Martin Professional seemed to have half a hall at its disposal, filled with its various sector-specific product ranges and a very hospitable bar which L&SI was honoured to attend once or twice. Mark Ravenhill showed us the new extension wing for the Maxxyz lighting control desk, which is now beginning to make its mark on the live touring circuit. The extension offers two extra banks of 10 playbacks for larger shows, with motorized faders and LCD buttons as per main console. The extension slots easily onto either side of the desk, thoughtfully catering for both left- and right-handed operators.
New to Martin's DJ product range is the Mania PR1 high precision gobo projector. This 250W unit can take steel or glass (D-size) gobos, and offers adjustable gobo rotation speed and a colour slot for interchangeable colour filters. Also new for the DJ market, the EF1i is a 100W fixture which combines a 19-beam flower effect with an eight-pattern motorized wheel to produce a range of decorative effects.
Link introduced new products in its LK connectors and Eurocable ranges. For its new LKS rubber locking ring, Link is offering a free replacement service in the case of a break within three years; encouragingly, this includes a 'no questions asked' policy - so you can do what you like with them. The company also introduced rubber locking rings for its LKH connectors and for the LK Audio range of connectors.
This was the third SIB since the exhibition switched to a biennial basis in 1998, and the second since it moved to the new, out-of-town Fiera. In common with most other international exhibitions of late, SIB 2004 appeared a slightly smaller event than previously. Obviously, this is partly a reflection of economic conditions; European exporters have been hit hard by the weakening US dollar, and this on top of the catalogue of disasters which has helped to dent business confidence in recent years. However, anecdotal evidence from more than one exhibitor (and one of those a major player), suggests that the decision to go biennial is also a factor: some, it seems, believe that by making that move, SIB relegated itself from the trade show top flight.
But let's not be too negative; this was a busy show for the most part (although the organizers' claimed 70,000+ visitors seems to have more than a touch of 'bella figura' about it), and while the exhibitors that we spoke to didn't exactly buzz with excitement, there was still an overall positive feeling that the show would prove to be worth it.
SIB was complemented, in adjacent halls, by a musical instrument exhibition (called DISMA, although it wasn't as bad as all that) which brought an extra dimension to the core event. While SIB this year had a strong pro audio presence in terms of exhibitors, as well as the SoundPower line array shoot-out, the pro audio rank and file were keeping their powder dry for the ProLight&Sound show.
The main complaint would have to be about the road infrastructure serving the new venue. Even wit
Czech Republic-based Robe Show Lighting go from strength to strength, launching six new products at SIB. The new ColorWash 1200E AT is a powerful moving head washlight with CMY colour-mixing, variable CTO, two colour wheels (each with six easily replaceable slots for colours and effects) and a combined dimmer/shutter among its many features. The unit offers a zoom range of 7-50°, depending on the lens type used. Also included is an electronic ballast for flicker-free operation, a large LCD display (as seen on the company's ColorSpot 1200 AT), and an Ethernet connection.
Among its other launches were the ColorSpot 575E AT - an electronic ballast version of its popular ColorSpot 575 AT, offering flicker-free operation, enhanced light output, extended lamp life, power-saving mode for economy and reduced weight, while the same large LCD display and Ethernet connection add to its user-friendliness.
For the DJ market, Robe's new DJ Roller 250 XT utilizes the same housing and functions as the DJ Scan 250 XT with the addition of a mirror barrel. Also new, the ColorMix 575 AT extends Robe's range of static colour changing fixtures to full-power. Features include CMY colour mixing, a colour wheel with four colors and 3200°K, 5600°K and UV filters plus open, separate shutter and smooth dimmer. Robe also introduced the DMX Control 512 - a new unit offering control of up to 16 fixtures with a maximum of 32 channels each. Finally from Robe, its own DMX lighting and visualization software package - Cyber Control - which enables lighting programmers/operators to use a computer rat
Tryka LED had recently sealed a distribution agreement with One 4 All. This was the first time Tryka had demonstrated its LED colour-changing lighting products to the Italian market. Indoor fixtures include colour changing strips in a variety of lengths (with the option of optics to control the light output), the flexible LinkLED in either single-colour or RGB, the popular MR16-sized Module 3 and Module 6 and the bigger Module 12. Tryka's outdoor range features IP67 and IP68 rated units (the latter suitable for underwater installations); projectors include the Module 12 (equivalent in size to AR1-11/Par 36) and Module 36 (now available in IP68 version) and in-ground units like the compact but bright Module 1.
