Rigging / Staging

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14 March 2016

The advice reflects growing concerns within the lifting industry that some companies are being tempted to cut costs by not conducting thorough examinations as frequently as required by LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

Geoff Holden, chief executive of LEEA, said: "All UK employers are subject to LOLER, which clearly states that, once in service, lifting equipment for lifting persons or accessories for lifting must be thoroughly examined by a competent person every six months. Lifting accessories include commonly used items such as shackles, steels, hooks and round slings. Only for lifting equipment that does not fall into one o

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14 March 2016

"The special barrier prevents moisture condensation, which runs through the cable, from entering the connector, protecting the system in critical conditions of use," said Mark Severn, director of sales for Hylec-APL.

The connectors have screw or piercing terminals and can accept cables with diameters from 8 to 12mm; maximum cable cross section is 4mm2 for screw terminals and 0.5 to 1.5mm

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14 March 2016

"Like many great inventions, once seen, everyone remarks 'why didn't I think of that, it is so obvious'. For anyone who has run a 500-foot, five-wire cam lock feed made up of 100-foot lengths, relief is here. The Cam Wrench is designed to remove the pressure on your wrist and elbow to delay or avoid the onset of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). This type of injury is caused by the repetitive motion of tightening (adding pressure) of the cam lock devices and golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis), which is caused by the release of pressure (un-tightening) of the cam lock devices," says KRE.

This simple tool allows individuals working with cam lock type connectors to avoid repetitive stress and apply leverage

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14 March 2016

The first product to be launched is a new 'universal building system' best described as full size Meccano, set to "revolutionise the theatre staging, set building, stage machinery, scenery, construction and event markets".

Known as ModTruss, the system features lightweight aluminium construction and a repetitious hole pattern, meaning applications are "practically unlimited". The ModTruss product line "lends itself to create endless configurations using standard accessories, and makes ideas that once took extensive custom design and fabrication to be constructed incredibly simply, easily, and speedily".

The product will be launched on an Art Deco-inspired theatre structure designed for Triple E by architect Konstantinos K

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14 March 2016

The 22x48m building, which is 12m tall and provides additional 1056sq.m of space, will be used to store the company's ever increasing rental stock. It also enables Unusual to build and test rigs more easily than before, as well as allowing for continued expansion. In line with company policy, Unusual has made every effort to ensure the new unit's 'green' credentials, constructing the building from an existing truss structure, cladding it in composite paneling and employing solar PV panels.

Unusual's Jim Dugan, who was behind much of the planning and overseeing of the new building, said, "As a company, Unusual Rigging aims to operate an environmentally friendly policy and we immediately saw potential to create a new space that would meet our green criteria.

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14 March 2016

"The facilities used by the School of Creative Arts are regarded as among the best in the British Isles while certain facilities within the School (such as the Sonic Laboratory) are unique in the world," explained Ross McDade, production manager of the Brian Friel Theatre within the School.

With this in mind, Ross called on the expertise of Doughty Engineering to supply a system of 15 lighting hoists for a

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14 March 2016

Exciting new initiatives include focused hubs, sector specific seminar streams, 150+ industry leading speakers, workshops and demo areas. Many more exciting new developments will be announced in the coming months, don't miss out - make sure you

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14 March 2016

Designed to connect two sections of 50 mm truss or piping, the CTC-50SC features captive T-handles that make installation quick and easy. With a T-handle, the clamp can be tightened much faster because it is more ergonomically friendly to the hand than the typical nut used on most swivel couplers - thereby shaving time off the rigging process. Another convenient feature on the CTC-50SC is that the end of the bolt is flared so that the T-handle and washer cannot spin all the way off and become lost.

