Chameleon Touring Systems have purchased eleven Martin MAC2000 Performance fixtures as well as six Martin MAC2000 Wash fixtures. These will compliment the already extensive stock of Martin MACs owned by Chameleon.
"We really liked the colour of the new roadcases which is very stylish and we're hoping Martin will give us more merchandising!" joked Tony Davies, Managing Director of Chameleon. "And we're going to make people use them!"
On a serious note Tony stated that his regular MAC2000 fixtures were working very hard and there was an increasing demand for the MAC2000 Performance.
"They seem to be preferred particularly by theatre designers both in Australia and overseas," he continued. "Consequently we felt we needed to compliment our existing MAC2000 stock with both the MAC2000P's and the MAC2000 Washes."
The new MAC2000P's will be making their debut on the upcoming Ben Harper tour.
www.showtech.com.au
www.chameleon-touring.com.au
Stig Holst has been appointed Martin Professional’s new International Sales Director – Entertainment.
Stig, 40, joins Martin Professional from a position as International Sales Manager at V. Guldmann, a Danish company specializing in automated lifting equipment for the nursing and hospital sectors. V. Guldmann operates a worldwide network of subsidiaries and distributors.
Stig’s area of responsibility at Martin will be international sales and sales support for Martin’s extensive entertainment division. He takes over the international sales responsibility from Kristian Kolding who retains his position as Martin’s President and CEO.
The position will take effect as of April 1st. Stig will be located at the Martin head office in Aarhus, Denmark.
www.martin.dk
Concert &
Corporate Productions in Perth have added to their already considerable
hire stock by purchasing six Martin MAC2000 and an MA Lighting grandMA console."We needed to upgrade our Hog1000 consoles as the company has really grown in size recently," said Sean McKernan, CCP's Production Manager.
After Show Technology's Vince Haddad demonstrated the grandMA to Sean he realised it was the ideal console for Concert & Corporate. In particular Sean loves the flexibility of the grandMA.
"It was a big step but we've been delighted with the console," said Sean, who has had the console for six weeks now. "The day after the console arrived it was out on a show. I hadn't had much training on the console but it's a really easy transition from a Hog1000. Now going back to Hogs is so difficult.
Only a few days ago the grandMA showed its worth at an outdoors k.d.Lang where the heavens opened and it poured rain.
"We had to operate from inside a tent where we could only see about 1/10th of the rig and so we viewed the rest of the rig via the inbuilt Visualiser on the grandMA screens," explained Sean. "That way we could still see where the lights were and what they were doing. It made the show a lot easier to operate especially as some of the fixtures were running live."
Sean was also impressed by the fastness of the set up system on the grandMA as well as the ability to edit fixtures easily.
"It really is idiot proof!" he said. "Since we've had the grandMA it's been out working nearly every day with no problem."
Concert & Corporate have always been fans of the Martin MAC range of moving heads and they were keen to add to their MAC stock by purchasing six Martin MAC2000 fixtures.
"We like the reliability of the MAC's and the fact that they require little maintenance," said Tim Bradsmith, CCP's Managing Director. "They have a much better output than any other moving head fixture. Purchasing MAC2000's was just the next step up. Also we're seeing them requested by a lot of international acts.
"We're that busy at the moment we really hardly ever see our MACs - I suppose that's the whole purpose of having them! Like I said, it's mainly a reliability thing. I now have a great trust in Martin products because I know that the product is reliable. I have some MAC600 fixtures that are only two months old - put them next to the seven-year-old MAC600's we own and if you can pick the difference I'll eat my underpants! The continuity that Martin has got going is just fantastic."
www.ccpwa.com
Salvation
Army NZ needs help
ALIA has received an email from Dion Anderson on behalf of The Salvation
Army, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand. Dion was hoping that it would be
possible for a lighting company to donate some lighting or effects gear
for the use in their youth outreach programme.
" This program consists of going out and putting on free concerts
for people on the streets giving them hot drinks and food and just having
a chat to them," explained Dion. "We aim to get kids off the
streets and into a safe environment where they can enjoy a free concert
but due to the fact we don't charge for the concerts it means we can't
afford to hire or purchase any gear at present. We have 12 par cans and
a small smoke machine...which is great but we would like to be able to
service a wider group of people and put on larger concerts...anything
anybody could do would be greatly appreciated."
Anyone who can help can contact Dion at dionma@ihug.co.nz
Sydney based Chameleon Touring Systems has taken delivery High End Systems (HES) StudioBeam 700 fixtures.
"It has always been just a matter of time before we purchased StudioBeam, there are just to many international riders with them on", says Chameleon Managing Director Tony Davies.
Chameleon new StudioBeam's go straight to work - on the MOBY tour being in March and touring Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane before hearing to south east asia.
In addition to the StudioBeams, LD Dan Hardiman's rig for Moby includes High End Systems StudioColor 575, Cyberlight Turbo, and AF1000 with control by WholehogII.
www.ula.com.au
Clifton
Productions purchase x.Spots and CatalystsMelbourne based production house Clifton Productions have added 12 High End Systems (HES) x.Spot HO’s as well as 2 Catalyst Digital Media Systems to their already large number of moving light inventory.
“We always wanted to have at least three of the major brands in our inventory and High End was just the natural choice" said Cliftons director Warren Mahr, "We tried the x.Spots up against our 1200W fixtures and were just amazed out the output and optic’s." And of ULA's response to Cliftons requirements, "The guys at ULA were just fantastic, within seven days of placing the order, the lights were here and working on their first job."
In addition to the x.Spots, Clifton’s also purchased 2 x Catalyst Systems. "We see a big market for these especially in the work we do with trade shows, as well as the live productions we do", says Warren
Pictured Managing Director Warren Marr and Production Manager Matt Hansen.
www.ula.com.au
It's been a rough couple of years for the entertainment industry; between the economy and the threat of war, things aren't looking much better in the near term, either. Everyone is tightening their collective belts trying to weather the current storm. As we look ahead, predict the future, and divine meanings from all of the economic forecasts, it is worth looking back on the past decade and dissecting some of the reasons the lighting industry is in the state it's in.
Read Michael S. Eddy's full article in Entertainment Design online.
Entertainment Lamps and Lighting, Identifying strategic solutions offering Efficiency, Value and Environmental Responsibility.
The Victorian Arts Centre Trust embraces a safe and efficient approach to the procurement of goods and services. They are seeking sustainable outcomes for the supply, use and disposal of lamps and lighting.
Project objectives:
1. Identify the current situation including product performance, waste of resources, disposal methods.
2. Identify current options for improving efficiency, value and environmental responsibility – e.g. product specifications, availability, usage and recycling.
