Germany - Eilon Engineering will show the new Ron StageMaster 8000 hoist load cell. This patent-pending load cell turns any hoist into a smart hoist, allowing for greater motion control, safer handling of complex loads, advanced data acquisition, increased productivity and reduced downtime. Hanging tons of lighting, sound and video equipment above spectators and performers involves great responsibility. With ever-increasing load weight and movement, complex lifting of expensive equipment requires a highly accurate and advanced single/multi-point load monitoring solution. The Ron StageMaster 8000 can fit any hoist and is a solution for safe and advanced motion control, industrial automation and complex lifting. It easily retrofits to existing hoists and includes a chain compensation mechanism, adjusting for hoist imbalance as the chain accumulates in the bag. Two new lo
Germany - Global flightcase hardware manufacture and Penn Elcom highlights four new products at the Prolight+Sound expo in Frankfurt next week on stand C43 in Hall 4. Penn’s new UltraFlite case panels are a 100% recyclable product that will become its next generation flightcase standard, and of interest to all sectors of the AV and staging community. Also new is the VulcanTM Shockmount Chassis, bringing affordable military strength stabilisation to rack mounting scenarios; while a new range of Penn’s MOL automatic positioning latches and lid-stay hinges utilises WeatherSeal technology; and last but not least, also new is a striking yellow cover available for Penn’s popular CROSS 3 cable protector. The UltraFlite case panel has been developed following two years of extensive R & D. The new and technically advanced UltraFlite material features a honeycom
UK - UK Rigging has switched its equipment rental software to HireHop. Due to UK Rigging’s rapid growth they needed flexible and powerful software to manage their inventory and productions, as well as assign and manage crew to various jobs in different regions all over the country. After testing numerous other systems, UK Rigging concluded that HireHop was best suited to their needs, due to its ease of use and scalability, as well as having the added advantage of being in the cloud. They also worked alongside HireHop to help them develop a new crew scheduling resource planner, tailored to assign crew to multiple jobs in different regions quickly and easily. HireHop’s director Keith Jacobs says: “We are pleased with the result of our collaboration with UK Rigging, and are extremely grateful for all the input they have given us, enabling us to develop such a powerf
UK - PLASA Focus Leeds has announced its line-up of seminars and speakers for this year’s event, taking place on 14-15 May at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. Alongside the sold-out show floor with brands from across audio, lighting, AV, and staging, the seminars and training sessions provide opportunities to pick up essential technical know-how and gain insights into notable industry developments. A programme highlight looks to the Royal Albert Hall, which recently received a multi-million-pound audio system upgrade. Ollie Jeffery, head of production and technical at the Royal Albert Hall, and Steve Jones from d&b audiotechnik will discuss their technical process and reveal how the new system is already impacting the audience experience. Renowned audio consultant Roland Hemming is presenting a series of seminars, kicking off with an introduc
Germany - The new Doughty Fifty Clamp will make its Prolight + Sound debut next month. The bigger brother of Doughty's best-selling Twenty Clamp, the Fifty Clamp will be on display in hall 12.0, stand D84. Mark Chorley, design engineer at Doughty comments: "We are really excited to hear what people visiting the show have to say about this new clamp. Early indication is that it's a bit of a game changer. Some of our customers have already told us that the extra 30kg is going to make a big difference." The Fifty Clamp has TUV approval, a SWL of 50kg and has been designed to fit tube diameter 38mm - 51mm. It is made from pressure die cast aluminium which prevents damage to thin wall truss. It is captive with M10 or M12 bolts and comes supplied with an M10 fixing kit. "It's already available to order," says Mark, “so we are looking forward to gathering additional feedbac
Germany - BroadWeigh, a leading brand from Mantracourt Electronics, is exhibiting on four of its product partners' stands. The BroadWeigh TwistLink is set to take centre stage, along with the BroadWeigh Wind Speed Sensor, both of which will be set up in demonstrations on the stands of Hof Alutec (Hall 12.0, E49), PSRig (Hall 12.0, C80), Sonoss and Louis Reyners who are exhibiting together (Hall 12.0, C94). And with representatives from BroadWeigh on hand too it's an opportunity for anyone who needs some expert advice on how and why they should monitor their loads. Kelly Voysey, sales & marketing manager at Mantracourt commented: "Prolight + Sound is a very important event for us in that it puts our brand in front of a truly international audience. We have been supplying load monitoring equipment for years, but it's only relatively recently that entertainment riggers hav
