UK - PLASA Media has learned that First Leisure Corporation, operator of 28 nightclubs throughout the UK, has gone into administrative receivership. RSM Robson Rhodes LLP partners Simon Bower and John Whitfield were appointed joint administrative receivers of Leicester based First Leisure Holdings Ltd and its two principal trading subsidiaries, First Leisure Corporation Plc (First Leisure) and First Leisure Trading Ltd on the 11 May 2004.
First Leisure, the second largest nightclub operator in the UK, currently operates 28 nightclubs across England, Scotland and Wales. Created as a management buy-out from First Leisure Corporation Plc in 2000, the Group successfully disposed of its 'Brannigans' pub chain in the same year, leaving it to focus on its nightclub operations. The difficult trading environment was exacerbated by substantial property lease liabilities reverting back to the Group, following the failure of 'Brannigans' in 2002 and more recently 'Springwood', in February 2004.
Recognizing the necessity to address these underlying issues, the board had made considerable progress over recent months towards restructuring the business, but was unable to secure the support of these key creditors. In the absence of this support, the directors had no alternative but to seek the protection of a formal insolvency procedure.
Simon Bower, one of the appointed receivers, commented: "First Leisure is the latest casualty of the decline in the nightclub sector. The Group has, however, a core business that is essentially sound, around which management have developed
USA - On Thursday 6 May 2004, just before David Bowie was due to start his A Reality Tour at the James L. Knight Centre in Miami, a local lighting technician, later identified as Wally Thomas, fell 50ft to his death from a metal wire and rod ladder. Investigators are now trying to determine the circumstances which led up to the death of Thomas who had worked in the industry for 25 years and was an extremely experienced stage technician.
The Miami Herald reported that Homicide detective, Ed Avila told them: "Wally Thomas and two other workers - who were looking after stage spotlights - were all wearing full body harnesses. However, the speculation is that Thomas was not clipped into the safety line when he fell to his death.
According to colleague and stage hand Chris Ryan - who has worked with Thomas since 1978 - he was stunned to hear he was on a truss spot to begin with as he did not usually work at height, following a near-fatal fall 15 years ago, and secondly that he was very upset that he was allowed to get on the ladder without his fall arrest.
It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that local crew follow health and safety rules to the extent that they are supposed to stand at the bottom of the ladder and not let anyone climb without the proper equipment and training.
Light & Sound Design/Fourth Phase supplied the lighting for the Bowie tour and Bob Manners, the company's VP of business affairs, apparently said that the firm was still investigating to check if Thomas was using LSD equipment.
Local head of the International Al
UK - Carlton-Lee Business Development was set up to provide experienced business development consultancy services to companies in the consumer and pro audio markets, particularly those looking at expansion and diversification. The company has now started a division to specifically look after public relations and marketing services - Carlton-Lee Communications.
Derek West of Carlton-Lee explained: "Business development is a very confidential service, as detailed strategy, financial and product development issues are discussed - we won't even disclose client's names. PR, on the other hand, is very open and up-front and the whole industry can be aware of who you work for. Because of the demand for PR from clients it became very obvious that I had to split the two services by operating separate divisions, one for business development and one for communications."
West continued: "As my background covers 20 years of technical, sales and marketing experience in all sectors of the audio industry, minimal input for PR is needed from the client. The PR service we provide is, therefore, not a drain on their internal resources and is fast and cost effective. I think this is partly the reason why this side of the business has grown so fast."
Prior to starting Carlton-Lee, West held various senior management or board level positions with TEAC, Rycote, Dynaudio Acoustics, Sennheiser UK and Tannoy, where he instigated and managed the company's Professional Division.
(Sarah Rushton - Read)
UK - From November 2004, ExCeL will become London's latest entertainment venue, with a capacity of up to 17,000 seated and 20,000 standing. The purpose-built venue offers fully flexible configurations for concerts, sports events and family shows, plus regularly available time-slots for rehearsals and sound checks.
Says Rob MacKenzie, ExCeL's London EventCo managing director: "Already London's premier venue for exhibitions, we are perfectly placed to host large-scale entertainment events. This has always been part of ExCeL's medium term strategy and is a logical extension of our existing client base. We are delighted to announce this move and with the assistance of our strategic consultant Andrew Zweck, who has 25 years' experience in the industry, we hope that ExCeL will become a popular venue for concerts and entertainment events."