3. Identify longer term solutions for Entertainment lamps and lighting.
4. Develop a strategy to move from the current situation to the preferred long term solution.
5. Promote collaboration that further engages manufacturers/suppliers of fittings and lamps, lighting designers, technicians and other users of entertainment lighting to explore and implement practical solutions.
Prospective Interested Parties:
• Manufacturers and distributors of entertainment lamps.
• Manufacturers and distributors of fittings for entertainment lighting that provide innovative new solutions for use of lamp fittings.
• Specialist disposal and recycling companies for lighting products.
• Significant entertainment lamp users who would be interested in being part of this project or be informed of project outcomes.
• Interested parties who could add value to this project (e.g. Government agencies).
Evaluation of submissions will cover topics such as:
• Energy efficiency and product operational performance
• Compatibility with existing and future fittings
• Product specifications and product availability/supply
• Packaging and storage issues
• Pricing and added value
• Disposal and recycling
• Environmental impacts and product stewardship
VACT currently uses a range of lamps including:
• Incandescent GLS
• Fluorescent
• Gas discharge (Mercury, Sodium, Xenon)
• Theatre/Studio Halogens
• Low Voltage dichoric reflectors
Project Outcomes
Providing the appropriate solutions and supply sources can be found and suitably contracted the VACT may opt to consolidate procurement for both Entertainment and
General lighting with a preferred supplier.
A leadership opportunity exists for supplier(s) to collaborate with the VACT in an endeavour to find sustainable solutions. VACT is in discussion with several other leading users of entertainment lighting within Australia who have already expressed their interest in joining with the VACT in identifying and implementing solutions.
Please direct all questions and submissions to:
Mr David Campbell
Project & Maintenance Manager
Victorian Arts Centre Trust
PO Box 7585 Melbourne 8004
Telephone: (613) 9281 8508
Facsimile: (613) 9281 8617
Mobile: 0407 838 487
Email: David.Campbell@vact.vic.gov.au
EOI Submissions are required no later than 5.00pm, Friday 21st March 2003.
High End Systems has announced that Altman Lighting Inc will receive a worldwide non-exclusive license for specific patents belonging to automated lighting manufacturer High End Systems Inc and Richard Belliveau. The agreement finalized today relates to the use of LEDs in lighting products. The patented technology offers significant advantages to the user. Altman will make use of this in their soon-to-be-released Spectra Series luminaires: a line of LED products and advanced patent-pending technology that offers a virtually endless palette of color possibilities to enhance any theatrical or architectural setting.
As part of the same agreement, High End Systems will receive non-exclusive rights to Altman's patents concerning digital stage and architectural lighting technology. Mike Wood, chief technology officer of High End Systems, comments: "We are delighted to have come to a quick and simple licensing arrangement with Altman. This agreement gives both companies access to key technology and ensures the release of many exciting and innovative products."
www.highend.com
www.altmanlighting.com
Now in its 26th year, the PLASA Show, which draws to Earls Court in September, thousands of UK and international visitors interested in lighting and sound from entertainment and installation industries, promises to be brighter, fresher and more creative than ever before.
The look and atmosphere of the show is being revitalised for 2003: a project manager has been appointed to implement the feature areas which include a central networking area, situated in the hub of the show. Other highlights include Architectural Audio & Visual - a new show sector which recognizes the growth of architectural lighting, contract audio and vision industry into this market. Products, case studies, new ideas and creative design solutions will all be showcased, aiming to inspire both architects, specifiers, installers and end users.
The New Technology Gallery, situated at the front of the hall for the first time, presents and demonstrates new products and innovative applications. It is the showcase for the PLASA Awards for Product Excellence, sponsored by Lighting&Sound International. DJ Sunday is the dynamic chill-out zone where on Sunday 7 September the scratchers and bedroom wannabees compete to launch their DJ careers at the recognized DJ Competition sponsored by Gemini. Throughout the day there are demos and discussions sponsored by iDJ Magazine to hone the hottest mixers and groovers.
PLASA is also emphasizing the importance of training development via the PLASA Professional Development Programme (PPDP), and many of the seminars and masterclasses at PLASA 2003 are devised to provide professional education and additional skills. Expert speakers will offer their experience, as well as anecdotes from careers which touch everything from leisure attractions to architectural lighting. Meanwhile Round Table Discussions enable members of the industry to exchange views and raise issues in an informal environment.
In addition, Clarion Events, which organizes this leading trade event on behalf of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association, has appointed Articulate Communication to manage the PR campaign and Turnbull Ripley as design consultants to work with the management team. Turnbull Ripley are working on a range of graphic design concepts which convey the excitement, energy, innovation and dynamism associated with the diverse industries that the PLASA show serves. Following a three-way pitch, Articulate Communication will implement a wide ranging PR campaign based on the consultancy's considerable experience of exhibitions and trade shows, as well as its relevant work for architecture and entertainment clients.
The PLASA Show runs from the 7-10 September 2003 at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London.
www.plasashow.com
Mid
East Sound, Lighting Industry To Be Worth $ 1 Billion A Year
The Middle East sound and lighting industry is expected to be worth $
1 billion a year in three-to-five years, according to one of the world’s
leading experts.
Matthew Griffiths is CEO of Professional Lighting and Sound Association
(PLASA), the leading international association for the industry. He was
speaking in Dubai at the first Pro Audio Light Middle East (PALME) trade
show, an event officially endorsed by PLASA.
Griffiths revealed that the sound and lighting sector generates $ 20 billion
a year internationally.
"With so much construction and so many major events in the Middle
East we expect the Middle East to be worth $ 1 billion a year in three-to-five
years, The sector is worth $ 1 billion a year in the UK and the Middle
East can certainly match that the way things are going.
"It is a dynamic part of the world. It isn’t afraid to be loud
and proud – PLASA likes that and our industry likes that.
"The key is that the sound and lighting technology sector isn’t
simply about entertainment – it is construction and architecturally
driven.
"It is audio and visual, of course – we may have the same technology
that does a Rolling Stones concert, but put it in a different box and
it is used for a shopping centre or a sports stadium. It could be a sophisticated
voice alarm, for example. That’s why the growth of the sector applies
to all countries in the Middle East.
"The construction industry in Dubai is going ahead in leaps and bounds,
and there are so many events of international standing like the Formula
One coming to Bahrain and the recent WTO in Doha."
Griffiths said a "highly professional" expo’ like PALME,
being staged at the Dubai World Trade Centre, would help "streamline"
many aspects of the sound and lighting sector in the Middle East.
"The industry now has a focal point in the Middle East. PLASA is
highly impressed with PALME and we definitely want to be involved next
year and beyond.
"With the industry having a genuine hub in the Middle East people
can put names to faces. Nothing can beat the one-to-one contact. It’s
great to get everyone in one place at one time".
