Business

Details

24 January 2025

USA - Chauvet has announced that it has acquired LiteGear, a manufacturer of film and broadcast LED systems. Together with Chauvet's Kino Flo brand, the Burbank, CA-based company will form the new Chauvet Cinema Group, which will be led by industry veteran Mike Wagner.

Founded in 2006, LiteGear has established a reputation in its industry for its innovative and reliable products, including its widely acclaimed LiteMat series of lightweight colour-corrected lighting solutions for film and television productions.

The company will maintain its brand identity, culture, and strong industry connections while expanding its product range under the Chauvet umbrella. Mike Bauman and Al DeMayo, two of LiteGear's founders, will continue to take active roles in product development, working closely with the film community to ensure the continued release of advance

Details

24 January 2025

Europe - Chinese manufacturer Taylorleds has announced that it is expanding its worldwide distribution network to open up new markets in Europe for its extensive range of large-scale, high-resolution LED video walls as part of its global sales strategy.

A new customer experience centre will open in Reading in February, designed to provide access to the company’s indoor, outdoor and live event LED video walls, the newest among them being the VX Series which is aimed at the rental market and will be launched at the ISE trade show in Barcelona. The Reading centre will provide regular demonstrations to customers, consultants and specifiers, as well as providing a meeting and training space for visitors from all over the UK and Ireland.

Chris Kmiec, sales director of Taylorleds UK, comments: “We’re excited to be opening this dedicated space in Readi

Details

24 January 2025

USA - ACT Entertainment is celebrating its longevity in the music and live sound industry at NAMM 2025 (Booth 11313). Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the ProCo Sound brand and the 35th anniversary of Horizon, one half of the RapcoHorizon brand, the company will utilise its time at the show to pay homage to all the people and products that have influenced its steady growth in the industries it serves.

Though it was officially launched in 2021 with the combined rebranding of ACT Lighting and RHC Holdings, ACT Entertainment’s sales, support and manufacturing processes can be tracked as far back as 1974, to the introduction of ProCo Sound’s audio interface solutions.

“Many of our leading brands have been around for several decades, and we thought 2025 was the perfect time to recognise these milestones,” says Ben Saltzman, CEO, ACT Entertainme

Details

23 January 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the launch of the third edition of its annual proactive conference day, the ABTT Make A Difference Conference, which is committed to finding solutions to current industry issues. The 2025 conference will be held on Friday 28 March 2025 at Rose Bruford College in Sidcup.

The theme for this year’s discussion is Rethinking backstage technical teaching and apprenticeships with and for Industry.

The conference is designed to be more than simply talking. There is no passive sitting and listening at the conference and if you attend, you are to committing to taking action by sharing your thoughts and views. You will spend the day developing ideas and strategies to achieve solutions for the issues discussed.

Following the success of the 2023 conference, which covered t

Details

23 January 2025

UK - Brompton Technology last week celebrated its inclusion in the inaugural edition of The Sunday Times 100 Tech with a visit from deputy mayor of London for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber; Hounslow council leader, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat; and deputy leader and cabinet member for Assets, Regeneration and development, Cllr Tom Bruce.

The visit highlighted the Opportunity Hounslow Business Case for Growth, which aims to unlock £33bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) and create over 18,000 jobs by focusing on transformative projects like Future Feltham and the Golden Mile. It also recognised Brompton’s role in driving innovation, skills development, and community engagement.  

Published on January 19, 2025, The Sunday Times 100 Tech showcases companies making significant contributions to the UK’s technology sector.

Details

21 January 2025

UK - Speaker applications are now open for PLASA Focus Leeds, which returns to the city’s Royal Armouries museum from 13-14 May 2025. Renowned for its welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, the ever-popular PLASA Focus Leeds trade show attracts over 2,000 professionals each year and showcases more than 150 leading brands from across the lighting, sound, AV, rigging, staging and production industries.

Speaking as part of the event’s seminar programme is a unique opportunity to connect with a broad audience, as the sessions draw over 600 industry attendees across two theatres during the show’s two days. 

