Rigging / Staging

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14 March 2016

Newly designed for the show's 25th anniversary, the tour will visit 10 cities over the next 13 months, having opened at Plymouth's Theatre Royal in March to rave reviews.

"Phantom is an extremely heavy show, weighing in at more than 25 tonnes," explains Unusual Rigging's senior project manager Simon Stone. "There's one piece of scenery downstage that weighs eight tonnes and has to be supported by a separate mini grid secured to the building. The famous Phantom chandelier, which has to swing in a treacherous fashion over the audience, weighs 500kg alone! Plus there are a couple of huge automated trucks on stage with a combined weight o

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14 March 2016

"The problem with Pit crews is that even within established companies every manager has a slightly different way of doing something, simply because that's the way they've done it for years," suggests Josh O'Riordan, media manager at TSTS.

Accredited as a level 2 award by NCFE it is the first of its kind in the UK. The Level 2 Spectator Events Pit Operator award, that The Security Training School has created, aims to instigate a new standard of practice into the events industry and develop the learner's knowledge, skills and understanding required for working as part of a functional and safe Pit crew. TSTS state that their "main focus for designing and delivering the course has been to massively improve the existing training and practices found within the

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14 March 2016

Dirty Rigger's product manager Steve Marshall says, "We've been talking to the team at SKY for some time. Working with their camera crews we sent over a few samples of our 'camera gloves' for them to test in the field. The Leather Grips really stood out in the testing and the camera guys were apparently really chuffed with the results. SKY are a huge corporation and one that rely on the durability and reliability of its kit, so we feel great pleasure in them choosing the Dirty Rigger gloves."

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

When it comes to protecting workers at height, Gravitec knows the value of education. Curriculum is designed to prepare workers and empower them to use available equipment and implement systems to protect themselves. Fall protection training provides riggers with the knowledge they need to perform their job safely. Gravitec offers a full range of fall protection and rescue courses, from basic fall hazard awareness to advanced climbing and rescue techniques, designed to address safety issues commonly faced by riggers and entertainment technicians in the field.

Participants enrolled in Gravitec courses will lea

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14 March 2016

The event re-telling of the Crucifixion of Jesus was instigated by Preston Guild, directed by Mark Murphy and hosted by Fern Britton for the BBC on Good Friday at Preston Bus Station. The outdoor and live mass participation elements of the event were produced by innovative arts / performance company Walk The Plank,

Each crucifix was 9m tall with a 4m cross piece, and was constructed on the top floor of the multi storey car park above the Preston Station.

The crosses were clad in wood, painted black, and erected one at a time using an electric chain hoist and self-climbing tower methodology. This was choreographed to happen while three short sections of pre-recorded drama

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14 March 2016

Le Mark, maker of the Dirty Rigger collection, announced that 10% of proceeds from the sale of their Ladies XS range of gloves for the coming year would go towards the Breast Cancer Care Programme.

To maximize the reach of this initiative Le Mark has teamed up with WiSE (Women in Stage Entertainment), a not-for-profit networking group for women working in the industry.

Sarah Rushton-Read, co-founder of WiSE says, "We were delighted to be asked to team up with Le Mark to promote this valuable initiative and we really hope we can help. WiSE has nearly 600 female members and a vast network of supporters working in the industry worldwide. Not only do we hope th

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14 March 2016

The property boasts a spectacular first-floor atrium area with a seven-storey high ceiling from which an illuminated pendant structure is suspended above diners. Prolyte Group's special projects division, Litestructures, was approached by building contractor John Sisk & Sons to manufacture, build and commission this feature as part of the overall project.

The striking luminous pendant, based on a design developed by GIA Lighting, comprises a series of aluminium frames, linked together by braces at the upper frame, assembled in a concentric orientation. Braces link the outer and inner sectio

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14 March 2016

During the choir's rendition of Spirit of the Living God the congregation were showered by thousands of white rose petals, scattered from the Whispering Gallery in the dome of the Cathedral.

Organisers of the service were delighted with the effect and the collective gasp of surprise from 2000 worshipers was described as "breath-taking; a moment to remember for years".

