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17 September 2024

Off The Campaign Trail - Former US President Donald Trump has been found liable to pay damages to singer and songwriter Eddy Grant for using his song Electric Avenue without permission. It has taken Grant more than four years to sue the Republican candidate in this year’s presidential election in the US courts, over his 2020 campaign video that used a 40-second clip of the song.

The video was viewed 13.7m times before Twitter, now known as X, took it down. A federal judge in Manhattan ruled Mr Trump breached Mr Grant's copyright for his 1983 hit and is now liable for damages as well as paying for the singer's legal fees.

Grant's battle with the former President began in August 2020, when he was seeking re-election to the White House. On Friday, Judge John G. Koeltl rejected arguments from Mr Trump’s lawyers that the Twitter video was shi

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12 September 2024

UK - Sony has released new research into employers’ approach to sustainability in the media and entertainment industry in Europe. Titled Means & Mindset: The state of sustainability in the media industry, the report sheds light on how seriously the industry is taking steps to become more environmentally conscious.

The research, which was conducted using Sony’s own European contact database, was aimed at presenting a realistic view of the industry’s sustainability credentials, which included both positive changes already made, but also the barriers to further, more significant change.

The encouraging news is the research found that while only 40% of businesses cared about being seen as more sustainable, nearly three-quarters of businesses (73%) have implemented operational changes to reduce their environmental impact. The most actio

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10 September 2024

Dynamic Pricing - The UK competition regulator has launched an investigation into the sale of Oasis tickets, including the use of "dynamic pricing". The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether ticket-selling platform Ticketmaster breached consumer protection law. Dynamic pricing meant that, on Ticketmaster, where tickets to the reunion tour were originally sold, prices rose in line with demand.

The investigation will examine whether: Ticketmaster engaged in unfair commercial practices; buyers were given clear information to explain that the tickets could be subject to price rises; people were put under pressure to buy tickets within a short period of time. The CMA's probe follows widespread criticism of dynamic pricing over the past week from Oasis fans.

Many said they ended up paying significantly more than they expected for

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03 September 2024

UK - The winners of the 2024 PLASA Awards for Innovation were announced last night at PLASA Show, currently running at Olympia London. The awards, run in association with LSi, are respected industry-wide for celebrating future-focussed technology that improves safety, efficiency and performance through new methods and materials.

44 products were entered this year, with the judges ultimately awarding eight products. And, for the first time in a number of years, the judges were delighted to also award the sustainability award. This year’s judging team comprised 13 independent technical specialists from a wide array of backgrounds, chaired once again by chartered engineer and LSi columnist, James Eade.

The winning products and judges’ comments are listed below:
Glensound for GTM Mobile  
The judges felt that this f

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03 September 2024

On The Campaign Trail - ABBA have complained after their hits like The Winner Takes it All were played at one of Donald Trump's presidential campaign rallies. The group's songs and videos, also including Money, Money, Money and Dancing Queen, were also played at the event in Minnesota in July, according to Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet.

In a statement to the Reuters news agency, the band's record label Universal Music said: "Together with the members of ABBA, we have discovered that videos have been released where Abba's music has been used at Trump events, and we have therefore requested that such use be immediately removed and taken down." The label said no permission or licence had been granted to Mr Trump's campaign.

ABBA are the latest in a long list of artists or their estates who have objected to Mr Tr

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29 August 2024

UK - Production Light & Sound, a provider of production equipment hire in the live events industry, has announced that it has become the leading supplier in the North of England for Green Voltage's sustainable power solutions.

From its headquarters in Leeds in Yorkshire, the company is taking a significant step forward in providing environmentally conscious power alternatives for events of all sizes.

Its recently expanded offering includes a range of portable battery power systems with solar panels, making it easy to support clients seeking clean, silent and sustainable power sources for events, live broadcasts, film productions and festivals.

Sarah Buckmaster, company director and technical manager at Production Light & Sound, said: “Our commitment to reducing carbon footprint and embracing eco-friendly practices has led us to this

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28 August 2024

Europe - Riku Kauppinen, director of business development for MA Lighting, died on 16 August. He was 52 and had been battling cancer. MA Lighting paid tribute:

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Riku Mikael Kauppinen, who died peacefully on Friday, 16 August 2024, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with cancer. Riku was surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his passing.