“Your insights could have an impact far beyond the UK, reaching professionals eager to learn and innovate,” say the show’s organisers. “This is your chance to position yourself as a thought leader, sharing knowledge that could help shape the

Details

21 January 2025

Singapore - Stage 4, a busy rental company based in Singapore, has joined the growing list of Singaporean rental companies to use Ayrton products, and is the first in Singapore to invest in Rivale Profiles.

The company explained its decision to add Rivale Profile to its stock. “We chose Rivale Profile for our inventory so that we can cater for the wide range of lifestyle and conference related events that we work on. We had been using other brands for around 15 years and we needed to replenish our moving heads.

“We had heard lots of positive news from the industry about Ayrton and also from many of the programmers in Singapore, and had seen the fixtures in action in venues. Initially we’d had a concern about the heat given off by the fixtures, but this was quickly dispelled when we were shown the excellent heat management system of these units,

Details

20 January 2025

France - More top names from across the lighting industry have joined the line-up of speakers set to present at Showlight 2025, which visits Dijon, France, this 19-22 May.
With topics drawing from innovations in mixed and multimedia lighting, the illumination of spaces from the smallest venue to the wide open sky, and the subject of climate change and sustainability initiatives, the second batch of names and topics revealed includes . . .

Lighting ‘Cine-Theatre’
Nick Schlieper, one of Australia’s most highly awarded designers, will examine the considerable challenges posed by lighting Cine-Theatre, a style of production which utilises live feed video combined with pre-recorded footage with which the performers constantly interact. The term was coined by a critic, writing about a ground-breaking production of The Picture Of Do

Details

20 January 2025

USA - The 2025 NAMM Show will take place at the Anaheim Convention Centre this week as planned, with events beginning on Tuesday, 21 January running through to 25 January.

As previously reported, there had been fears the wildfires in Northern Los Angeles might cause a postponement.

“We have been in constant contact with our partners and city officials all week, and Anaheim is still unaffected by the wildfires in northern Los Angeles,” said John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM, at the weekend.

“We have confirmed that the air quality is safe, that traffic between LAX and Anaheim will not impact relief efforts, and that our hotel rooms will not displace any evacuees. We want to be sure that we can gather for a safe, successful NAMM Show while also supporting the ongoing relief efforts.”

Mlynczak continued: “The 2025 NAMM Sh

Details

20 January 2025

UK - Lang UK has confirmed that it is now an official rental and sales partner of AV Stumpfl’s Pixera media server system.

Lang UK’s managing director Anika Lauth says of the partnership: “Our whole team is excited to start this journey with AV Stumpfl’s Pixera system. Pixera servers are powerful, versatile and future proof, making them an excellent fit within our portfolio.”

Craig Harrower, managing director of AV Stumpfl says: "With their in-depth market expertise and well-established regional network, Lang UK is an outstanding partner for the UK. Their logistical excellence ensures the fast and reliable delivery of our products. We are confident that this collaboration will enhance our service quality and strengthen our presence in the UK market.”

Lang UK was originally formed in 2017 in Hemel Hempstead, relocating in 2021 to a

Details

17 January 2025

Belgium - Follow-Me has announced a new sales partnership with XLR Pro in Belgium and Luxembourg. The partnership aims to ‘revolutionise live performance experiences’ by integrating Follow-Me’s tracking system with XLR Pro’s range of lighting and audio equipment. As a result, Follow-Me's independent solutions will soon be offered to the entire market. 

The collaboration will bring together Follow-Me’s performer tracking solutions, which supply precise positional data for performers, with leading lighting and audio systems. This synergy is designed to enhance the connection between performers and their audiences by enabling more dynamic, immersive and responsive environments for both lighting and sound. 

Located in Brussels, XLR Pro delivers innovative premium AV equipment to theatres, recording studios, broadcasters, system integrators, r

Details

16 January 2025

Australia - LEA Professional has announced its partnership with Queensland-based manufacturer’s representative Global AV Sales. This partnership will bring LEA’s technology catalogue to the APAC, Middle East, and EMEA residential markets.

This partnership will allow Global AV Sales to offer LEA Professional’s Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity. These series enable integrators to utilise cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected anywhere in the world.

