TSL's custom structures are all designed to withstand the weather
UK - The BAFTAs welcomed film stars and royalty to London’s Royal Albert Hall in February, as the industry honoured those making waves on the big screen. The all-important red carpet - where the paparazzi anxiously awaited famous faces - was flanked by a rigging and lighting solution designed and delivered by TSL Lighting.
The British weather proved to be another well-known guest at the proceedings, with high winds and heavy rain in the run-up to, and on, the big night. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined a who’s who of the global film industry for the ceremony, which was broadcast live.
TSL's Neil Harvey, worked alongside colleagues Ali Morris and Rory Mackay to realise the challenging and prestigious project, working to a brief from event designer and producer Lucy Smail, of WD&P. The red-carpet arrival area required the construction of 12 TSL custom-designed truss towers, a 40m-long ground support truss structure and a four leg self-climbing structure.
“Every year, we’re faced with new challenges and this year was no exception,” says Harvey. “Strong winds and torrential rain were forecast but we were prepared. Our custom structures are all designed to withstand the weather, and with all jobs of this type we’d prepared a full wind management plan in advance so that our clients, crew, and Westminster Council were all aware of the measures we put in place to keep everyone safe. We’ve worked on this event for such a long time that we know what to expect - the moving lights and LED fixtures which we use outside the canopy are all fully outdoor rated, so a bit of rain poses no problem.
“I’m proud of the TSL team and how we overcame the difficulties to help produce another great event.”
Harvey’s lighting rig consisted mainly of ARRI 2kW tungsten compact fresnels, SGM P5s, Aquabeams, Martin RUSH Pars and Martin VDO Sceptron 10 battens.
“This project was a fantastic example of TSL’s ability to provide a joined-up, full lighting and rigging package, planned and executed with single point-of-contact project management,” says TSL managing director, Sam Tamplin. “Our teams work together to plan both lighting and rigging as one, which makes us more efficient on-site and offers better value for the customer.”
(Jim Evans)

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