Avolites at Junior Eurovision 2016
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Hosted by Malta in the capital city of Valetta, JESC '16 reported a total live average audience of 3.9m viewers across 14 markets; the biggest audience for four years. With viewing figures this size, Anton relied on Avolites' advanced Timecode functionality to ensure creative director Ismael Portelli's multi-layered show went off without a hitch.
"Avolites Titan version 10 software makes running a timecoded show very easy," he explains. "Since all songs are given a different start time, all I had to do was choose the page of required playback faders and the desk did the rest. I could also turn Timecode off when necessary by simply hitting a button. The software is highly intuitive for ease of programming and offers a wealth of powerful features, which I have quickly become familiar with. I particularly like Pixel Mapper and Key Frame Shapes to create complex and effective looks."
Anton's impressive networked Avolites system for the main stage included two Sapphire Touch consoles (one as backup), two Sapphire Touch Wing, two Titan Network Processors and two Titan Network Switches supplied by Nexos Lighting and Vision of Malta (through UK-based HSL Group).
"We were able to effectively network the Avolites equipment for an integrated control set up," continues Anton. "This gave us the redundancy we needed and the ability to run the desks in multiuser modes, which allowed both myself and Ismael to operate. The Sapphire Touch was chosen as the main control surface as it offers motorized faders and a large workspace area meaning we could lay everything out for easy access."
Also in the mix were five ART2000 T4 48 dimmer packs and Avolites Rack Mounted DMX splitters, supplied by Italy-based AGORA as part of the main stage lighting package.
"Avolites dimmer packs are my preferred dimming system - they set the industry standard and are robust yet versatile," Anton explains.
To power the lighting in the glamorous 'green room' area, which featured a main catwalk with islands for each artist and their delegations, Anton selected an Avolites Arena console plus backup Tiger Touch II, Titan Network Processor, an ART2000 T4 48 dimmer pack and DMX Splitters.
"Like the Sapphire Touch, the Arena is fast, intuitive and offers seamless multi-user functionality and a larger control surface; I really like the extra playback faders," says Anton. "Avolites not only offers great products but fantastic support - Pete Budd flew down to provide technical assistance and was an invaluable member of the JESC'16 lighting team."
The 14th edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest took place in November 2016. Seventeen countries took part, with Mariam Mamadashvili of Georgia coming out on top with her song Mzeo. The victory set a record, with Georgia having now won Junior Eurovision more times than any other country.
(Jim Evans)
