Business

Details

26 July 2024

UK - HearAngel (a LimitEar company) and Sonical have announced a software licensing agreement to integrate the HearAngel smart hearing safeguarding solution into Sonical’s CosmOS operating system for headphones. This collaboration allows manufacturers using the Sonical platform to offer hearing safeguarding either as a standard feature or user option.

Stephen Wheatley, CEO of HearAngel, stated, “CosmOS is enabling the next generation of headphone platform, allowing for personalised and updated devices through downloadable cloud apps. The functionality needed from your headphones can now be changed anytime based on preferences and usage.”

Gary Spittle, CEO of Sonical, added, “Hearing safeguarding is increasingly important, with extended listening at high volumes potentially causing permanent hearing damage. HearAngel provides easy-to-use infor

Details

26 July 2024

Europe - Chainmaster has announced a new partnership with menzi ebz, a leading Swiss company specialising in lighting and lighting control systems.

Marco Menzi, CEO of Menzi EBZ, comments, "We have been specialising in lighting and lighting control systems for many years. However, we lacked the right partners to enter the rigging business. We are extremely proud and excited to represent Chainmaster, the number one in Switzerland for chain hoists.

“We are also aware of the high standards Chainmaster and our customers expect in terms of consulting and support. Therefore, it is only logical that we will strengthen our team with product specialists and look forward to welcoming new employees to our team soon."

Benjamin Göldner, vice president stage of the Liftket Group, adds: "This partnership with menzi ebz is a significant step for Chainmast

Details

25 July 2024

Benelux - LSC Control Systems has announced the appointment of Controllux as its new exclusive distribution partner for the Benelux region (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg). The Australian manufacturer, which was acquired by Czech Republic-based Robe earlier this year, has been designing and manufacturing innovative lighting and power control solutions for more than four decades.

Controllux is a long-established and well-respected presence in the Benelux region’s entertainment market. A full-system integrator and distributor, it represents a broad range of professional lighting brands including Robe, ETC, Astera, ARRI and Prolyte. Operating across the theatre, television & film, entertainment and architectural lighting markets, the company has become a one-stop source for professional lighting expertise and systems integration solutions.

Details

25 July 2024

Europe - Neg Earth Lights has announced their partnership with British Ukrainian Aid (BUA), a UK registered charity. As part of their ongoing commitment to giving back, Neg Earth will be donating a truck through the donation scheme to support the work of this charity.

Since it was permitted from 15 March, British Ukrainian Aid (BUA) is operating the donation scheme with Transport for London (TfL) to donate vehicles to Ukraine through the ULEZ programme, where they would be used for medical and humanitarian purposes.

“Whilst Neg Earth Lights is not eligible for the for the scrappage scheme, they have decided to purely donate a vehicle through the charity,” says the company. “The donated vehicle is a Renault 16T rigid truck, the first of its kind to be contributed through this scheme.

“Our truck’s journey so far has been an adventurou

Details

23 July 2024

Europe - Showlight 2025 has sparked considerable interest. The papers committee is meeting to discuss the first raft of papers submissions for the central programme, the first sponsors are already signed up and visible on the Showlight website (www.showlight.org/our-sponsors), and 60% of the exhibition spaces have already been sold.

If you want to become part of Showlight 2025 as an exhibitor, don’t delay in contacting us to secure your space.

The exhibition area is the place to meet lighting designers, directors and delegates across all disciplines, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, at morning, afternoon and lunchtime breaks. These breaks are a key part of Showlight’s networking opportunities and allow much closer contact with entertainment lighting users and specifiers than any of the lar

Details

23 July 2024

Switzerland - Netherlands-based comms brand Green-GO has announced the appointment of Electric Claudio Merlo Lighting Equipment S.A. (ECMS.A.) as its new exclusive distributor for Switzerland. With this development, which follows the appointment last year of ECM S.A. as the Swiss distributor for Green-GO’s sister-brand ELC, both brands from ELC Lighting have now joined the sales portfolio of ECM S.A.

Based in the southern Swiss Canton of Ticino, ECM S.A. was founded in 1971 by Claudio Merlo. The company first established itself in the booming discotheque market as a supplier of popular lighting brands, including Coemar and Optikinetics. However, it later developed to serve Switzerland’s professional entertainment markets, particularly theatres and TV studios, providing world-renowned brands such as ETC, Arri, Claypaky, Robert Juliat and more recently, EL

Details

23 July 2024

UAE - Dubai-based Spectrum Entertainment Services LLC has been an advocate of Ayrton lighting fixtures since its first investment in 2022 when it started building its stock with 100 Ayrton Cobra, 50 MagicBlade FX and 24 Zonda 9 FX units.