Griffiths said PALME would generate and solidify industry relationships
in the Middle East. It would also enable companies to set up sound distribution
networks and assist in the growth of a solid industry platform.
"PALME will help bring about the best trading routes and the highest
standards for the industry.
"For the sector to grow and prosper in the Middle East it is necessary
to have a quality expo’ and people who know how to run it. PALME
covers those bases."
More than 70 exhibitors from 16 countries are at PALME and over 60 products
are being launched in the Middle East at the three-day event which concludes
tomorrow (Tuesday).
The range of technology at PALME includes many forms of concert and nightclub
speakers, mixers, sound consoles, DJ equipment, microphones, lighting,
fog and smoke machines, trussing and rigging, conferencing equipment and
more.
Iain McLean,
IIR’s PALME project manager says the PLASA chief’s comments
are further evidence of the international commitment of the industry to
the sound and lighting sector in the Middle East.
"It also
vindicates our decision to make PALME an annual event," says McLean.
www.palmeonline.com
Selecon
at Siel, Paris - Imaging to the Fore
On-stand DIY
image production and projection, demonstrating the Pacific's unique capabilities,
was the principal feature of the SIEL stand for Selecon distributor Avab
Transtechnik France, held in Paris earlier this month.
Serge Lefaucheur a member of the Avab team, used PhotoShop and then a
main stream printer to create custom plastic images which were projected
using a variety of Pacific luminaires.
Jean Louis Pernette, Avab Transtechnik France MD commented to Mike Goldberg,
Selecon European sales and marketing manager:
"The best way to show the unique aspects of the Pacific was to make
a workshop on our booth, printing images and projecting them. It is in
this practical manner that we can best demonstrate and help the customer
to fully understand the Pacific, its heat management system and all of
the benefits that these technological advancements bring to creative lighting
practise."
This same unique feature of the Pacific was recently used in the Paris
season of Terry Johnson's play Hysteria, directed by John Malkovich. Jean
Luc Chanonat, the Lighting Designer, used 7 Pacific image projections
to assist with the fantasia of truth and fiction set in Sigmund Freud's
study on a fateful night in the last days of his life and in the early
days of World War II.
Further information on how to produce these custom gobos is available
at: www.seleconlight.com/english/support/gobos-desktop.htm
Also on show was the Ardiis range of specialised display products including
the new Aureol Fresco Flood, an extremely small wall washer unit available
in both mains and low voltage versions.
www.seleconlight.com
/ www.ardiislight.com
PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association) has announced the results of the executive committee’s internal election for the officer posts of chairman, vice-chairman and treasurer for 2003. David Hopkins OBE, managing director of Audio Design Services, is the the new chairman of PLASA, while Sammy DeHavilland (Dare Pro Audio) becomes vice-chairman and Tim Brown (Apple Sound) takes over from DeHavilland as treasurer.
Mick Hannaford, who stepped down as PLASA chairman at the end of 2002, had served in the role for three years, during which time he had overseen the introduction of PLASA’s program of industry research, the expansion of PLASA’s service portfolio with the introduction of Ron Bonner (health and safety consultant) and Nicky Greet (training and development manager) to the PLASA head office staff, as well as the development of a strategic plan for the Association, which has been core to the continuing success of the Association.
Matthew Griffiths, managing director of PLASA, comments: “Each chairman is different in their own way, and Mick has been forthright, good-humored and very committed - a quality which is common to all our chairmen. I think that everyone involved with the association has benefited from his tenure, which successfully built on the achievements of his predecessor, Paul Adams of PA Installations.”
Although he is stepping down as chairman, Hannaford remains on the committee as a serving member. “I, like Mick, now relish the chance to work alongside David,” continues Griffiths. “He’ll bring a wealth of committee experience to the role, which will benefit the association - particularly from the point of view of representation, and he’ll also be the first PLASA chairman from the PA/VA sector.”
Hopkins says: “I would like to build on what’s already been achieved. PLASA’s main function is to support the membership using its collective strength and provide services and support which members would find difficult to achieve on their own. The term ‘Entertainment Technology’ has served us well, but it precludes those companies who are involved in emergency communication and voice alarm systems. As a leader, PLASA must continue to provide the highest level of support for standards, as well as to promote the training and education ethics among all members.”
www.plasa.org
Entertainment
Installations on the move
Central Coast based production company Entertainment Installations has
moved to bigger and better premises as of today February 13th. Their new
address is:
Unit 1, 13 Gibbens Rd
West Gosford NSW 2250
Their phone, fax and post offcie box remain the same as before.
www.entertainmentinstallations.com.au
ADB-TTV
Technologies Management Buyout
In a management buy-out, Christian Léonard and Jean-François
D’Haussy, respectively general manager and financial & administration
manager of ADB-TTV France, strongly backed up by a group of private and
institutional investors, have reached an agreement with Siemens for the
acquisition of all the assets of ADB-TTV Technologies S.A., Belgium, including
their two subsidiaries in France and Germany. Léonard and D’Haussy
become respectively chief executive officer and chief financial officer
of the new ADB-TTV group.
As part of the deal, the parties have agreed on transferring the production
of all dimmers to the ultra modern facility of Siemens in Huizingen, near
Brussels. The transfer has already started and should be completed in
February.
Manufacture
of control systems and TV studio suspensions will be relocated in the
ADB-TTV’s factory in St Quentin, France, where all theatre and TV
luminaires are produced. This facility is currently being expanded in
order to provide extra capacity primarily for the new, widely acclaimed
AXIS cool beam profile spotlight recently unveiled at the PLASA show in
London and the LDI show in Las Vegas.
Marketing, Sales, Customer Service and R&D will remain in Zaventem
in dedicated premises within the Siemens ADB Airfield Lighting operation.
www.adblighting.com
Tomcat Global is pleased to announce a newly designed website for a new year. The website not only offers a new look, but many new features as well. For the people who love to feed their visual brains, a comprehensive flash presentation featuring recent Tomcat custom projects is provided. For the people who crave the technical information, a Palm OS Tomcat catalogue can be downloaded as well as product load data and dimensions. For the people that desire training, Tomcat Hoist and Rigging Workshops information and applications are available. For the people that need to voice their opinions, an online survey can be submitted. As always, the CAD file library is easily accessible. And last, but certainly not least, for the people that want to know who, what, where, why and when, all the latest Tomcat news and archives are at your finger tips.
www.tomcatglobal.com
Tryka
L.E.D. launched and seeking distributors
Tryka L.E.D. has been launched by Chris Rolph, formerly sales director
of Coe-tech, to service the lighting market with a range of LED-based
lighting products for the entertainment, leisure, commercial, retail and
architectural market sectors.