Space Cannon introduced an extensive line-up of new architectural lighting fixtures utilizing high-power Luxeon LED sources. These included the Helyos external colour-changing fixture; the Heos in-ground colour changing fixture for internal applications; the Olympus colour changing washlight for indoor and outdoor use; the Athena striplight - ideal for colour-washing individual window spaces; and the Poseidon underwater colour changing washlight. These fixtures were in addition to the range of conventional source fixtures, including the Pegasus - a 150W/250W unit which uses a patented colour-mixing system consisting of two dichroic tubes, one of which slides in and out of the other to produce a wide range of colours and shades. Using the same colour change system is the Focus, available in 575W, 600W, 700W or 1200W versions.
Chinese manufacturer Pearl River recently signed with Italian distributor EtaBeta Electronics. The company was demonstrating a wide range of fixtures at SIB including its Pilot 575 moving head, which is available in 100/120V and 200/240V versions, and includes various colours (two wheels of six dichro colours plus white), gobos (seven interchangeable glass gobos plus fixed wheel) and effects (including three and five-facet indexable prisms).
EtaBeta's other brands include Opti, and Neil Rice was on hand to demonstrate the Opti range - new products included a clip-on gear-driven 50mm effects cassette for the company's range of projectors, and a variable speed Solar and K4 wheel rotator, which is also operable via the same remote IR controller which Opti introduced recently for its range of slide/gobo autochangers Also from Opti was a new clock projection attachment which now includes a memory chip; the previous model relied on rechargeable batteries to keep time while the projector was powered down. Also from Opti, an up-to-date version of its classic 'Splodascope' liquid projection effect (described by one SIB visitor as 'nervous liquids'!). The new version includes two pumps, one for each fluid chamber. Finally from Opti, new DMX versions of its popular 150W and 250W discharge GoboShow and GoboPro projectors were on display, the latter sporting a new co-axial X-Y mirror head, a clever arrangement which avoids the common problems of cable fracture on fixtures of this type.
UK - The PLASA Show 2004 takes place at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London from 12-15 September. Now in its 27th year, the PLASA Show focuses on innovation with new features, product launches, professional development opportunities and displays and demonstrations from the leading brands and pioneering manufacturers and innovators in the industry.
Emphasising the importance of training and education, the PLASA Professional Development Programme (PPDP) reinforces the importance of continual learning as an integral aspect of the show. This year's sessions are designed to focus on technical hands-on training, industry debate and networking to appeal to lighting and sound professionals at every stage in their career.
Building on the success in 2003 of the inaugural Architectural Audio & Visual sector, this year there will be a village of exhibitors that are associated with voice alarm and public address, architectural lighting, building design and the audio-visual sector. This will be complemented by a central bar to provide plenty of networking opportunities.
A major attraction for visitors to the PLASA Show is the opportunity for meeting old friends and catching up on industry news at the hub of the show in the Central Meeting Area. And, of course, the ever-popular DJ Sunday will once again attract some of the UK's leading amateur DJ talent on Sunday 12 September.
(Lee Baldock)
April - Design Considerations for Buildings: 28 April, Interbuild, Birmingham.
This RIBA-supported seminar has been developed to provide architects, designers and installers with essential information when designing buildings for corporate or entertainment use.
To register email: nicky@plasa.org
May - Working at Height Update: 11-12 May, AC Lighting North, Leeds.
To continue the momentum from the two seminars held earlier this year, PLASA's technical standards manager Ron Bonner will deliver an overview of the compliancy issues surrounding the new legislation with examples on how to risk assess working at height.
To register call A.C. Lighting on +44 (0)1494 446000
Employment Law Seminar: 18 May, Victoria, London.
