South Africa - Twenty riggers in South Africa kicked off the year with the 2018 Prolyte Rigging Course in conjunction with DWR Distribution, Prolyte and Rhino Rigs. Rinus Bakker from Rhino Rigs hosted the course from 29 January to 2 February 2018, and on the sixth day, DWR’s Robert Izzett and Keith Pugin presented practical training. “It was a good one,” says Rinus. “The delegates responded well and had good questions - they were spot on. The course ran according to schedule which was a great indication of their understanding.” The training covered important aspects of safety, maintenance, lifting materials and force calculations. Rinus’ next stop will be in Rotterdam where he will assist a circus and their performers to better understand rigging particularly with concepts like dynamic motion. His schedule so far includes training in Dubai, Holland
Sweden - Rigging Works Sweden (RWS), one of the country’s largest independent rigging and automation specialists, has recently invested in the latest Kinesys Apex technology, having purchased eight new vari-speed Apex hoists to an already extensive Kinesys inventory. The company is run by John McDonough, universally known as JonnyMac. All eight of the new motors were supplied to the country’s high profile 2018 Melodifestivalen tour, together with four of RWS’s existing Liftket motors running with Kinesys Elevation 1+ drives, a Kinesys Mentor 4 controller - offering SIL3 safety over Ethernet - at the hub of the system and one of RWS’s flexible Kinesys Vector control platforms. This gruelling six-week event, known for its high production values, visited six cities to select the Swedish song and entrant for the annual Eurovision Song Contest (ESC).
UK - The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) commissioned West Midlands-based Central Presentations Ltd (CPL) to design and deliver all the technical elements for their 2018 annual staff conference and awards, inclduing sound, lighting, video, staging and rigging. The high-profile event for 400 delegates was staged in Warwick Hall at the NAEC, Stanleigh and comprised a seated conference presentation that was transformed into a glamorous setting for the evening’s dinner and awards. The client wanted to use the width-ways orientation of the venue for sightlines, so CPL’s project manager Lee Gruszeckyj proposed a widescreen video blend as a striking visual starting point to align with the geometry of the space. The 30ft wide by 10ft high upstage projection screen was flanked by gauze panels designed to take lighting nicely and elongate the spac
USA - Global supplier of truss, staging and rigging equipment Eurotruss has acquired US structural systems manufacturer Total Structures, becoming the sole owner of the Ventura-based company. The deal is hoped to allow Total Structures “to offer a greater product range and use the knowledge, expertise and scale in continuing to be a leading brand and partner in the US market”. The US company’s new management will be led by former Tomcat employees Scott Johnson as CEO and Bill Berrier as CFO. Martin Kuyper, founder of Eurotruss, comments: “This acquisition strengthens our product portfolio and supply chain, being the first truss brand providing nationwide coverage from our two factories in Ventura, CA and Knoxville, TN. “We will honour, respect and continue the products, values and business of Total Structures while integrating the Eurotruss brand and
Oman - The Muscat-based Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has taken delivery of ProLyft Aetos hoists. With over 22,000sq.m of column-free space, the venue offers a wide array of meeting and exhibition spaces with the very latest in communications and audio-visual technology to meet the demands of the most discerning global event organisers. To meet their customers’ demands, the venue operator, AEG Ogden, was looking for a flexible solution for the venue’s rigging facilities. Adhering to the highest quality standards and service excellence, they were looking for high-end rigging solutions, supported by the best service and knowledge. Meeting OCEC’s brief, Prolyte Group was selected to present a proposal. Based on the quality of the proposal and the technical support they experienced during this phase, they were happy to give the green light.