"After considerable research, this new range of LED fixtures has
been developed and is now in production offering many options and solutions,"
explained Rolph. "The company intends to lead the LED market by offering
a range of fittings hitherto unavailable, and to produce new products
driven by customer needs. Constant ongoing development will allow the
technical boundaries to be pushed forward, and the LED lighting market
will thrive and progress with Tryka LEDs, which will be used in many additional
areas in the future."
All Tryka products use the Luxeon LED: this has high power output and
allows the production of more compact, brighter fittings and is coupled
with a unique lens system. All fixtures are fan-free convection cooled.
The LEDs are specified to last for 50,000 hours under normal usage. According
to the company, a temperature feedback circuit, where necessary, ensures
that no loss of performance or life occurs, even when used under the hottest
environmental conditions.
The Tryka range currently includes a variety of Linear Strip Modules,
Downlighting and Uplighting Modules of various sizes and outputs, as well
as control panels and driver systems. Interior and exterior fixtures are
featured across the board with units rated as high as IP68. The entire
range is produced under strict quality control in the UK, and warranty
is offered on a new-for-old basis anytime within the first year. Tryka,
which will be based in Royston, Hertfordshire, is currently setting up
localized dealers throughout the UK, and seeking exclusive distributors
around the world.
www.tryka.co.uk
In a move that will be welcomed throughout the industry, Chris Cronin of Total Fabrications Ltd (TFL) and Mark Surtees of Outback Holdings, have announced the merging of Slick Systems into TFL. "With rigging at our core, we had taken on Slick and really knocked it into shape over the past few years," said Mark Surtees, "but now’s the time to take it to the next stage. As the biggest stockist of Slick trussing in the UK, we can’t think of a better, safer pair of hands than Total Fabrications for the company to be in."
Chris Cronin was equally animated: "We will be maintaining all Slick’s excellent product line. There will be consolidation - for us as manufacturers, and for the wider client base who will see real benefits from the sharing of technologies and expertise. It’s a real matrix of talent, skills and trussing."
The change is effective immediately; all enquiries for Slick products should now be addressed to Ian Hall at the TFL office in Birmingham. Tel: +44 (0)121 772 5234.
www.totalfabs.com
JPM Hofmann APS of Denmark and Fresnel SA of Spain have both been appointed exclusive distributors in their respective countries.
JPM Hofmann, based in Copenhagen, and run by Peter Hofmann, take over from Martin as Selecon's distributor for Denmark. Hofmann who have their roots in the TV, film and theatre markets will be responsible for bringing the many new Selecon products to the attention of the professional market in Denmark, where the Selecon brand has always been known for its innovative technical advantages.
Fresnel SA, based in Barcelona, has been appointed to replace Stonex who has been Selecon's distributor for the past ten years. Jordi Estaban, as sales director of Fresnel, has been looking for a range of lighting products to distribute, and the Selecon family of luminaires fit well with the company's Spanish market.
Selecon's profile in the European market has increased in recent years as many notable projects have included Pacific and Acclaim products, specified by countless professional lighting companies. Some of these projects include:
The Finnish National Theatre refurbishment
Théâter Zingaro, the French equestrian theatre
Glyndebourne Opera House in East Sussex
www.seleconlight.com
New
chairman, new committee members for PLASA
Following the membership vote at the end of 2002, PLASA has welcomed three
new members to its executive committee - Andrew Bishop of Carlsbro Electronics,
Steve Cole of Navica and Matthew Tonks of Stage Technologies. The subsequent
internal election for the officer posts saw David Hopkins OBE, managing
director of Audio Design Services, elected as PLASA chairman, while Sammy
DeHavilland of Dare Pro Audio takes on the role of vice-chairman, and
Tim Brown of Apple Sound replaces DeHavilland as PLASA treasurer.
The new places were made available by the departures of Paul de Ville
of Lightfactor Sales, Nikki Scott of Stage Technologies and Tracey Patterson
of Artistic Licence, all of whom decided not to stand for re-election.
Mick Hannaford, who stepped down as PLASA chairman at the close of 2002
after three years in the chair, acknowledged the valuable contributions
that all had made, and thanked them for their efforts.
The three new members bring a range of experiences to their roles. Andrew
Bishop of Carlsbro has a broad experience of import and export. In 2001,
he purchased Carlsbro Electronics, a manufacturer of PA and backline equipment,
and one of the last British manufacturers in this specialized field. He’s
well known for championing many causes, including the current campaign
against the Government’s intention to reduce the number of live music
venues in England and Wales.
Steve Cole of Navica will bring to the committee his knowledge and experience
of project management and installation. In the mid-nineties, he managed
the installation of major emergency, entertainment and communication systems,
and started Navica in 1998.
Matthew Tonks of Stage Technologies is already familiar with PLASA, having
previously served on the committee until 1999. During his tenure he undertook
the rewriting of the PLASA constitution and led the consultation process
which resulted in its adoption at the AGM in 1999. During his 20 years
in the industry, he’s worked for a lighting rental company, a major
contractor and an AV company.
Other PLASA members who stood in the election were Terry Douris of Stage
Two, Wayne Howell of Artistic Licence, Andy Scott of SigNET (AC) and Duncan
Smith of Roscolab.
www.plasa.org/association
CDA Wins IES Award
CDA's lighting
installation at the Melbourne Broadcast Centre (Channel 7) was awarded
a Commendation Meritorious Lighting award by the Victorian Chapter of
the Illuminating Engineering Society at their annual awards presentation
dinner.
Mr Robert Coia
(Lighting Supervisor Seven Resources Melbourne) and Mr Peter Kemp (Managing
Director - Coemar De Sisti Australia) were on hand to accept the award.
The Lighting
Design for this installation was a joint effort by:
Mr Robert Coia
(Lighting Supervisor Seven Resources Melbourne)
Mr Peter Kemp (Managing Director - Coemar De Sisti Australia)
Mr John Hill (Contract Administrator Channel 7)
De Sisti Lighting S.p.a (Italy)
Manufactures
of of lighting equipment included:
Coemar De Sisti Australia Pty Ltd
De Sisti S.p.a. (Italy)
Compulite Systems 2000 (Israel)
Technical Art Solutions Pty Ltd (Melbourne)
Installation
carried out by Coemar De Sisti Australia
Project Manager Mr David Lee (Coemar De Sisti Australia)
Sub contractors: Clifton Productions (Rigging, steel & metal work
etc), H & B Maher Mr Graham Steer (electrical)
In addition
Mr Peter Kemp said "I would like to thank in particular Mr Fabian
Barzaghi (Sales Executive - Coemar De Sisti Australia) who worked very
closely with me from day one of the project and was responsible for a
lot of the behind the scenes work on this project".
