelphi Theatre, delighting audiences with a spectacular hi-energy production in a show produced by Colin Ingram and his team and directed by John Rando. Award-winning lighting designer Tim Lutkin and lighting consultant Hugh Vanstone worked closely together and specified a zactrack SMART automated follow system for the show, which allows single and multiple lighting fixtures to be selected and to follow actors and dancers using a combination of tag-and-anchor and UWB (Ultra-Wide-Band) real-time radio tracking technology. This package brings considerable flexibility to the production. In addition to enabling specific lights to be used as remote follow spots, activated from the console cues for precise moments, Tim has developed a style and creative treat
UK - The Drumsheds signalled the end of its tenure as a temporary venue in London with a series of sold out 10,000-capacity shows, staged by Method Events for Broadwick Live. The venue, which is situated in Enfield, North London, consists of four lofty warehouses on a previously derelict, 10-acre industrial site. It was procured on a temporary lease in summer 2019 by Broadwick Live, who entrusted the delivery of several high-profile shows and a festival at the venue to Method Events. The lease has now been returned to Enfield Council, which is redeveloping the site as part of its £6bn, 25-year Meridian Water regeneration programme. Over the past three years, Method Events have delivered a number of different shows at The Drumsheds. These included Field Day festival in 2019, and a series of summer festivals in 2021 headlined by Above & Beyond, Defected and Pendulum
UAE - More than 70 Christie laser projectors are helping to inspire visitors in Mission Possible - The Opportunity Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Bringing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to life, the interactive exhibition journey addresses the most fundamental global challenges of our time and sheds light on what can be achieved when individuals and communities work together. A total of 72 Christie laser projectors were installed to deliver engaging visuals throughout. Guests are greeted by an introductory video that sets the scene for the pavilion and the visitor journey ahead. The pavilion is then divided into three ‘tracks’, each focusing on one of three essential needs: water, food and energy. Visitors are guided by the stories of three individuals (guides) in each track whose actions were implemented with minimal resources yet had a life-changing impact.
Belgium - Robe T1 Profile LED luminaires have been installed at the 1700 capacity Capitole Theatre in Ghent, where they are deployed on the front lighting bridge for key lighting and specials, replacing the previous tungsten fixtures. The T1 Profile investment was part of a drive to update the remaining elements of the house lighting system to LED, making it better, more contemporary and more sustainable. The T1 Profile purchase was overseen by the venue’s technical manager Rui Pinto who takes a distinctly no-nonsense approach to technical production. After discussions with Bart Weyts from rental specialist L&L Stage Services, the venue’s regular technical partner, Rui assessed the various suitable options available for front / key lighting replacement, contacted a selection of manufacturers and evaluated his choices. The T1 Profile popped up many times
USA - Creative Technology supplied Elation broadcast lights to Lighting Design Group for use on sportscast booths and stages in and outside of Sofi Stadium during Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles in February. Dennis Size, executive vice president of design for Lighting Design Group was responsible for the overall lighting design and turned to Elation Fuze Profile CW and KL Panel luminaires for key, fill and wash lighting. Multiple stages scattered around LA provided pre- and post-game coverage while promoting the city and shows for client Comcast. This was the fourth Super Bowl in which LDG has been involved and was Size’s second time working a Super Bowl. Having used conventional fixtures at the Super Bowl in Minneapolis four years ago, he says their inflexibility led him to request more moving lights for this year’s plot. ““That’s what drove the design concept of a
Spain - Follow-Me has announced a partnership with SeeSound for marketing and sales distribution of the Follow-Me systems in the Spanish market. The two companies first came in contact when Isaías (Sasi) García, product manager for lighting, video and rigging at SeeSound was searching for the right auto tracking solution for a customer’s project. Follow-Me’s Zoë Castle comments: “We are excited to be partnering with SeeSound especially recognising their extensive knowledge, capabilities and product range, which is enhanced by the addition of Follow-Me tracking solutions.” Nacho Alberdi, SeeSound director general, adds: “With Follow-Me we are bringing a wonderful solution for our customers’ projects where manual and auto tracking is required. My team and I are looking forward to working with the Follow-Me team. A product range like Follow-Me unites,