Free to members: Businesses have been faced with radical changes to the Employment Law in recent months and there is more to come. Delivered by Clive Payne of CP Associates, this workshop will give practical advice on dealing with current key legal employer obligations and employee rights. It will also provide a working knowledge of the future changes in UK employment law expected this year. There will also be an opportunity to discussindividual issues.
To register email: nicky@plasa.org
We know there are numerous demands on Members' time, however this is a rare opportunity to get free advice on how to develop your business, discuss common concerns with others in the industry, hear about market trends and network with other PLASA members.
On Friday 11 June, we are heading to Celtic Manor in Newport (two hours from London) for our AGM and Association Day. The first part of the day - the AGM - will cover what we are doing for members and will be a chance for you to raise questions or highlight issues you'd like feedback on.
Following lunch, Mike Southon, better known as the Beermat Entrepreneur, will get you thinking about how you can rekindle the entrepreneurial flame in your business. After a mid-afternoon break for coffee, you then have two options - you can either join a 45-minute workshop on sales or one on leadership, motivation and teamwork.
During the course of the day we'll also have business specialists on hand, experts who will give members free professional advice on issues such as employment and commercial law; intellectual property; training; standards and health & safety. The day will end with an hour-long drinks reception to allow members further time to network.
The day is FREE to all members - all you have to do to attend is fill in the booking form which will be mailed shortly. And if you don't want it to end there, you can stay on for Dinner and make a night of it.
UK - The A.C. Lighting North trade show (11-12 May 2004) will see products from some of the leading entertainment technology companies making their UK trade show debut in Leeds.
Chroma-Q, exclusively distributed by A.C. Lighting, will unveil the first in a new line of high output LED products. The Colour Block is a modular block of four DMX-controlled colour mixing LED lights which can be easily configured in stacks or rows to make battens, blinders or any combination. Colour Block also features a unique user interface offering Hue, Saturation and Intensity control of each fixture, plus a fully variable effects engine. From Jands (also exclusively distributed in Europe by A.C.) will be the newly launched Vista lighting console, with its ground-breaking timeline-based approach to lighting control.
Other new products on display will include Martin Professional's Ego 4 DMX effect and Maxxyz Wing console, Pulsar's OutStation 1 remote DMX lighting controller and MR16 ChromaHeart illumination fixtures, Clay Paky's Alpha Spot, Alpha Spot HPE and Alpha Wash HMI 575 moving body projectors, Selecon's Pacific Followspot and 80V power supply, Avolites' eDMX system and ART2000s standalone dimming module, Beyerdynamic's Opus 800 and Opus 300 radio mics, Zero 88's Diablo lighting controller and Rack 6/Install 6 dimmer range, a range of tape and label products from Le Mark Group, Sennheiser's Evolution G2 Wireless and Versatile mic ranges, DAS's Dynamic Active Series speakers, Anchor's Liberty series of portable sound systems, Allen & Heath's LedLamp, and Community's MIR, T Cla
UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians annual showcase - ABTT, which runs for two days (16-17 June), this year promises to be the biggest ABTT show ever, according to the organizers. The event is 85% sold, with only 20 stands still available across The Lindley Hall and its new area - The Assembly Halls.
ABTT is the only dedicated forum in the UK for companies to showcase products and services aimed at professionals in theatre and auditoria. Boasting a broad cross-section of companies servicing this expanding market, over 16 audio companies are exhibiting from around Europe. New to the show are Alcons Audio from the Netherlands and Ben Ri from Spain.
With the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) coming into force later this year, many audio companies are taking a lead on this front, including installer Orbital and manufacturer Sennheiser, showcasing its Wideband SI 1015 dual-channel Infra-Red systems, which are designed to cater for sensory impaired individuals. By simultaneously transmitting hearing reinforcement and audio description, these systems cater for both hard of hearing or partially sighted and blind patrons allowing them to enjoy a theatre experience.
