UK - Entertainment lighting supplier White Light is currently in the middle of a very busy run up to the Christmas holiday season, with theatre shows and many other festive events making use of the company's extensive lighting hire and sales stock and production services.

Many of these shows are traditional pantomimes. This year's count has seen White Light supply four Aladdins, six Cinderellas, two Dick Whittingtons, two Jack and the Beanstalks, four Peter Pans, three Sleeping Beautys, four Snow Whites and just the one Robin Hood.

White Light is also once again providing the lighting equipment for two shows that have established themselves as perennial Christmas favourites - White Christmas and The Snowman. White Christmas this year appears at the Sunderland Empire, with lighting designed by Ken Bill

UK - Liverpool- based Adlib is supplying its new Pixled F30 LED screen, a Catalyst media server, full production lighting, FOH and monitor sound consoles and a stage monitor system, plus crew for the BRIT Award winner Ellie Goulding's UK tour. For selected shows, including the London showcase at Hammersmith Apollo, they also supplied the full PA, as required by Jamie Butterworth - Goulding's production manager.

Adlib's Ian Tomlinson designed the lightshow for Goulding, which was developed in close collaboration with Goulding's drummer and musical director Joe Clegg, who produced all of the show's video content through his design agency Artclub.

Taking these visuals as an overall creative starting point, he and Tomlinson looked at the options on screens, which resulted in Adlib's purchase of the Pixled F30, which is configured for the tour as an 8m wide by 4m deep back wall ups

USA - The historic showroom in the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas boasts a 12-unit Martin MaxModules lighting control system, the largest MaxModules console ever assembled in the world and the latest in a string of Martin controller installations in the city.

The system consists of two MaxModule Cerebrums, two MaxModule Playbacks, two MaxModule Buttons, one MaxModule Programmer, and five MaxModule Submasters, all mounted in a completely customised frame.

The man responsible for integration of the extensive setup is Matthew Paupst, system design engineer at FBP Systems of Las Vegas. Paupst brought in Hilton lighting director Mark Broedling to programme the system.

"The showroom underwent a facelift and needed a new lighting control solution," Paupst stated. "I've used the Maxxyz system for a long time and am familiar with its many benefits, but the modular concept o

UK - Rotherham Civic Theatre and Arts Centre has addressed a number of ongoing issues: Health and Safety, turnaround times, carbon footprint as well as energy and labour costs, in one fell swoop with the purchase of 16 PixelRange RGBA PixelPars, featuring high intensity CREE LEDs.

Working at height to change the lamps and gels for static lights is common practice in UK theatres, but the PixelPars have brought a dramatic change of circumstance to the theatre. For the first time, operators have instant control over the lighting colour via DMX control. The PixelPars are fitted with 40 degree diffusers to give good coverage and are zoned to spread colour evenly across the stage.

Technical manager Steve Smith comments: "We looked closely at the marketplace to see what was available and the PixelPar won the vote of th

UK - ETC has released new software for its SmartFade range of lighting control desks, including a number of new features - such as native support for LED fixtures with up to seven colours.

Previously, if an entry-level lighting desk was able to control LED fixtures at all, it provided only the most basic support for red, green and blue. As manufacturers add further LED colours, more advanced control is necessary - this means that a SmartFade ML desk is now able to control ETC Selador LED fixtures, which contain up to seven different colours.

Other updates in SmartFade v3 include: a completely redesigned stack, in which cues can be recorded in any order, then played back in the correct sequence; over 3000 personalities, more than double than in previous versions; when the stack is on, the displays in SmartFade ML now include the step name and the running times; consoles are now

The Netherlands - On 15 November, 809,000 Dutch viewers were tuned to RTL5 for the live broadcast of Benelux Next Top Model Final Show 2010. The staff of Visual Productions tuned in too, supporting Cuelux, débuting on live TV as the choice controller from DutchView for the control of the laser show.

The show, produced by Endemol Nederland BV, was broadcast from the Lichtfabriek in Haarlem, a venue now well known for cultural and corporate events that was once responsible for providing energy to the homes in Haarlem. The simple, elegant setting and clever light design transformed the venue from a spacious factory into a stylish, intimate catwalk studio. The models were complemented by a lighting design from James van Someren of DutchView.