USA - Scott Fisher will receive the ESTA Technical Lifetime Achievement Award at the closing of the New World Rigging Symposium on 14 March in Fort Lauderdale’s Hilton Marina Hotel (Grand Salon). Established in 2017 by the ESTA Board of Directors and Technical Standards Council, the award recognises individuals with ‘significant and sustained’ technical contributions to the entertainment industry over at least 25 years. Last year’s recipient was Robert Goddard of Goddard Design. Fisher began his career in automation in the late 1980s in Las Vegas with Siegfried and Roy, the first of the mega shows at the first of the Las Vegas mega resorts, The Mirage. From this vantage point at the crest of the wave of huge Las Vegas productions and attractions of the 1990s and 2000s, he got to see what stage automation could be and just how far it had to go to get th
USA - Paradigm Rigging has worked with Christie Lites to monitor the loads with BroadWeigh wireless load cells on The Killers Wonderful Wonderful world tour. Michael Sorowka, CEO, Paradigm Rigging, explains: "In September we were brought to New Jersey where The Killers were doing technical rehearsals and programming of the show before their UK leg. There we had 56 cells in play to weight the full show before it hit its first arenas. “From initial versions, cells were originally going to be specified for some of the larger video walls and two mother grids to help with determining load distribution, but through a few minor design revisions, elements of that changed which in turn changed the needs of the load cells for the run." The set gives a strong Las Vegas feel consisting of large flown marquee arrows lined in neon, pointing downward to the stage as w
Europe - Sixty82, a new trussing and staging engineering company, launched operation on 1 March. The company brings together prominent professionals from the Netherland’s Prolyte Group and France’s Axente, along with Adrian and Lee Brooks from the UK. The company is planning to introduce a track-and-trace technology that guarantees every individual component is traceable, safe and properly engineered. Fokko Smeding, Prolyte Group founder and CEO of Sixty82, says: “With some of the trussing world’s most experienced and trusted individuals behind our product line, we are extremely excited to launch Sixty82. “Our passion has always been to supply the industry with safe, well-manufactured products, and back that up with our trademark - superlative, knowledgeable customer service. We have focused on the introduction of new technology that will become an ind
South Africa - DWR Distribution has partnered with South African technician Jacob ‘Jakes’ Mogale to form a new installation company, The Install Crew. While the new company will run independently from DWR, it will operate from the DWR offices. Mogale, who formerly owned DimBright, comments: “For me, this is the ultimate partnership. We share the same values, we care about quality workmanship and we have also worked on projects together for the past ten years which means we have built a relationship. This is an exciting venture for both my team and me.” Robert Izzett of DWR says: “This will be an installation company with no products involved. It means that The Install Crew will offer skilled labour and good workmanship, backed-up with outstanding service.” Mogale adds: “The aim is to be of service to any theatre or company in the country who n
UK - Track specialist Triple E has stepped into the breech born of Hall Stage’s demise by supplying Tab Hooks & Twin Hooks to the theatre industry, acquiring the original tooling and improving the hooks’ strength and durability in the process. Triple E brand Tab Hooks & Twin Hooks are compatible with its own runners, existing Hall Stage systems and many other track ranges. The company is currently considering other innovative solutions to fill the void left by Hall Stage. Triple E managing director, David Edelstein, comments: “Customers asked us to take these products on. They’re now British-made, it’s a proven design that lasts and with rebranded tooling we have given the hooks a greater degree of elasticity to withstand inevitable knocks and rough handling.” Launched in 1984, Triple E supplies the entertainment industry with standa
Turkey - J&C Joel, in conjunction with their regional distributor Eramita, received the Turkish President’s seal of approval when they were commissioned to fit the stage engineering solutions at TCCB National Congress and Cultural Centre. The Congress and Cultural Centre is one of the largest multi-purpose halls in Turkey and is located within the grounds of the Presidential Palace Complex in Ankara. The venue will be home to several types of performances ranging from concerts, operas, theatres, musicals to congresses or big meetings. J&C Joel’s engineers took on one of the company’s biggest ever installations despite being caught in the middle of an attempted military coup in the country’s capital city. The installation in the 2,042-seat theatre took around seven months to complete with a team comprising a site project manager, four UK fitters and thre