“The Cobra was an absolute must, especially for our outdoor events, in areas like AlUla in Saudi Arabia,” says Spectrum Entertainment Services LLC lighting designer, Andre Westraad. “The harsh outdoor conditions can be very tough on fixtures and we needed a solution that can handle all of the elements, plus being very bright and versatile at the same time.

“This year we began a search for a replacement for our workhorse profile fixtures. We also needed an upgrade in our LED Wash area as well. We had to keep in mind we need a product that is not just IP rated, but can take the punch when installed outside for

Details

23 July 2024

Cleanfields – Dance music festival Creamfields has drawn up plans to massively reduce its impact on the environment. Festival organisers said its comprehensive three-year ‘Cleanfields’ plan will help to preserve its 600-acre site in Daresbury, Cheshire. They said the "primary goal" was to encourage attendees to "adopt more environmentally responsible habits" to ensure the site remains "clean and vibrant". A representative said the "call to action" would encourage the "entire dance music community [to] come together, enjoy the music and make a positive impact on our planet".

The festival is due to take place across the August bank holiday weekend and will see a host of acts perform, including headliners Calvin Harris, Armin Van Buuren, Chase & Status and Alesso. The event's representative said it was working with sustainability impact agency Bettern

Details

19 July 2024

UK - The panel topics and first speakers at Vision: 2025’s Sustainable Events Summit (SES) have been confirmed, returning to the Showman’s Show for its ninth edition, on Wednesday 23 October 2024.

Supported by title sponsor Festival Republic and hosted by The Showman’s Show, the action-focused summit will present the latest research, tools and knowledge, and brings together leading outdoor event organisers, local authorities, suppliers, and sustainability experts, to shape the future of climate action in the industry - this summit will include roundtables on sector strategy for 2030.

The SES 24 morning is an invitation-only industry roundtable session, where green leaders will focus on national policy priorities and sector strategy. A sustainable lunch is being supplied by Eat to The Beat, which will frame later conversations around food impact

Details

18 July 2024

Canada - CAST Group, creators of Wysiwyg design software, has announced all training resources available through the CAST Academy are now free for all, effective immediately.

"We believe that the key to innovation and progress lies in education," said David Ferraz, international business development manager. By making our Academy training resources free, we are ensuring that everyone can master their skills and excel in lighting design. Our goal is to support the design community in reaching their highest potential."

The CAST Academy offers a comprehensive library of training videos designed to cater to users of all skill levels as well as webinars from professional lighting designers such as Tim Routledge, Durham Marenghi, and John Rayment.

"We are always listening to our users and striving to enhance their experience with our software," Dav

Details

17 July 2024

MENA - DirectOut has announced Beamcast as its official distributor for the broadcast market in the Middle East and North Africa.

“We have had excellent relationships with many system integrators in the region for years, yet we have consistently struggled to secure a permanent distributor capable of enhancing the region's knowledge of our audio solutions for broadcast,” states Lorenzo Sassi, business development manager at DirectOut. “With Beamcast, we now have a partner who not only understands the market, but also the technologies we support, and how to match them with the needs of the customers.”

Beamcast will now offer comprehensive support and training services. This includes seminars, provision of demo and loan equipment, and the ability to ship products directly from a regional warehouse in the Middle East. This will enable DirectOut t

Details

17 July 2024

Canada - Bluesound Professional has announced the addition of two new distribution partners in South America and Scandinavia. Joining the network are ZRS Distribuidora in Brazil and Exton in Iceland.

“We are thrilled to welcome ZRS Distibuidora and Exton to the Bluesound Professional team as industry leaders in their respective markets,” says Graeme Harrison, vice-president and general manager of Bluesound Professional. “Both of these strategic relationships will further help us to expand our innovative streaming audio solutions in new influential markets across the globe, while Bluesound Professional continues to gain a noteworthy reputation in commercial spaces.”