The Laser operator for the event was DutchView's Jeroen van der Velden who chose to use Cuelux for the control of three green l

UK - Martin Professional has announced that longtime Martin UK sales manager Clive Bailey has assumed the position of product manager - smoke, working for the company's Danish-based global headquarters.

Bailey's new responsibilities include globally overseeing the company's complete range of Jem and Magnum brand haze, fog and heavy fog machines. A past recipient of Martin's Subsidiary Sales Rep of the Year award, Bailey began in the new position in September and continues to work from his base in the UK.

"Having worked for Martin Professional for many years as sales manager - commercial whilst dealing with a high calibre customer base from hire to installers, including architects, designers and consultants, I know how important our smoke product range is to them," says Bailey. "I'm confident we will remain as the preferred partner within the industry."

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South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa supplied technical production, including sound, lighting, video equipment and a stage/roof system plus crew for the South African leg of Indian singer/musician A R Rahman's Jai Ho world tour.

Gearhouse SA's project manager was Bill Lawford, who started work two months in advance, collaborating closely with the tour's US-based production manager, Nick Jeen.

Three venues - Sun City Superbowl, the Grand West Casino in Cape Town and the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban - were visited over a 12 day period.

The tour brought its full monitor rig and control consoles for sound, lighting and video to SA - the production sound elements came from Sirius Show Equipment Germany for this section. At the first two venues, they hooked into the house racks-and-stacks for audio, with Gearhouse supplementing a quantity of Kudo and dV-DOSC cabinets, a

UK - Technical Performance & Presentation, based in Sussex, has been appointed exclusive UK reseller for RC4Magic Series 2 wireless transmitters and receiver/dimmers for the stage and entertainment industry.

Beverley Grover first saw the product demonstrated at ABTT and says she immediately knew this would be a product that would fit into the company portfolio and one they would be happy to support and promote.

James Smith, president and chief product designer at RC4 Wireless in Toronto, Canada, comments: "I have been cautiously and selectively building a worldwide network of partners over the past year, and TPP is the perfect combination of technical expertise and sales experience, in a boutique format that really focuses on customer satisfaction."

The RC4 Magic Series 2 wireless DMX and wireless dimming system consists of a transmitter, the DMXio, and receiver/di

UK - Black Light has teamed up with a number of its key suppliers and the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) to help deliver three days of technical training at Pitlochry Festival Theatre on the 22-24 February 2011.

Among the courses being run by Black Light are sessions on the Safe Use of Pyrotechnics, on the operation of ETC Ion Lighting Desks, Rosco Lighting and Scenic Products and Avolites Titan Software.

"Our courses will be a fantastic opportunity to get your hands on some of the most exciting technology in the business and learn how to use it from the professionals," says Black Light's Phil Haldane. "They'll also be a great chance to meet others in the industry and to catch up with colleagues."

A wide range of other training courses will be running over the three-day event and participants can book to come along to one session or many. There will

Monaco - Clay Paky exhibited at recent Monaco International Clubbing Show (MICS). Presenting a mixture of lighting, sound and design booths, the show gathered club owners, investors, DJs and designers from all quarters of the industry.

In addition to a stand, Clay Paky also designed and supplied the lighting system for the temporary 2,000sq.m MICS Club that was built in one of the exhibition halls. This club space was used as a demo room by day and as an evening venue for large events such as the award ceremonies and DJ competitions.

Clay Paky received an Award from the organisers for its 'important contribution to the development of the club industry'. Monte Carlo made a very attractive location for the trade show, not least because of the glamour associated with the Mediterranean principality and its resident VIP population.

Clay Paky is still highly regarded as one of the

UK White Light took part in TheatreCraft 2010, a careers fair for those interested in a career behind-the-scenes in theatre which took place at the London Coliseum on 22 November.

Organised by Masterclass, a programme providing those interested in the worlds of theatre, film and television with expert guidance and support, TheatreCraft was open to anyone aged 17-25 interested in working backstage, giving them a chance to learn more about the career paths available - from stage management to wig-making to lighting to writing to designing - and meet and learn from those already working in the industry.

Those attending the event, which was a sold-out hit, got to meet representatives from organisations including English National Opera, the National Youth Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Stage Management

UK / USA - North London-based VDC Trading has appointed specialist audio and lighting supplier, Group One as a key distributor of Van Damme cables across North America. VDC is the sole representing agent for Van Damme globally, and the co-ordination of all distribution deals is central part of that role.