Spain - D.A.S. Audio has announced the launch of two new products, the Vantec-20A and the Vantec-118A, which join the Vantec Series line-up of portable systems. The Vantec-20A is an active curved source line array that incorporates an arsenal of hi-tech solutions designed to provide the versatility today's sound hire professionals need. Whether stacked on the powered Vantec-118A companion subwoofer, flown in a compact array, or used alone on a speaker stand, the Vantec-20A can be used effectively in a sizable number of applications that include corporate A/V, mid-size sound reinforcement, and permanent installation. Designed for use in arrays of up to five units, the Vantec-20A is designed for applications that don't require the power and long-throw characteristics of large line arrays. The D.A.S. Click-LockTM rigging hardware enables the system to be securely st
USA - The XLNT CyberHoist IITM system by CyberMotion recently finished the US leg of Fall Out Boy’s Mania tour. Sixteen CyberHoist II Intelligent, variable-speed chain hoists and one MotionCue 3D console, plus two hoists spare and one console spare were rented to Fall Out Boy management for the 2017 autumn tour. The hoists were used to float a B and C stage above the crowd with artists on top of them. The B-Stage consisted of a double layer, where the top was raised to reveal a secondary B-Stage with drum set and drummer on top. This bottom, or secondary B-Stage, would then grab onto the video skirt surrounding the B-Stage to lift the whole thing above the crowd. The C-Stage was used as a three-sided iMag screen throughout the show and it landed during the show to create the C-Stage for the lead singer and bassist. This stage then raised over the crowd so the
UK - A dazzling array of lighting exhibits and artworks brought London to life in January when Lumiere London took to the capital to bring the biggest ever festival of light to the city's streets. Running from the 18-21 January, it showcased London's spectacular and iconic architecture and streets with more than 50 works created by international and local artists. Once again, event organiser Artichoke has worked alongside Unusual – both the services and rigging division – to make the event possible. Unusual’s Jim Dugan explained: "Lumiere is always an amazing project for us – Unusual has worked with Artichoke on this for some years now –Unusual Services handles the technical production element of Lumiere (this encompasses all technical aspects of an event from power to building permissions and road closures). Unusual Rigging provide the rigging expertise. W
Spain - FENIX Stage has announced a new staff member joining its export department. Juan Bautista joins after a long international career in the industry. “I have always tried to contribute with effort and passion everywhere I have been working at, as purchasing analyst, legal advisor or trade advisor in many industries in different countries,” says Bautista. “Now I have the chance to work on the other side, on the sales department, and FENIX Stage offers me the opportunity and the confidence to begin this new challenge thanks both to its great professional team and its formidable range of products, with continuous innovation and improvement processes. The complete trust in our products is a key point for me.” “For FENIX Stage, Juan’s incorporation is an important bet for new and unexplored markets, within the ambitious, but realistic, expansion strategy du
UK - The trust that Neg Earth Lights has put into EXE Technology products was demonstrated last year when they purchased over 200 new EXE-RISE units within a six-month period. Recent purchases included 250kg, 500kg, 1000kg and 2000kg units, all featuring the new 8:1 safety factor standard and FEM class 2m rating, along with some specific Neg Earth Lights customisation. “The current EXE-RISE hoist (8:1 range) has seen some fantastic improvements,” says Neg Earth. “For example, the way in which the wiring has been arranged internally, and also the upgrade of the limit switch assembly, especially in the 500kg hoist. Mechanical improvements have seen the chain size increase, leading to a higher safety factor. Another great part of the EXE-RISE is the external nylon guide used, with a carefully designed chain opening to avoid damage to internal components if the chain
South Africa - UK based Phase 3 Connectors has officially appointed DWR Distribution as its South African agent. Said Robert Izzett, head of sales at DWR, “While we’ve been selling Phase 3 items for a number of years, we were recently appointed the authorized distributors in SA. Phase 3 Connectors need little introduction. The products are outstanding, designed, manufactured and assembled in the UK. These products are the unsung heroes at events.” Phase 3’s Power Connectors product range includes standard and special application, harsh environment connectors for power, signal, optical and data transmission. In addition, Phase 3 offers complete interconnect system solutions, including cabling and distribution equipment. (Jim Evans)
USA - ESTA and USITT have announced the presenters for the upcoming New World Rigging Symposium, 13-14 March in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in conjunction with the USITT Conference and Stage Expo. Full session descriptions can be found at www.esta.org/nwrs_sessions. The programme includes: Keynote Address: Scott Fisher; Show Rigging on Cruise Ships. Big ideas. Tiny venues Bob Murphy, Paul Riley, Loren Schreiber; Ground Support Concert Rigs: Mike Garl, Jeff Reder, Jose Roche, Will Todd; ANSI Standards and ICOPER. Paperwork that’s actually useful: Tiny Good, Karl Ruling, Bill Sapsis; Damn it, Jim. I’m a chain hoist, not a winch: Rick Montgomery, Eric Rouse, Ken Tilson OSHA, Risk Assessments and Rigging Emergency Action Plans: Steve Adelman, Tony Galuppi, Eddie Raymond; Automation and Touring. Because we can: Joe McGeough
