UK / UAE - SES Entertainment Services, based near London, has appointed the newly formed RFW Trading LLC as its sole UAE distributor for its extensive range of power distribution products.

RFW, owned and managed by Fragille Wade, formerly of Dubai-based Protec, has tied up with SES to sell its products to an already extensive client base in the region.

Fragille Wade commented: "Having worked with SES's products for many years, I was pleased to be able to represent them in the region and supply a market that has an insatiable appetite for quality distribution equipment. There has been a significant gap in the market here for some time which we hope to be able to fill with a wide range of Power Products which we will hold in stock at our new warehouse in Dubai. We will be adding to our product range over the coming months and will be a one stop shop for the production and e

USA - This month sees new releases in Tomcat USA's ongoing educational Did U Know? podcast video series - and the extension of Tomcat U.

The current topics are How to Tie a Figure of 8 Knot and How to Properly Inspect Your Truss. Will Todd, product support manager, of Tomcat USA leads both of these informative sessions.

The videos can be viewed and downloaded at www.tomcatglobal.com. These videos arrive just in time to serve as a sneak preview of some topics to be covered during Tomcat's Hoist & Rigging Workshops to be held on 17-20 February 2010 - Space is still available.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Summit Steel rigged the largest flown projection screen to date in London's O2 Arena for two special screenings of Mamma Mia the Movie which were enjoyed by up to 12,000 people per show.

Summit was working for Andy Peat Associates. They had rigged a similar - slightly smaller - screen in the venue two years ago for Peat and his team to facilitate the premiere of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This time, the screen frame measured an even more impressive 33.45m wide by 14.95m deep.

Summit's crew, led by project manager Jay Call, also flew the PA system and all the drapes used to dress the venue and transform it into a giant cinema for the day.

The screen frame was constructed from 30.5 cm JTE trussing and picked up on four one-tonne points. The projection material - supplied by Harkness Hall - was attached and tensioned via the traditional method

USA - Genielux, the rental and sales equipment locator tool for the iPhone and iPod touch, is now available free from the iTunes App Store.

Genielux allows users around the world to locate pro video, audio, and lighting rental and sales inventory from companies who sign up online and place their inventory to Genielux. The application features proprietary code that can identify model numbers regardless of format, which was specifically written for Genielux. "We spent 10 months developing code that can match what an iPhone user may type in and match them correctly to our vendors. We're amazed how accurate the results are," said Michael Zinman, president of The Zinman Co.

UK - A.C. Rigging, a division of A.C. Entertainment Technologies, has supplied a high specification Kinesys motion control system to Northern Stage Theatrical Productions in Newcastle for their Christmas production of Peter Pan and other future shows. The venue is the largest producing theatre company in the North East of England.

When Northern Stage were looking for a fast moving, variable speed system to fly scenery during the show, they approached A.C. Rigging to find a cost-effective solution as A.C. had previously supplied and installed the theatre's complete lighting technical facilities for all three performance stages as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment programme in 2007.

The venue required a complete package with the ability to expand on the system in the future and more importantly, full product knowledge and support should any problems arise. A.C.

USA - ESTA has announced that the 1 March deadline for submitting applications to sit for the paper and pencil examinations to be given at USITT is quickly approaching.

All three ETCP examinations will be offered at USITT in Kansas City, Missouri. All applications must be submitted to the ETCP office no later than 1March 1, 2010. The exam dates are: Entertainment Electrical Exam: March 31, 2010 (9:00 am); Arena Rigging Exam: April 1, 2010 (9:00 am); Theatre Rigging Exam: April 1, 2010 (2:00 pm).

All three exams are available at over 190 testing centres in the US and Canada on most business days. The Arena and Electrical examinations will also be given at InfoComm this summer in Las Vegas.

Complete information is available on the ETCP website: http://etcp.esta.org. The ETCP 50-question practice examinations are now available at www.esta.org/etcppracticeexams.

(Jim Evans)

UK - London-based drapes and soft good specialist Cover It Up has been appointed as a 'preferred supplier' to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington.