"We strive to continually offer the best of the best to our global network of customers," said Dave Williams, CEO, Global AV Sales. "LEA lives up to and exceeds this standard, we’re looking forward to opening up a whole ne

Details

14 January 2025

USA - The NAMM Foundation has created the 2025 LA Wildfires Relief Fund, committing $50,000, and they are accepting additional contributions. This fund was established in response to the fires in Greater Los Angeles and their devastating impact on NAMM members, music programs, and music professionals in the area.

Needs-based assistance will be provided to NAMM members, employees of NAMM member companies, music education programmes, and music makers affected by the January 2025 fires. The NAMM Foundation is currently performing a needs assessment and will provide more information soon on the distribution of and application process for these funds.

"The NAMM Show has been in Anaheim for 49 years; the LA community is our home and our family,” said NAMM president & CEO, John Mlynczak. “NAMM is committed to supporting the relief and recov

Details

14 January 2025

Europe - DPA Microphones has acquired the majority share of Vienna-based Austrian Audio. Founded in 2017 by former AKG Vienna employees, Austrian Audio builds on that heritage to deliver audio products that are renowned for engineering excellence.

Leveraging over 350 years of combined engineering experience, the mission of the Austrian Audio team is to “Make Passion Heard”. This is accomplished by developing and producing innovative microphones, headphones and audio tools while maintaining a strong connection to the brand’s deep acoustical heritage.

Austrian Audio caught the attention of DPA Microphones with its fast-growing brand, highly skilled team of dedicated engineers and product portfolio that complements DPA’s offerings perfectly. DPA is a leading manufacturer within several miniature microphone categories while Austrian Audio has a s

Details

14 January 2025

Czech Republic - Robe Lighting enjoyed its best ever year in 2024 and is expecting 2025 to be a continuation of that busy and successful trajectory.

Robe starts the new year with an expanded factory premises, ramped up production capacity and a strong and innovative product portfolio – proudly made in Europe – looking ahead to a year filled with positive energy and great results.

The factory in Valašské Meziříčí has nearly doubled in physical size to 130,000sq.m through the latest phase of its development, one of several elements helping Robe to boost production there at its HQ and also at its Karvina plant. The total output has increased by 100% since 2019.

The most recently launched products include the laser-sourced iBolt – the first genuine replacement for retro 7K+ searchlights – the much-anticipated LEDPointe, the all-new

Details

14 January 2025

Europe - IBC has announced that the call for Technical Papers is now open for the IBC2025 Conference.

The Technical Papers Programme offers an opportunity for forward-thinking technologists and companies to unveil their ideas and research to media industry leaders hungry for new technology concepts, their possible uses and practical applications.

The programme welcomes entries from all sectors across the media, entertainment and technology industry. Entries can come from every discipline, whether the entrant is a professional or a professor, a member of an R&D team, working alone or with a global brand – from across any part of the broadcast, communications, electronic media and entertainment fields.

Dr Paul Entwistle, chair of IBC's Technical Papers Committee, said: “Unsurprisingly, AI was our most popular Technical Papers session at

Details

14 January 2025

UK - PLASA has announced changes to its Executive Board and Membership Governing Body (MGB). After seven years of dedicated service as chair, Adam Blaxill of Stage Electrics steps down to join the association’s Executive Board as a non-executive director, replacing fellow former chair, Ed Pagett.

Having previously served as PLASA’s treasurer, Matt Lloyd of 3LR Lighting Ltd now becomes chair, with Koy Neminathan of Elation Professional B.V stepping into the role of treasurer, having previously been PLASA’s manufacturer representative. Adlib’s Andy Dockerty continues in his role as vice-chair. Joining the MGB, Mark Cooper of SES Entertainment Services Limited has been appointed as PLASA’s new manufacturer representative, while Chris West of West Training Services Ltd has been elected as the educational and training representative.

Details

14 January 2025

City of Culture - Thousands of people braved sub-zero temperatures to watch an open-air spectacle starring magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, a 10-year-old rapper and a dozen aerial dancers to launch Bradford's year as UK City of Culture. Frayne told the audience he started his career performing street magic in City Park, where the opening ceremony was held, and that his home city was "going to make its mark on the world" in 2025.

Organisers said about 10,000 people turned out to watch the show, which took place in temperatures of -3C (26.6F). Bradford is the fourth UK City of Culture, a title that is awarded every four years. The scheme is designed to boost the chosen city's visitor numbers, economies and reputations, and Bradford's year has received £15m government funding.