UK - Sound Technology, exclusive distributor of Martin Professional in the UK, has appointed Avril Cook as technical sales support in its professional lighting division. Cook comes to Sound Technology with over 14 years of experience as a lighting technician within theatre, touring and live events most recently as deputy head of lighting at The Old Vic, and previously as deputy head of lighting at Hampstead Theatre. Her CV also includes a spell at the ENO, and freelance, design and education work within the lighting industry. Cook will be providing product advice and demonstrations of Martin fixtures to rental companies, dealers, venues and lighting professionals, working alongside Sound Technology’s lighting sales and support teams. “I’m excited to be joining Sound Technology in the role of technical sales support and am eager to get out and promote the
USA - British trio Shpongle were one of the headliners at the Gem and Jam Festival in Tucson. Taking place over three days at the Pima County Fairgrounds, the event served up a rich mix of sounds from an international roster of artists including Lotus, Lab Group and Hallucinogen, all in a peaceful setting that included campsites and art displays. Part of the renowned Tucson Gem Mineral and Fossil Showcase, the festival also mesmerized with some glittering displays of gemstone artwork. Reinforcing this theme, its stages had names like Emerald, Onyx and Quartz. One would expect stages bearing such monikers to be bursting with colour, and this festival didn’t disappoint, thanks to the work of Cody Lisle, who designed the sets and did the programming for the main stage, while also supporting guest LDs like Tiberius Benson, who came with STS9, and Chandler Thomann,
France - The Cadre Noir de Saumur IFCE (Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation) recently took possession of a large number of Zep2 LED luminaires and Robert Juliat followspots as part of the renovation of the stage lighting of the Grand Manège. The Cadre Noir is one of the leading riding schools in the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heir to an illustrious military history and based on an ancestral equestrian culture, it perpetuates its mission of training and showcasing the French equitation tradition for almost two centuries. This prestigious venue will open its 2022 season beneath Robert Juliat's LED luminaires. One hundred and twenty Zep2 360LF2 Fresnel lanterns, six Zep2 660SX2 profiles and two Super Korrigan followspots have just been installed in the Grand Manège by Geste Scénique, Robert Juliat's regional partner. “The c
Europe - Elation Professional has welcomed experienced industry professional Jonas Stenvinkel to its European-based sales team. Jonas, a native Swede who works from a base in London, joined the growing Elation sales department on 1 March and is tasked with overseeing some of the company’s most important growth markets including Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa. Stenvinkel, a 20-year industry veteran, brings with him broad international sales and marketing experience and has a proven track record in leading sales teams to new goals and growth. He comes to Elation from a similar position at Ayrton. His industry journey began at Martin Professional in 2003, which included a three-year assignment in Singapore as managing director for Martin’s APAC office. He later moved to London to work for Harman International in a senior EMEA role.
USA - When working a corporate event, lighting designers usually have to go with the flow, at least as far as colour schemes are concerned. If the company logo relies on a palette that doesn’t translate so well in light, the LD has to figure out how to make the best of the unfortunate hand that was dealt. TJ Harrison on the other hand was grateful when he was called upon to light a dinner event at the Mohegan Sun Casino for JSC Management Group, a major quick service restaurant franchisee. The company’s preferred palette with its deep reds, blues and other hues, gave him excellent colour choices. He took full advantage of the opportunity too. Using the 36 Chauvet Professional Rogue R1 BeamWash in his Squeek Lights supplied rig, he created an intimate mood throughout the event space, no small accomplishment give its cavernous 18,500sq.ft size. Relying on subtle colo
UK - Lighthouse young technicians at Poole’s Centre for the Arts tripped the light fantastic last weekend, presenting a showcase of digital light art in the amphitheatre as the latest intake of students completed the final element of their 12-week training course. “The work was absolutely brilliant,” says Lighthouse chief executive, Elspeth McBain. “It totally transformed the landscape, which is what technicians do, and reminded us of what is possible in the outdoor space beside our venue.” Aimed at young people aged 16-19 interested in getting to grips with lighting, sound and stage management in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, this course is an opportunity to experience technical theatre in a real-world environment tutored by working professionals. Students are guided through a structured 12-week course by professional technicians, gainin
Europe/USA - ETC has unveiled the Eos Apex, a new lighting control desk from its Eos line. “With more buttons, encoders and playbacks than ever before, Eos Apex makes fast, hands-on programming a breeze - all while maintaining the familiar, sophisticated look and feel that users of the family love,” says ETC. There are three models, with five, 10 and 20 motorized playbacks respectively, all featuring 24K output and 4K multi-touch displays with a 160° viewing angle. Other common features include an ergonomic wristrest, book lights built into the sides of the desk, hand-holds for easy carrying, and drawers and charging ports. The programming surface offers access to programmers’ most-used tools, right on the face panel. The familiar Eos Family programming keypad has been enhanced with a touchscreen that thumps with haptic feedback when you press your soft k