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Penn Elcom has developed this software to offer its distributors, dealers and their clients the best and most efficient possible design, order and build service.

The fully visual graphical interface enables Penn Elcom customers to plan and visualise potential new case designs in both 2D and 3D, and view in full 360 degree rotation.

CaseDesigner enables Penn clients to generate a quote for themselves, and within literally a couple of minutes, have all the facts available to produce that case at their fingertips.

Thomas Mostert, CEO of Penn Elcom GmbH, the distribution arm of the Penn Elcom Group in Continental Europe and programmer Klaus Koppenhoe

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14 March 2016

DWR is not entirely new to the Prolyte network, over the last years they have gained much knowledge of both Prolyte products and the working philosophy of the Prolyte organisation, re-selling the products in South Africa.

"It's the people who make our industry happen and investing in long-term professional relations builds a fruitful business" states Paul-Erik Haseloop, director group sales for Prolyte Group. "Prolyte Group is delighted to have DWR Distribution on board as distributors, the combination of a great drive, enthusiasm and professionalism makes this team a pleasure to work with."

"DWR Distribution is privileged to be given this opportunity," commentsDuncan Riley, founder of DWR. "Robert

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14 March 2016

The new partnership was announced at PALME Middle East 2012, and Alan Thomson, managing partner for Unusual Rigging & Engineering, said, "I am delighted to add Prolyte products to our inventory. The high quality trussing systems will ensure that we continue to provide first class equipment alongside first class service."

Set up in 2008 under the management of Alan Thomson, Unusual Rigging & Engineering LLC is highly regarded in the region. With a long history of supplying both equipment and services to the Royal families of the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the governments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman, Unusual Rigging & Engineering will be pivotal in developing sales for Prolyte in the Middle East regio

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14 March 2016

The Academy shared an exhibition space with specialist live events insurance broker Doodsons at The Royal Armouries Museum Centre, where the team spoke to students and those working in the entertainment industry about its roster of short courses in backstage skills and its Live Events Production Foundation Degree.

"We had an overwhelmingly positive response from students keen to hear more about our Foundation Degree in Live Events Production," said COO Robin Watkinson. "Many of them could see the benefits of studying in such close proximity to a real working environment as offered by the LS-Live

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14 March 2016

As the only annual event of its size that is dedicated solely to the global rigging community, it attracts professionals from over 30 countries. Out of around 200 delegates, over 40% are international visitors. These include not only rigging practitioners themselves, but venue technical staff, production managers, health and safety staff and policy makers, providing an exclusive platform to examine and debate the use of newly devised products, in

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14 March 2016

Dirty Rigger products were designed for the diverse & arduous situations found within the rigging & outdoor event sectors of the international entertainment industry. Constant innovation and client requests have seen new gloves appear for exceptionally heavy duty industrial applications including mining, emergency services and mountain recovery. Dirty Rigger now has international distribution in over 40 countries.

Le Mark celebrates 2012 as their 30th year in the production of specialist security and heavy duty printed materials. These products will be equally represented at the Safety & Health Expo with a display of both custom printed 'Tamper Evident and Heavy Duty' equipment labell

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14 March 2016

Cirque du Soleil's senior production manager for arena shows Pierre Guillotte explains, "Conversations first started with Stageco in August 2011, with the system first being used mid-February; an impressive turnaround. When looking to extend the reach of our tours we looked at the suitability of many arena venues, some have capacity but there are a significant number of buildings that cannot accommodate us. Our research and scouting has taken us into emerging markets from Eastern Euro

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14 March 2016

The massively successful 'crossover' group who have just completed the first full production UK and European leg of their Wicked Game world tour.

It was HSL's first tour with the band, after being brought on-board by tour director and production manager Andy Proudfoot.

Lighting designer Matt Pitman started work with Il Divo for this tour following a one-off stadium show in Paraguay at the end of 2011 in front of 36,000 people. His design has brought additional vibrancy and vitality to the set and screen elements that are part of artistic director Brian Burke's visual concept.