In addition, ABTT is the platform for the UK debut of Trantec's S6001 - the single receiver version of Trantec's international award-winning S6000 system. Sennheiser will debut its new G2 - second-generation evolution wireless system to the UK market. Total Audio Systems will showcase Pyramix Audio workstation from Merging Technologies as well as Sony's new 800 series radio mic system. Sound
USA - Visual Terrain recently completed the lighting design for Space: A Journey To Our Future, a traveling exhibit created by Clear Channel Exhibitions. Space opened at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington 22 November 2003.and continues until 9 May 2004. Considering the unique requirements of a traveling exhibition, designers Lisa Passamonte Green and Matt Levesque developed a lighting system to blend the creative desires with the practicalities of the project's lifespan. "Our goal was to create a design that enhanced the special features of each environment by integrating much of the lighting within the scenic elements," Passamonte explains. Using a combination of architectural and theatrical fixtures, Visual Terrain created the coolness of space with the warm magic of discovery.
"We were fortunate to work with such a creative and experienced team lead by Nancy Seruto of Seruto & Company and Chip Foody - the master electrician - who was instrumental in executing the complexity of the design," added Levesque. Space: A Journey To Our Future opens next in St. Louis, Missouri at the St. Louis Science Center, 5 June, 2004 - 3 October 2004.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Switzerland - Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the latest addition to the European audio-visual sector exhibition circuit, took place in Geneva's cavernous Palexpo complex in early February and was generally considered to have been a success on several fronts. The event, which is jointly sponsored by CEDIA, ICIA and NSCA, was spread over three days and included an extensive education and training programme alongside the exhibition in which around 120 companies promoted their products and services.
In a bullish build-up, the three associations promised to deliver "a unique trade exhibition and conference designed as a business-to-business event by industry insiders for the entire industry". Exhibitors did indeed cover the various industry sectors that are increasingly being integrated - commercial and residential sound, display, ommunications, security and audio-visual systems were all represented.
At the ISE Business Conference which preceded the show, delegates were presented with statistics that show the tremendous growth in the systems sector. The European projector market, for example, is worth a reported 2.1 billion euros and is estimated to grow by a compound annual growth of 19.1% between 2001 and 2006, and the home cinema market will grow by 250% in three years. ICIA executive Randal A Lemke noted: "The European market, different in so many ways from those in the US and Asia, is also being affected by the same profound convergence of technologies driven by global forces."
While the Palexpo is low on atmosphere, visitor numbers from
UK- Many familiar faces from the lighting industry attended the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden on 10 February, for the opening of an exhibition which celebrates the life and work of the late Michael Northen. Known to many as the first lighting designer of British theatre, Northen lit over 300 productions during a distinguished career that spanned six decades. In addition to being a prolific lighting designer, he was the first LD to gain a printed credit for lighting designer in a programme.
Speakers at the event included Mark Jonathan, well-known lighting designer and manager, who represented members of The Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) - an organization Northen founded with Joe Davis and later became chairman and then president of in 1995. Also speaking was Robert Camac - Michael Northen's long-term partner whom he was with from1948 until his death in 2001, and Giles Waterfield - Northen's nephew. All recounted some wonderfully warm and funny stories of days working and living with Michael Northen.
Surprisingly, this is the first exhibition at the Theatre museum dedicated solely to the work of an individual lighting designer, and I would hope it will go some way to raising the profile of lighting designers and the invaluable artistic contribution they make to many a staged production.
Northen's career began when he used his £300 gratuity from the RAF to build a model theatre, which eventually took on the scaled proportions of the Royal Opera House! Many came to see the theatre; one designer in particular, Leslie Hurry, had been asked by John Gielgu
USA - Event production company massAV has appointed Stephen Santomenna as director of production. In his new position he will lead massAV's growth in large event staging, live events and production. Santomenna has over 20 years' experience in the industry, having worked on Broadway and staged events on five continents. Prior to massAV, Santomenna served as an executive producer and director of technical services for Preston Productions, facilitating the management of events for EMC, API, IBM and PTC-User. His background also includes various positions with Image Engineering, Trinity Repertory Company and as a contract designer, technician and project manager.
(Lee Baldock)
PLASA - through UK Trade & Investment - has secured government funding for UK exhibitors to CALM 2004, which takes place from 30 May-2 June at the China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing.
All eligible UK companies planning to exhibit at CALM can receive a grant for 50% of costs, up to a limit of £2,500. The grant covers expenditure on such areas as exhibition space, stand construction costs, freight and display materials. For further information, contact Norah Phillips on:
MARCH - Intellectual Property Seminar: 25 March, Victoria, London.