Germany - UK-based automation manufacturer Kinesys will show its latest technologies in this specialist entertainment field on stand C98 in hall 12.0 at Prolight+Sound. Products highlighted will include Kinesys’ powerful new Vector control console, the innovative Apex hoist system and LibraCELL/LibraNODE load monitoring - an invaluable tool to ensure that all static and dynamic loads are constantly and precisely monitored in real-time. The popular DigiHoist fixed speed chain motor controllers and Kinesys’ industry standard Elevation range of vari-speed hoist drives will also be prominent on the stand. Visitors will be invited to try out the new Vector console - to control a dual hoist Apex system flying a large screen above the stand. Apex and Elevation hoists will also be available to control - via the console - for a side by side comparison of their
Europe - Global Truss has appointed Austrian Truss Constructions (ATC) as a sales partner in Austria, effective 1 January. The two companies have also forged a strategic relationship for heavy duty systems, stage roofs and special constructions, particularly the development of the iM- and iL-Type system by CAMCO. Florian Schaaf from the Global Truss, comments: “Now we are able to rely on the long-time experience of ATC in the field of professional solutions and special constructions. The first results of this partnership are already visible with the Multi-Tower-Basement, the new stage roofs as well as our innovative F.O.H. We are looking forward to the cooperation with ATC on the technical and on the sales side. A win-win for the companies and the customers.” Thomas Wagner of ATC adds: “We are looking forward to the cooperation with Global Truss where both compa
UK - Pearce Hire has claimed the Best Power Supplier Award at the recent Event Production Awards (EPAs), held at Novotel London West on 19 March. The company provides production services and dry hire to over 2,000 events each year and is set to work on projects including Lovebox, Forest Live series, Classic Ibiza, Detonate Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival and Equifest in 2019. “It is a huge accolade to have even been shortlisted for an Event Production Award, as we have also been a finalist for a TPI Award and a Festival Supplier Award this season. But to actually win the EPA for Best Power Supplier was really the icing on the cake,” says Shaun Pearce, managing director, Pearce Hire. “I am extremely proud of the hard work and commitment our dedicated staff and crew put into our projects throughout the year, and a big thank you goes to every one of them.
Belgium - Fisheye, Painting with Light, PRG Belgium and WIcreations - four of the technical partners involved in the 40-45 Spektakel Musical production - have been featured in a behind-the-scenes film. 40-45 Spektakel Musical is being staged at the Pop-Up Theatre in Puurs by Studio 100. The short film, available for free on YouTube, was shot during the set up and first weeks of the production and features clips from the show as well as exclusive interviews with director Frank van Laecke, technical director Bart Caels from B-Art Production Design, creative lighting expert and video designer Luc Peumans, innovative entertainment engineering specialist Hans Willems, Fish
Europe - The new Litec Flyintower 10-1,600, provides safety, stability and rigidity for flying up to 1,600kg of audio equipment at heights up to 10m. Designed to bridge the gap in the Litec Flyintower range, which includes solutions with load capacities from 300 to 2000kg, the Flyintower 10-1,600 features a 15° inclined mast. The Litec Flyintower 10-1,600 uses standard truss in its construction, instead of custom-made truss, making potential replacement of truss sections quick and convenient. The main vertical tower is constructed with QL40A truss, while QH30SA truss is used for the stabilizing legs. Sturdy fork connectors ensure all truss connection points are strong and rigid. An electric chain hoist or manual winch can be used to lift a line array speaker system. Dedicated accessories are also available, while custom versions are possible on request. (Jim Eva
UK - Lighting and video rental specialist Colour Sound Experiment supplied lighting equipment, rigging and crew to the latest UK and European leg of Good Charlotte’s Generation Rx tour, working with lighting designer Paul McAdams who is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and started designing for the band last year. The tour, which culminated in a show at London’s Alexandra Palace - was project-managed for Colour Sound by Alex Ryan. Colour Sound’s Hadyn Williams was the touring tech, whom Paul has requested several times to be his main person on the road, due to his experience and willingness to 'go above and beyond' each day to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Encapsulating the gritty lyrics and reflections of Generation Rx, an album inspired by the current opioid crisis in North America and dealing with inner and outer pain,
