ALIA seminars for Integrate '09 – a call for suggestions
Following on from the widely acclaimed success of the seminars programme at Entech 2008, ALIA is planning on extended seminar programmes for future shows. We are currently looking at the seminars we will be offering at the Integrate show (http://www.integrate-expo.com) in July next year. We are seeking input from the Lighting industry as to what topics we should be covering.
In a few weeks time we will be inviting you to make selections from a shortlist of topics selected by the ALIA committee, but right now we are seeking suggestions for possible seminar topics.
The current list for consideration is:

* From Design to Implementation: how to take a design and make it a reality(power, truss/rigging,data,touring considerations,etc...)
* Lighting Design - video as a lighting design element
* Lighting Design - telling the story - script analysis in lighting design
* The Paperwork of the LD - what is required
* PC vs Console Control - benefits and limitations of each technology in current and future control applications
* RDM - implementation and application.
* Imagination vs Documentation - the role of visualisation software in lighting design
* Visual Aids - the fine arts -paintings and photography for inspiration and creative dialogue.
* Colour and Movement - when and why should lights move.
* Artnet and network distribution of DMX/RDM

If you have any suggestions for additions to that list, please email your ideas to seminars@alia.com.au.

Free maXim Lighting Console Training, Melb 14th & 15th October 2008
LSC Lighting Systems are pleased to announce that they will be hosting 2 days of maXim training in Melbourne, on the 14th & 15th October 2008. Richie Mickan, LSC’s Senior Product Specialist will host the training and will be supported by LSC's R&D staff, giving attendees direct access to the people who write the maXim software.
The aim of the training is for maXim users, of all levels, to discover the powerful simplicity of the console, as well as gaining confidence in using some of the more advanced features available.

Format: Morning - maXim Concepts and Operation (3 hours)
Afternoon - Advanced Programming (4 hours)

Location: LSC Lighting Systems Headquarters
Building 3, 66-74 Micro Circuit
Dandenong South VIC 3075
Times: 9.00am – 5.00pm (Lunch and drinks provided)

Dates: Wednesday 14th October 2008
Thursday 15th October 2008

All sessions will be ‘hands on’ with a maximum of 3 people per console to ensure that all attendees get plenty of practical experience.

Bookings are essential. RSVP by 8th October via e-mail to lynn@lsclighting.com.au

Upcoming Lighting and Tech Courses
Julius College offer Nationally Accredited courses, each course carries a Statement of Attainment.
Traineeships can also be plugged in to these : employers get a $4,000 government grant.
BRISBANE (Starts week after next!)
At Entertainment Services Theatrical, 36 Kremzow Rd, Brendale.
• Sept 22. Stage OH&S. 1 full day. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $180.
• Sep 23,24,25. Sound Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Sept 26,27,29   Lighting  Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Sept 30 ,1,2. Video Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
•  Oct 3 Certificate III completion production day 9.30am - 4.30pm $300
Note: Full Certificate 3 Technical Production Theatre & Events (Technical Operations) CUE30203 program COSTS $2,200 and includes all above courses.
SYDNEY (Starts in 2 weeks!)
At our College, 10 Bridge street, Rydalmere
• Sept 29. Stage OH&S. 1 full day. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $180.
• Sept 30 - Oct 2. Lighting Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Sept 30 - Oct 2. Video Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Oct 6,7,8. Sound Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Oct 6- 10. Advanced Video and Camera Op. 5 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $875
• Oct 6- 10. Advanced Moving Light and Desk Operation. 5 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $875
• Oct 11 (Sat) Certificate III completion production day 9.30am - 4.30pm $300
Note: Full Certificate 3 Technical Production Theatre & Events (Technical Operations) CUE30203 program starts at $2,200.
Enrol at http://www.juliusmedia.com/training/enroll.asp
More info at http://www.juliusmedia.com/training/default.asp

Meet and Greet with Paul Collison - hear the untold tales from Bejiing!
After five months on-site in Beijing (other than one quick detour to light Singapore’s National Day Celebration on August 9) LD Paul Collison is finally heading home to Sydney this week.
Paul was first contacted in December 2007 by Mr. Sha Xiao Lan, the lighting designer for this auspicious event, who offered him the task to look after the lighting control system for both the opening and closing ceremonies.
The opening ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. Featuring more than 15,000 performers, the ceremony lasted over four hours and was watched by over 1 billion viewers – the largest live television audience in history. More than 2,300 DMX controlled fixtures and 45,000 parameters transformed the stadium into a never before seen sea of lights. Altogether 2,342 fixtures were used and controlled by grandMA for the show which consisted of, amongst others, 308 x Vari*Lite VL3500 spot, 316 x VL3000 spot, 180 x VL3500 wash, 112 x Clay Paky Alpha Wash 1200, 980 x Martin Mac 2000 Wash and 162 Martin Mac 2000 XB Wash.
ALIA is offering you the chance to meet Paul, view his event slide show and listen to his tales of the Orient - some good, some bad, some technical, and some just damn right inappropriate!. The event will be informal with plenty of time to mingle. Who knows, there may even be a bar!
This fabulous evening will be held in Melbourne on Sunday September 7th followed by Sydney on Monday September 15th, both events will start at 7pm.

Melbourne Location:
Trafficlight
Warehouse entrance is 139 Sackville Street,
Collingwood (Enter off Gold street)

Sydney Location:
Civic Underground
Civic Hotel
Cnr Pitt and Goulburn Streets
Sydney

If you would like to attend one of these evenings, please send an email to tours@alia.com.au stating which city you prefer.

ALIA Tour to Cirque du Soleil's Dralion, Sydney
Envision a self-sufficient village that moves from country to country, city to city. Transporting 160 people of 21 nationalities, 74 trailers, hauling 900 tons of equipment across Australia…this is Dralion on tour.
Dralion is the 12th production of Cirque du Soleil. It is a celebration of the 4 elements that maintain the natural order: air, water, fire and earth.
The infrastructure sits on an area of approximately 20 000 square meters. 74 trailers, 600 road cases, in total 900 metric tons of equipment are required to transport the entire tour. Designed by Stéphane Roy, the Dralion set is the biggest, most elaborate ever transported on tour! Total site set-up requires seven days, tear-down takes three days. Forty technical personnel with 100 local support crew, totaling 6,000 work hours are required to accomplish both tasks. The site is fully autonomous in terms of power with the use of generators.
Bernard Letendre is in charge of the lighting, originally designed by Luc Lafortune and he has kindly offered to conduct a tour of Dralion's rig for ALIA members. The tour will take place on Wednesday September 3rd at 2pm.

Date: Wednesday September 3rd
Time: 2pm
Place: Grand Chapiteau, The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name, mobile phone number and time preference to dralion@alia.com.au

Lighting Equipment List (Australia Tour)
Control and Dimming: 2 x Consoles Compulite Micron 4D, 2 x ETC SP48 Sensor Touring Racks, 2 x ETC Response Opto Splitters, 1x Doug Fleenor 125DMX Opto Splitter, 1 x Doug Fleenor 2-Universe DMX switcher
Conventional Fixtures: 125 x ETC Source Four Pars, 7 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 14 Degrees, 17 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 19 Degrees, 22 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 26 Degrees, 21 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 36 Degrees, 12 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 50 Degrees, 2 x ETC Source Four Junior Ellipsoidals – 26 Degrees, 2 x ETC Source Four Junior Ellipsoidals – 50 Degrees, 9 x Desisti Leonardo 5KW Fresnels, 6 x Strand 2KW Fresnels, 4 x Strand Coda 500 Far Cyc, 26 x Par 20, 1 x Robert Juliat D’Artagnan 933SNX, 4 x Lycian 1266 Followspots
Automated Fixtures: 8 x Clay Paky Superscan Zoom 1200, 8 x Clay Paky Stage Zoom 1200, 6 x High End Systems Dataflash AF-1000, 48 x Chroma Q CL-3 Digital Color Changers, 6 x Chroma Q M2 Color Changers, 4 x Chroma Q Roto-Q DMX dual gobo rotators, 9 x Chroma Q power supplies, 9 x Compulite Whisper 5KW power supplies, 2 x Compulite Whisper power supplies
Special Effects and Others: 4 x JEM Glaciator X-Stream low fog generators, 1 x High End Systems F-100 fog machine, 2 x ReelFX DF-50 Hazers, 1 x LeMaitre MicroFog portable fog machine, 15 x Global Design Solutions Blue Domes, 1 x Leon Audio 14-Channel cue light system, 120 x 12V MR-16 bulbs (as part of the set)

ALIA Tour to Hillsong, Sydney
The annual July Hillsong Conference in Sydney is one of the country’s largest productions and this year is no exception. The lighting includes 2 x GrandMA, 3 x Maxedia, 8 x Showgun, 34 x VL3000 Profile, 16 x VL3500 Wash, 30 x TW1, 6 x VL1000, 12 x Atomic Strobes, 40 x Duets, 12 x 80volt Pacifics, 40 x Chromabanks, 20 x Stagebars, 26 x 5k Fresnel, 32 x 2k Fresnel. Vision includes 1 x 12 Camera HD outside broadcast system, 1 x 5 camera SD outside broadcast system, 10 x Final cut pro edit suites, 152 x Lighthouse ER10 panels, 89 x Lighthouse R16 panels, 16 x Martin LC panels, 9 x projection screens
Technical Producer for the event is Ian Anderson who has kindly offered to conduct two limited number tours of the lighting as well as the broadcast, audio and AV setup. People are most welcome to stay for the beginning of the rallies to see the systems in operation.

Date: Wednesday July 9th
Time: 3.30pm or 6.30pm
Place: Acer Arena, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name, mobile phone number and time preference to hillsong@alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to two MTC Productions
ALIA has arranged a tour of two productions being lit by the talented Matt Scott for the Melbourne Theatre Company. The first is Frost / Nixon to be held in the Fairfax Studio followed by a tour of Scarlett O’Hara at the Crimson Parrot in the Playhouse theatre.