Riku was a highly respected and beloved figure in the lighting industry, known for his innovative approach, technical expertise, and unwavering passion for his work. Riku held a Master of Arts in Theatre and Drama with a specialisation in Lighting Design from the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki. His education and early experiences shaped him into a leader who was not only skilled but deeply connected to the art a

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27 August 2024

Record-breaker - Taylor Swift finished the European leg of her Eras Tour with a record-breaking show at Wembley Stadium that was packed full of surprises. The star was joined on stage by Florence + The Machine and by Bleachers frontman Jack Antonoff, rewarded fans with the premiere of a new music video, and gave the first live rendition of her song So Long, London.

It was Swift’s eighth concert at Wembley this summer - overtaking a record for any solo singer, which was set by Michael Jackson with his Bad tour in 1988. "You just made me the first solo artist to ever play Wembley eight times in a single tour," she told fans. "We will never, ever be able to thank you enough for it." The tour has criss-crossed Europe all summer, with the Wembley finale marking the 131st date of her two-year trek.

Brighton rocks - Brighton Hip

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22 August 2024

UK - Named in memory of renowned industry innovator and commentator Tony Gottelier, the Gottelier Award recognises sustained or significant contributions to product development in the entertainment technology industry.

Pre-registered PLASA Show attendees, PLASA members and LSi magazine readers are eligible to vote for the Gottelier Award. The recipient will be announced during the PLASA Awards for Innovation ceremony at PLASA Show on Monday 2 September.

The nominees for the 2024 Gottelier Award are:

Robin Elias, senior rigging consultant, Unusual Rigging

Robin Elias began his career in rock ‘n’ roll, touring with bands such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Queen, and Genesis. Over 35 years ago, he sold his rigging company to Unusual Rigging, where he became technical director, delivering riggin

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20 August 2024

Fake News - Donald Trump appears to have falsely implied he has Taylor Swift's endorsement, posting fake images on social media of the singer and her fans supporting him. The Republican presidential candidate posted the message "I accept!" alongside the images, which were taken from other social media accounts. Many appear to have been created using artificial intelligence. The post sparked a backlash among Swift's fans who accused Trump of spreading misinformation. The singer has not endorsed a candidate in the 2024 election but backed the Democrats in 2020 and criticised Trump while he was president.

Giving Back - An East Sussex music festival is helping people through the cost-of-living crisis by launching a 'pay what you can afford' scheme. Boundary Brighton said the scheme comes "as a ‘thank you’ for seven years of support and in re

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16 August 2024

UK - In another creative bid to engage young people with the production industries, Production Futures recently staged a brand activation at Bludfest, which took place at Milton Keynes Bowl on 11 August. The lineup, curated by singer-songwriter, Yungblud, attracted a diverse range of fans, including many young people for whom the Production Futures pop-up provided insights into possible careers in the production sector.

The Production Futures stand was located in the fan-zone entrance, and as well as providing information about the organisation’s upcoming On Tour shows, ran a series of popular competitions designed to attract the interest of young people with limited knowledge of the wide range of opportunities in the sector.

Representatives from some of Production Futures’ brand partners not only helped construct the stand but also made themselv

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15 August 2024

UK - The Showman’s Show, Qdos Event Hire, and the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) have partnered to launch the Event 100 Club. The collaboration, borne out of the combined ages of the organisations, as they each celebrate significant anniversaries, will see the launch of an experiential events exhibition at The Showman’s Show this autumn, and the creation of a networking club for industry professionals.

This year NOEA, The Showman’s Show, and Qdos will celebrate their 45th, 40th, and 15th anniversaries respectively, and will work “to bring their collective experience together, in a physical form, where the industry can meet, network and use as an influencer space.”

Over the course of the event, NOEA and Qdos will be using the space to host senior business and governmental stakeholders to better understand the industry, its challen

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06 August 2024

Postponed - Venues around the country have reported postponed shows and damage to property following violent riots. Sunderland Empire was forced to postpone two nights of performances following riots in the city, which also saw nearby venue the Fire Station report damage to its premises.

Elsewhere, a children’s dance performance at the Regent Theatre in Stock-on-Trent was cancelled, after the ATG-owned venue went into lockdown because of nearby violence and Theatre Royal Plymouth cancelled a performance of The Devil Wears Prada musical on 5 August.