UK - Rope Assemblies has supplied a range of Doughty kit to the Royal Albert Hall to help improve safety in the performance space. As a duty of care to performers on stage and to ensure that any falls from height are prevented, Doughty designed and fabricated some bespoke handrail braces to make the space as safe as possible. Ian Redding, technical supervisor at the Royal Albert Hall explained: "While there were no incidents that triggered the need for these rails, our technical team are always striving to ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to the safety of our performers, crew and audiences. The challenge was to design and create something that could work for our stage, but at the same time, not to look too intrusive. “It also had to be strong enough to withstand the weight of an average person. We had a round, scaffold size connection on the off s
UK - Callum Wachowski has joined Fiend Productions to provide a primary point of contact for rental enquires. Callum, who is also principal at Rugby-based dry hire and event production company Genius Bros, will bring his knowledge of lighting, rigging and video equipment and projects to the Fiend Productions team. Jess Mathews, Fiend’s MD comments: “Callum has joined us at a time of investment and growth for the business. We are building on our stock of MA and Avolites control equipment, wide range of intelligent lighting fixtures and LED screen this year and Callum’s arrival will help us provide a knowledgeable and consistent contact for our customers.” (Jim Evans)
Poland - Intel Extreme Masters - one of the largest e-sports events in the world - features a multimedia stage that has become synonymous with the event. The structure of the stage with its distinctive scaffolding was originally introduced in 2015, and the look has since become a signature feature of IEM Katowice. For the 2019 edition, the design features large automated LED screens on the central part of main stage, from which pro gamers enter the stage. The catwalk where the IEM trophy is located, has been completely reworked and combined with the rest of the stage. Despite set changes the lighting design has been completely renewed, featuring new lighting fixtures and LED bar frames built around the screens behind the teams. Almost 400sq.m of LED screens were used and 650 lighting units. “Every year we are trying to introduce something new to the stage
UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) has launched a new website to showcase its portfolio of technologies. Created to deliver a better overall user experience, www.ac-et.com features a cleaner design, improved menu functionality with faster navigation, and is now fully responsive, adapting to the best layout for viewing on mobile, tablet and desktop. The website also reflects AC-ET's position as a one-stop supplier of lighting, rigging, video, audio and related technologies. AC-ET's UK sales and purchasing director, Jonathan Walters comments: "We are delighted to share our new website with you. The team have been working tirelessly to create a high-quality website, which reflects our (AC-ET’s) world-class products and services. We are confident that the smarter, slicker design will enable easier and quicker browsing to ensure you find the right products
UK - Stage Electrics has been appointed as the UK distributor for Admiral Staging Products. Based in the Netherlands, Admiral has been offering staging essentials globally since 1986. Its product range includes stage and rigging accessories, truss transportation devices, clamps and couplers, along with cables and connectors. The Stage Electrics sales teams have undergone product training from Admiral, enabling them to offer the best solutions to meet the clients’ needs. “We have decided to stock Admiral as their equipment fits into our inventory perfectly” comments Anna Western, sales director of Stage Electrics. “Admiral’s wide range of clever solutions is now available to our customers. With over £30,000 of stock on the shelf, and having received fantastic responses from our client base, we are looking forward to working alongside Admiral and build
UK - Unusual Rigging has worked its own magic on Magic Mike Live! (an in-depth production report is coming soon in a future edition of LSi). When TAIT UK was tasked with a seemingly impossible feat, operations director Alex Hitchcock turned to Unusual. "We were initially approached by Magic Mike Live! with an enquiry for an automation and engineering package at the theatre at the Hippodrome Casino on Leicester Square", explains Hitchcock. "Some overhead rigging and staging, steel work structure, diversions and winches. We were already familiar with the venue having once done another show there. But at that time, installing a single winch was a nightmare - Magic Mike required about 18!" The Hippodrome Casino is not a big venue - certainly not designed with the intention of staging elaborate productions like Magic Mike Live!. "The venue