Date: Friday June 13th
Time:6pm
Place: Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne

MTC has also offered ½ price tixs to those interested to see one of the shows on the night.
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number mtc(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Michael Buble, Perth
Some of you may remember Kurt Wagner from his years working in lighting in Australia. Well Kurt returned to Vancouver about five years ago and has continued to stay active in the touring market. He has designed set and lighting for K.D. Lang, Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Jann Arden and Michael Buble, who he has been with for about four years now.
“I've been lucky as I've had a chance to work with some great artists since I moved back to Vancouver,” Kurt told ALIA. “But will always have fond memories of the Australian artists I worked for”.
Kurt is returning to Australia this month with spunky crooner Michael Buble who, unlike many other artists, is bringing his whole show to Australia. This will include 14 High End DL 2's, extensive soft LED throughout the rig (4 custom lighting borders and 7 panels 24' x 8' on the upstage spinner truss), plus 50 moving lights (Martin 2Ks + Mac Performances). There is also a mixture of analog with the main light being a smaller blinder called a 20 lite. Consoles are grandMA's and operating system for all the LED is a system called Vixen. The truss system is a custom swing wing truss.
Kurt has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting in Perth on June 15th.

Date: Sunday June 15th
Time: (TBC)
Place: Challenge Stadium, Perth

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number buble(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Phantom of the Opera, Sydney
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the world's most loved musicals, is returning to Sydney after 12 years and ALIA Members have the opportunity to learn all about the lighting for this new production courtesy of Associate Lighting Desiger Mike Odam and Production Electrician Ken Roach.
Designed by Andrew Bridge the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a timeless collection of conventionals: Source 4 profiles, CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years.  Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier.
This version of Phantom opened at the Princess, Melbourne in 1990, it toured to Brisbane in 1996, and since leaving Australia has traveled throughout Asia, South Africa and New Zealand. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton. The rig was refurbished for the Singapore season in March 2007 in preparation for the new Australian Tour.
Lighting Designer: Andrew Bridge
Associate Lighting Desiger: Mike Odam
Production Electrician: Ken Roach
Head Electrician: Ed Cymerman
Deputy Head Electrician/ Board Op: Hugh Calton

Date: Tuesday May 13th
Time: 5pm
Place: Lyric Theatre, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number sydneyphantom(at)alia.com.au

Integrate - a New Industry Event to Debut in July 2009
At last, Australia and New Zealand will have the exhibition we've all talked about and hoped for - Sound, Light, Vision - Integrate.
Intimate, bustling and vibey, INTEGRATE is Australia and New Zealand's only national platform bringing together the worlds of Concert Production, Recording, Broadcast, Audio, Lighting, Entertainment Technology, Staging, Post Production, Audiovisual, MI, DJ Technologies and Multimedia.
Taking place from 6th-8th July 2009 in Sydney's Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries, INTEGRATE is the industry event combining a compelling range of seminars, workshops, exhibition space and special events profiling up-to-the moment technologies and techniques.
For more information and to view the INTEGRATE video and brochure, visit www.integrate-expo.com or contact Show Organiser Louise Brooks at Alchemedia Events louise@integrate-expo.com.

ALIA Tour to James Blunt, Perth
James Blunt is returning to Australia with his All The Lost Souls tour designed by Paul Normandale. Lighting director and show operator Glen Johnson has kindly agreed to conduct an ALIA tour of the rig in Perth. Glen has conducted several tours for ALIA in the past and they are always incredibly well received. And you can bet that Paul Normandale will have designed something extraordinary.
Glen will be bringing his own FOH system with him: 2 Wholehog III Console, 2 Wholehog III Wings, 4 DP 2000’s, 2 Luminex 1GB Switch, 2 Data Lynx, 2 Folsom Image PRO HD, 1 Catalyst HD V4.0, 1 Pixel Mad System plus racks, Custom Ethernet Multi Power, DMX, XLR 100M and 4 Ethernlynx Artnet Nodes.
Locally provided lighting will include 12 x 48way Colour Blaze, 19 x Martin Mac 250 WASH or Mac 700 WASH, 22 x Martin Mac 700 SPOT, 6 x Martin 80v TW1’s (13-20 Lens), 12 x Omni Photo Floods (Small Floor Stands), 6 x 4 Lite Moles, followspots, smoke machines, a 3ft mirror ball and a silver confetti machine.

Date: Friday May 9th
Time: 2.30pm
Place: Challenge Stadium, Perth

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number blunt(at)alia.com.au
Photo © Louise Stickland

ALIA Tour to Matchbox 20, Melbourne
Matchbox 20 return to Australia with their Exiled Downunder Tour next month and their lighting designer Benoit Richards always comes up with something special (remember the VersaTiles extravaganza on the last Rob Thomas tour?) and Melbourne ALIA members have the opportunity to meet him and have a guided tour of his rig.
The rig includes 2 x Hippotizer V3 (Stage) Media Servers, 36 x Panels of Martin LC 2140 transparent LED Screens, 4 x Panels of Martin LC 1140 transparent LED Screens, 22 x Martin MAC2000 wash, 12 MAC2000 profile, 14 x MAC700 profile, 12 x Atomic strobes, 25 x Martin Stagebars, 48 x Par64, 1 x 4K HMI with DMX douser and junior stand (the God light) and 2 x WholeHog 3 for control.

Date: Friday April 11th
Time: 2pm
Place: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number matchbox20(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to So You Think You Can Dance, Sydney
So You Think You Can Dance Australia is set to be television’s smash hit of 2008! After the US series proved a ratings winner, Network Ten has embarked on the local version to showcase Australia’s best undiscovered dancing talent.Currently filming at Sydney’s Carriageworks (how to get there http://www.carriageworks.com.au/visiting_us.php?subpage=getthere ) the production is lit by Francesco Calvi who has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his rig on Wednesday March 26th. The rig includes 12 x Impressions, 32 x ChromaBanks, 42 x Honeycomb, 48 x ChromaStrips, 6 x Lycian Truss Spots, 16 x VL3000, 36 x MAC700, 21 x MAC250 Wash, 16 x Martin Stagebars, 14 x Martin MACTW-1, 6 x VL1000s, 13 x 5k Softlights, 4 x Unique Hazers, 4 x AF1000 Fans, 2 x Retro Encabulators, 12 x Atomic Strobes, 30 x Source Four Pars29 x S4 Parnels 36 x  Pinspot sort of thingys, 2 x grandMA consoles with Super Vince Feature and 8 x S4 Profiles

Date: Wednesday March 26th
Time: 1pm (TBC)
Place: Carriageworks, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number sytycd(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to the Rocky Horror Show
It’s astounding, time is fleeting and The Rocky Horror Show is back in a totally brand new Australian production at Sydney’s brand new Star Theatre.
This production is directed by Gale Edwards, with sets by Dale Ferguson and lighting by Damien Cooper. Damien is a leading Australian lighting designer with extensive experience across Theatre, Opera and Dance. Having worked with Australia’s leading companies, his CV covers many of the pre-eminent works of recent time.
Damien has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his Rocky lighting for ALIA on Wednesday March 19th at 5pm. His rig includes an MA Lighting grandMA, Catalyst Media Server, VL 500 Wash 80v, Martin TW1, Martin Mac 2000 profile, Martin Mac 2000 performer, Cloud wheel Mac 2KP, Flicker wheel Mac 2KP, Martin MAC2000 Wash, VL 3000 spot. Atomic 3000 Strobes, Source 4s, Par 64s, ZS3 Ministrip EYC, 5K Fresnel, MR 16, MR16 LED, coloured festoon, star cloths, 500w QI, Rope Light and Pro Shop LED Tubes.

Date: Wednesday March 19th
Time: 5pm
Place: Star Theatre, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number rocky(at)alia.com.au

Show Technology Gala Partner dinner
Click on images to enlarge



The 2008 Show Technology Gala Partner dinner was recently held at the sumptuous Doltone House function centre and restaurant in Pyrmont. Nestled on the upper deck of the historic Finger Wharf at the newly restored Jones Bay Wharf, Doltone House is situated in a priceless location on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour, with views of the Harbour Bridge, city skyline, and Darling Harbour precinct.
Show Technology guests from all over Australia and indeed the world, mingled prior to the dinner on the venues deck as the sun set over the Harbour Bridge. And in case anyone had trouble finding the venue, the Robert Juliat spotlights heralded the spot so that even the most myopic taxi driver couldn’t go wrong!
Inside the loft design incorporates existing timber beams and a blend of heritage and contemporary features. A plethora of Show Technology products lit up and enhanced the venue in style with a fabulous lighting design by Paul Collison, assisted in the production stakes by Philby Lewis who acted as Production Manager for the event.
The main stage incorporated the Martin LC Panels, TW1’s, the new Krytpon 575, MAC700’s as well as an array of Pro Shop Led Products including the new Impression from Germany, LED Blinders and MUltiPAR375’s. The tables were further enhanced by the new SmartMAC, which impressed the crowd with its brightness, wide angle and smooth performance. Naturally control was via the industry standard grandMA console while visual media was controlled via Arkaos.
”With a list of gear this big you would think the dinner was being held in a room four times the size!” remarked Paul Collison. “The trick was to try and make it not look like a demo room. Show Tech was keen to display their product line but not be over the top. Whilst for a dinner it was most certainly over the top I believe there was enough restraint allowing us to present a picture with some soft colour changes and slight movement for variation.  Each product line worked its area well.  The LC Panels had a huge presence in the room by their sheer size. The Impression LED heads were a talking point as they lit the roof and provided the biggest majority of ambient light in the room. The Smart MAC’s were fantastic. For their first outing in Australia they were quiet, reliable and bright. They spent the night at 30% which for a 150w lamp is incredible.  Their crisp beam and optics might be a sign of things to come from Martin.
”The crew from Lots of Watts and Chameleon worked flawlessly together to help make this event a huge success.  Philby Lewis was crucial in the co-ordination of the production and Super Vince was there to help as well.”
What started out as a dinner for 120 people soon blew out to 170 thanks to Emmanuel Ziino’s Italian way of the ever growing list. But somehow the venue staff managed to accommodate everyone serving up a dinner to die for.
International guests of honour included Mr Soren Storm from Martin Professional Denmark, Mr Lionel Garraud from Robert Juliat France and Menze van der Sluis from ProLyte in Holland.
Emmanuel delivered a speech thanking all for their support, loyalty and understanding throughout the recent years before indulging in a little ‘backslapping’ by presenting a myriad of awards. In an industry first, he turned the tables by awarding an accolade to a supplier – Martin Professional.
”Usually Martin awards its’ distributors but we’ve decided to award them!” he commented. “Martin has been our partner for more than fifteen years and together we have made it the number one brand in this country. They have supported us, as we have them, through thick and thin.”
The award was accepted by Soren Storm who was recognized in himself for his unrivaled dedication to the brand and Emmanuel affectionately referred to him as an extension of the Show Technology team.
The awards handed out by Emmanuel and the lovely Gina Ziino are as follows:
Regional Lighting Production: Entertainment Installations.
Creative Lighting Installations: Avsound Productions
Major Lighting Installation Recognition: QPAC Dimmer Installation
Achievements in TV Lighting Design: Rohan Thornton
Lighting for Houses of Worship: Forefront Productions.
TV Set Lighting: Mark Dyson, Pitch Design
Hotel Ballroom Lighting: Staging Connections
Achievements in TV Lighting Design: Francesco Calvi
New Technology Lighting Company: Chameleon Touring Systems
Achievements in Lighting Design: Paul Collison
Achievements in Lighting Design: Mark Hammer
Innovative Lighting Production: Resolution X 
Achievements in Theatre Lighting Design: Richard Pacholski
Innovative Lighting Production: LUX Entertainment
Professional Lighting Supply: Lots of Watts
Creative Lighting Installations: Lightmoves
Emmanuel concluded his speech with a heart-felt thanks to his ‘tremendous team’ at Show Technology, a team that together, makes the company function on a daily basis.
The night carried on with much merry making and dancing to the fabulous sounds of Xpresso Band headed by well know M.I. industry personality Nick Bava of Bavas Music fame.
Show Technology would like to thank Lots of Watts, Music Box, Staging Connections and Chameleon for helping stage the event.
www.showtech.com.au