The Museum has a busy programme of events and functions often taking place in the impressive Central Hall, home to 'Dippy', the spectacular 26m long skeleton of a Diplodocus, who has been one of the Museum's most treasured exhibits since he was first unveiled to the public in 1905.

As a standard draping package for events staged in this space, the Cover It Up team will install a 160 x 25ft LED full colour changing starcloth along one side of the room, which has to be hung in lightening quick speed in the hour between the doors being shut to the public at 6pm and the event kick off time of 7 - 7.30pm. This is achieved by six Cover It Up crew, who now have the task down to a rapid and fine art.

In addition to this, 'speci

UK - A.C. Rigging, a division of A.C. Entertainment Technologies, has been appointed as a dealer for the Leica DISTO range. The hand-held laser measures provide quick, easy and precise distance measuring of length, areas and volumes with the press of a button.

Designed to meet the toughest industrial applications, the Leica DISTO range is suitable for entertainment applications such as measuring grid heights, venue parameters, stage sets and hard-to-access areas. Features include a measuring range of up to 200m, laser accuracy of ± 1mm and a robust, water resistant (IP54) design.

The eighth generation Leica DISTO range includes the world's smallest measure device, the DISTO D2, and DISTO D3 with built-in tilt sensor which quickly and simply determines tilt angles up to ± 45°. Also available is the DISTO D5, which comes equipped with a digital video point finder using a h

Germany - At the upcoming Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, Movecat will be presenting the new I-Motion Basic Show Controller.

The compact system controls kinetic drives for mobile and flexible project applications. Suitable for up to 72 drives, it is capable of controlling and supervising any application involving D8, D8 Plus and C1 drives, whether fixed- or variable-speed, as well as supporting mixed operation of all kinds. With it, depending upon the drive and controller specifications, entire systems can be realised from safety integrity level (SIL) 1 to SIL 3. Integrating existing drives and other stage machinery is also possible.

In its basic configuration, the controller complies with the D8 or BGV C1 standards, but as an option it can be upgraded for applications up to SIL 3 and therefore for the movement of loads over people. The Basic Controller controls and supervises

USA - The 52nd Grammy Awards were held on 31 January at the Los Angeles Staples Centre. The audience was the largest it's been in six years. The popularity of this year's production was put down in part to the performance?orientated programme, with live performances from artists including Beyoncé, Fergie and Pink.

Pink is one of the few singer?songwriters in the contemporary entertainment world who takes on challenging, performer?flying routines herself, creating her very own captivating fusion of stage arts. Her moving rendition of Glitter in the Air brought the crowd to their feet. Never missing a beat, Pink delivered the song from her Funhouse album with typical aplomb in conjunction with an elegant trapeze act.

Pink slipped into a white silk sling that lifted her up above the stage where she remained airborne throughout the song with three gold?clad si

UK - Stage One was named 'Favourite Set Construction Company' at the TPi Awards 2010. The company has been providing set building and automation services to the live event industry for over 25 years and has worked on many high-profile live events.

"Winning this prominent award means a great deal to us because it recognises the effort we put in to establishing, developing and maintaining strong relationships with everyone we work with," said Simon Wood, sales director, Stage One.

The event took place on 8 February at the Novotel, Hammersmith. The evening was hosted by presenter and DJ Chris Evans and attended by over 1000 representatives of the music and live event industries.

(Jim Evans)

Canada - International staging and structures company Stageco has completed the construction of the video screen supports across the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics sites.

Stageco was commissioned to design and build a series of video wall structures across five outdoor locations in Vancouver's Whistler Mountains and at the BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver.

Stageco's team of engineers and R&D specialists designed a series of bespoke solutions for each location. The differing requirements of each support structure were determined by location, weight and size of the screens and the required viewing angles for spectators.

Stageco managed the design process, transport logistics and crew in advance of the icy build to start in November 2009, planning for the extreme weather conditions and transportation of material across mountainous areas.