The CTC-50SC coupler features a 360° wraparound design that completely encircles the truss, providing extra stability and security. An added advantage o

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14 March 2016

Mark Chorley, design engineer at Doughty explained, "Such is the success of the range, we are continually developing add on items in response to feedback from lighting designers who, for the first time are experiencing the freedom to run wild with their ideas. The latest items to join the range are the half connector with eye and half connector with cable holders which allow for the H-Frames to be flown at d

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14 March 2016

Denis Bramhall, Unusual's general manager said, "There are big changes afoot for Unusual Rigging this year and we see ABTT as the ideal platform for announcing these. We've updated our stand - offering a more relaxed atmosphere, more seating and refreshments for anyone who stops by to speak to us.

"We are principally a solutions and rental company - we sell a service, so ABTT is not about displaying our wares. We realised that we needed a space that would encourage new and existing customers to come along and spend time talking to us, finding out how we may be able to help them with a solution to their potentially challenging projects.&qu

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14 March 2016

Claire has many years technical and administrative experience in the entertainment world and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. She'll soon have the opportunity to put her logistics skills to good use as the company will shortly move to larger premises.

Director Adam Searle says, "I knew that we needed to expand our team and when the opportunity to work with Claire arose, I took it. She had been recommended to me and her skill set coupled with a friendly personality fitted perfectly with our needs for an operations manager. I am delighted she is joining Rigging Team."

Claire comments, "I'm thrilled and excited to be involved in the next chapter of Rigging Team. Our new premise

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14 March 2016

Alex has worked in the industry for 15-plus years, he previously worked for City Theatrical as European Sales Manager and James Thomas amongst others. He brings his considerable knowledge in this specialist area to LTM as well as a new outlook and plenty of enthusiasm.

Alex comments: "Having known John Jones and David King for a long time I was aware of the respect that they and LTM have in the industry, l didn't have to think twice when the opportunity arose to come and work with LTM. The first day everybody made me feel so welcome, and immediately made to feel part of the team. I am excited to work for a company where their customers are treated so well."

"It is a pleasure offering the range of hoist's that L

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14 March 2016

The experienced jury for the ABTT Awards, comprising of working practitioners and industry peers, judged nominations meeting the entry criteria that had been previously submitted or which were brought to their attention on the day.

Commenting on the event, ABTT CEO Robin Townley said, "The Awards ceremony held in the Londesborough Room was a great event to round off the first day of the ABTT Theatre Show.

"Held at Alexandra Palace for the first time, the ABTT Theatre Show was very pleased to host the presentation of both the ABTT Theatre Awards and the SMA National Stage Management Awards.

"A great atmosphere in the Lon

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14 March 2016

One of the PLASA Show's new initiatives for 2015 is a sector-specific zoned layout, which will make navigation around the show easier than in previous years. The show's seminars feature a similarly zoned theme, with sector-specific stages hosting over 150 speakers throughout the three days, highlighting case studies and advice on Lighting, AV, Audio, Broadcast and Staging.

The first 16 sessions have subjects ranging from high profile productions and technical best practice

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14 March 2016

Triple E launched ModTruss in the UK at the ABTT Theatre Show at its new London home, Alexandra Palace. ModTruss was created by US-based Patrick Santini and will be manufactured and distributed by Triple E's new construction arm, EEE-Build.

It was Triple E's most ambitious launch since the company was formed in 1984.

Commenting on ModTruss, the ABTT Awards judges said, "The manufacturers liken ModTruss to Meccano, and this is an extremely accurate description. The judges saw numerous applications for building with ModTruss, and can instantly see where it could be used. With impressive load bearing characteristics the system allows great flexibility using standard stock to create all types of stage construction. T

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14 March 2016

"The ever-increasing production expectations of bands combined with Michael and Emily's desire to give audiences the best experience led to discussions about creating a new Other Stage better suited to Glastonbury. Those conversations went through our CAD designers and engineers, on to keeping our fabrication facility this spring manufacturing the new flat roof system. Then our on-site team under project management of Simon Fursman have done a phenomenal job constructing this new stage for the first time at Glastonbury."