Free to members: This DTI-supported seminar will cover all the issues surrounding intellectual property including trade marks, patents, copyright and counterfeiting, as well as giving practical advice on the most effective way to protect your products and brand.
To register email norah@plasa.org
APRIL - Design Considerations for Buildings: 28 April, Interbuild, Birmingham.
This RIBA-supported seminar has been developed to provide architects, designers and installers with essential information when designing buildings for corporate or entertainment use.
To register email nicky@plasa.org
MAY - Human Resource Workshop: 18 May, Victoria, London.
Free to members: Clive Payne of CP Associates will discuss employment issues and advise members on the impact of new legislation.
To register email nicky@plasa.org
JUNE - PLASA AGM & Association Day: 11 June, Celtic Manor, Wales
Free to members: Advice on how to develop your business, discuss common concerns with others in the industry, hear some hard facts on market trends and network with other PLASA members.
To register email ruth@plasa.org
UK - The Evenser Group, the UK's largest event services company, has announced a refinance and restructure package agreed with its majority shareholders (comprising funds managed by Candover) and its principal bankers. Evenser will demerge the companies that make up the Broadcast and Presentation Services divisions to a newly incorporated company to be called Blitz Charter Group Ltd ('Blitz'). Following the restructuring, Blitz will operate as an entirely independent broadcast and presentation services group and Evenser will operate as an independent events services group.
Following the demerger, the Evenser Group will consist of Arena Event Services Group and Melville Exhibition Services, headed by David Walley and Nick Marshall respectively. The new Blitz Charter Group will comprise Blitz Communications and Charter Broadcast, which will be headed by Paul Hutton and David Carr.
The restructuring has been prompted by the differing requirements of the two parts of the group as they move forward and is designed to allow each part to focus on its core business, innovating in the market sector it knows best. Evenser and Blitz will continue their working relationship without the constraints of a group structure, say the company.
Barry Day, CEO of Evenser Group commented: "In the current market conditions it's essential that we focus on what our clients want and what we are best at. The restructure allows us to do just that."
Japan - The World Lighting Fair 2004 takes place from the 24- 26 June at the Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall in Japan. A showcase for state-of-the-art products, technology, and information about lighting for the entertainment industry, the exhibition presents the best of lighting technology for use in a broad range of applications, including the stage, television, motion pictures, theme parks and cultural presentations, as well as retail and trade show environments.
The 2002 event saw 73 exhibitors attending, including 52 from Japan and 21 from overseas. Twenty-one of the participants displayed their products and services at WLF 2002 for the first time because they knew that this exhibition is the best forum to reach the both the Japanese and growing Asian market. In just three days, WLF 2002 drew more than 20,000 visitors.
WLF 2004 will also host a variety of seminars and workshops conducted by lighting professionals, including Patrick Woodroffe (lighting design), Francis Reid (theatre lighting design), Gerry van Hezewyk (Esplanade Theatres, Singapore), Akari-Lisa Ishii (Lite-Cibles, Paris), Feng De Zhong (Central Academy of Drama, Beijing) and Charlie L. Zhang (ACN specialist).
Mark Fisher will design the monument for the theme of WLF 2004 - 'Infinity beyond light', which will be built on the event site. The tower will be lit by the original lighting designs of Patrick Woodroffe and also of young lighting designers from China, Korea, Hong Kong and Japan.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - The A.C. Lighting North Tradeshow returns to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds on 11-12 May this year, following another hugely successful event in 2003. The show is an important exhibition in the industry calendar for buyers in the Midlands and the North of England, providing the regions with a definitive showcase of today's entertainment technology market under one roof.
Following last year's highly popular format and the increasing level of interest shown in the event, visitors to this year's show can expect an even bigger list of exhibitors attending from A.C. Lighting's stock-holding of leading lighting, audio and associated equipment manufacturers. As well as the chance to catch up on the latest product innovations from these brands, visitors will also have the opportunity to receive hands-on demonstrations and gain expert advice face-to-face.