Since the brand’s launch at the Integrated Systems Europe 2019 trade show, Bluesound Professional has expanded to over 70 international markets and is looking to add further terr

Details

17 July 2024

Croatia - LAV Projekt has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Renkus-Heinz throughout Croatia with immediate effect.

LAV Projekt places particular emphasis on staying up to date with technological advancements and emerging trends to better serve their customers. In that light, Patricio Valenta, who heads up the audio department of LAV Projekt, comments, “In our endeavour to establish ourselves as a premier system integration company in Croatia, we place great emphasis on innovation and adaptability.

“We firmly believe that the groundbreaking technologies and integration ease offered by Renkus-Heinz will be pivotal in our success as distributors and system integrators.

“As we've been working on a lot of projects lately, we've come across spaces where it was very difficult to get adequate sound coverage and deliver audio excellen

Details

17 July 2024

Germany - NicLen continues to rely on Cameo in 2024, with its latest investment being the new ORON H2 phosphor laser moving head which is now available in large quantities to all NicLen customers.

The Cameo ORON H2 is based on a 260-watt phosphor laser engine, which acts as an energy-efficient and long-lasting replacement for discharge lamps in the 480-watt class. With its combination of beam, spot and wash, and an unrivalled zoom range of 0.6° to 32° for laser moving heads, the IP65-capable ORON H2 is suitable for flexible use on medium and large stages – both indoors and outdoors. It features19 fixed and 12 rotating gobos as well as two combinable effect wheels with six prisms, beam ovalisers and frost filters.

“In recent years, Cameo has continuously expanded its portfolio and closed individual gaps in a targeted manner,” explains NicLen m

Details

16 July 2024

Portugal - Linea Research has announced a new distribution channel for Portugal, taking AV event production company, Sons do Marquês, as network partner in the region to extend the reach of Linea Research into that territory.

Based in Pombal, Sons do Marquês has supplied the audio products to the Portuguese rental and installation markets for over 20 years.

Sons do Marquês MD, Rogerio Lopes, said, “The Linea Research range of amplifiers will be a popular choice in Portugal and already there is interest from larger rental companies and for multi-zone installation project, in the 8-channel M- and C- series models. Linea Research enhances our offering to existing clients seeking an extensive preset library combined with a powerful range of amplification and DSP technology.”

Linea Research sales manager, Martin Hildred, added, “We are de

Details

16 July 2024

UK - Production Futures has announced that nominations are now open for its Breakthrough Talent Awards 2024. The awards recognise the achievements of young people across the production industries and seek to inspire future generations. With the support and sponsorship of key industry partners, the Awards cover 21 different categories, reflecting the diversity of opportunity within the production industries.

Previous winners have gone on to enjoy flourishing careers with a wide range of companies or have taken up roles as in-demand freelancers.

Keen sponsors of the Breakthrough Talent Award are leading independent lighting, rigging, and control supplier for the UK land Europe, Neg Earth, whose head of marketing Anna Gould comments: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Breakthrough Talent awards this year, as we believe in nurturin

Details

16 July 2024

Freelance Protection - Entertainment union BECTU has written to new culture secretary Lisa Nandy urging her to protect freelancers and the self-employed. The union also urges the culture secretary to champion equality and diversity in the arts. The letter from BECTU head Philippa Childs congratulated Nandy on Labour’s landslide general election victory and subsequent appointment, before calling on the new government to deliver its pre-election promises for the creative industries.

Starmer’s new government must secure a new deal for freelancers and the self-employed, who make up 28% of the creative workforce but currently lack many of the rights afforded to employees, Childs said. BECTU suggested "modernised protections and entitlements" for the freelance workforce "as part of a broader reform package on the legislative and institutional landscape on work

Details

15 July 2024

UK - Established for more than 15 years, Lancashire PA Hire is a supplier of audio systems for a wide range of events both locally and nationally. Festivals, gigs, weddings, corporates, parties, and mobile DJs are all catered for.

Over a year ago, Lancashire PA Hire took the decision to upgrade its large event system, and decided to invest in HK Audio products as owner Darryl Fraser explains:

“To begin we had invested in six HK Audio L4000 subs and four Linear 5 LTS tops. They proved to be a real success, taking us through 2023 and enabling us to comfortably cover shows of 800+ audiences. The only minor gripe we had with the system was a lack of control, but we got round this issue with our Allen & Heath SQ5 desk.