The winning
of this award is recognition to all of those who worked on this project
meaning the client, suppliers, sub contractors etc. as put in a letter
from Channel 7 to Coemar De Sisti Australia "It was refreshing to
work with a team that had a very interactive relationship and not as a
typical supplier/client relationship. Instead we had a very open and collaborative
situation, which again reflects the quality of the project".
www.cdaust.com.au
Two well-known names in the entertainment lighting industry have launched an "e-commerce website with a new concept" - Gearmarket UK - on 9 December. Keith Dale, ex-managing director of Celco and John Lethbridge, ex-managing director of Cerebrum Lighting, have been working with software developers for several months to come up with a concept that is possibly unique in the entertainment technology industry - a web-based customer loyalty scheme.
The Gearmarket site offers innovative new products and a selection of popular products from several key manufacturers from around the world. Buyers can shop and pay in Euros or Pounds Sterling. Most E-commerce sites present the potential buyer with a single price, invariably discounted - but one can never be sure how good the price is without comparing prices available elsewhere. On first sight, the Gearmarket website only appears to show the manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price and the Gearmarket Discounted Price, but as soon as the user registers as a member, the discounted price is reduced by a further 5%. If the customer orders £500 worth (or €800 worth) of goods on-line, Gearmarket will acknowledge the order at an even better price, until you reach £1,000 YTD turnover (or €1,600), at which point discount on all product lines increases further.
Most product lines on offer have several tiers of discount that relate to a customer’s total spend in the preceding 12 months. Once on the highest discount tiers, customers stay at that level provided the annual purchases do not fall below a given level. Once a registered buyer, a customer can produce their own discounted quotations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on-line, including UK delivery charges and print them out. In addition, Dale and Lethbridge can be contacted by telephone 365 days a year between 9.00am and 6.00pm.
www.gearmarket.co.uk
On December 3rd 2002, Kim Holbrook of Holbrook & Associates, Chartered Accountants, was appointed as administrator of Perth based, AVLA Ltd (Audio Visual Lighting Australia). Mr Holbrook advises that the company is no longer trading. All enquiries should be directed to Kevin Burns at Holbrook & Associates on 08 9221 9441 or info@holbrooks.com.au
Universal Lighting & Audio have launched their new, totally re-designed web site. This stylish, easy to navigate site can be viewed at www.ula.com.au
A credit card fraud scheme originating in Indonesia has targeted entertainment in both the USA and the UK and has also recently been seen here in Australasia. PLASA in the UK and ESTA in the US have issued warnings to their members as detailed in this article on the PLASA News web pages .
If you have recently received an unsolicited email from Indonesia about purchasing equipment which will be paid for by credit card, be very vigilant about the authenticity of the card used for the payment, before shipping any goods.
Go to the Lighting Dimensions web site to read this article
www.vari-lite.com
Power over Ethernet use within the entertainment lighting industry took another big step forward last month, when Pathway’s Pathport DMX management system earned its certification for compliance in the application of power over Ethernet from PowerDsine, an industry leader in power over Ethernet power applications.
Pathway is the first industry manufacturer to earn this certification. It was also the first industry adopter of the evolving IEEE 802.3af power over Ethernet standard in 2000, incorporating the concept in Pathport, their new DMX management system. Pathport went on that year to win a coveted LDI Product of the Year Award at its launch in Las Vegas. Pathport Ethernet devices provide users with a powerful and economical arrangement for managing, patching, merging, prioritizing and distributing up to 64 universes of DMX. This certification by PowerDsine validates Pathway’s pioneering of the then fledgling concept, say the company. A major boon to Ethernet implementation, power over Ethernet permits power and data to share the same Cat 5 cable. This makes portable devices easier to use since no additional power cable is required and it makes permanent Ethernet wiring less expensive since no additional power conductors need be installed.
Certification by PowerDsine will also benefit members of the now globally adopted Pathport Alliance. This group of major lighting control manufacturers has licensed the Pathport Protocol for use in their products. This certification also includes ETC’s Two-Port nodes, made especially for ETC Net2 by Pathway. The Pathport Alliance is currently comprised of Entertainment Technology, Leviton Lighting Control, Flying Pig Systems, High End Systems, Interactive Technologies, MA Lighting and Pathway Connectivity. Additional manufacturers have expressed interest and are expected to join in the near future.
www.pathwayconnect.com
The recent LDI exhibition in Las Vegas saw Art-Net’s full feature set being used. Operating over a wide area of the show floor via a radio link, Art-Net linked four booths - ACT Lighting, Wybron, Goddard Design and Artistic Licence - onto one lighting network. Remote configuration of all Ethernet nodes and ongoing monitoring of the network was done via Artistic Licence’s DMX-Workshop. Art-net was used not only to transmit DMX512, but was for the first time used together with RDM (Remote Device Management) compatible products. RDM products could be addressed, interrogated and updated remotely over a wide area network. The RDM products used were a Wybron CXI colour changer, and Goddard Design single-channel DMX converters, while the Artistic Licence booth made use of a Hubbell Entertainment HX 250 Profile - an RDM compatible moving light.
Remote access to the network from any part of the show floor was made possible with Net-View from Artistic Licence, which allows users complete control of their network from a PDA. Channels or memories can be transmitted and the network can be monitored simultaneously. Over the three days of the show the Art-Net network proved its reliability despite the large volumes of information being transmitted and the regular product demonstrations undertaken on various booths. LDI showed the worth of both Art-Net and RDM by seamlessly combining the leading edge technologies of four disparate companies into one fully featured lighting network. (Lee Baldock)
www.ArtisticLicence.com
Australian Distributor: Coemar De Sisti Australia www.cdaust.com.au
Australian Distributor: Bytecraft Entertainment www.bytecraftentertainment.com
Vari-Lite
Sells Manufacturing Division to Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
Transaction clearly separates manufacturing and rental divisions
Vari-Lite International, Inc. announced today that it has sold the assets
of its VARI*LITE® products manufacturing and sales division to Genlyte
Thomas Group LLC (GTG), a leading manufacturer of lighting fixtures and
controls for commercial, industrial and residential markets. The sale
included the VARI*LITE family of products as well as all sales, manufacturing
and engineering operations associated with this division. GTG also acquired
the VARI*LITE trademark and all patents associated with VARI*LITE products.
The purchase price, which will be finalized within 30 days, is estimated
to be $10.5 million - $11.5 million, which will result in a loss of approximately
$4.0 million - $5.0 million.
"Operating as a manufacturer and a rental company was confusing to
the industry, and it limited the growth prospects of both our VARI*LITE
manufacturing and sales division and VLPS Lighting Services, our rental
division," said Rusty Brutsché, chairman and CEO of Vari-Lite
International, Inc. "In order for both divisions to achieve their
maximum potential, there had to be a clear separation of the two. This
transaction allows VLPS Lighting Services to operate independently and
to focus on its core competency, lighting rental and production services."