ULA at Entech
With an unprecedented number of visitors to the ULA stand as well as the exclusive launch of several new products and product ranges - Entech 2008 has proven to be a massive show for ULA!
Vuepix - Entech saw the exclusive launch of ULA’s range of VuePix High Resolution indoor and outdoor LED video screens and curtains. The VuePix technology enables wide viewing angles and superb uniformity at short viewing distances. The P10 10mm screen and the 25mm LED curtain were on display on the stand, proving to be an immense hit, with orders flooding in right throughout the show. We will keep you posted on the launch of the full VuePix catalogue!
iLED - The new iLED catalogue and the iLED range of high output fixtures was launched at Entech, proving to be an enormous success. The iLED range offers exceptional output, precision optics and saturated full color as well as all the benefits inherit with LED technology: extreme efficiency, long life, low maintenance and low heat.  The success of the iLED range at Entech is a true indicator of the benefits of having high-powered LEDs amongst any rig or rental inventory – the effectiveness of the ColorBank54 and the LED Source 36 on the stand is testimony to this.
Avolites - The Avolites Pearl Tiger has landed! The Australian launch of the Tiger console at Entech, as well as the demonstration of the Pearl Expert and the Diamond 4 + PC, received an impressive response. Both training and hands on opportunities were presented by Avolites Dave Parry, ensuring that many visitors had a chance to get up close and personal with the console. These consoles are now available for demo so be sure to call 1300 ULA GROUP if you missed playing with these consoles at the show!
Wireless Solution - ULA’s exclusive distribution of Wireless Solution’s W-DMX technology was officially celebrated at this year’s Entech. International Sales Manager Niclas Arvidsson visited to provide demonstration and training of W-DMX’s exclusive technology.
Robe - Building on the huge success of the previous Entech shows, the Robe presence on the ULA stand this year was bigger than ever. The latest in digital lighting technology was on display for everyone to experience first hand. The line up included Robe Media Fusion, Digital Spot 5000DT and Robe LED Stage Quebes. Robe’s CEO Josef Valchar, International Sales Manager – Harry Von Den Stemmon and Digital technology specialist Ales Grivac were all present and eager to share their expertise and answer any questions. With over 60 Robe moving lights ranging from the 2500 series through to 250 series operating inside the booth, it was definitely a world class showcase of the Robe Product family.
E:Cue - From its easy to use DMX – PC based software through to its complete room control Media Engine the E:cue range has something to offer in all aspects of lighting control. The Butler can operate as a stand alone device which can replay shows or it can be utilized as a DMX interface to offer 2 x 500 channel streams of DMX. Best known for its easy LED matrix control software and vast array of effect generations the E:cue brand is growing rapidly throughout the Australian and Worldwide lighting industries. E:cue Specialist Fai Ho was on hand at Entech to walk through the range with the many interested parties.
www.ula.com.au

Show Technology Golf Day
Yes it was that time of the year when green keeper’s quake in their boots, wildlife scurry into the distance and locals lock up their valuables – the Show Technology Golf Day. The event was sponsored by Martin and Philips.
This time it was Kogarah Golf Club that had to warn the club members to keep their distance on Sunday February 10th as Show Technology partners and clients descended onto the green for another day of pure mayhem. Fortunately it was one of the few days when the rain wasn’t pelting down and plans for scuba-golf did not have to be implemented.
Described by Ryan Varley of Frontier Lighting as an ‘action-packed day of laughter and sport heroics’, the event was extremely competitive and accusations of ball-tampering were rife.
As the only female on the course (apart from Show Technology’s own Kelly who startled all with her pink golf clubs), Candice Wolff from Brisbane Sound Group was very diplomatic when commenting on her hair-curling experience.
“Well it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be,” she tactfully stated. “Actually it was kind of fun, though I think it should be illegal to play without a drinks cart and golf buggy.”
Walking the green was also too much for Braham Ciddor from Lightmoves who echoed Candice’s remarks and would no doubt prefer a sit-down game of tiddlywinks.
"Golf without the use of golf carts should be illegal,” he said. “I’m pleased to say my golf game has not deteriorated since the last Show Tech Golf game four years ago – it’s still as bad. I also think that Soren is way too serious. Bury the Golf day and bring on the Go Karts!”
Jeff Morgan of Lots of Watts insists that he got the longest drive of the day on the 17th despite being distracted by the array of furry dead animals on the end of Emmanuel’s clubs.
“He should really be locked up for that,” confided Jeff. “I’d also like to say that Luca and I did not cheat at all ....honestly…cross my heart……”
Tony Davis from Chameleon Touring Systems described the event as a great day however he did point out that it’s lucky that the Show Technology team do better lights than they play golf!
And the results are…..
Winner Scratch – Soren Storm/Philby Lewis (3rd year running!!) with a +3  75
R/up Scratch – Wayne Kellet/Darren Mclanders with a +6   78
Winner H/cap - Vicken Hekimian/Mark McInnes
R/up H/cap – Ed Fardell/ Daniel Munro
Philips Nearest the Pin #1 – Martin Anderson
Philips Nearest the Pin #2 – Graeme Hicks (<50cm)
“Water baby” Most water found – R2 Richard Pacholski
“Lumberjack” Most trees Hit – Martin Anderson
“Beach Bunny” Most Sand found – Mark McInnes
www.showtech.com.au

Lighthouse Distribution at Entech 2008!
Lighthouse Distribution’s inaugural attendance at Entech was a great success with visitors experiencing a variety of the Lighthouse product range. The Lighthouse Bar housed LEDs from DTS and CLS as well as an Optikinetics clock. On either side of the bar were lighthouses complete with moving fixtures from Clay Paky and DTS, these fixtures shone onto a white scrim alongside four DTS Deltas. The result was an amazing array of lighting effects for a multitude of applications.
The new Clay Paky Alpha 300 Series created a lot of excitement with their compact size and high output. The Clay Paky Alpha 300 Series, the DTS XR Series of Moving Lights, Bar LEDs and Mirror Panels were individually controlled using a Crestron control system. By working with sister company, Crestron Control Solutions, Lighthouse was able to demonstrate control of the ChamSys lighting consoles from a number of 4 and 6-inch Crestron touch panels. This allowed a seamless control solution that offered interactive product slideshows with control for the visitors, but did not require constant monitoring or resetting, as you would see if you had a standard lighting desk for each fixture. In turn, the Crestron touch panel’s present a simple control for lighting equipment for user-friendly operation, perfect for bars and clubs.
Also popular was the Lighthouse range of LEDs including the Delta LED Colour Changer, which is the brightest LED Colour Changer in its category with an output of over 1500 lux at 3m. The Delta’s light source comprises 40 RGB Full Colour LEDs with each LED containing a single RGB module, which independently generates 16 million colours. This full colour technology presents a uniform light beam, therefore eliminating colour separation, which until now was an unfortunate setback of working with LEDs.
Lighthouse also exhibited the new sleek designed Helious, a 15 x 3 watt LED, and the Focus, which is a 3x3 Watt full colour LED. Both products are available in in-ground models and are IP68 rated. Lighthouse even put the Focus to the test by placing it in a water display for the duration of the show. Visitors also enjoyed meeting Franco Zaghini from DTS and Neil Rice from Optikinetics.
Lighthouse Distribution has a range of show specials, which have been extended to 29 February
Contact Lighthouse today to take advantage of crazy deals on:
Clay Paky Alpha Series including the NEW Clay Paky Alpha 300 fixtures
DTS XR Series and the XM1200
DTS Theatre Lighting and Followspots
DTS Par Cans at amazing prices!!!
www.lighthousedistribution.com.au

ALIA would like to thanks all who donated their time, services and gear to make the ALIA Stand at Entech so successful.