“Then at the end of 2023 we spoke to Andy Taylor from SoVeryAPT who mentioned that HK Audio were releasing MKII versions o

Details

11 July 2024

Japan - Three prominent companies specialising in various facets of the AV industry in Japan have joined forces to form GizaGiza, a commercial distribution company dedicated to representing 1 Sound as their exclusive distributor in Japan. With its headquarters strategically located in Shibuya, Tokyo, GizaGiza brings together ‘decades of expertise in audio design, installation, and comprehensive support and system maintenance services’.

GizaGiza has integrated 1 Sound loudspeakers into several high-profile installations and events in Japan and is ready to start audio demonstrations showcasing the full spectrum of 1 Sound’s catalogue.

Commenting on the collaboration, GizaGiza stated, “There is a growing demand in Japan for superior sonic quality, meticulously engineered loudspeakers. The sonic excellence and design fit with the needs of the mar

Details

11 July 2024

Italy/USA - K-array has announced the expansion and renovation of both its Italian and USA headquarters. These state-of-the-art facilities, featuring the latest KSCAPE RAIL and RAIL S technology, showcase the brand’s lighting and audio solutions.

“By integrating advanced design elements and cutting-edge technology, we have created an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration,” says Alex Tatini, K-array CEO. “The new spaces enhance our research and development capabilities and embody the K-array spirit of ingenuity and quality.”

At the Italian headquarters, nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside just outside Florence, the upgrade was focused on the brand’s R&D, software, mechanical, electrical and audio research departments. The new pavilion, comprised of two floors, has been completely renovated to encompass the ex

Details

10 July 2024

UK - The ABTT is inviting nominations for its annual Stephen Joseph Award, as an ongoing tribute to Joseph’s contribution to our theatre culture. Designed to recognise innovative and inclusive theatre excellence in today’s British theatre, the 2024 Award is now open for entries.

The aim of the award is to celebrate the variety of ways contemporary theatre practitioners continue to break new ground in engaging their audiences. The award is open for submissions and a wide variety of practice is eligible - the ongoing work of a theatre company, a specific production, an individual theatre artist or director, or an innovative theatre building design. Submissions welcome from theatres large or small, long-established companies or emerging artists. Nominations accompanied by suitable evidence can easily be made by theatres, practitioners, or the general public

Details

09 July 2024

UK - PLASA and LSi are calling for nominations for this year’s Gottelier Award. Named after the late lighting designer and innovator Tony Gottelier, the revered award recognises the invaluable contributions of the people behind the products.

Launched in 2007, the Gottelier Award aims to recognise product developers who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the advancement of entertainment, presentation, or installation technology over many years.

Last year’s winner was Howard Eaton whose self-named company, Howard Eaton Lighting Ltd, is known for delivering bespoke solutions to countless theatrical productions around the world – from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s flying car, to the crashing chandelier in the Phantom of the Opera, to the flying Olympic rings at London 2012.

After his win, Eaton said: “It is quite somethin

Details

09 July 2024

UK - Located on the edge of London’s Regent’s Park, 229 is a multi-purpose venue with two spaces: Venue One has a capacity of 700 and Venue Two can hold around 200 people. Both are busy every night, often also hosting events during the day. There is residential housing above and the whole complex is managed under the umbrella of the charity International Student House, which provides a home and community for young people studying internationally. A hundred percent of 229’s profits go back into supporting the charity’s mission.

“We had been using our previous desk for about 10 years,” technical manager Alessandro Bonifacio explains. “Every investment is thought about very carefully, we have to think in terms of longevity and value. I’ve been using DiGiCo consoles on my freelance jobs for years, so I got in contact through Andy Huffer at HD Pro

Details

09 July 2024

UK - Protec, a full-service rigging and AV company serving the events and conference industries, has significantly improved its operations and reduced equipment damage by investing in Admiral Strong Boy truss dollies from Stage Electrics.

Graham Thomas, a key member of the Protec team, first learnt about the Strong Boy truss dollies from an industry peer after facing persistent issues with damaged truss. Following a consultation with Admiral Staging, Protec was directed to Stage Electrics, who facilitated the initial sale of four Strong Boy truss dollies and spacer bars. Impressed by the product's advantages, Protec has since purchased five additional pairs of dollies.

Before purchasing the Admiral Staging Strong Boy truss dollies, the Protec team were noticing considerable damage and wear and tear on their truss as is typical for companies in the ri