Oh yes it is! - Robin Hood has be

Details

13 January 2025

UK - The Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) has revealed the nominees for the 2025 Excellence in Sound for a Feature Film. They are: A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, The Substance and Wicked.

The award recognises outstanding contributions from sound professionals who bring cinematic stories to life through the power of sound, and honours key roles including production sound mixer, supervising dialogue/ADR editor, supervising sound editor or sound designer, and re-recording mixer. Production sound mixers can nominate a key 1st assistant sound for exceptional contributions, ensuring all critical team members are acknowledged.

Now in its 12th year, the AMPS awards honour the creativity and dedication of professionals across five categories: feature films, TV dramas, factual films

Details

13 January 2025

USA - Elation has announced that Peter E. Schmitt Co (PES), an independent rep firm in the entertainment technology industry, has been named the new representative of Elation products in the Northeastern USA, including the New York City area and New England. The partnership includes the Obsidian Control Systems and Magmatic atmospheric effects lines.

Located in northern New Jersey just west of New York City, PES delivers lighting solutions to a wide array of clients. Operational since 1926, and now in its fourth generation of ownership, PES is not only well-established but also one of the most respected in the Northeast, known for its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company has served as a representative for the Elation brands since 1 December 2024.

To support the new partnership, PES has announced the hiring of James Suit as

Details

10 January 2025

USA - Organisers of the 2025 NAMM Show, scheduled to take place 21-25 January in Anaheim, are monitoring the wildfires in and around nearby Los Angeles. As of today, 10 January, the show will go on.

“We are closely monitoring the wildfires in Los Angeles and their devastating impact on local communities,” says NAMM president and CEO John Mlynczak. “During the past few days, our efforts have been focused on reaching out to our members and partners located in the metropolitan Los Angeles area to confirm their safety. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

“Anaheim is located 60 miles southeast of the wildfires and is currently unaffected.  We are actively working with our partners in Anaheim and the local authorities to ensure we have accurate, up-to-date information. Both Los Angeles International (LAX) and Orange County (John Wayne) airpor

Details

10 January 2025

Spain - Production Futures has announced that its team will be present at this year’s ISE in Barcelona, where it will take over the Live Events Stage on Friday 7 February for a focus on inspiration, networking, training, and career growth in live event technology and broadcast.

The organisation exists to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop careers in production across every area of the live event, music, touring, theatre, TV, broadcast and film industries, and this will be its first venture outside the UK.

Part of ISE’s Fast Forward Friday initiative, the takeover is targeted towards production newcomers in the first five years of their careers, and aims to promote a day of learning that will help develop the skills and confidence to meet career challenges head-on.

Mike Blackman, managing di

Details

09 January 2025

Europe - ISE 2025 returns to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via from 4-7 February 2025, offering a platform to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and peers.

With a wide range of categories and the experiential Audio Demo Room feature, ISE 2025 covers all technologies essential in creating impactful live events including stage lighting, rigging and staging equipment, loudspeakers, DIVA control consoles, spatial audio, holography, video mapping, intercom systems and more. ISE 2025 will showcase the tools and solutions that are driving the industry forward.

A ticket to ISE 2025 grants attendees access to eight expansive halls, including the newly added Hall 8.1. There are seven distinct Technology Zones and the Innovation Park, where startups showcase their groundbreaking ideas on the Pitching Stage.

ISE 2025 features an expanded Lighting and St

Details

09 January 2025

South Africa - Monster Productions & Events has expanded its lighting inventory with a substantial investment in Elation lighting equipment. Known for delivering event production, particularly in the corporate sector, Monster Productions’ latest acquisition includes Elation KL Panel softlights, Rayzor 760 moving head effect lights, and Artiste Picasso profile moving head luminaires.

Specialising in large-scale corporate events, awards ceremonies, press events, and year-end functions, Monster Productions has over 25 years of experience providing expert production solutions. With this new lighting investment, the company is further solidifying its ability to deliver spectacular event experiences.

Monster Productions’ owner and CEO, Lloyd Wild comments: "The KL Panel is a brilliant all-rounder for our day-to-day corporate events. Whether we need