• Design and implementation Mandylights
• Furniture Harry the Hirer
• Gobos (steel and glass) Gobotech
• iPix Satellite LED wash light Balanced Technology
• LED wash light LSW
• MA ArtNet node, smartMac, Studio Due D-Colour, GLP Impression Show Technology
• Pacific Zoom Profile spots Selecon NZ
• Power FMI Event Lighting & Power
• Slim-Dim DMX controlled fluorescents Sylvania Lighting Australasia
• Truss and rigging Lots of Watts
• Vista console, Vari*lite VL500s Jands Electronics
• Vari*lite VL500s Cairellie Showcraft

ALIA Tour to Phantom of the Opera, Brisbane
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the world's most loved musicals, is returning to Brisbane after 12 years and ALIA Members have the opportunity to learn all about the lighting for this new production courtesy of Associate Lighting Desiger Mike Odam and Production Electrician Ken Roach.
Designed by Andrew Bridge the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a timeless collection of conventionals: Source 4 profiles, CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years.  Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier.
This version of Phantom opened at the Princess, Melbourne in 1990, it toured to Brisbane in 1996, and since leaving Australia has traveled throughout Asia, South Africa and New Zealand. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton. The rig was refurbished for the Singapore season in March 2007 in preparation for the new Australian Tour.
Lighting Designer: Andrew Bridge
Associate Lighting Desiger: Mike Odam
Production Electrician: Ken Roach
Head Electrician: Ed Cymerman
Deputy Head Electrician/ Board Op: Hugh Carlton

Date: Friday February 8th
Time: 5pm
Place: Lyric Theatre

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number brissyphantom(at)alia.com.au

Jands Entech Demo Room Topics and Presenters
The Wireless Jungle - Monday 10.30am/Wednesday 12.00pm
Navigating the Wireless Spectrum is becoming more difficult.
Exploring ways to make it easier.
Presenter:  Jeff MacKenzie -  Manager, Jands Technical Resource Group

Powered Loudspeakers from JBL... At Last!!!!! - Tuesday 10.30am/Wednesday 10.30am
Being last has it’s advantages…………….. we say!!!
Experience how the “oldest, new kid on the block” has raised the bar.
Presenter:  Jeff MacKenzie - Manager, Jands Technical Resource Group

Understanding Sound System Performance Criteria and Specifications - Tuesday 12.00pm
Do sound systems sound like their specifications?  Yes, but what does that sound like?
There are many specifications and performance criteria seeking to define what sound systems sound like.  This presentation seeks to unpack the most important.
Presenter: David Connor – Electro-Acoustic Engineer

Now more for less with BLU-Link - Monday 12.00pm
Come and find out how top-end DSP just got more accessible with four new products from BSS London.
Presenter: Iain Gregory: BSS Product Manager, Harman Music Group

Vari*lite VL3500 Wash Product Release - Monday 3.00pm/Tuesday 4.30pm/Wednesday 1.30pm
A demonstration of the key features of the groundbreaking new 1500w washlight from Vari*lite - the pioneers of moving light technology
Presenter: George Masek - Product Manager, Vari*Lite

Demystifying the World of Dimming - Monday 1.30pm/Tuesday 3.00pm
Sine Wave vs SCR and the True Meaning of Risetime
Explore the key differences between the available products and examine their application to real world problems
Presenter: Jeremy Roberts - Field Project Manager, ETC

The New i3 from Jands - Monday 4.30pm/Tuesday 1.30pm/Wednesday 3.00pm
Lighting made easy with the i3 Console.
How to program your show and still beat the sound guys to the catering! 
Presenter:  Alex Mair – Lighting Specialist, Jands Technical Resource Group
www.jands.com.au

ALIA Tour to Raggamuffin, Melbourne
Put UB40, The Wailers, Maxi Priest, Arrested Development, The Black Seeds, Katchafire, The Midnights and House of Shem together and what do you get? Well, first up, around ten hours of fantastic music!  And that’s exactly the musical feast on offer at Raggamuffin, an innovative new event showcasing the best homegrown and International reggae music, with a healthy dose of funk, dub, hip-hop and soul!
Lighting designer Dan Hardiman, who always does a fantastic ALIA tour, returns to Australia with this unique event and no doubt a unique lighting design! His rig includes 1 x WholeHog III, 30 x MAC2000 Profile, 9 x MAC2000 Wash, 15 x VL 2500 Wash, 8 x HES Showguns, 4 x 8-Light Molefays, 4 x DF50 Hazers, 2 x F-100 Foggers and 4 x Robert Juliat 2.5kW Followspots.
Dan has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting design on February 12th at Melbourne’s Vodaphone Arena.
Date: Tuesday February 12th
Time: 4pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number raggamuffin(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to The Police, Adelaide
The wait for fans of The Police is officially over. Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers have confirmed they will be spending the summer downunder with stadium concerts scheduled in Australia in 2008. The Police tour is definitely the hottest ticket of the year.
Lighting director Danny Nolan has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the Patrick Woodroffe designed lighting for the Adelaide show on Tuesday January 29th at the Entertainment Centre. The rig includes Coemar Infinity Wash x 57, Atomic Strobe x 08, Maxi 12 x 08, 5K Beam Projector x 03, 8-lite Mole + scroll x 09, Par 64 NSP x 72, Robe 2500 Spot x 29, 2-lite Mole x 24, Little Big Lite x 18, Mac 700 x 18, Mac 250 Wash x 11, DL2 Projector x 04, 2000 Mac 2000 wash x 40, Pixel Par x 06, Omni floods x 04 with control by MA Lighting grandMA.
Date: Tuesday January 29th
Time: TBC
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number police(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Rage Against The Machine, Sydney
The drought will break and rebellion will rise again this January with the long awaited return of Los Angeles California's RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE in their exclusive first performances outside the United States for years.
Lighting designer Sooner Routhier will be using the same rig as at the Big Day Out for Rage’s individual shows consisting of Martin MAC700 washes and profiles, High End Showguns, Color Kinetics Color Blaze 48, Mole Richardson Spacelite, Atomics, pars and blinders.
Sooner has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of her lighting on January 22nd at Sydney Entertainment Centre at 1pm.
Date: Tuesday January 22nd
Time: 1pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number rage(at)alia.com.au

ULA Training at ENTECH
The ULA stand at Entech 2008 will be bigger and better than ever with hundreds of products on display. Featuring new products from brands such as Robe and Avolites and focussing on new technologies from iLED, Wireless Solution and VuePix – the ULA stand is not to be missed!
Demonstrations will be running throughout the show, as well as training sessions scheduled throughout Monday and Tuesday.
The training sessions will be held in the Exhibitor Lounge on the Mezzanine Level of Hall 5. The schedule is as follows
10am – 11am
Wireless Solution: Introductory session to W-DMX Technology hosted by Wireless Solution’s International Sales Manager, Niclas Arvidsson. This session will run both Monday and Tuesday, and will discuss the features, benefits and uses for the W-DMX systems.
11.30am – 1.30pm
Robe: Robe’s Ales Grivac will hold a demonstration of the new Robe’s Media Fusion Software and the Robe Digital Spot, as well as Robe ColorWash 750AT Tungsten. This session will run both Monday and Tuesday and will feature training on both the moving lights and pixel mapping system.
2.00pm – 3.00
LED in Entertainment: This session will feature an introduction to LED in Entertainment – focussing on the advances in and benefits of LED technology. The  latest iLED products will also be showcased. This will be hosted by ULA’s Simon Pentz and will run both Monday and Tuesday.
3.30pm – 5.30pm
Avolites: Hosted by Dave Parry of Avolites, this session will include an introduction to the Pearl Tiger and the Diamond 4 Consoles as well as a working demonstration of these consoles. This session will be packed full of information and will run both Monday and Tuesday.
For more details or to register your interest contact 1300 ULA Group : 1300 852 476 or email nadine@ulagroup.com.

ALIA Tour to Spamalot, Melbourne
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the smash hit Broadway and West End musical comes to Australia this Christmas. SPAMALOT will have its first performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne on November 23, with the official gala opening set for December 8. On the announcement that SPAMALOT would play in Australia Eric Idle commented, "In revenge for the cricket, we are sending you Spamalot," adding, "actually we are anxious to see how the show plays upside down."

SPAMALOT creative team includes Casey Nicholaw (choreography), and multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting). Hugh Vanstone has designed lighting for plays, musicals and operas in London, New York and around the world. He has received three Olivier Awards for his work, most recently for Pacific Overtures (Donmar). New York credits: Bombay Dreams (Broadway); Life (x) 3 (Circle in the Square); Uncle Vanya, Twelfth Night and Hamlet (BAM); The Graduate (Plymouth); Follies (Belasco); Blast! (Broadway); The Unexpected Man (Promenade); The Blue Room (Cort); Closer (Music Box); Art (Royale).

ALIA is offering the opportunity to find out more about lighting this fabulous production with a Backstage Tour.

LX Designer - Hugh Vanstone (uk)
Associate LX designer - Philip Rosenberg (usa)
Programmer - Laura Frank (usa)
Production Electrician - Hugh Hamilton (Newcastle's finest)

At this point Hugh Hamilton will conduct the tour hopefully Hugh Vanstone and Philip Rosenberg will also be available.

The rig includes: 15 x VL3000 Q spots, 10 x VL2500 spots, 14 x VL2500 wash, 18 x VL500, lots of Source IVs & Wybron scollers, 2 x MA Lighting grandMA consoles.

Date: Tuesday November 27th
Time: 5pm (pending any technical mishaps or urgent rehearsals)
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number spamalot(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Billy Elliot, Sydney
The theatrical sensation, Billy Elliot the Musical is coming to Sydney this November!

Billy Elliot the Musical opened in London in May 2005 to extraordinary reviews, has broken UK box office records and is still playing to capacity houses at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
 
Directed by Stephen Daldry with book and lyrics by Lee Hall and choreography by Peter Darling, Billy Elliot the Musical was developed for the stage by the same multi-award winning creative team behind the film Billy Elliot which captured hearts and minds the world over when it was released in October 2000. Nominated for 3 Academy Awards and 13 BAFTAs, this poignant film broke box office records across the world.
 
The score has been composed by music legend Elton John, the most celebrated UK singer songwriter of the last 30 years. Set design by Ian MacNeil, costumes by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti and music supervision by Martin Koch.