USA - Sting performed his single For Her Love in Spanish as part of Univision’s broadcast of the 2022 Premio Lo Nuestro awards last month. Taking to the South Plaza Stage outside the FTX Arena, acoustic guitar in hand, Sting sang in a voice that was clear and soft, yet powerful. Adding to the moment were his surroundings on the angular, asymmetrical stage with its warm lighting and the city of Miami skyline in the background. For Rene Garcia, it was one of the highlights of the show. “I grew up listening to the music of Sting,” he explains. “So seeing this was very special to me personally.” Garcia’s interest was more than that of a fan. Working with Chris Fernandez of Limitless Design, he was the lighting designer for the four performances on the South Plaza stage, including the one by Sting. Helping him create the evocative looks that contrib
The Netherlands - Theater Aan de Parade in Den Bosh has been closed for a complete refurbishment since August 2020, with a reopening set for 2023. During this time - COVID regulations notwithstanding - the venue has planned to stage productions in eight venues in and around the city including Hall 8 of the city’s Brabanthallen exhibition centre, which has 860 seats and is the largest of the temporary venues. The lighting rig installed in Hall 8 for the first production run featured Robe T1 Profile and LEDBeam 350s moving lights which were specified by lighting specialist Gertjan Stads and supplied by Unlimited Vision & Sound, a local rental company based in Rosmalen. These have been added to the Robe DL4S Profiles and LEDWash 300s already owned by the theatre to make a versatile all-purpose rig in the roof which is good for lighting a vibrant range of shows - f
The Netherlands - The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) featured the Showtec Sunstrip Active MKII. The carefully designed studio setup has been the stage of the online show for almost two weeks. Regular provider Peitsman Licht en Geluid B.V. assisted with technical knowledge and three technical crew members to collaborate with the director to build a professional stage with a blend between a sleek and a creative design. The International Film Festival Rotterdam is held each year at the end of January, normally in various locations in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Founded in 1972, it is focussed on independent and experimental filmmaking by showcasing emerging talents as well as established authors. The festival also places a focus on presenting innovative media art and arthouse films, with most of the participants in the short film program identified as artists or e
World - Ayrton has announced that it will continue to support the Women In Lighting project throughout 2022 via its exclusive WIL Entertainment Lighting Partnership. Founded in 2019 by Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton of Light Collective, and already well-established in the field of architectural lighting, WIL exists to provide an inspirational digital platform that profiles women working in lighting and lighting design, celebrating and promoting their work and career paths. It challenges the underrepresentation of women within the industry and aims to support and encourage the next generation. Ayrton’s primary aim is to raise awareness and broaden the reach of the WIL project to include women working in entertainment lighting - not just lighting designers, but women working in all aspects of entertainment lighting. “We are thrilled that WIL has chosen to wo
UK - Chauvet Professional will kick off its UK Roadshow 2022 in Edinburgh on 7 March (Monday). From there, the event will criss-cross the UK, making nine stops and covering 694 miles to showcase many of the latest products from Chauvet Professional and ChamSys. With the exception of one stop - at the ChamSys headquarters in Southampton - all sessions will take place at live entertainment or broadcast studio venues. “We elected to stick to the kinds of places that our customers actually work in day to day,” comments Sam Bowden, UK sales manager for Chauvet Professional. “Here we can get a full appreciation of things like the colour mixing, brightness, smooth movement, zooming capabilities and other outstanding merits of our fixtures.” Among the products that will be highlighted during the UK RoadShow 2022 will be the compact, tour-grade series of Maveri
USA - Quasar Science has announced the global launch of its latest linear LED lighting range for motion picture and content creation. The Rainbow 2 and Double Rainbow tubular LED lights create ‘intense, realistic lighting with multiple individually controllable pixels, delivering high-quality white light and saturated colour that work in the tightest of spaces thanks to their sleek low-profile shape’. The slim Rainbow 2 (R2) is available in three lengths (2ft, 4ft or 8ft) featuring a single row of 10, 24 or 48 pixels, while the Double Rainbow (RR) is configured with two rows of pixels totalling 20 or 48 across two sizes (2’ or 4’) for a powerful light that produces more realistic animation enabling an artistic workflow. “The RGBX Spectral Science Colour Engine (SSCE), provides artists with the lighting industry’s most advanced - yet simplest - colour contr