"We saw this as an opportunity to add an established industry leader
to the Genlyte Thomas Group," said Larry Powers, CEO of Genlyte Thomas
Group. "Vari-Lite is the pioneer of the automated lighting industry.
By capitalizing on our manufacturing strengths, we believe we can effectively
integrate the VARI*LITE brand into our respected family of lighting businesses."
Vari-Lite has always been committed to raising the bar for expectations
of automated lighting products. In the past year, Vari-Lite has produced
the award-winning VL1000™ ERS luminaire, which has quickly become
a workhorse fixture in the industry. And last month, the Company introduced
its line of 1200-watt luminaires, the Series 3000™ family of products,
which received rave reviews among industry decision-makers at both the
PLASA and LDI trade shows.
"The acquisition of Vari-Lite strengthens our position in the Entertainment
Lighting market," said Steven Carson, Vice President and General
Manager of Genlyte Controls Division. "And it is consistent with
our strategy to develop the most advanced and sophisticated tools for
the lighting industry and to provide lighting professionals with innovative
and leading-edge lighting products."
Vari-Lite International, Inc. will ultimately change its name to VLPS
Lighting Services International, Inc. to further reflect the Company's
continued commitment to provide lighting systems and services to the entertainment
industry.
www.vari-lite.com
Show
Technology's Show Education
Show Technology, has just announced new plans for it’s highly successful
training programme. Originally begun in 2001, the training programme was
revamped and expanded in 2002 as part of the company’s “knowledge
centre” initiative.
“Through
the company’s purpose built training centre/showroom and in affiliation
with training centres around the country, more than 15 seminars were held
in 2002” says the company’s training co-ordinator Andrew Winslade.
“All were very well received and attended. I’d have to say we
succeeded in achieving our aims. However, we continue to find the thirst
for knowledge and training in our industry insatiable and therefore have
used the experience we have gained to prepare an even better programme
for 2003”
“Our commitment to the market and our customers is absolute,”
says Show Technology managing director Emmanuel Ziino. “And as such
we are always looking for ways to improve. It is with great pleasure then
that I can announce the launch of Show Education - our new initiative
for training for 2003.
“Show Education will encompass our entire programme of not only technical
seminars but also product presentations, open days, trade nights and sales
tools. The scheme will be for our immediate customer base and beyond.
Therefore operators, end users, potential users and the like have the
opportunity to learn more about how to apply, use and maintain our products."
“We have strong support from our suppliers including Martin Denmark
through their Accadamedia Program, Clay Paky Italy with their product
seminars and
MA Lighting Germany with their GET SMART programme,” concludes Emmanuel.
More information, including a calendar for 2003 will be released before
the years end. For more information please contact awinslade@showtech.com.au
www.showtech.com.au
ALIA, the Australasian Lighting Industry Association held its inaugural Annual General Meeting in Sydney on Monday November 4th. After reports detailing the association's financial health and its development from an idea floated among a few industry enthusiasts, to an active, registered association with a growing membership and range of activities, the first election of office bearers was held.
Elected from a broad field of nominees were Andy Ciddor as President, Chris Childs of White Lite Industries as Vice-President, Cat Strom as Secretary, and Sam Redston of Lightmoves/ResolutionX/Browns Precision Welding as Treasurer. Con Andrews of Beyond AV, Jonathan Ciddor of Show Technology and Rohan Thornton of Channel Nine Network, were elected as committee members.
An important issue that arose at the meeting was the need for the association to address the problems of operating with a membership spanning the vast geographic distances of Australia and New Zealand.
Jands
join Art-Net Alliance
Jands Electronics is the latest manufacturer to join the Art-Net Alliance.
The purpose of the Alliance is to promote the widespread adoption of the
Art-Net Ethernet Standard.
"Supporting Art-Net will ensure that we maintain our position as
a supplier of leading edge products. The features offered by Art-Net will
ensure our users continue to have access to the latest lighting data transmission
tools," says Paul Mulholland, managing director of Jands.
The Art-Net tools package keeps growing weekly. An innovative range of
hardware and software packages has been developed by not only Artistic
Licence, the inventor of Art-Net, but also by members of the Art-Net Alliance.
Software tools include riggers remotes, network configuration, and monitoring
packages, and hardware products range from powered hubs to uplink and
downlink products.
www.jands.com.au
Australian
Live Music Awards
Australian
Music Day is a national celebration of Australian composers and performers.
Promotions for the event are co-ordinated by the Australian Music Foundation
Inc (AMF), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and
expansion of music development in Australia.
The ‘meeting
place’ for this year’s activities is Music Business Adelaide
(MBA), being held November 22nd - 24th.
Australian Music
Day will close with the fourth annual Australian Live Music Awards at
The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, ‘The Gov’, Adelaide, on Saturday
November 23rd. The awards will include performances by great established
and emerging Australian artists, and awards will be presented to the best
live emerging act (state awards and national), the best live established
act (national) and will recognise supporting professionals such as lighting
designers, publicists, promoters and venues.
If you wish to vote for a lighting design of a live show follow this
link. Nominations
close on November 15th.
Melbourne
based production company Phaseshift Productions have further expanded their
ever growing inventory of High End Systems (HES) products, adding the Catalyst
Media System to their rental department.Managing Director Lawrie Videky is over the moon with this recent purchase. Lawrie explains that, while at first he didn’t quite understand the crossover between video and lighting, he is now throughly convinced of the power and flexibility Catalyst can offer productions of any scale.
Phaseshift are now seeing more and more productions specifing Catalyst. “Its just awesome what you can do with Catalyst especially being able to add all the custom content easily yourself then manipulating it. Best of all - you can control it from your console. Not that I will getting much time on it myself as the rest of the boys here already are planning it into a lot of shows" says Lawrie.
Lawrie is also impressed with the recently added aerials content which he saw for the first time whilst visiting LDI in Las Vegas. This works like a laser effect when connected to the orbital mirror head and projector .
Phaseshift's Catalyst is already in demand, having already been booked for the upcoming John Farnam The Last Time Tour and The Wiggles.
The Last Time Tour (with lighting from Bytecraft Entertainment) features 3 Catalyst Media Server Systems and tours Australia over eight weeks. The Wiggles, with LD Alex Saad, takes Catalyst on the road for a 4 week tour for their Wiggly Safari Tour.
Phaseshift plans to host Catalyst awareness nights together with ULA in the near future. If you are interested in attending Catalyst demonstrations please contact ULA's Dave Jackson for more information or call freephone Australia wide 1800-648-111.
www.ula.com.au
Wisconsin-based lighting manufacturer ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.) and City of Middleton officials broke ground for ETC's new 250,000-square-foot corporate headquarters on Monday, September 23, on a 43-acre construction site at 3031 Pleasant View Road, Middleton, Wisconsin, just west of Madison.