Rick Fisher, along with associate lighting designer Richard Pacholski, has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the lighting for ALIA members. The rig includes: 17 x Vari*lite 3500Q spot, 6 x Vari*lite 3500Q wash, 2 x Vari*lite 1000 arc, 8 x Martin MAC700 wash, 16 x MAC TW1, 14 x MAC600, 29 x ETC Revolution, 7 x Starnd Pirouettes, 3 x DHA lightcurtains and a bunch of Source IV's / Wybron scrollers. Rrunning on a Strand 550i console.

Date: Wednesday November 28th
Time: 5pm
Venue: Capitol Theatre, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number billyelliot(at)alia.com.au

Selecon announce A Conversation with Rick Fisher
Selecon is delighted to announce the unique opportunity to meet renowned lighting designer Rick Fisher who is currently in Australia for the premier season of Billy Elliot The Musical which opens at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in December 2007.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rick has been working in British theatre for over twenty years and is currently Chairman of the Association of Lighting Designers. Recent theatre credits include: Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace), The Philanthropist, Old Times (Donmar); Jerry Springer The Opera (National Theatre / West End); Hamlet (Edinburgh International Festival / Barcelona / Birmingham); Honour (National Theatre) and Red Demon and Peribanez (Young Vic).

“Talking about Light”: A Conversation with Rick Fisher presents an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a small group of like-minded individuals to meet Rick, see a successful West End production followed by a post show discussion on stage. The next day Rick will lead a workshop based on his approach to lighting design including demonstrations of particular stage lighting techniques in a theatre environment wrapping up with lunch.

This is one conversation that will not be repeated and if you’d like to grab this chance to be part of a select group who will gain personal and professional insights from an award-winning, experienced international lighting designer then you need to put your hand up and register your interest with Selecon now.

Full details and the cost for participating in this 2-day experience (5th and 6th December) plus who you should contact can be found at: www.seleconlight.com

This will be the second event where Selecon and Rick have worked together to bring the theatre lighting community into the Billy Elliot arena; eleven of Australia and New Zealand’s top lighting design students were presented with funding from Selecon and given the priceless opportunity of sitting alongside Rick, observing and learning from a master of design during two days of technical rehearsals in October.

Portrait photographer: Ken Howard
Billy Elliot show photographer: Tristram Kenton

ULA hosts E:Cue Training
ULA is hosting E:Cue training seminars this November. Availability of places is strictly limited.
These seminars will include product range presentations and training across the E:Cue range.
The training sessions will specifically cover setup and playback features, particularly on the Twilight Excite and FaderUnit. There will also be an overview and demonstration of the E:Cue Programmer Standard and Enterprise, as well as Patchelor and Library Editor.
The E:Cue series of seminars will commence on November 19 at the ULA showroom facility in Melbourne, followed by the Gold Coast on November 20.
These sessions will run for approximately 3 hours and will cost $55per person, inc GST. A laptop is required for training. Refreshments are provided.

If you would like to register for the latest E:Cue training, please contact ULA on 1300 852 476 or email nadinew@ula.com.au.

ALIA Tour to Justin Timberlake, Perth
It's been three long years, but the wait is finally over... Justin Timberlake is heading back Down Under! Justin will return to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and for the very first time fans in Perth, Adelaide and Auckland will also share the Justin Timberlake experience.
The 21st century's ultimate trend-setting, genre-defying superstar will tour this October/November, delivering his FutureSex/LoveShow Tour to his New Zealand and Australian fans.

Lighting designers Bryan Leitch and Nick Whitehouse have designed a brilliant rig to deal with the in the round set up. Bryan told Live Design magazine, "The biggest challenge was the fact that it was so entirely three-dimensional," he says. "Not only was it in the round, but it wasn't just 360°; it was multi-layered. We are lighting a circular center and then with four complete legs going off, then bars that leave the circles and rejoin the B-stages. It's quite a complex shape. Plus the stage itself is on multiple levels. The center stage is 8' above the deck, and the B-stages are 4' high. Then there are intermediate levels with staircases. There are two lifts that people go up and down on during the show. The band is on three different levels, plus the risers the band are on move, so there are multiple focus positions. In fact, we ended up with 120 stored focuses just for positions."

The rig includes: 1 Avolites Diamond 4 Vision Control Console, VL4 Wash Luminaire, VL3000 Spot Fixture, VL3000 Wash Fixture, VL3500 Wash Fixtures, Syncrolite MX2, 4-Lite PAR, 4-Lite PAR36, Color Kinetics ColorBlast12, Martin Atomic 3000 Strobe 208V.

Date: Saturday November 10th
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Perth Burswood Dome

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number justin(at)alia.com.au

Read more about this tour at Live Design Online

Seminar Topic Selection
ALIA will be presenting a series of lighting seminars during the first day of the Entech 2008 show. Although resources limit us to three sessions over one day, there are an abundance of topics that have been suggested for the programme.

We have already settled on two sessions that we feel will be of widespread interest and value:
1.  Starting Out in Lighting Design
Four Lighting Designers explain how they arrive at their design concepts and how they bring the design to life during the plotting process.
and
2.  What you really need to know about Testing and Tagging
An attempt to dispel some of the mythology that abounds about this important aspect of our workplace safety. How can testing and tagging be implemented to maximise safety without becoming a bureaucratic and financial black hole.
However, there have been quite a few hotly-contested suggestions for the third session. Whilst they are each valuable and interesting subjects, we just don't have the time and financial capacity to present them all. So, we are turning to you - the people who will be attending the seminars - to chose the session that you would most like to attend.
Yes folks, it's time to vote two topics OFF THE ISLAND!

The ALIA committee have refined the list of possibilities down to:
(a) RDM and ACN - the two new bi-directional control protocols on the block.
What do these protocols do? How will see them implemented over the next few years? What impact will they have on the way we design, rig, equip, operate and maintain lighting systems?
or
(b) Intellectual Property - your rights and the rights of others.
Who owns the look of the show you just lit? Who owns the stuff you find on the Internet, in a magazine, in an art gallery, on a video or in a show? How much of an idea can you borrow without it becoming copying or theft? Can you just shoot your own images and videos to use in a production?
or
(c) Networks and Protocols - the glue that holds complex systems together.
Every week more of the lighting gear we use talks to other components in the production. As these data networks spread further and carry more types of data via more paths, everyone in lighting is now dealing with networks much more complex than plain old DMX512. How do we design, implement and maintain a reliable, robust and affordable production-quality data network?

To let us know your preference for the third seminar, you can vote in the poll in the Current Affairs section of the ALIA On-Line Forums <www.alia.com.au/forums> or send us an email (sorry we don't do SMS voting).
If you prefer the topic: RDM and ACN - the two new bi-directional control protocols on the block, send and email to rdm-acn@alia.com.au.

If you prefer the topic: Intellectual Property - your rights and the rights of others, send an email to ip@alia.com.au.

If you prefer the topic: Networks and Protocols - the glue that holds complex systems together, send an email to networks@alia.com.au.

Please only vote using only one method and only vote for your most preferred topic.
The full seminar programme and advance booking form will appear on the ALIA web site during the next week or two.

ALIA Tour to The Killers, Sydney
Currently embarked on their second world tour, multi-platinum Island Records recording artists’ The Killers are selling-out hundreds of performance venues from festivals to stadiums. Behind the scenes, Lighting Designer Steven Douglas and Show Designer Bryan Leitch created an exhilarating design to complement both the music and the band. 
Steven Douglas began his lighting career at the age of 18 working in the theatre.  In November 2004, while living in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland, Douglas was approached by a friend for help. This friend was wishing to take a day off from his lighting position, and asked if Douglas could both design and operate the lighting rig for an American band in town for a one-night concert. That band was The Killers, and Douglas agreed to help.
After the show, the band members were impressed by the lighting design and therefore they took down his contact information.  A little while later, Douglas was contacted by the group and asked to join them in January 2005 for their United Kingdom tour. After that, he signed on as the lighting designer for The Killers, and he has since worked with such artists as James Taylor, Arctic Monkey’s, and Kanye West.
Steven has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his rig which includes: 20 x VL 3000 Profile, 36 x MAC2000 Wash, 12 x Atomic Strobes, 10 x DWE 4 Lite, 10 x Fag Pods, 9 x Source 4 Profile, 1 x Source 4 Par, 3 x DF50, 2 x F100, Avolites Diamond 4 Elite, Avo D4 Desktop

Date: Sunday November 11th
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number killers(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Crowded House, Brisbane
After months of tantalising us with news of US and UK dates, an appearance on Live Earth and a sold-out show at Melbourne's Corner Hotel, Neil Finn and Nick Seymour, Mark Hart and new recruit Matt Sherrod (of Beck fame) have announced a major arena headline tour of our shores for October/November..
Lighting director Glen Johnson has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the rig (designed by Paul Normandale) which includes: 6 x Martin TW1 80v, 20 x Martin MAC 700 Profile, 13 x Martin MAC 700 Wash, 2 x Martin AF1 Fan, 7 x Colour Blaze 72, 12 x Omni Photo Flash Flood, 9 x Colour Blast, 6 x Thomas 4 Lites Moles FT, 2 x DF50, 2 x Wholehog III Lighting Console, 2 x Wholehog III Wing, and 2 x Wholehog III Full Size Wing
Date: Sunday November 11th
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number crowded(at)alia.com.au
© Photo - Steve Jennings 2007

ALIA Tour to Linkin Park, Sydney
At long last Linkin Park return to Australia in October to storm stages, get heads banging, feet stomping and bodies rockin'. Lauded as one of the most dynamic live acts around, Linkin Park will bring a slew of aural and visual treasures with them.
Lighting director Sooner Routhier tour is looking forward to conducting a tour of her rig which at this stage includes Martin MAC2000 washes and profiles, Atomic 3000 strobes, High End Cyber Lights, molefays, and Syncrolite B52’s.
Date: Sunday October 21st
Time: 3pm
Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number linkinpark(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to The Singing Bee, Melbourne
Channel Nine’s new show The Singing Bee challenges contestants to accurately sing the lyrics to popular songs from the 1960s through to today. A live studio band and some of the top singers in the country will play a familiar tune and when the music stops the contestant must finish the next part of the song word perfect. Hosted by former US boy band singer Joey Fatone, The Singing Bee premiered to 13.1 million viewers on America’s NBC in July this year, becoming the biggest US summer premiere since Dancing with the Stars.
The Melbourne production is lit by Rohan Thornton, who will be conducting the tour, and includes 24 x Martin MAC700P, 24 x Martin MAC700W and 92 iPIX Sattelites.
Date: Thursday October 11th
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: GTV9 Richmond
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number singingbee(at)alia.com.au

ALIA lighting seminars at Entech 2008
ALIA, the industry's own lighting organisation, will be conducting a series of seminars in conjunction with Entech 2008. The preliminary programme consists of three 90 minute sessions which will be of interest to a wide variety of lighting people.