The deal formalises a long standing relationship with Group One, which has been working with VDC on an ad hoc basis for some time. According to export manager, Andy Dennis, the agreement marks a significant step forward as VDC pursues a concerted international expansion strategy.

"VDC Trading and Van Damme already enjoy strong international reputations for unrivalled quality and excellent customer service," says Dennis. "Building alliances with like-minded partners in key markets is an important part of our strategy for growth over the next five years. This deal

China - LumenRadio recently teamed up to offer training sessions at Leafun's facilities in Guangzhou. The sessions on 7-8 December focused on how to plan and implement complex indoor and outdoor wireless lighting control systems, as well as how to use RDM and LumenRadio's CRMX SuperNova software to remotely configure and monitor wireless installations.

"LumenRadio is very happy to work with Leafun in bringing CRMX to the Chinese market. Leafun is certainly the optimal partner for us to work with to establish CRMX as the best-of-class wireless lighting controls in China. We have high expectations for the many upcoming projects in China in 2011 - a year that is promising to be very exciting for us", says Anders Ardstål VPO of LumenRadio.

"We are looking forward to start rolling out CRMX wireless lighting controls in China together with other premier brands such a

UK - Manchester-based DBN Lighting has once again supplied production, plus equipment and crew for the The Warehouse Project (WHP) club night.

Running every Friday and Saturday nights from September to New Year's Eve each year, the WHP unites DJs and live artists in an energetic, vibrant dance party environment, all staged in a former air raid bunker underneath Piccadilly station, which is part of the Store Street Car Park by day.

DBN's Pete Robinson created the production design which had to be flexible and offer plenty of variety for the 14-week season. Since WHP has been at the Store Street site, they have created over 70 rigging points, chemically fixed to the concrete shell of the venue, to accommodate decor and scaff bars as well as lighting and sound. Some are rated at 50kg and some at 500kg.

This year, there are three overstage trusses to light the bands and the DJ p

UK - Boulevard is a newly opened club in Newcastle upon Tyne and is home to Betty Legs Diamond, and DJ, Miss Rory. It's also home to 23 Chauvet fixtures specified, fitted and programmed by Nik Cook of Innovation Power from Sunderland.

The club boasts Broadway-style productions combining female impersonation with a chorus of show boys and girls performing everything from slapstick comedy to choreographed dance routines. And every show is performed in a dazzling array of costumes.

Cook learned of the Chauvet products while attending PLASA in September 2010. "He was blown away with the quality of the fixtures and amazed at the value," said Mark Oliver, Northern UK territory sales for Chauvet.

COLORado Batten 72 Tour linear wash lights are installed above the stage, while COLORado 1-Tri Tour wash lights are found in the wings. Above the audience are both COLORado 1-Tri

Canada - Cast Software has announced the release of wysiwyg R26, for members only. The release is now available for download.

R26 has been designed to give the user a better experience on many planes - with a heavy emphasis on Reports and Presentation, says the company.

R26 gives the user a solid platform of spreadsheet tools, improving the data experience for the user and improving efficiency in creating paperwork. R26 is also the international debut of some new dimensioning tools - radial dimensioning, arc length, and a new Protractor Tool. Cast software development has also made developments in the virtual environment, adding the ability to use the 3Dconnexion mouse for true 3D flyovers on 6 Degrees of Freedom - X, Y, Z, and Pitch, Roll, and Yaw.

R26 now has the ability to put the user directly into digital space with the 3Dconnexion mouse, using all of the six Degrees of

Australia - The Cairns Civic Theatre, owned and operated by the Cairns Regional Council, has been presenting some of the best arts and entertainment available in Australia, since it was opened in 1974. More than 230 performances are presented at the theatre each year, ranging from local amateur shows to national and international touring extravaganzas.

For many years the theatre has been home to ETC lighting consoles, with the latest acquisition being an ETC Ion 1500.

"In fact we purchased two ETC Ion 1500 consoles so I can have one as a back up" says Jon Driver, technical manager for the Cairns Civic Theatre. "I also purchased two 2x20 fader wings and two 19" ELO touch screen panels. I've configured the system so that it runs ArtNet. I have a wireless network which runs the ETC Ion via an iPad.

USA - The Control Protocols Plug Fest celebrates its second anniversary with another Fest being held in January 2011 in conjunction with the Technical Standards Programme meetings at the Marriott Solana in Westlake, Texas.

