P-AV Productions has been involved in the production of the X Factor, directly for Thames, since 2006. P-AV worked closely with PRG and LarMac LIVE to produce stand-out performances from Take That, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and One Direction, it was a massive production and visually spectacular watched by 10,000 people in the arena and a television audience of 9.1m.
Nearly 100 crew were onsite from 3-17 December, assisting with the install, show days and de-rig. During the install the crew were split into six teams; site, set, lighting, power, rigging and PA. Those based around the site were responsible for unloading trucks, setting up the stage and erecting scaffolding towers.
During the live show the Showforce crew were tasked with the set turnarounds for all the different acts, including risers, lighting and props. The crew also separated and distributed 10,000 torches to the audience that added to Ed Sheeran's performance and handed out the "Stay with Me" cards for Sam Smith's.
Paul Anthony-Viollet, owner of P-AV Productions commented, "The Showforce crew were a pleasure to work with, highly skilled, professional and experienced, which is exactly what you need when you are putting on a production of this scale. Their positivity and contribution onsite was invaluable in the delivery of what is undoubtedly one of the television highlights of the year."
(Jim Evans)