Starting Out in Lighting Design
Four Lighting Designers explain how they arrive at their design concepts and how they bring the design to life during the plotting process.
Includes an open discussion session. Limit 50 participants

What you really need to know about Testing and Tagging
An attempt to dispel some of the mythology that abounds about this important aspect of our workplace safety. How can testing and tagging be implemented to maximise safety without becoming a bureaucratic and financial black hole.
Includes a question and answer session. Limit 50 participants

Technology Briefing
This session will examine one of several current technologies that will have a major impact on lighting technology, design and production.
The final content of this seminar session will be decided by the ALIA membership over the next few weeks.

Although run by ALIA, the seminar programme will be open to everyone in the industry. ALIA members will have booking priority and receive a substantial discount on the entry fee. Preliminary bookings will open in late November for members and to the general lighting public in mid-December.

ALIA Tour to the AFL Grand Final Footy Show, Melbourne
Yes, it’s footy finals time again and lucky Melbourne Alians have been invited to the AFL Grand Final Footy Show to be held this Thursday at Rod Laver Arena. Not only do you get to see the show you get an incredible tour of the lighting by Rohan Thornton (Lighting Director and Production Manager) beforehand.
The rig includes: 32 x MAC700 wash, 56 x MAC700 profiles, 30 x MAC2000 wash, 36 x MAC2000 profiles, 28 x Martin LC Panels, 24 x VL3000 profiles, 14 x VL3500 wash, 26 x VL5, 18 x VL500, 18 x VL2416, 30 x Turbo Cyberlights, 14 x Color Kinetics Colorblaze 72, 8 x Colorblaze 36, 66 iPix Sattelite LED fixtures.
Date: Thursday September 27th
Time: 6.30pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number afl07(at)alia.com.au

ULA launch new Soundivision range
The new Soundivision range: SDV 14 was launched on Saturday the 15th of September to rave reviews!
The new range was viewed by over 50 people who attended the launch party at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The night showcased the 25+ new products in the range, demonstrating their features individually. This was followed by a light show combining all the products, thoroughly impressing the crowd!
The new SDV catalogue provides The Perfect Fusion of Lighting Technologies – combining professional and LED lighting products. With a more modern feel, the catalogue is designed to represent the advancing technology in the range as well as the developing style of the lighting market.
If you were unable to attend the launch but would like a chance to check out the new range, contact your Sales Rep or call 1300 ULA GROUP : 1300 852 476.
www.ulagroup.com

High End Systems Demos
High End Systems is hosting a series of new product demonstrations in New Zealand and Australia in early October. All are invited to see SHOWGUN, Road Hog, DL.2, the Wholehog 3 and Expansion Wing at these dates and locations:
Oct. 1- Auckland, New Zealand
Location: The Edge Performing Arts Center & Conventions Auckland
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central
NZI convention rooms lower level
10 am-6 pm
Oct. 3- Melbourne, Australia
Location: Westin Melbourne- Room TBD
205 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
613 9635 2152
10 am-6 pm
Oct. 5- Sydney, Australia
Location: Four Points by Sheraton-Bridge Room II
161 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
10 am-6 pm
For more information on these Australia/NZ product demos, contact Randy Mayer at the HES Los Angeles office by phone at 818-947-0550 or email randy_mayer@highend.com

Selecon Performance Lighting announce Pro-Theatre series of Workshops: QLD, VIC and NSW
SEE and EXPERIENCE for yourself the Selecon range of creative lighting tools, including some new stuff;
Lower voltage luminaires including 80V Fresnels
Direct DMX – stand alone 80V power supply with dimmer
CST / MSR studio Fresnels
Performer Series Followspots
Re-modelled Acclaim Fresnel & PC……
+ ONE prize draw per session for a Leatherman Wave tool!

Brisbane in association with The Production Shop
Date: Monday, 8th October 2007
Venue:
The Block
Queensland University of Technology
QUT Precincts
Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059
2 x Sessions: 10.30am - midday, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Melbourne in association with Clearlight Shows Pty Ltd
Date: Wednesday, 10th October 2007
Venue:
Victorian College of the Arts
Grant Street Theatre
Grant Street, South Bank, VIC 3006
2 x Sessions: 10.30am - midday, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Sydney; in association with Herkes Pro Lighting
Date: Friday, 12th October 2007
Venue:
Sydney Theatre Company
Wharf Theatre
Pier 4 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney 2000
2 x Sessions: 10.30am - midday, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

RSVP's for all 3 states to Peter McKenzie, Selecon Australia - pmckenzie@seleconlight.com please including the session you'd like to attend, either morning or afternoon.
Please register your interest now by emailing Peter!
www.seleconlight.com

ALIA Tours to silverchair & Powderfinger, Melbourne and Adelaide
Australia’s two biggest rock bands - Powderfinger and silverchair - have teamed up to stage a massive national concert tour - Across The Great Divide.
Across The Great Divide kicked off at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in silverchair's hometown on August 29, and then moved to Powderfinger's backyard, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on August 31. From there, the two chart-topping bands will take their show on the road for over two months, performing in locations as distant and diverse as Darwin and Hobart, Cairns and Mildura, Toowoomba and Bendigo - across the Great Divide and beyond.
In those cities which don’t have sufficiently large indoor venues, the bands will erect a large custom designed tent in which to stage the shows. The humongous Spring tour is an opportunity for literally hundreds of thousands of Aussie fans to partake in what will be a huge event in every location it visits. Most regional centres on the expansive itinerary won’t have seen a rock & roll show like this since tours by the likes of Midnight Oil and INXS in the 1980s.
Dave Jackson is lighting silverchair whilst Jeff Pavey is lighting Powderfinger and both have kindly agreed to conduct ALIA tours in both Melbourne and Adelaide. Their rig, supplied by Chameleon, consists of: 19 x MAC2000 wash, 20 x MAC2000 Profiles, 8 x MAC2000 Performance, 6 x MAC250 Wash. 13 x Atomics c/w Scrollers, 13 x Pulsar ChromaBanks, 12 x 8 lites c/w scrollers, 6 x Duets, 22 x Studio Due CS4, 9 x ETC Source 4 Profiles, 100 x Pulsar ChromaHearts (Used in silverchair set), 4 x DF50, 1 x 12 x 5m Stealth Screen, 3 x Custom Built Stealth Boxes (silverchair set) and 1 x Catalyst Media Server V4. Control is 2 x Wholehog II (Powderfinger), 1x Wholehog 3 + Wing (silverchair) and 1x Hog IPC (silverchair).

Melbourne
Date: Wednesday 19th September
Time: 1pm
Venue: Rod Laver Arena

Adelaide
Date: Thursday 27th September
Time: 1pm
Venue: Adelaide Entertainment Centre

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to either spadelaide(at)alia.com.au or spmelbourne(at)alia.com.au

ENTECH 2008 Update
With the recent addition of Hills SVL, EONA ADRaudio and Music Link Australia, ENTECH now features over 300 different brands and exhibitors, making it the essential entertainment technology tradeshow for 2008.
From February 11th to 13th, the world’s leading suppliers of professional sound, lighting, audiovisual, broadcast and event staging technology and services will be gathering at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Major exhibitors like Bosch Communications Systems, Production Audio Services, Yamaha Music and Bytecraft Entertainment will be joined by dozens of suppliers of lighting and AV technology, broadcast, recording and show control systems, as well as industry media and associations.
According to Louise Brooks, Event Manager for Exhibitions and Trade Fairs Pty Ltd, “For professional sound, lighting and audiovisual equipment, systems and services  ENTECH is the entertainment technology tradeshow you can’t afford to miss.”
Over 3000 visitors attended ENTECH in 2006. Due to the range and quality of products and services on offer, organisers are anticipating an even greater turnout in 2008.
Entry to ENTECH is free, and visitor pre-registration is now available via the website at www.entech-tradeshow.com.
Latest news
Hills Sound Vision and Lighting is the latest major exhibitor to announce their presence at ENTECH. Combining Audio Telex Communications, Australian Monitor, Australian Audio Supplies, Crestron Control Solutions and Lighthouse Distribution, Hills SVL is a one-stop shop for pro audio, production, contracting, audio visual and lighting products.
Yamaha Commercial Audio has announced a free training programme at ENTECH 2008 Yamaha will run free hands-on training on PM5D V2, DSP5D, M7CL and Audio Network design and construction for new and experienced users. The hands-on training will be conducted in the Yamaha Demo Room, which will operate in addition to Yamaha’s display stand on the main ENTECH floor.
Slovenia-based speaker manufacturer EONA ADRaudio, represented by Australian Event Productions, will be showcasing their versatile U103 mains PA, ATA118 subwoofers, and the incredible M1225 powered wedges. Renowned for their focus on customer service and reliability, EONA ADRaudio have become a favourite of artists and PA companies alike. General Manager Franci Pavlin and R&D manager Ales Dravinec will be coming to Australia for the event.
ENTECH aims to provide a wide range of solutions for venues, pubs and clubs, corporate spaces, broadcasters, recording studios and places of worship. With everything from microphones to PAs, projectors to plasmas and LED screens, cameras, monitors, mixing desks, lighting rigs, control and automation systems and software, ENTECH has the technology that industry professionals demand.
A current list of exhibitors and brands is available on the ENTECH website. For information, registration and updates, go to www.entech-tradeshow.com