As a result of the continuing popularity and growth of the programme, the Plug Fest will fill a larger space at the Marriott, and the event will be lengthened by half a day, running Friday, 21 January from 16:00 to 22:00; Saturday, 22 January from 09:00 to 23:00; and Sunday, 25 January from 09:00 to 22:00. The event, originally created to support ANSI E1.20 RDM (Remote Device Management) two years ago has since expanded to cover all CPWG protocols, including the popular ANSI E1.31 DMX over Ethernet protocol.

The Control Protocols Plug Fest will be an informal event, with the only people around to see the equipment work or fail being engineers and technicians

USA - XS nightclub at Wynn casino and resort in Las Vegas has upgraded its lighting control system with Martin's M1 lighting desk. The M1 was an appropriate choice for club lighting console operator Josh Packard and his style of operation, says Wynn lighting programmer and lead lighting technician, Brian Gysegem.

"It was obvious that he needed more playbacks at his fingertips and the M1 became the obvious choice. The board was ultimately chosen for its small footprint and abundance of playbacks on the control surface. Josh is equally adept at creating and mixing music as he is operating and programming lights; his timing shines because of it."

The M1 has been designed with a single philosophy in mind - simplicity - and features a clean and easy to navigate surface. Its fast dual-core processor ensures a fast and responsive user interface, even if hundreds of playback

Mexico - Over 170 Clay Paky Alpha 1500s have been used to mark Mexico's bicentennial and centennial celebrations. This year Mexicans celebrated both 200 years of independence and 100 years since the Revolution, prompting a wave of celebrations throughout the country.

The festivities culminated in two separate events held in the main plaza of the capital, El Zocalo. The Bicentennial, a two-day fiesta of light and music, was enjoyed by thousands of Mexican revellers, and broadcast live to millions around the world.

Production and creative direction were placed in the hands of a multi-national team with vast experience of global sporting events and ceremonies. Ric Birch, producer of numerous Olympics ceremonies, teamed up with creative partner Marco Balich of Filmmaster Group. Mexican LD Victor Zapatero was engaged as lighting designer for the main live events, while lighting dir

Singapore - Robert Juliat provided the big guns for two big occasions when its largest followspots were specified for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games this summer.The events were of truly Olympic proportions and demanded the giants of the Robert Juliat range, the Lancelot 4000W HTI and Cyrano 2500W HMI followspots.Lighting designer, Koert Vermeulen, principal designer at ACT Lighting Design, chose Robert Juliat followspots based on his previous experience with the fixtures. "I have recommended Robert Juliat on almost all of my big productions. I chose the Lancelot and Cyrano for the Youth Olympic Games based on a combination of past performance and on the photometrics data."No fewer than eight Lancelots and six Cyranos were supplied by Production Resource Group (PRG), with Showtec Communications Pte Ltd of Singapore coming to t

UK - Blackburn-based lighting rental company HSL continues its busy autumn/winter season supplying lights, Kinesys automation, projection and LED to the Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark(OMD) UK and European tour.

It featured the band's original line up, a new album History of Modern and an energetic set comprising a lively mix of classic hits and new material.

It was lighting/visuals designer Andy Liddle's first full production tour with the band since he came onboard in 2009. He created an interesting mix of moving elements, LED and projection surfaces and lighting, to provide a contemporary scenic showcase for OMD - three decades of synth pop later.

All suppliers were invited to tender for the tour at the outset, from which HSL won the lighting and visuals package explains Liddle, who was also aware of some of the other work that HSL has been doing recently. "

UK - Wakehurst Place, a National Trust property in West Sussex, southern England, which is managed by Kew Gardens, believes it has the largest Christmas tree in the UK. Wakehurst Place decorates the giant tree every year and hosts a number of Christmas events for the public.

Facelift Access Hire has been working with Wakehurst Place for more than 10 years now, helping to decorate the tree with lights. Work begins at eight a.m. when two Bronto machines are carefully positioned, with a team of ground staff from Wakehurst Place helping to load the lights up and begin the process of attaching them to the tree.

The day provided every kind of weather - sun, wind, rain, sometimes all at the same time. Fortunately, as the team are now so familiar with the operation they completed the work ahead of schedule, allowing plenty of time to take up the visiting journalists for a better view

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