"Middleton is ETC's home, and we're very pleased to be able to stay in the community. This was enabled by the city's commitment and efforts to accommodate our current and future needs," comments ETC Founder and CEO Fred Foster.
Foster founded the homegrown ETC in 1975, while still a college student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The company's headquarters have been in Middleton since 1979, with space mushrooming to accommodate growth from three employees to over 500. Both the new building and the site are designed to accommodate further short- and long-term growth.
The company's expansion in Middleton results from the City's use of its tax incremental financing district and economic development fund. According to Mayor Dan Ramsey, "We're extremely proud of ETC as a corporate citizen of Middleton, and we're delighted they chose to stay and expand here."
The $22 million project is being designed and constructed by the Design/Build Team of Strang, Inc. and Erdman Development Group, LLC, Madison, and will be ready for use in late 2003. Rob Groff with Integrated Art Systems, Inc. is the lighting designer/consultant. The new corporate facility will house ETC's local administrative and manufacturing operations, which now occupy eight separate buildings at the Laura Lane campus and Eagle Drive locations in Middleton.
ETC is known throughout the entertainment and architectural industry as a global leader in the manufacture of lighting equipment and systems for theaters, TV studios, theme parks, large worship centers, and more. ETC's high-profile global lighting clients include Disney parks worldwide; the London Royal Opera and the New York Metropolitan Opera; NBC, ABC, and CBS TV shows; Las Vegas resorts and casinos; and Madison-area venues like the Monona Terrace, The Madison Rep, and area high schools. ETC has offices worldwide: New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Atlanta, London, Copenhagen, Munich, Rome, and Hong Kong.
According to architect Peter Tan of Strang, Inc., the new building's architecture and interior design will reflect ETC's unique corporate culture and vision and emphasize their connection to theater and the lighting industry. "The main entrance will take on the metaphor of a stage, defined by a lighting-truss structure and opening onto a sloped grassy amphitheater area. The entrance lobby and central main-floor area will be artfully themed as an urban main-street movie set complete with an Edward-Hopperesque Nighthawks-style corner café. A theater with a classic marquee will house the Product Demonstration Area. Offices in this main floor area will consist of themed storefronts that will flank the town square. And of course, it will be lit by ETC's own entertainment- and architectural-lighting products."
www.etcconnect.com
Australian Distributor: Jands www.jands.com.au
Following a summer of diligent work, Martin Professional is putting the finishing touches on its new Asian manufacturing facility in Zhuhai, China. Production is on schedule to begin at the start of the year 2003.
General Manager for the project is Henrik Larsen. He comments, “After nearly five months of work and a tremendous commitment from our staff, it is great to see the factory materialize. The first production line will be ready for operator training before the end of October and the offices will be ready by mid November.”
Production management for the factory is already in place, and the challenges of opening up a manufacturing facility in China have been smoothed by the hiring of a Customs Clearance Administrator. Henrik and his team will be hiring a further 30-40 employees in the coming months. “We are aware that local development and sourcing is necessary in order to establish a profitable factory in China, and that is why we have put extra focus on building and recruiting for these functions,” Henrik states.
The facility is located in the Nanping Science and Technology Industry Park in the city of Zhuhai, a Special Economic Zone in the southern part of the country. It occupies the fourth floor of the new building, an area of approximately 3,400 m2. Established as an important part of Martin’s strategy to maintain its competitiveness in the lower priced lighting segments, the facility will be geared toward the production of Martin’s DJ range of lighting products.
Martin President and CEO Kristian Kolding has made it clear that Martin will maintain full control over the facility’s production and level of product quality. “We are determined not to turn to OEM as a competitive approach due to the lack of control involved,” he states. “At this new facility, although we will obviously benefit from low Chinese production costs, we will maintain control over quality and will produce a line of products that live up to the same high quality standards that Martin customers have come to expect.“
www.matin.dk
IJS
Concert Systems take delivery of an Avolites Pearl2004 console
Brisbane
based IJS Concert Systems have taken delivery of an Avolites Pearl2004
console. Says IJS's Ivan Simon, "We are exicted to add the Pearl
to our lighting inventory, the console is already spec'd on a number of
events and is the ideal console to control our inventory of SGM &
High End intelligent lights".
www.ula.com.au
Connections Magazine will be reborn as CX (Connex) Magazine next March. The December edition, marking the tenth anniversary of the monthly magazine, will be the final of kind. CX will appear each second month.
"It's time for a makeover, and to re-engineer what has been an outstanding success," said Julius Grafton. "Our underlying business has changed too, so the company (presently Julius Grafton Projects Pty Ltd) has been appropriately reborn as Juliusmedia. A bi-monthly magazine allied with a new internet and email news service (starting December) gives us a fresh new medium for the next ten years."
Juliusmedia owns ENTECH tradeshow, which next appears April 5 – 7, 2004 in Sydney. This successful international event has been reborn in a slightly smaller format, with new features such as demonstration rooms.
The third arm of the company was born 12 months ago, and has enjoyed rapid growth. This is the Technical Training division.
Founder Julius Grafton moves back to the editor's chair for 2003. John Grimshaw becomes Director of Training. And Louise Brooks will return from PLASA to head up sales in 2003. New writers are being appointed.
www.conpub.com.au
Veteran entertainment industry writer, photographer, publicist and designer, Cat Strom (Forcer), announces the launch of a new entertainment technology service: Catriona Strom Design.
Catriona Strom Design can deliver a complete design, content and production package, including graphic design, web design, editorial content, photography and web site maintenance, or any one of those services as required.
Should you need a media release, photographs of your project or production (digital or traditional), web site design or content updates, a newsletter (electronic or printed), a product brochure or a magazine ad, this new venture offers a comprehensive range of highly-integrated publicity and promotion services for entertainment technology businesses - from someone who knows the industry.
Contact Catriona Strom Design for advice and a quote.
email cat@catstrom.com or phone 02 9457 8302
www.catstrom.com
The much anticpated
Wholehog III is here! ULA have taken delivery of the first Hog III in Australasia
to coincide with the release of the version 1.0 software for the console.ULA's Pro Products Manager, Dave Jackson put the Hog through its paces on arrival and is looking forward to demonstrating the console.