A range of free product training sessions and seminars will be held throughout the two-day show. Again, delegates will benefit from the knowledge of a range of industry experts covering key topics such as working at height, networking for entertainment, LEDs (applications and limitations), projection in the digital age and timeline programming - a new approach to lighting control. Visitors will also be able to take advantage of some exclusive 'show-only' exhibitor prices on the day for selected product lines.
Jonathan Walters, A.C. Lighting's northern sales director commented: "Having only started the show a few years ago, we are absolutely delighted with the level of interest and support received so fa
UK - Lighting&Sound International magazine's latest L&SI Network event - a backstage tour of Cirque du Soleil's Dralion at the Royal Albert Hall - took place last week and was a huge success. Places on the tour, limited to just 30, were snapped up quickly, with attendees coming from all across the UK, including Northern Ireland and Scotland, to take part. Following the tour, the attendees stayed on to see the matinée performance of the show.
The tour included a behind-the-scenes look at the lighting, sound and set elements of this highly complex production, but by far the most fascinating element was the rigging, by Summit Steel, which has allowed Dralion to move seamlessly from its familiar big top environment to the RAH. To get an idea of the complexity of the rigging set-up and view the forest of flying points required, L&SI's visitors were taken right up into the roof of the venue, and were given the opportunity to gaze down at the set through the Hall's flimsy-looking iron grille - 135ft above the auditorium floor.
Paul Duval, lecturer in technical production at Brooksby Melton College, who came on the tour with a group of his students studying technical production disciplines, said he was very impressed with the tour, particularly with the opportunity it gave his students to see first-hand the immense importance of rigging - and of the associated health and safety issues - to productions of this type.
Our thanks to all involved - particularly to Adrian Bray, Jason Call and Ges Edwards-Webb at the RAH, to Chris Walker of Summit Steel, Bob St
China - Billed as "the largest and most comprehensive light and sound event" in China, Calm Expo 2004 is set to be 30% bigger than the previous year, according to the organizers, IIR. Occupying a total indoor exhibit area of 55,000sq.m and building additional halls outdoor, the show has grown rapidly with many exhibitors returning for bigger exhibit space, say IIR.
The event will see over 800 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, giving visitors a chance to view the latest offerings in the professional audio, lighting, AV and music industries from the industry's top companies. Calm Expo 2004 is expecting to attract over 55,000 visitors over a span of four days. The last event attracted 50,000 visitors from all over China. Calm Expo is featuring a new show segment - Audio Visual Systems Integration (AVSI). AVSI presents one single market access point featuring the latest AV technologies and systems integration products. With the opening of the China market and seeing the integration of AV into the pro audio sectors in recent year, AVSI evolves as a natural extension to Calm Expo show and the industry it represents, reflecting the increasing importance of lighting, sound and AV technologies as an integral part for installations of entertainment outlets, leisure venues, and commercial installations.
Rosalind Ng-Seah, managing director, Asia said: "The interest from both manufacturers and distributors wishing to penetrate the China market is remarkable. More than 90% of our regular exhibitors are returning again this year in addition to hundreds of n
UK - The Annual General Meeting of the Production Services Association (PSA) was held recently at the Novotel Hammersmith in London and saw the appointment of two new members to the council - Lee Charteris of StageAccess.com and Mick Bowles, a freelance event, site, production, safety and licensing manager.
The meeting was followed by the PSA conference, which included important announcements on the new National Rigging Certificate and the PSA's proposed Safety Passport scheme in association with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The day's activities were followed by the Annual TPi Awards dinner where it was announced that the magazine's owners, Mondiale Publishing, would be seconding Total Production magazine's co-founder, Andy Lenthall, to the PSA to be their full-time general manager. At the same time, Mondiale will be contracted to the PSA to manage the accounting, administration and promotion of the association.
Commenting on his forthcoming appointment, Lenthall said: "After attending one PSA Council meeting, I was hooked and left wondering how Total Production could help. Things quickly escalated and before we knew it we had the perfect package. Firstly, greater communication utilizing Mondiale's publishing expertise and expanding the relationship between the PSA and Total Production magazine. Secondly, tapping into the experience of Mondiale's involvement with BEDA, the respected trade association for the club and bar industry will pay instant dividends. Finally, there is my passion for the concert production business, which is matched