The phenomenal success of the Schroders London Boat Show has proved that ExCeL can attract and handle large public audiences and the previous prominence of the London Arena clearly demonstrated the thriving market for live music east of London Bridge. Current conference and special events clients are already using ExCeL's existing semi-permanent auditoria. Because the auditoria is semi-permanent, it means that ExCeL can offer promoters real flexibility and a range of configurations for 8,000, 10,000, 13,000, 15,000 and 17,000 seats. Layouts for 20,000 seated in the round and up to 20,000 standing can also be accommodated.
Zweck comments: "ExCeL is a fantastic venue which potentially offers a whole new audience for pr
UK - Thames Valley University (TVU) is hosting a music technology conference sponsored by major computer company Apple on Tuesday 11 May, aimed at keeping the music and technical staff at HE and FE institutions keep abreast of developments in this field. There will be a series of talks about and demonstrations of Apple computer software for music technology, and also for video production. This event is open to staff and students from TVU, staff from other further and higher education institutions and to the public upon application.
The conference will include presentations by Apple or related key industry personnel on software such as Logic Pro, GarageBand and FinalCut Pro. Some presentations will be followed by a demonstration of the package in use, by TVU lecturers.
Richard Liggins, senior lecturer in music technology at TVU, commented: "It is crucial for us to have strong industry links in music technology, and Apple is a main player. We use their software in all our facilities, and are really pleased to be able to offer our students and graduates the opportunity to hear more from this important company."
Limited places are available to the public. To reserve a space, please contact Leonie Gillman at Apple either by phone or email.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - The alarming truth about Britain's nightclubs has been revealed in new research published by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) - the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the UK. The report, A noise hangover?, is based on the findings of a covert survey of 15 nightclubs in five UK cities - London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast - and reveals noise in Britain's clubs has reached damaging levels.
RNID commissioned the survey, which measured noise levels in three different areas within each club - the dance floor, the bar and the chill-out area. It found that in some venues, the noise was so loud on the dance floor - sometimes as loud as an aircraft taking off (approx. 110dB(A)) - that for those clubbers regularly exposed to loud music, the cumulative effect could be very damaging. Someone who goes clubbing once a week could potentially be putting their hearing at risk, even if they only spend a few minutes on the dance floor on each occasion, say the RNID.
The most worrying readings were, however, taken in chillout rooms - areas set aside for clubbers to sit down and give their feet and ears a break. Out of the 15 nightclubs surveyed, three didn't provide any obvious chill-out areas - or if they did, these areas were closed on the evening the survey took place. In the remaining 12 nightclubs, noise levels in the supposedly quieter areas averaged 92.3dB(A) - over 12 decibels higher (or 16 times the sound energy) than the 80dB(A) average recommended for the workplace. Especially worryi
PLASA has launched a new healthcare scheme for members that reflects the changing needs of the industry. The Foresight Healthcare Plan, offered through Westfield, represents an excellent risk management tool for employers and an employee benefit that will be highly valued.
The new scheme offers cost-effective solutions to employee health and can be used on its own or in conjunction with private medical insurance. All pre-existing conditions are covered, no medical is required and there is no waiting period.
For as little as £1 a week employees can claim back the cost of dental, optical and therapy treatments (physiotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic). The plan also covers specialist consultations and provides early access to MRI, CT and PET scanning.
One of the key benefits for members will be the Employee Assistance Programme, which offers telephone or face-to-face counselling for staff on work-related issues or personal problems.
For further details contact Norah Phillips at the PLASA office on
UK - Public relations agency Dimes & Sillitoe has appointed Anne Liversidge, who joins the company at its Kingston, Surrey office. Having left the position of marketing manager at pro audio manufacturer Audient in March to move back to London, Liversidge is now splitting her time between her vocation as a holistic therapist, and working closely with the PR team.
Taking responsibility for press release distribution and follow-up, database management and client administrative services she is looking forward to reacquainting herself with some familiar industry names.
Managing director Nick Dimes is delighted with the new addition to the company, he says: "With her six years experience at both Audient and Expotus, Anne's knowledge of the industry will be invaluable to us." He continues: "Her German language skills and ability to liaise with clients and journalists alike will also be a great asset to the team."
(Lee Baldock)
USA - The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) has announced that Clear Channel Entertainment has made a substantial $100,000 donation to the development of the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). Upon announcing the donation, Brian Becker, chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Entertainment, said: "We put on more than 30,000 live entertainment events around the globe each year and our top priority is creating a memorable experience for the fan. A lot of factors go into making that happen and having a safe setting to enjoy the event is one of them. We are proud to take the lead in supporting a program like this that will benefit our entire industry."