The schedule of the first three months of the tour meant that they were picking up local production everywhere based on a spec - so effect

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14 March 2016

With the original equipment delayed in transit, production manager Romain Rossel of MCI Geneva was put in touch with Unusual Rigging and Engineering, who were able to step in and provide the precise control required for the performance.

Project manager for Unusual Rigging & Engineering Leon Ingram explains, "The rings were suspended from a 10m high ground support system, the movement being provided by 11 hoists. With only days to come

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14 March 2016

At the exhibition Prolyte Group is showcasing a broad selection of its products, including new products like the H40R truss, PreRigTruss and the LiteConsole.

During the exhibition Prolyte Group will present two seminars. Marc Hendriks, technical director, will present a masterclass on the ProLyft Hoist on Friday and will also present two build up sessions for an MPT roof on Thursday and Friday.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Showtech Australia is working on the sixth season of AGT which is filmed at the Dockland Studios in Melbourne.

For this season Showtech is providing the automation system for the entire series. This consists of differing winches and other equipment from the hire stock held in Showtech's Melbourne base and controlled by a Stage Technologies console running eChameleon software. The winches will be used for flying aerial effects, specialist performances and stunts.

Australia's Got Talent is a challenging show for the production team. The nature of the s

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14 March 2016

The new circles, along with the supply of Robe moving lights and accessories will be used for a rental at the Joburg Theatre, where the spectacular Grand Cirque Adrenaline show will run from 23 May 23 to 17 June.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Responsible for more than 40 theatrical productions - West End, regional and touring - plus upcoming corporate events and installations - plus an exceptionally busy summer - Unusual has added 500 Liftket chain hoists to its existing stock of over 1,500 units. The new stock comprises 50 x 2 ton, 350 x 1 ton and 100 x 500kg hoists, all of which are direct control and double braked.

Unusual's hire stock of truss has been increased with the addition of Prolyte's H40 and S52. The H40 is designed for permanent or semi-permanent installations such as theatrical sets and studio grids, while the heavy duty square S52 truss is designed for high load bearing demands and high frequency usage, such as supporting structures, overhead

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14 March 2016

"Prosound has over 30 years of experience in the entertainment market and will be a great asset to our Worldwide Dealer Network," says Martin Kuyper from Eurotruss.

Eurotruss has a wide range of aluminium truss systems. Next to the lightweight truss system called FD, Eurotruss carries ground support towers and bigger truss systems like XD, ST, FT and the pre rig truss like XT and TT. Over the last few years Eurotruss has also supplied many roof systems - from 80sq.m till 400sq.m. Eurotruss also manufactures and sells wind up stands, the Euro-Lift, and barriers.

(Claire Beeson)

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14 March 2016

With 10,000sq.ft of distribution space spread across two NYC locations, Wits End offer an outstanding step forward in Dirty Rigger's expansion into the US market, says the company.

Wits End's CEO Keith Guliner says, "The products that we were finding here in the US for gloves and accessories were just not up to par. When we saw Dirty Rigger gloves, tool pouches and accessories for the first time....well...the products stood up and spoke on their own. The product is pure quality, and they are priced right. I believe that the Dirty Rigger brand will be a product line that we can count on as a quality product, and that Dirty Rigger as a company will stand behind its products."

Le Mark's export manager Matt Every says, "Wits End are a

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14 March 2016

The Titanic Festival kicked off in early April with a spectacular light and pyrotechnic show, using the Titanic Building to project onto and illuminate. StageCrew worked alongside Seeper, Whitelight and Culture Creative to create a truly awesome display.

The next week was packed with events, culminating in the MTV Titanic Sounds concert. Back in November 2011 Stage Crew had worked closely with MTV production teams as a preferred supplier on the EMA events, so when it came to MTV's outdoor concert on the Titanic Slipways they were the obvious choice for the supply of all local crew. The gig was attended by over 16,000 people. Olly Murs headlined, with support from Katy B, Sean Paul, Rizzle Kicks and Pixie Lott.

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