Canada - BlackTrax brought their expertise to the live sports industry and added a new level of immersive artistry to the recent NBA All-Star events. Whether you were spectating from home or within the arena, the NBA raised the bar by transforming how fans engage in sports broadcasting through the integration of immersive technologies, including BlackTrax, into the games as they happened in real-time.
In collaboration with ASB GlassFloor, the NBA left fans in awe as the traditional glossy hardwood floor was upgraded to a 27m-pixel screen displaying real-time visuals and animations. Certified for the highest level of professional sports competitions by federations such as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and International Volleyball Federation, ASB GlassFloor is more than just a flooring system; it's a versatile, multi-functional solution.
The surface of the court, known as LumiFlex, became the focal point of the evening, featuring graphics, video relays, and interactive games.
BlackTrax played a crucial role in enhancing the excitement and interactivity of the games, thanks to its seamless integration with GlassCourt OS, the interactive software solution developed in partnership with ASB GlassFloor. Integrated with both LumiFlex and GlassCourt OS, BlackTrax was used to not only track hosts, players, mascots, entertainers, and audience members but also trigger animations that enhanced the players' movements in real-time.
The collaboration between BlackTrax and GlassCourt OS was instrumental in transforming the LED court into a
Germany - LEaT con, the trade fair and conference for the event and entertainment industry, reports that 80% of the available exhibition space has already been sold to exhibitors.
Taking place from 22 to 24 October 2024 at Hamburg Messe, LEaT con has established itself since 2022 as a community hub for professionals from the event and entertainment industry.
With a list of over 150 exhibitors and more than 180 brands presenting the latest technologies, services, and solutions, the event offers a platform for exchanging ideas, promoting innovation, and building new contacts in the entertainment industry.
"We are overwhelmed by the positive response and the trust the industry places in LEaT con," says Duc Nguyen, director of LEaT, organiser of LEaT con. "Reaching 80% of the exhibition space sold at this early stage is a clear sign that our vision of creating a networking hub for the event and entertainment industry is needed, and we have convinced with our concept."
LEaT con will cover a wide range of topics, including the latest trends in audio, lighting, and stage technology, innovative event technologies, sustainable event planning, and much more. The Studioszene - the community event for audio engineers, producers, and home recorders - will additionally expect the top audio brands in the exhibition hall B6.
In addition to the exhibition, there will be an extensive programme of masterclasses, workshops, lectures, and panel discussions led by industry leaders and key players.
With only 20% of the exhibition space remaining, LEaT c
France - At Les Rencontres Trans Musicales (aka Transmusicales or Les Trans) The music starts at 9pm and continues virtually nonstop until morning. This process is repeated over the course of four days inside 100,000sq.m of cavernous airport hangers at Rennes Airport Parc Expo.
The festival was founded 44-years ago by Béatrice Macé and Jean-Louis Brossard, who still run the event today.
Whether it’s Iranian American trip-hop innovator Rahill, or French Israeli jazz drummer Roni Kaspi, the festival embraces a potpourri of artists for the express purpose of finding “the next big thing”. Les Trans has done quite a good job in this quest. Nirvana got what many regard as their first big European exposure at the festival, so too did Björk, Cabaret Voltaire and Daft Punk.
Future stars, as well as established artists, performing in the festival’s spacious Greenroom hanger were supported by a dynamic and colourful lightshow with all the flexibility necessary to reflect their highly individualised styles and personas. This was accomplished thanks to a skilfully crafted lighting design by Julien Trochu the LD of West Evénement, that featured a collection of Chauvet Professional fixtures.
Drawn from West Evénement’s own inventory, these fixtures included 10 Rogue RH1 Hybrids, which were used to provide parallel beams above the stage, as well as for counter lighting; and 24 Rogue R2 Washes, positioned on the periphery of the room and arranged in blocks of six. Also adding to the visual impact were six Vesuvio II RGBA+UV LED colour mixing fo
Germany - Yasmine Riechers is to become the new CEO of Georg Neumann a subsidiary of the Sennheiser Group. In her new position, she takes over from Ralf Oehl and will be responsible for further expanding Georg Neumann's global business and driving forward the company's strategic direction.
Yasmine Riechers was previously head of the corporate development office of the Sennheiser Group.
"We are very pleased that Yasmine is taking over the management of Georg Neumann with immediate effect. Together with the Neumann management team, Yasmine will be responsible for the focus and further strategic direction of Neumann," says Andreas Sennheiser, co-CEO of Sennheiser. "Yasmine brings a strong combination of strategic thinking and international experience that will help Neumann continue to grow and strengthen the global footprint of the world-renowned brand," adds Daniel Sennheiser, co-CEO of Sennheiser.
Riechers will assume her new role with immediate effect. Most recently, as part of the extended executive management board of the Sennheiser Group, she headed the family-owned company's corporate development office. Prior to that, she worked at Sennheiser Greater China as director of operations and subsequently as country manager.
She started her career in human resources at Sennheiser in 2008, before joining Vier S Beteiligungsgesellschaft as project manager and later moving to BR Science and Technology and Siemens Transformer's Traction Transformer Division, returning to the Sennheiser Group in 2015.
"Neumann has an excellent reputation in
USA - Meyer Sound has announced the acquisition of Audio Rhapsody, a startup founded by sound designer Jonathan Deans. With the acquisition, Meyer Sound strengthens its position in the theatre sound sector, utilising Deans’ expertise to develop software solutions to expand the company’s portfolio of integrated digital systems.