Architectural Lighting Designers' Convention
The first global Architectural Lighting Designers' Convention, PLDC will be taking place from the 25th to 27th of October, 2007 in London. It is organised by the Professional Lighting Designers' Association and PLD magazine This convention is intended to document a major step towards the recognition of the profession of Architectural Lighting Design and the strengthening of the ties between lighting designers, clients and the architectural world.
www.pld-c.com

PLASA07 Seminars Unveiled
Visualisation Training Sessions, plus free Special Interest and Exhibitor-Led Seminars
PLASA Events has unveiled the extended educational programme that will be a key feature of PLASA07 - with many of the sessions offering free admission to show visitors.
Four days of exclusive seminars, training sessions and workshops will be held in four purpose-built PLASA Education Theatres on the main show floor in Earls Court 2, divided into official 'special interest' seminar theatre sessions and exhibitor-led sessions.
Last year's guest presenters Technologies for Worship and InfoComm International return with an expanded seminar programme, while Cast Software will host a series of visualisation training sessions. Located nearby, PLASA will also host the first live pilot assessments for the National Rigging Certificate - the major new scheme that provides a recognised framework for measuring professional rigging skills.
Special Interest Seminars
This four-day programme, which includes sessions from InfoComm International and BEIRG, is designed to offer attendees an update on current industry issues, as well as valuable knowledge that can be applied in the workplace.
Several theatres have recently announced their intention to become carbon neutral, so Monday will see a special presentation from The Theatres Trust, assessing how venues can do more to become Carbon Neutral Theatres.
On Tuesday, the British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG) presents Digital Dividend Review - the Consequences, an update on the status of this crucial issue which has brought the industry together to fight to save the radio frequencies it relies on.
Tuesday also sees InfoComm Academy's Design School present Using Displays in a Staging Environment - understanding image brightness level essentials, aimed at all presentation professionals, whilst on Wednesday InfoComm return to present Ethernet Usage for AV and Staging, addressing the uses of Cat-5/6 cabling in a staging environment.
Exhibitor and Manufacturer-led Seminars
Leading the charge among the exhibitor-led sessions is Wireless Solutions whose team present Wireless Control Technology on Monday, followed later in the day by Acrobatic Rigging at Cirque du Soleil, hosted by Cirque du Soleil's technical director for Dralion and the chief rigger for Kà. On Tuesday, audio innovator Duran Audio hosts a presentation entitled Modern Loudspeaker Array Theories and Technologies. These are just part of a wider programme, full details of which can be found on the PLASA07 website.
Visualisation Sessions
Cast Software will host its exclusive training programmes on the WYSIWYG and Vivien visualisation software packages in Theatres 1 and 2. The WYSIWYG course, in Theatre 1, runs twice during the show as a two-day course for both beginners and advanced lighting professionals interested in learning more about this easy-to-use 3D CAD package.
Theatre 2 hosts a half-day hands-on course for both beginners and intermediate levels on Vivien, the Virtual Event Designer - the most powerful, comprehensive software design tool for meeting and event professionals. Both courses are chargeable and can be booked in advance.
Technologies for Worship
Theatre 4 sees Technologies for Worship magazine return to PLASA07 with an expanded seminar programme. Four days of inspirational seminar sessions will demonstrate how to enhance services and special events with staging, lighting and video systems for today's houses of worship. Confirmed topics include: Setting up Video Projection in Your Church, Introducing Change Without Offending Almost Anyone, Acoustics in Worship, Effective Lighting on a Budget and Defining the Role of Technical Director in Today's Contemporary Houses of Worship.
With its broadest agenda in the show's history, the PLASA07 educational programme will give attendees access to some of the most knowledgeable practitioners in the industry. And for the first time ever, PLASA07 is offering free admission to the general educational programme and the Technologies for Worship sessions - but with attendance at each session limited to 60, visitors should register online to be sure of a seat. Tickets for WYSIWYG and Vivien can also be purchased in advance.
Director of Events Nicola Rowland comments: "The redesign of the show gave us an unmissable opportunity to grow the educational programme and to ensure we addressed a broad range of visitor interest groups. We anticipate high demand so people should book early to be sure of a place."
To register to attend the seminars, log on to www.plasashow.com/seminars

An enjoyable tour to Phantom
ALIA Members were treated to a rare look into one of the world’s most famous musicals, about to be launched in the Princess Theatre, in Melbourne. Since coming to Melbourne first in 1990 and then again in 1996, this is the first time an entirely new rig of moving lights has been run. Replacing over 200 conventionals, and designed by Andrew Bridge, the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a collection of remaining conventionals that can only be described as timeless: Source 4 profiles, Jands CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years! 
Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier. The transition to moving lights has enabled the production team to cut two days off the standard load in whilst reducing focusing time dramatically, all the time maintaining the artistic integrity of Andrew Bridges original design. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton! 
Being able to return to the same theatre which housed the production in 1990, meant that they were even able to utilise the same roof reinforcements which had been done to hold the chandelier originally.
Many thanks go to Mike Odam and Ken Roach for taking the time to give us an insight into their amazing world of the Phantom.

ALIA Tour to Gwen Stefani, Sydney
Music and fashion icon Gwen Stefani is touring her Sweet Escape Tour throughout Australia this July and August and expect nothing short of fabulous!
Butch Allen and Jesse Blevins are responsible for the lighting design and Jess has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the rig at Gwen’s second Sydney show. The rig, supplied by Bytecraft, includes 13 Martin MAC2000 Profile, 68 MAC2000 Wash, 14 Martin Atomic Strobe, 44 Color Kinetics ColorBlast, 7 8 - Lite Molefay, 11 Single Cell Cyc, 14 ACL Police Beacon, 4 DF50, and 4 2K FOH Spot. Control is a Martin Maxxyz.                                                           
Date: Tuesday July 31st
Time: TBC
Venue: Acer Arena, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to stefani(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Christina Aguilera, Melbourne CANCELLED
Christina Aguilera is strutting her stuff around the country for her Back to Basics tour in support of her album of the same name, which features a more jazz- and blues-infused sound than her earlier work. To complement this trend, the live show takes on a theatrical style, including eight dancers and a four-piece horn section added to the usual band, and a themed production in three parts: Jazzy Hollywood, Juke Joint, and Enter the Circus. Peter Morse and Baz Halpin teamed up on lighting design duties, Morse collaborating with Butch Allen on the production and set design, with content by video director Dago Gonzalez, all under the direction of show producer Jamie King.
Baz has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the lighting design at Christina’s third Melbourne show on July 30th at Rod Laver Arena. The rig, supplied by Chameleon, includes 15 Martin MAC700 Wash, 60 MAC700 Spot, 122 MAC2000 Wash, 45 MAC2000 Spot, 7 B52 Syncrolite Xenon, 3 8 Lite Molephay DWE, 12 MR16 Mini Strips, 6 Robert Juliat 2.5k med throw truss spots, 6 Robert Juliat Long Throw Xenon Follow spots, 4 DF-50's and 2 Martin Maxxyz Consoles.

Date: Monday July 30th
Time: 3pm
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to aguilera(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Phantom of the Opera, Melbourne FULL
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the world's most loved musicals, is returning to Melbourne and ALIA Members have the opportunity to learn all about the lighting for this new production courtesy of Associate Lighting Desiger Mike Odam and Production Electrician Ken Roach.
Designed by Andrew Bridge the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a collection of conventionals that can only be described as timeless: Source 4 profiles, Jands CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years!  Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier.
This is the first time that Phantom has been switched to an overhead rig consisting almost entirely of moving lights. The transition to moving lights has enabled the production team to cut two days off the standard load in whilst reducing focusing time dramatically, all the time maintaining the artistic integrity of Andrew Bridges original design.
This version of Phantom opened at the Princess in 1990, returned in 1996 and since leaving Australia has traveled through out Asia, South Africa and New Zealand. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton!  The rig was refurbished for the Singapore season in March 2007 in preparation for the new Melbourne Season.
Lighting Designer: Andrew Bridge
Associate Lighting Desiger: Mike Odam
Moving Light Programming: Pryderi Baskerville
Production Electrician: Ken Roach
Head Electrician: Ed Cymerman
Deputy Head Electrician and grandMA Operator: Hugh Calton

Date: Tuesday July 24th
Time: 5pm
Venue: Princess Theatre, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to phantom(at)alia.com.au

ENTECH 2008 is coming!
From February 11th to 13th 2008, the world’s leading suppliers of professional audio, lighting, broadcast, audio visual and staging products and services will be gathering at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre for ENTECH tradeshow, the essential entertainment technology show.
Held every two years, ENTECH is the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere: For professionals in the lighting, sound, broadcast, audio visual and event staging industries, ENTECH is the only event in Australia to showcase products and services from across the entertainment spectrum.
ENTECH has the solution for everyone, including clubs and bars, churches and places of worship, corporate spaces, venues, broadcasting, recording and all areas in between.
Visitor entry is free, and registration will soon be available online at www.entech-tradeshow.com.
Attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from leading brands and suppliers, and see, hear and feel the latest technology in action:
Once again ENTECH will feature live demo rooms, with Yamaha Music and Jands already confirmed. Professional audio and AV brands like National Audio Systems, KV2Audio, Technical Audio Group, Meyer Sound, Group Technologies, Digidesign, Production Audio, Audio Products Group and Dolby will be on display, among many others.
Lighting and show staging brands include Alkalite, Bytecraft Entertainment, AV Stumpfl, Enttec, LSC Systems, Osram, Pulse Enterprises and The Look.
No other tradeshow brings together so much entertainment technology in one location. For a current list of exhibitors and brands, visit the ENTECH website.
ENTECH Seminar program:
More than just a tradeshow, ENTECH includes a program of professional development, with seminars from leading industry figures and accredited training bodies. Details of the seminar program are to be announced in August 2007. Spaces are limited, so book early to reserve your place.
New in 2008: ENTECH BAR and Industry / Media / Associations Pavilion
ENTECH has always been a great event for entertainment professionals to catch up with colleagues and make new connections. In 2008, there will be a central BAR within the tradeshow; an informal place to relax between meetings, take a rest and get together with old and new friends.
Also new in 2008 is a dedicated Industry / Media / Associations pavilion, housing industry representatives, media bodies and professional organisations. This is the social hub of ENTECH, where visitors can gather information, connect with industry bodies and learn about opportunities for professional development. Among the exhibitors will be ALIA (Australasian Lighting Industry Association), Julius Media (CX Magazine), Spinworkz (Entertainment Technology Asia), ProAudio Asia and Infocomm.
For information, registration and updates to ENTECH 2008, visit www.entech-tradeshow.com