The new look Other Stage presented an impr

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14 March 2016

The Young Vic stages a production with Special Educational Needs young people every year. This year, the team is working with 32 local children with autism from age 4 to age 10. The Remarkable Case of K is inspired by the Young Vic's current main house production of The Trial - a 'timeless tale of ordinary terror' by Franz Kafka and adapted by Nick Gill, with Rory Kinnear leading the ensemble cast.

"The creative team is keen to create a fun production line so we follow the journey of a 'box' being made," explains Neil Mickel, production manager at Young Vic Studios. "The box turns out to be the case file and this relates to The Trial. At the star

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14 March 2016

GiantMirror is an innovative product that provides an easy to use, excellent quality, and versatile alternative to glass mirrors. The oversized lightweight mirrors with virtually invisible joints offer near perfect clarity and reflection. Use transparent GiantMirror to create hologram special effects and make objects appear and disappear.

Raf Peeters, project manager at ShowTex stated, "ShowTex believes our industry exists by the grace of a lot of hard working and passionate entertainment technology professionals. Without them our business would not be the same, s

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14 March 2016

With facilities that are second to none and with close industry ties including the famous puppet makers Mackinnon & Saunders and Aardman Animation, the Stop Motion Animation degree course is extremely popular with students wishing to pursue a career in stop motion animation.

But while the department boasts first class facilities and equipment which enable students to get real hands on experience, Manoubi Ben Lamri, the university's specialist technical instructor for animation, had one issue he wanted to solve - how to de-clutter the small studio spaces and enable the students to move more freely around their sets.

Following a chance meeting with Doughty Enginee

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14 March 2016

The main elements of Brilliant Stages' construction comprise a main stage with apron and artistic performer staircases, a multi-level band stage backed by a series of nine box lifts, an upper stage with an integral service lift, and a forestage with piano lift, all of which connect to a runway which loops out into the arena to a B-stage.

As usual, Take That are delivering a full-on production, this time with a high degree of theatricality and a large number of performers in support of the main artists. The consequence is a set which demands as much activity below stage as on-stage - a major feature which Brillia

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14 March 2016

Developed with an industry specialist and trialled during 2014, Star Events' handrail has had an immediate impact at sites this summer, clipping in and out of adapted sockets on performance stages, simply and quickly.

Rookie Manning, Health & Safety advisor to SJM Concerts at Summer in the City, Manchester, comments, "Star Events' system provides an excellent solution during build and strike phases of a production and I cannot see any reason why it shouldn't be used at all future events.

"The handrail can be erected or removed by two crew in a matter of minutes and having seen a number of people fall from stages over the last 16 years, I will have no hesitation in recommending it to cl

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14 March 2016

The BroadWeigh portable wireless system offers real-time, simple, effective and accurate load monitoring for rigging professionals, safety officials and site managers, enabling them to monitor and log the precise loads on any given rigging point.

Central to the design of the BroadWeigh system are wireless shackles equipped with a high accuracy load pin that reports data remotely to a computer or a handheld display. The system is able to monitor multiple load cells and can trigger an alarm should a load exceed a pre-set parameter.

"We are very pleased to be appointed as a distributor for the BroadWeigh equipmen

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14 March 2016

Dave's employer, Stuart Gibbons of Le Mark, issued the following statement on behalf of the company:

"It is with the greatest of sadness that Le Mark announce the death of a respected colleague and friend. Not only within the company but also the UK entertainment industry. David Cartwright passed away on Sunday 12 July 2015 at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Dave suffered a severe stroke on the evening of Thursday 25 June, having spent a 'usual day' with friends and colleagues at the ABTT trade show. He had returned home that evening to his partner Kirsty Fisher, in St Ives, Cambridgeshire where he was taken ill. To say that Dave will be sorely missed by many would be an understatement.

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14 March 2016

PLASA London is delighted to have secured some of the most informative and interesting speakers it has ever had for this year's show. Particular highlights include Britannia Row's sessions, which take a close look at education and industry in this fast maturing sector and the keynote presentation from Pixar Director of Photography Danielle Feinberg and Adobe's Niels Stevens showing off the very latest developments in their Creative Cloud content creation tools and services.

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