Europe - In 2018 the Ehrlich Brothers are once again touring large arenas in Germany, Luxemburg, Austria and Switzerland with their latest show Fascination. The two brothers, Andreas and Chris Ehrlich, have developed a spectacular show featuring illusions in which high-tech stage equipment plays a major role and that is packing some of Europe’s largest halls and stadiums. On their current tour, for example, the Ehrlich Brothers are making an eight-ton, 2,000 BHP monster truck materialize on stage out of nothing as well as "teleporting" individual spectators right across the hall. To realise a production of such complexity, the Ehrlich Brothers have been relying on chain hoist systems and controllers from Movecat. To replace the kinetic systems previously used, Ehrlich Entertainment GmbH invested in Movecat‘s VMKS chain hoists, V-Motion-E variable motion con
UK - The first of many seamless updates to Current RMS scheduled for 2018, January saw the release of Choosing Accessories, the most voted for idea on Current’s Customer Wishlist. This new update gives users even more of a chance to forward plan their stock allocation and ensure the right accessories are on a job when they need them. When selecting products to add to a job, Current now shows the individual accessories linked to these products, plus their real-time availability, all on one screen. “When I read the update message I was delighted! Choosing Accessories is already streamlining the quoting process, but also ensuring that prep lists in the warehouse are fully correct,” says Neil Walker, from Surrey-based events planning agency MGN Events. Neil and his team have used Current RMS for over two years to manage their business, hiring a range of decor, furnit
Australia - Showtech Australia is one of a growing number of companies investing in and using Kinesys automation products regularly in both their day-to-day and custom work. The company was founded in 1987 by Tiny Good with headquarters in Braeside, Victoria, and a satellite office in Hong Kong - to serve the growing Asian market. Showtech Australia specialises in entertainment rigging, staging, automation, flying effects, technical and ‘uncommon’ services, applying expert knowledge and imagination to the intriguing world of motion control. Tiny was already familiar with Kinesys products before he committed to the purchases, as they had been working regularly with Kinesys elements … “basically I knew the power and scope of the Vector system, so I was confident it was the right choice,” stated Tiny. They have been purchasing and utilising Kinesys
UK - Newry Town Hall in Ireland has undergone a dramatic refurbishment to make the venue more usable for the entertainment industry. Newry District and Mourne Council brought consultant John Gallagher from Lumiere Productions on board to specify the technical facilities in the venue, with Doughty Engineering's Irish and Northern Irish distributor Production Services Ireland (PSI) being awarded the specialist theatrical install. Brian Reilly, director, PSI said: "As part of this prestigious project to transform this historic venue into a space that works well for hosting entertainment events, we were enlisted to supply Newry Town Hall with all its theatrical requirements including lighting, dimming and flying system as well as IWBs and facility panels from Doughty. Working with Peter Tweed, PSI's service and install manager, we took the outline from the consultant and the di
Sweden - LD Fredrik Stormby has been making prolific use of GLP’s new JDC1 hybrid strobe on tour with Gothenburg-based heavy metal band, In Flames, on their European arena tour with co-headliners, 5-Finger Death Punch (FFDP). Having been operating lightshows for the Gothenburg-based In Flames since 2011 (and been designing their sets since 2014) Stormby wanted to focus on the artwork that the band had been developing for the current European tour. “I wanted to use a lot of video and set elements,” he said. “There is a lot of artwork and figures/elements to look at and my idea was to create an atmosphere and style that really represents the band; you should be able to see a picture and immediately tell that this is an In Flames show.” No fewer than 65 JDC1 hybrid strobes have been helping him in his quest, with Soundforce supplying all the In Flames gea
UK - CPL, working for event producers Bright, supplied lighting, sound and video equipment for Bristol Vision 2017, a networking event held at the University of Bristol Students’ Union building and organised by Bristol Media for individuals and companies engaged in media and communications sectors. Mike Radford project-managed for CPL, working with a crew of four and closely with Bright’s production manager Fleur Saynor. The team covered several different areas including a main plenary space, associated break-out rooms in the Pegg Theatre and AR Bar, reception / check-in and a café / open / meeting space complete with a number of exhibition display booths. It was a busy day for the 200 delegates who could catch 18 keynote speakers and engage in a range of digital and media-related commercial and business activities. In the main plenary room, CPL rigg