Project manager Thierry Nataf re

UK - PASMA, the trade association for the mobile access tower industry, has published a new information DVD/CD called Accidents can happen even at low level. Aimed at owners and users of low level access equipment - which PASMA defines as having a maximum platform height of 2.5m - it provides information and guidance on how to use folding step units and folding tower units safely and productively.

With an estimated 50,000 of these versatile units in daily use, the DVD covers everything from undertaking the initial risk assessment, checking the components prior to assembly and following the manufacturer's instructions, to assembling the unit, checking it before use and completing the necessary inspection record.

With a running time of 16 minutes and intended to complement the association's existing low level access training course, the DVD also highlights some of the mos

Italy - UK based automation specialist Kinesys has announced the appointment of trussing manufacturer Litec as its Italian distributor.

Litec is part of the Vitec Group which also includes companies such as Brilliant Stages and Manfrotto. They are also a master distributor for Columbus McKinnon so Kinesys felt this was the right company and product mix to complement a premium automation product.

Kinesys' sales & business development manager Mark de Gruyter comments, "Litec is a highly respected company with a great contact base and a real knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the live production and performance industry - so we are well matched partners."

As soon as the deal was sealed, de Gruyter and Kinesys' Dave Weatherhead travelled to Mogliano Veneto near Venice to meet the full Litec team and undertake two days of comprehensive staff technical trainin

UK - Showsec and University of Derby Corporate launched the Foundation Degree in Applied Professional Studies specialising in Crowd Management in February 2010. This bespoke, work-based learning initiative highlights Showsec's continued investment in future-focused education within the security and crowd management sector, says the company.

The new course has been developed by the University in close partnership with Showsec to meet the needs of learners, contributing to the longer-term development of the organisation and resulting in a formal qualification in the area of crowd management and event security. So far, 22 junior and mid-operational management executives have embarked on this flexible programme, combining academic and theoretical knowledge with work-based skills.

Conor Moss, workforce development fellow at University of Derby Corporate says, "The commitment f

USA - The deadline for submitting applications to sit for the paper and pencil examinations to be given at USITT has been extended to 12 March 12, 2010.

All three ETCP examinations will be offered at USITT in Kansas City, MO. All applications must be submitted to the ETCP office no later than 5pm on 12 March 2010.

The exam dates are: Entertainment Electrical Exam: March 31 (9:00 am); Arena Rigging Exam: April 1 (9:00 am) and Theatre Rigging Exam: April 1, (2:00 pm).

All three exams are available at over 190 testing centres in the US and Canada on most business days. The Arena and Electrical examinations will also be given at InfoComm this summer in Las Vegas.

(Jim Evans)

UK / China - J&C Joel had good reason to celebrate Chinese New Year last month as they won the prestigious 48 Group Club (The Ice Breakers) UK Exporter of the Year award at the annual Chinese New Year Dinner and Chinese Business Awards. The event at London's Dorchester Hotel incorporates a series of awards for businesses that have made outstanding contributions to developing and maintaining Sino-UK business relations, bilateral trade and cultural links.

Keynote speakers included Lord Mandelson, Secretary of state for business, innovation and skills. Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and leading business CEOs. The 48 Group Club was formed in the early 1950's when the founders were the first westerners to break the international trade embargo on China (The Icebreakers). The original 48 companies involved went on to establish mutually beneficial t

UK - Sean Pagel from Production Services Ireland (PSI) has become the first person in Northern Ireland to attain the Professional Lighting & Sound Association (PLASA)'s National Rigging Certificate (NRC) Level 3 'rigging supervisor' level.

Pagel, a director of the Belfast based lighting rental and sales company, says: "With health & safety issues increasingly topping all rigging agendas, and our commitment to offering clients the very best and highest quality services, industry driven and recognised qualifications like this are vitally important."