Clear Channel's exceptional donation further demonstrates its commitment to safety in the entertainment industry. "The ETCP Council is delighted that Clear Channel Entertainment has recognized the significance of this program with its very generous donation. This program could not go forward without the support of industry leaders like Clear Channel. It is essential for the success of this program to have support from the employers of entertainment technicians," said Tim Hansen.
ETCP is developing and will be implementing a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians. The ETCP Fundraising Campaign is seeking funds for the development stage of the Program which is expected to become self supporting once the initial development phase is complete. The target for the campaign is $750,000 and Clear Channel's contribution bring
UK - I know, I can't believe it either - ENO has banned the use of the word 'darling' by any new member of staff when addressing their colleagues within its sacred walls. As one opera lovie said to me: "It's simply outrageous darling - I mean, every other word I say is 'darling'. You can bet they don't ban the word f***ing on stage!"
This particular edict is in response to a re-education document released by the government designed to enforce guidelines on sexual discrimination at work. The document bans 'suggestive remarks or lewd conduct that denigrates or ridicules or is intimidatory or physically abusive of an employee because of their sex which is derogatory, or insults which are gender related." It then continues to say that "the use of affectionate names such as 'darling' will also constitute sexual harassment."
Whilst I am all too aware that sexual harassment can be a vicious and painful experience for its victims, I was more than a little surprised that the powers that be felt that banning the word 'darling' might offer part of a solutions package to workplace bullying at its worst.
I did hope that this was simply a cynical treatment of a government directive by the theatre-world lovies to demonstrate how ridiculous this particular part of the ruling is! Even more ridiculous is that those already incumbent staff at ENO have permission for continued use of the offensive word - it's only incoming staff who will not have that privilege and - according to an ENO spokesman - those who breach the guidelines can expect to be d
USA - Mike Wood Consulting LLC has announces the launch of a web-based database containing full versions of patents relating to entertainment lighting. Although patents are public documents which can be obtained from the various Patent Offices around the world, it takes time and resources to locate the ones you want. This new, freely accessible database makes it easy to get hold of important or interesting lighting industry patents and will help keep you up to date with new patents as they issue.
The system is fully searchable and currently contains nearly 400 US patents including both utility and design patents: applications and European patents will follow. Complete copies of all patents in the database are available for immediate download as PDF documents.
To access the database visit the web address below and follow the 'Industry Patents' link.The database is for general information only and is not intended to offer comprehensive or sufficient information to enable a full legal analysis of a patent or potential infringement. If you have a question about a specific factual situation, you should contact an attorney directly.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - May 26 2004 sees the launch of the Musicians Channel (M-Channel), the first digital television channel dedicated to encouraging, inspiring and educating all people with an interest in musical activity. The launch is seen by many key figures within the music industry as a new dawn in creating opportunities and the teaching of music. It will be broadcast on the Sky platform, free to air, and plans to make itself available to as many digital homes across Europe as possible. And, the channel's owners believe, there is a huge market for a service of this type, citing research by the National Campaign for the Arts, which reveals that 53% of UK adults (23 million) take part in arts or crafts activity, and as many people play a musical instrument as play football.
The main aim of the channel is to promote participation in music through access and education - and to equip its potentially huge audience with the necessary skills to realize their creative potential, whatever their musical ability. The first phase of programme content will feature tuition and advice on guitar, bass, vocals, drums and percussion, keyboards and harmonica. Filming for these is nearly complete at M-Channel's Maidstone Studios in Kent, where it has its own studios and offices. The programmes will feature a range of top class musicians, along with many well-known artists, eager to 'give something back' to the audience that helped them to where they are today. To complement these programmes hundreds of 'Tips and Tricks' snippets will also feature to provide the viewer a wider understanding of bec
USA - Three new documents have been posted on the ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association) website for public review. Two of them are draft American National Standards, while one is an informational handbook, designed to help camera crane operators use cranes safely. Comments are requested by the dates indicated below.
Camera Crane Operator's Handbook: Public comment is invited on a proposal to publish a Camera Crane Operator's Handbook. Camera cranes are simple devices, but improper use of them can result in injury or death. The handbook is intended to offer nonbrand-specific advice on how to use a camera crane safely. The public review of the Camera Crane Operator's Handbook is scheduled to run until 17:00 Eastern Time on 8 June. The complete public review packet, including the draft handbook, is available on the ESTA website at www.esta.org/tsp/CC_Handbook_inst.htm.