ALIA Tour to Sweeney Todd
Musical thriller Sweeney Todd, a sell out Broadway success and winner of eight Tony and Grammy awards has delighted audiences around the world with its comedic and twisted tale of love, revenge, madness and murder.
This razor sharp production starring musical superstar Rob Guest (Sweeney Todd) and critically acclaimed musical star Mandi Lodge (Mrs Lovett) is the tale of the murderous Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, whose victims were baked into pies by his friend Mrs Lovett. Director is Robert Young and Musical Director is Kellie Dickerson.
Lighting designer for this production at the Gold Coast Arts Centre is Scott Allan who, along with head electrician Russel Jones, has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting rig.
Equipment list includes: 2x Performer LT MSR, 16x Pac Zm 05-13, 16x Pac Zm 12-28, 10x ETC Source Four-36deg, 44x ETC Source Four –26deg, 49x ETC Source Four –19deg, 06x ETC Source Four –10deg, 09x Selecon 1200w Zm 8-16, 12x Selecon 2000w 8" PC, 12x Selecon 1200w 7" PC 12, 24x Vision 2.5Kw Fresnel, 20x Cadenza 2kw Fresnel, 58x Par64 MFL, 18x Par64 NSP 240V, 16x Iris Cyc (4-cell), 4x MiniCity Colour CYM, 17x 150w QI, 24x ColourTec Scroller, 4x MAC550, 4x MAC250+, 4x Source 4 PAR MFL
Set Lx: 16x MR1, 04x 150w QI
Control: MA Lighting grandMA
Custom Gobos
In addition to the shows lighting, the venue has a large MA Lighting control infrastructure that is of interest. In fact it was the first theatre in Australia to have MA control as a permanent install.
Date: Friday 29th June
Time: 4.30pm
Venue: Gold Coast Arts Centre
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to sweeny(at)alia.com.au

Lots of Watts 36 Hour Sale is on again!
Every June Lots of Watts holds their famous 36 hour sale which means that this year's sale is not far away. That's right, we're open 36 hours straight: from 9am Wednesday June 13 to 9pm Thursday June 14.
Our Rydalmere showroom, foyer and half our factory gets piled high with ex-hire, ex-demo, discontinued, second hand and also brand new stock – all at fantastic 36 hour sale prices. There are always great bargains to be found and a queue of people waiting for our doors to open on the first day. It's strictly first in, best dressed, so we recommend you arrive as early as possible to secure the best deals.
Goods at the sale are sold as is and on a no warranty basis. Also, no sale items can be placed on account.
Sale Highlights
In past years, we have had items ranging from wireless microphones, lighting effects, speakers and cable to plasma balls, intelligent lights, microphone stands and par cans.
As the day of the sale draws closer we update this list of equipment, so check back here soon.
Ex-hire Equipment
Jands 4PAKs
Shure SM58s
Soundcraft Series 5
Soundcraft SM12
LSC Atom 24/48
QSC PL1602s
Denon DN2000 MkII
dbx 1066
dbx 1046
Shure Beta87s
Klark Teknik DN1248s
Microphone stands
Molefay duets (2-way blinders)
Allen & Heath Mixwizard
Allen & Heath ML3000
AM1600 amplifier
Mackie SRM450
New, Ex-demo, Discontinued and Second Hand Equipment
Selecon theatrical luminaires
Microphones from Sennheiser, Electrovoice, Shure, Audio Technica, AKG, sE, DPA
DI boxes from Whirlwind, ProCo, Klark Teknik
Powered speakers from FBT, Mackie
Roadcases and soft equipment bags
Truss
Osram DOTit
Wireless DMX systems from LSC/Wireless Solution
SPL meters
Video distribution equipment
Mixers from Rolls, Alto, Australian Monitor, Mackie, Yamaha, Allen & Heath
Lighting effects from Martin, Geni, ADJ
HD set top boxes from NEC
Cables (terminated and bulk cable)
Headphones from Audio Technica, Sennheiser
Speakers from Australian Monitor, Mackie, FBT
Wireless microphones from Audio Technica, Shure, Sennheiser
Multicores
www.lotsofwatts.com.au

1 v ALIA
Click on image to enlarge


The competition amongst television game shows to be the best has not been lost on lighting designers as was evidenced by the members of ALIA who were given a rare insight into the lighting of Channel 9's latest offering 1v100. The show places 1 contestant against a mob of 100. The player is asked a multiple choice question with the goal being to keep answering correctly until there are no mob members left. If you do this, you win $1M.
On a wet and cold Tuesday evening at the Docklands Studios in Melbourne, ALIA members on a back stage tour were made to feel very welcome by Megan McGahan and the rest of the Channel 9 crew.  Despite the hectic recording schedule, the ALIA members got to see 15 minutes of “live” action and then had 90 minutes of almost unrestricted access to the studio. Over 50 questions were answered by 10 representatives of Channel 9 and the associated companies involved with the lighting.
To give lighting designer Rohan Thornton enough functional and visually appealing options, the rig included 118 key lights (ETC Source 4) on separate dimmer channels, 262 x LED Tubes, 100 x 56 channel LED matrix (X Dot) utilising 35 universes of DMX, 18 x VL 500, 38 x MAC700 Profile, 18 x MAC700 Wash, 24 MultiPars, 56 PAR64MFL, 150m Browns Truss, 3 Unique Hazers, 1 x grandMA, 3 Hippotizer Media Servers and 1 x Enttec Datagate. Despite the number of LED fittings, power consumption was huge.
“Nearly 600 amps a leg, enough to power a city the size of Wangaratta,” said Nikki Koumos from Resolution X.
The lighting state is dictated by a number of factors. The start and end of the show, to/from commercial breaks, the end of the 6 second question time, Eddie talking to a mob member, or the need to use all 100 LED panels as a low res video wall. Each of these options could then apply to the whole rig or to individual members of the mob. The possible combinations are immense with the next state not known until the mob answers the question.
The signal path is equally complex. The contestant's control panel sends a signal to the games computer, which sends a midi signal to the grandMA. The grandMA sends a signal to the dimmers and the Hippotizers which send a signal to the Enttec Datagate which sends a signal to the X Dot controllers which finally sends a DMX signal to the X Dots.
The channel 9 crew included Rohan Thornton, Megan McGahan as LD for this season, Scott MacDonald as Board Operator, Matt Drinkwater as Rigger and Hippo Wrangler, Amelia Lever-Davidson and Claire Casement. To ensure a seamless operation, Lighting Hire company Resolution X included Nikki Koumos as Crew Chief and Liz Beedle as Moving Light Tech with the equipment hire. Peter Kemp from Coemar De Sisti supplied the X Dots and was on hand to answer questions during the tour.
As can be seen from the photographs, the set is physically huge, standing nearly four storeys tall. The Docklands studios were chosen to house the set; which also meant bringing in all the other equipment required to produce television. Logistically it is also huge, with items including rigging, drapes, audio, cameras, vision switching, recording, communications, wardrobe, make up, control room equipment and hundreds of kilometres of cabling brought in. A second studio was used to hold several hundred audience and mob members. This is the second time that it has been in the Dockland studio with Crew Chief Nikki Koumos able to get the rig in and operational in a little over one day. This included much work above the set and the focussing of the 100+ key lights to a precise look.
Included in today’s "Mob", we have 13 ALIA lighting technicians. They are: 71 Peter MacLean, 72 Peter Gray, 73 Simon Smith, 83 Lucas Packett, 84 Dave Lang, 85 Braham Ciddor, 86 Charley Anderson, 92 Bruce Lauf, 93 Brianna Bowen, 94 Peter Darby, 95 Mark Chatterton, 96 James Taylor, 97 James Symon.
This tour came as a result of an ALIA members suggestion. Channel 9 were asked, kindly agreed and within 5 days the tour was held.  If you know of a rig that would be worth visiting, let the ALIA committee know.

ALIA Tech Expo: Media Servers
Media Servers are more than just a technically complex video juke box or a PowerPoint player. Aside from the basic functions of storing and replaying material from their internal libraries, media servers offer an increasingly sophisticated range of real-time video effects and manipulations that can be performed on a multiplicity of image sources, including live video input. The current generation of media servers allow video images to be "played live" in just the same way as the lighting, sound and music that create the atmosphere of a performance and an audience. Media Servers can truly transform a production or venue.
Even if you're aware of the trend toward merging lighting hardware, control, and video projection technology, you may not know how these systems really work — how they interface to the lighting console, what products are available, and what they do best.
ALIA's Media Servers Tech Expo offers an unprecedented opportunity for everyone interested in creating a contemporary performance, dance or leisure space, to compare all of the Media Servers on the market and talk to the people who know all about this technology.
Products confirmed as on display include the recently released Hippotizer V3 media server and the hot-off-the-production-line Robe Media Fusion software as well as ArKaos, Martin Maxedia, Catalyst and MA Lighting grandMA Video. Also on display will be the High End DL2 digital light with integrated media server and the Robe Digital Spot 5000DT.
The evening will also feature a talk by Francesco Calvi who has become, through a variety of projects, a bit of a media sever guru.
Download 75kB PDF by clicking on image.
Please check the website for updates.
Date: Tuesday 29th May
Time: 6 – 8.30pm
Place: Sydney Exhibition & Conference Centre
Whilst registration for this event is not strictly necessary it is appreciated so that we can assess requirements for numbers expected. Please email you name to mediasydney@alia.com.au