PLASA's National Rigging Certificate demonstrates that individuals have reached a professional standard within their chosen rigging discipline. The NRC is not yet a compulsory scheme, but increasingly major UK venues are requiring it for riggers working in their spaces. PSI undertakes a lot of rigging projects in both Irela

UK - Luke Harrison, performing arts technician at Canon Slade School recently ordered some extra legs for his Metrodeck. Harrison has embraced the versatility of Maltbury's modular equipment and has achieved some exciting arrangements.

"We've recently bought a new set of legs to build a three-metre high tier with a boxed in, enclosed space attached," says Harrison. "Also, our lighting and sound control is operated from tall Metrodeck structures.

"In the past we have also built a two level 'in the round' space, seating about 200 people. The year previously, we extended our proscenium arch stage to incorporate a catwalk for our production of We Will Rock You. The flexibility and sizing of the system allows us to easily design stages and seating plans with little training required, and only a couple of spanners."

Future plans at Canon Slade Schoo

USA - BSR E1.6-3--201x, Selection and Use of Chain Hoists in the Entertainment Industry, is available for public review at www.esta.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php through 3 May 2010. The review is over when the posted 'Review End Date' of 4 May is reached.

The draft standard is part of the BSR E1.6 powered theatrical rigging system project. This part, BSR E1.6-3, establishes minimum safety requirements for the selection and use of serially manufactured electric link chain hoists having capacity of two tons or less in the entertainment industry. This standard does not address the design or maintenance of these hoists. The standard is intended to provide for the protection of life, limb, and property.

(Jim Evans)

Sweden/Spain - Wireless Solution Sweden has announce the appointment of Entertainment Equipment Supplies (EES) as the new W-DMX dealer in Spain. EES, with locations in Madrid and San Sebastian, represents some of the top industry brands to live entertainment, television productions and special events in Spain, as well as supporting training seminars for their product lines.

"EES has proven to be the strongest contender in Spain, representing some of the best brands in entertainment lighting products", said Lotta Schiefer, EMEA sales manager for Wireless Solution. "Our products fit in very naturally with the EES portfolio, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with them."

Nacho Acha-Orbea, CEO for EES added, "We are focused on high quality brands and equipment with which we can be confident we are offering the best products with the

Germany - ARX will be releasing a spread of new products at the upcoming Frankfurt Pro Light and Sound Exhibition including the USB I / O Universal Transformer Isolated USB Interface, the Q Switch Quad Channel Stereo Switcher and the re-chargeable DI Plus RC Single & Dual Channel Active Direct Boxes with internal NiMH batteries.

ARX's Melbourne- based managing director Colin Park said, " This year ARX is exhibiting with our German Distributor I.A.D. "We're looking forward to spending the exhibition working with Thomas Shrill, Frank Swierzy and their team showing I.A.D's local dealers and customers and all our international visitors ARX's new and current product ranges."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Small businesses are hoping to beat the recession by stepping up their sales and marketing strategies, a new survey has revealed. After cutting operating costs to the bare minimum, many smaller firms are hiring sales staff, improving their websites and boosting marketing activities in an effort to tackle tough trading conditions.

Research carried out by the not-for-profit Forum of Private Business (FPB) also found that business owners expect their efforts will pay off. More than half (56%) of those surveyed expect to increase their turnover in 2010 and 44% believe their business will grow.

The findings are the first of the FPB's new 'economy watch' panel - a body of more than 350 members who are sharing their experiences as the economy heads away from recession. The panel is designed to provide an accurate and timely reflection of what small businesses are experiencing on

UK - Nearly 7000 'dodgy' ladders have been surrendered in the three years the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been running the ladder exchange initiative.

HSE is now thanking all the retailers, manufacturers, trade associations and local authorities who have played their part in the campaign which gives workers the opportunity to get rid of old, damaged and broken ladders and trade them in for new ones at a discounted price.

In the most recent campaign, HSE's partners were inundated with a variety of precarious ladders with missing rungs, bent sides and ladders that are clearly not up to the job anymore.

In 2008/09 a total of 35 workers died and over 4000 employees suffered major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Many of these incidents could be avoided by using the right equipment and taking simple precautions.

HSE is working with industry t

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