BSR E1.23 Draft Fog Standard: BSR E1.23, Entertainment Technology - Design and Execution of Theatrical Fog Effects, is available for public review. The purpose of the document is to offer atmospheric effects creators and operators guidance in the planning and execution of theatrical fog effects so that the health and comfort of workers and spectators shall not be compromised by excessive exposure to chemicals or by the obscuration of hazards or safe paths of egress. In addition, the draft standard is intended to help avoid nuisance triggering of fire detection systems, while preserving adequ
Iraq - Capital Productions' contract with Combined Services Entertainment (CSE) - which provides entertainment to HM Forces serving worldwide - last year extended to Iraq.
With a high number of British troops stationed in Basra, the shows tend to be more complex. Here Capital created the staging, barriers and ground support system, supplied the backline kit and sub-contracted the lighting from Brian Leitch's company, Siyan.
Capital's Paul Timmins told us: "I'm always striving to improve on the equipment and I desperately wanted to use the Martin line array system. It's the first time these premium speakers have been in the sand."
An array of eight W8L enclosures and six ground-stacked WSX subs were positioned either side of the stage, supported by a further six Martin Audio W2s for barrier fills. With air support provided by the Royal Air Force, some 24 tons of equipment was flown out from Brize Norton on C17 heavy lift aircraft during the week preceding the show. "The first time we worked in Iraq we suffered from sand being blown into the equipment," continued Timmins. "But now we build walls of ISO containers behind the stage, which serves as a wind and sand barrier."Aided by the ISO wall, the Martin Audio system performed perfectly. "We had an audience of 5,000 standing - and the sound was fantastic," Timmins said.
UK - Experienced industry executive, Garry Broadbent, has been confirmed as the new MD of CRS Ltd and Powerent. Broadbent will take the reigns at two of the Longville Group's specialist equipment rental companies after a complete restructure by the new board which was appointed at the end of last year. CRS is one of the country's leading climate control hire specialists and Powerent provides power and generator solutions.
Broadbent was one of the original founders of CRS in 1995 and moved with the company, becoming sales director, when the Longville Group acquired it in 1999. Broadbent not only has a background in sales but also mechanical engineering, which is crucial in what is a technical, installation and solution driven market.
Broadbent said: "The restructure at Longville has created a great opportunity for our businesses to focus on their own unique strengths and customer base. We are excited at the opportunities which lie ahead, the teams at CRS and Powerent are ready to rise to the challenge."
The appointment follows a complete restructure of the Longville Group which is now operating as three separate businesses giving greater focus to its individual equipment specialities.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Installation Europe in association with TOA Corporation are inviting installers, consultants, distributors and manufacturers to nominate projects for the 2004 Golden Ears Award. The Award will celebrate excellence in the design of electronic systems in commercial buildings.
First prize is a dream tour of the Far East, sponsored by TOA Corporation to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. For an entry form, please visit the website below.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
USA - A new company has been formed to chronicle, produce and distribute a shared history of production touring from the perspective of industry professionals. Roadcases, founded by Paul Dexter and Larry McNeny, is in its early stages of development, beginning with a website along with a new idea for a cable television series and a future book.
Dexter has been writing steadily in American industry magazines since early 2000. "I wrote an article early on called 'Is there Life After Rock'n'Roll Touring?'" says Dexter. "After touring, going out into the real world with rock'n'roll attitude was a huge shock. I need freakin' therapy now and I've discovered that I'm not the only one."
McNeny and Dexter met on Ozzy Osbourne's 'Diary of a Madman' Tour in 1981-82. McNeny was the tour manager, as he had been for the BeeGees and Eric Clapton, and Dexter was Ozzy's lighting designer, having finished a two-year stint with Rick James. The pair remained in contact, even through remarkable career changes and locations.
In January of this year, McNeny rang Dexter and asked if he would be interested in developing a cable TV pilot, that would feature road tales, but told first hand, interview style, by touring road crew. "In retrospect, it seems like we were developing the idea the whole time and didn't realize it," says Dexter. "We would ask each other 'have you heard from Rob' or 'what's happened to'?"
"The character and personalities of people that tour are unique," says McNeny. "We want to capture the accounts of some
Full: Sico Europe (+44 1233 643311), specialists in floors, stages, screens. Laser Light International (+44 1234 326777), manufacturer of 'Stealth' laser systems.
International: Oxo (+33 1 69 10 33 90), developer of intelligent lighting.
Associate Business: (+44 117 971 1490), supplier of lamps, colour and equipment.
Associate Student: Alex Lewer, a student on the BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology and Design Course at Brunel University.