UK - Absolute Motion Control has returned to The Bridge Theatre for the fourth time to provide the automation for Alys Always. The show started previews on 25 February, and has its press night on 5 March 2019. The show is designed by Bob Crowley, whose set incorporates a large stage lift, a sliding floor palette and a cloth roller. As The Bridge doesn’t have a fly tower, any full height cloths need to run on a roller. In this production a roller is used as a ‘blinder’ to hide scene changes inside a large gauze box. For the floor palette, Absolute has rented the production a zero-fleet winch. The compact zero-fleet design allows the winch to be used in a variety of situations. All Scene All Props, the production’s scenery contractor, built two custom decks that incorporated the pulleys required. These custom sections were then simply dropped into place, r
UK - Doughty Engineering is bringing its new Fifty Clamp to BVE in London. The clamp will make its show debut on stand E30. Mark Chorley, design engineer at Doughty, comments: "We hope our customers in the broadcast industry will see the Fifty Clamp as a welcome addition to our existing range. Our Twenty Clamp is one of our best sellers and we realised that a clamp that could take an additional 30kg would be a bit of a game changer.” The Fifty Clamp which is available to order has TUV approval, a SWL of 50kg and has been designed to fit tube diameter 38mm - 51mm. It is made from pressure die cast aluminium which prevents damage to thin wall truss. It is captive with M10 or M12 bolts and comes supplied with an M10 fixing kit. Doughty will also bring its Lightweight Lighting stand to the show. This piece of kit which made its debut at BVE 2018 takes all the prin
South Africa - Urban Brew Studios was the home to The Voice South Africa. In time for the new season, Studio Ten - where The Voice was shot - as well as four other studios on the premises, received a massive upgrade ranging from walkways, trussing, hoists, curtain tracks and pulleys. DWR Distribution’s theatre manufacturing department were commissioned for the project by Protea Electronics. Urban Brew has been in the television business since 1995 and has been responsible for a variety of game and reality shows, music and sport shows, documentaries and soaps. “To me this project was all about the people, the achievement, the deadlines and challenges too,” explains Jacques Welthagen from Protea Electronics. “Protea Electronics was chosen as the preferred turnkey supplier to furnish the complete facility including grids, trussing and lighting displ
UK - The heady mix of highly tuned bikes, screaming engines, screeching tyres and brakes and supernatural speed races meshed with the breath-taking daring of motorcycle stunt acrobatics… indoor Motocross racing and Freestyle MX all rolled into a single adrenaline fuelled night of seat-edge action complete with pumping soundscape . . . and you have the heartbeat of Producers and organisers Arena Sports Live presented Arenacross (AX in three of the UK’s leading arena venues – Belfast, Birmingham and Sheffield – for their 2019 AX tour, with HSL supplying a full production package – lighting, video and rigging – plus sound in partnership with Nitelites. Additional venue ‘sports lighting’ was also provided by HSL for the two Birmingham shows at the Resorts World Arena (NEC). HSL’s project manager was Ben Perrin. He and the team were delighted to be
USA - For a third year running, TAIT has been included in Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Live Event for 2019. The list honours businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture. “Receiving this recognition again is a great reminder of just how important teamwork really is and how influential innovation is in creating extraordinary experiences,” says Adam Davis, CCO at TAIT. “Live events create shared experiences that are community building and binding. Some are in-person communities others are digital communities. Because the ability to experience a live event has multiplied in form, it is essential that we continue to challenge ourselves, our clients and the industry, to be even more innovative when creating. This is an exciting time, we are at the advent of revolutionizing the live event experie
UK - Free registration is now open for PLASA Focus Leeds, PLASA has reported. The sold-out event, taking place at Leeds' Royal Armouries Museum on 14-15 May, will feature 120 exhibitors and is ideal for professionals working across live events, concert touring, production, performing arts and installation. Present will be lighting companies including Elation, Robe and Philips Entertainment Lighting; pro audio firms including d&b audiotechnik, Funktion-One and Shure; and rigging, staging and production specialists including Area Four Industries, Gerriets, Hawthorn and J&C Joel. The trade show will also welcome several new exhibitors, including loudspeaker manufacturer Wharfdale Pro Audio and US sound masking company, Cambridge S