" There has been fantastic and huge interest in both Australia and New Zealand for the Wholehog III from a wide range of production companies and venues - not surprising given the success and popularity of the Wholehog II," he said.
www.ula.com.au
Sydney
based Technical Direction Company has taken delivery two High End Systems
(HES) Catalyst Media Server Systems. ULA's Dave Jackson delivered the Catalyst
systems to an enthusiastic Michael Hassett.TDC are looking to putting Catalyst to work on many of their projects.
www.ula.com.au
Czech moving light manufacturer Robe Show Lighting has signed a deal with DHA Lighting for the latter to supply custom abstract design gobos, made specifically to fit Robe Show lanterns. Having first made contact at the SIB 2002 show in Rimini in March this year, following a process of sampling and testing, DHA’s gobos were selected as providing the best combination of value and quality.
www.dhalighting.co.uk
In what
can only be described as a milestone event, the Professional Lighting &
Sound Association (PLASA) has cause to celebrate after recording one of
the most successful shows in its 25-year history. PLASA's annual show confirmed
its status once again as the leading international trade show for the entertainment,
communications and presentation technology industries, as more than 400
companies from across the globe filled the Earls Court Exhibition Centre
in London from 8-11 September, 2002.13,810 people (subject to ABC Audit), up by 4.2 per cent from last year, visited the PLASA Show to see the array of new product launches, attend the Masterclass Programme, network with industry colleagues and strike up new business relationships. PLASA managing director, Matthew Griffiths, said the show bucked the exhibition industry’s recent downward trend as many exhibitors conducted good business at the show, citing an optimistic mood about the state of the industry.
The show’s acting director, Nicola Rowland, commented: "Without doubt, this has been an extremely successful show. I’ve spoken to many exhibitors and the response has been overwhelmingly positive and it has laid the foundations to make the show even better next year. The show offered the industry a platform to revive the sluggish start to trading this year, with many exhibitors sounding bullish about the opportunities for the coming year after securing significant new business deals at the show."
Laurie-Jane Greene, international marketing manager for Martin Professional, described the PLASA Show as the "most important event" of the year. "It stimulates business in the industry and as a result we are experiencing a significant increase in the pace of business in our European offices. The industry is in a strong position to capitalize on the positive start the PLASA Show has generated," said Greene.
Rob Moore, managing director of Music Factory, said he was delighted with the show, having secured lucrative contracts with various companies and signed up several new dealers throughout the UK and Europe. "We have secured over £50,000 worth of new business from companies like HMV, Thompsons and Boots. We have also signed up five new UK dealers and three new European agents. It’s in our best interests to come to PLASA," said Moore.
Managing director of beyerdynamic (GB), John Midgley, supported the view that the PLASA Show provided the best platform to explore new business opportunities and, more importantly, promote the company. "PLASA is an excellent place to introduce new products, meet existing and prospective clients and network. It’s an opportunity to meet the largest number of people in the shortest possible timeframe."
"This has been the best show ever," said Karen Cronin, director of Total Fabrications. "We don’t normally take orders at the show, but on this occasion we actually did. So it’s been really good and there have been more international visitors than I expected."
www.plasa.org/show
Arising from discussions with many people across the industry, ALIA is pleased to announce an additional category of membership - Corporate Bronze.
Corporate Bronze membership is specifically intended to accommodate small lighting companies with no more than two full-time staff, who wish to participate in the association. The $250 Bronze level subscription, which is payable in two installments, includes all of the usual benefits of corporate membership, with the exception of a free banner ad on the ALIA web page. Banners ads are available to ALIA members at the reduced rate of $150 per annum.
If you have any further enquiries about ALIA membership, please look in the membership www.alia.com.au/members/members.htm section of the ALIA website or contact Andy (03 6229 1662) or Catriona (02 9457 8302).
In line
with the increasing use of video projection in theatrical productions, together
with the development of products such as High End’s Catalyst, DHA has
put its vast knowledge and experience behind a new company, Scene Change.Officially launched at this year’s PLASA, Scene Change has been a year in development: housed in a purpose-built studio at Waterloo Road in London, the company will employ state-of-the-art equipment in the design and creation of original digital video content specifically for projection. As a market leader in gobo and slide projection, DHA’s expertise in this area will prove invaluable.
Scene Change unites two market sectors - entertainment technology and video projection, but developments in these sectors are by no means in sync. The video industry has developed at a faster rate than entertainment technology and video clips are being used in an increasing number of ways in the theatre and associated sectors. Whilst some companies are developing projector and computer software, Scene Change is the only company which can draw on industry specific knowledge to create original digital video content.
Conventional video libraries offer images in a rectangular format suitable for broadcast, but most lighting designers are used to working with circular images. They also need those images to have high contrast and colour saturation in order to retain their impact when projected over distances, or in ambient light. DHA’s expertise also enables Scene Change to pre-distort an image to order, to allow for the fact that projectors are often off-centre to the projection surface, in one or both planes. The video clips are ideal for a wide variety of applications, including videowalls in nightclubs and as background to theatrical productions or corporate events. Having worked closely with High End on the output, the Scene Change library integrates perfectly with Catalyst, but is also flexible enough to work with future projection software.
Scene Change will offer customers the chance to choose from an ever-increasing range of pre-recorded CDs, single clips or customized CDs containing any 10 clips, and is also offering PAL and NTSC formats.
www.scene-change.com
Lighting
hire bids required by overseas production
My name is Brad Brown, I am the production electrician on the Harley-Davidson
Open Road Tour. We will be in Sydney in March/April 2003.
I would like to hear from lighting rental companies that would be willing
and able to bid on the event. I will send a full package of information
to those responding. Thank you, Brad Brown
coh2orat@earthlink.net
Find out more about the 100th
Anniversary Open Road Tour
The
directors of The Gobo Factory and Lighting by Design have joined forces
creating a new company, GOBOTECH Pty Ltd. Both highly respected and successful
companies in their own right the directors felt the time was right to combine
their resources into a new efficient entity that can dedicate time to R&D
and product improvements while remaining a market leader in their field.GOBOTECH will offer the best of image projection technology and provide the most comprehensive custom gobo service in the Southern Hemisphere. “The move will allow us to better co-ordinate and prioritise our workflow which directly impacts on the turnaround times of our jobs. This is extremely important as we service an industry that works on very short leadtimes,” said Mark Blackwood, one of the directors of the new company. The new company will ensure that we can continue to improve our range and quality of products.
“The process we utilise is the best available in the world today and with access to a new high resolution film process you will find our gobos are second to none on the world scene. As a member of the Beacon gobo group we can also access an enormous amount of information and support from around the globe as well as access to new image collections”said Joakim Odlander, the other director of the company, who has been manufacturing the Beacon greyscale and colour gobos since 1995.
The key to their business is customer support and in that area they will continue to strive for excellence under the new corporate structure.
New products in the pipeline or available now include;
Beacon Blackline - Due for release at PLASA this year, they will feature a scratch resistant substrate and a black non reflective surface. This will give you sharper images minimising reflection and distortion around the edges of your image.
Ultra Hi Resolution gobos – Available now, we can output greyscale images at 600linescreen effectively making pixels invisible in your greyscale images.
Stock image collections – They now have a large library of images available.
New contact numbers are Tel: 07 55 29 0505 and Fax: 0755 29 2226.
www.LBD.com.au