UK - Tower Productions of Edinburgh has opened an hire facility just South of Oxford at Watlington to better serve an ever increasing client list in the South and Midlands. Offering a full dry hire service of; lighting, dimming, control, rigging, mains distribution, and event heating equipment, hires can be delivered at very cost effective rates, or may be collected from the warehouse just off the M40 and only an hour from North London.
Tim Shaw of Tower Productions said: "The company aim to offer the slightly less usual items like; single phase Prostar motors (run 11 from one 13a socket) and rated keder clamps for tent rigging, white minuettes and birdies, 240v exterior birdies, exterior par cans etc."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
PLASA is working with the VPLT on the translation of the new German rigging standards.
Consulting with International members about new initiatives.
Launching a new healthcare scheme for members. Full details next issue.
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.
USA - Ballantyne of Omaha, a manufacturer of motion picture projection and specialty lighting equipment including the Strong International range of followspot products, has reported financial results from continuing operations for the three- and 12-month periods ending December 31, 2003. Net revenue from continuing operations for the three months ending December 31, 2003 rose 44% to $11.1 million, up from $7.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2002. Gross profit from continuing operations in the quarter rose 110% to $2.7 million from $1.3 million in the year-ago period, due to lower manufacturing costs resulting from increased sales volume and a more favourable sales mix.
John P. Wilmers, president and CEO of Ballantyne, commented: "The financial health of the theatre exhibition industry is steadily improving and our customers are gaining improved access to capital for new theatre construction. Our sales began improving in the second quarter of 2003 and grew stronger as the year progressed, resulting in a 14% increase in projector unit shipments on a year-over-year basis."
For the 12-month period ended December 31, 2003, the company reported revenue from continuing operations of $37.4 million, compared to $33.8 million in the year-ago period. Gross profit from continuing operations in 2003 increased 53% to $8.6 million, or 23% of revenue, compared to $5.6 million, or 17% of revenue, in 2002 due to lower manufacturing costs resulting from increased production volume.
The Company's expectations for 2004 include continued improvement in projector unit sa
UK - After almost 14 years, David Wilmore has left his job as head of the technical division at the Harrogate International Centre to concentrate full-time on his theatresearch theatre restoration practice. The theatresearch work has been expanding over the last few years working on projects that include the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond (1788) and the Gaiety Theatre & Opera House on the Isle of Man (1900) and Wilmore felt that this was the right time to explore and develop other projects.
theatresearch has recently been involved with Hayles & Howe (specialist ornamental plasters) with the dismantling of the Royal Opera House in Scarborough. Prior to demolition the auditorium was dismantled and key elements carefully stored for future reconstruction in the same way that the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith and the Dunfermline Opera House were. It is hoped that the theatre will one day be rebuilt elsewhere, so anyone requiring a 1908 Edwardian theatre - take note!
The theatresearch practice is also currently involved with a number of projects including the Charles Phipps' Royal Theatre & Opera House, Northampton (1884), the Bertie Crewe's Palace Theatre, Redditch (1913) and Frank Matcham's Theatre Royal and Opera House in Wakefield (1894). Wilmore said: "We are now looking to concentrate exclusively on the restoration of historic theatres, developing conservation strategies and providing theatre consultancy services." The practice will be moving into new, larger office accommodation in the next few months where it will also be able to offer research and mee
Australia - StageAccess.com, the entertainment information resource, gave the Australian market an insight into the potential available to them at the beginning of this year. Developments manager Helen Baker spent two months demonstrating the site; including stints backstage at Robbie Williams' concerts, awareness promotion at Big Day Out and presentations at Australian Music Week.
Baker, who is returning to her native Australia in mid-March, will continue to support and help increase the Australasian and Asian community membership on the site. She told us: "We had an amazing reception to the concept wherever we went. There has been a huge amount of interest in the Teams Tool function, with people such as Garry and Christo Van Egmond, AC/DC's promoters, expressing a desire to investigate the application further.
"There's also a big demand within the Australian community to be able to access all sorts of information for the Asian market, especially venue information. Venues that have registered in Europe have already seen the value of having their technical specifications centralized. Shepherd's Bush Empire, one of the first venues to register, say they've saved a lot of time and effort by just being able to direct people to the site, rather than having to send out venue specs for each enquiry. And because the web is global it means that it doesn't matter where you are in the world, all that knowledge is available to anyone who has access to the internet. It's an immensely powerful tool for anyone, absolutely anywhere to have at their disposal."