Fringe Matters - Edinburgh city centre was affected by a widespread power outage that wreaked havoc on the first day of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The outage caused disruption at several venues, including Pleasance Dome, Gilded Balloon Patter House, Assembly George Square St

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02 August 2024

UK - For one glorious day, on 11 July, the industry came together at the Backup Village Fete to raise much needed funds for supporting those working in the industry when they need it most. This year’s event smashed all expectations, raising a record-breaking £56,300 on the day. Even the weather could not resist a day out, as un-forecast sunshine made a welcome appearance for the duration of the event. “The Parish of Backup has its own micro-climate,” suggests chair of Backup and Mayor of the Parish Fete, Lee Dennison.

The Backup Village Fete is the natural evolution of KartFest into a more inclusive and engaging day out for the industry. Ten years after the first racing helmet was donned, straw hats are now a key item of apparel.

Since the event’s inception, the charity has benefitted from extraordinary donations and the industry has enjoyed

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31 July 2024

USA - TAIT Group companies productionglue and Thinkwell will now be operating within a singular TAIT brand identity.

“TAIT has always pushed the boundaries of storytelling. With the creative and producing capabilities of Thinkwell and productionglue, we are offering an unmatched depth and breadth of skill to our partners,” said Adam Davis, chief executive officer, TAIT. “We bring a legacy of innovation and a desire to solve impossible problems. Solidifying this singular brand represents a fusion of creativity and technology, which provides unparalleled possibilities for our partners.”

“Our new brand identity is a reflection of the deep expertise and strength of our unified TAIT organisation, consisting of the most exceptionally skilled professionals in the business,” said Jennifer Kurland, chief brand officer, TAIT. “Representing TAIT a

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30 July 2024

UK - John Simpson was a force to be reckoned with, a passionate collaborator and true pioneer of the theatre industry. Chair of Backup from 2016 to 2022, John improved the lives of many through his hard work and tireless dedication to the theatrical industry.

The Backup trustees are gratefully announcing that this dedication has continued after his death with a generous legacy bequeathed to Backup. Through this gift, John has enabled Backup to move forward confidently into 2025 and beyond, safe in the knowledge that technicians in need will continue be able to count on their support. John’s generosity will also enable more training to take place, furthering the reach of Backup’s support network and bettering the lives of even more people throughout the industry and beyond.

John worked tirelessly for over 50 years in theatre. His interest was form

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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09 July 2024

After The Campaign Trail - Lisa Nandy will become secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport after Thangam Debbonaire’s electoral upset. Nandy, the former shadow international development secretary, will assume the post that classically trained cellist Debbonaire had hoped to take on in the new Labour government.

Within the past 13 years, 12 different people filled the culture minister’s position for the Conservatives. Although Nandy does not have an arts and culture background, she has held a number of positions in Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet. Previously shadow ‘levelling-up’ secretary, she is a member of the Unite union and has expressed support for remaining in the EU and promoting an international outlook.

In a statement, Nandy said: "I am thrilled to be appointed to DCMS. Its industries give meaning to millions of lives and brin

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02 July 2024

UK - Pixl Evolution, provider of event technology and production services, has recently achieved ISO 27001 certification. This significant milestone underscores the company's dedication to ensuring the security and privacy of client data.

In today's digital events landscape, ensuring data security is crucial for both event organisers and their chosen suppliers. Pixl Evolution, who achieved the certification as part of the Entertainment Technology Partners (ETP) family of brands, is proud to be one of the few technical production companies to achieve ISO 27001 certification.

The ISO 27001 certification process is rigorous and demanding. It requires companies to establish a comprehensive framework for managing information security risks. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, implementing robust security controls, and maintaining a culture of secur

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02 July 2024

Airport Music - Heathrow Airport has launched a live music stage. Based in Terminal 5, the first show featured performances from acoustic rock band China Bears, folk singer-songwriter The Halfway Kid and R'n'B artist Olivia Nelson.

Heathrow said those performing on the stage have "access to an audience bigger than Glastonbury", as it expects 30m passengers to travel through its terminals this summer. "The Heathrow Introducing stage isn't just about providing entertainment, it's about propelling careers to new heights," said Karoline Komolafe, of music events company Sofar Sounds, which has partnered with Heathrow. "It's a game-changer for those aiming to break into the industry, especially with festival season at its peak, offering exposure to execs travelling through.

Heathrow director of services Tonia Fielding said: "We're proud that we're providi