This partnership is the latest milestone in Meyer Sound’s legacy of innovation in theatre sound. From collaborating with sound designer Abe Jacob in 1980 to bringing the UPA loudspeaker to Broadway, to developing the new NADIA network-based digital audio platform, the company has continually pushed the envelope.
Deans is known for his pioneering work in immersive sound and his commitment to advancing the artistry of the craft. With multiple Tony and Drama Desk award nominations to his name, he has contributed to hundreds of productions spanning Broadway, the West End, and beyond and crafted soundscapes for 15 Cirque du Soleil productions. His relationship with Meyer Sound goes back to 1978 when he met founders John and Helen Meyer while working on a production of Evita using a Meyer-designed JM-3 loudspeaker.
Meyer Sound acquired Deans’ company Level Control Systems in 2005, leading to an expansion of the company’s digital solutions.
“Jonathan is a recognised leader in the world of theatre sound,” says John McMahon, senior vice-president of Meyer Sound. “We’re excited to join forces with him and his team as we continue to build upon our successes and expand our investments in the sector. My rela
UK - Celebrating two decades since their formation and gearing up for the release of their first album in five years, January saw British rock band Bring Me the Horizon (BMTH) embark on a sold-out arena tour across the UK and Ireland.
The nx_gn wrld tour featured a display including a 500-panel LED setup, courtesy of Video Design and powered by Brompton Technology LED processing. Video Design’s Alex Leinster comments: “Not only is this tour promoting the band’s new album, it’s also an anniversary year for them, so we were asked to create their most awe-inspiring display yet, something to suit the scale of an arena and festival stage.”
Video Design was responsible for supplying and managing the screens, processing, and camera package. “On a fast paced, highly technical, large-scale production like this, it was crucial for us to use the top brands to ensure the best quality and reliability. That’s why we specified ROE LED screens coupled with Brompton Tessera processing,” adds Leinster.
Known for their electrifying performances in over 50 countries and recent headline slots at Reading & Leeds and Download festivals, Bring Me the Horizon's new tour supports their album, Post Human: Nex Gen, set for release later this year.
Its visual centrepiece comprised a large V-shaped ROE CB5 Visual Carbon LED screen flanked by smaller IMAG screens, all powered by four Brompton Technology 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors, along with six Tessera XD 10G data distribution units, with two feeds running on a closed loop to provi
USA - When the Sphere opened last fall to resounding acclaim at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, another eye-opening yet distinctly intimate entertainment venue made its debut at the same resort, Voltaire. Presented as an entirely new kind of entertainment space, Voltaire features architectural and theatrical lighting by renowned design studio Lightswitch, with Elation luminaires playing an essential role in crafting its atmosphere.
“I think it’s interesting to compare and contrast those two modalities, two totally different experiences and two ways of thinking about entertainment,” Lightswitch principal John Featherstone says of Sphere and Voltaire. “Both venues offer experiences pushed to the extremes, one a massive edifice of technology that immerses you in a grand experience, and the other a beautiful, small, intimate space that offers a remarkably personal experience.” There is a need for both, he emphasises, so that people can curate the kind of experience they want.
Lightswitch were brought to the project by award-winning environmental and scenic designer Derek McLane, a frequent Lightswitch collaborator. Lightswitch curated a one-of-a-kind aesthetic for Voltaire, drawing upon their expertise in architectural lighting design, theatrical system design, and entertainment creation. Norm Schwab, principal at Lightswitch’s San Francisco office, collaborated with Featherstone on the cross-disciplinary project.
Voltaire is fashionably chic. Guests are enveloped in an opulent, art-deco-inspired ambiance, complete with plush furnishings and
Germany - Hololot has confirmed its inclusion in the Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, sitting alongside OpenAI, Youtube, Beyonce’s Parkwood Entertainment and others. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are ‘shaping industry and culture through their innovations, setting new standards and achieving remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy’.
“Our mission is to create unparalleled experiences of sound to enrich people’s memories and ultimately lives. Being named as an innovator by Fast Company, and joining such a prestigious list of companies, is a true testament to the impact of our work and the wider recognition of what that means for society,” says Holoplot CEO, Roman Sick.
“Having a tech company like ours included in the ‘Music’ category is also a statement as to how technology can elevate art beyond just sound reproduction and become a creative tool in its own right."
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is both a comprehensive look at the innovation economy and a snapshot of the business trends that defined the year,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “We saw extraordinary innovation across the board in 2023, but we also saw a handful of clear patterns: the growing footprint and impact of AI, the triumphant return of live events, and great leaps forward in climate tech. We face daunting challenges on many fronts, but the solutions we celebrate in MIC give me plenty of hope about the future.”
Germany - This week, the biggest and brightest names in international sports and media technology will gather for SportsInnovation at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Duesseldorf. At this, invitation-only event, ARRI is set to present its impressive technology portfolio of camera and stabiliser equipment that ‘elevates live entertainment and sports broadcast environments to new heights’.
ARRI is new to the roster of selected exhibitors at SportsInnovation this year and presents a bespoke lineup of tools and workflows that are helping to shape the future of spectator sports. During the event’s Innovation Games, ARRI showcases its Multicam and camera stabiliser systems through live game demonstrations in partnership with the Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) and the National Football League (NFL). These real-life applications, featuring live soccer and American football matches, endorse the benefits of using ARRI technology for live sports entertainment and present various broadcast solutions that professionals can use today.
The ARRI equipment on the field includes a 12-camera ARRI Multicam system setup with ARRI Signature Zoom lenses and the camera stabiliser systems TRINITY Live and 360 EVO.
Germany - Events technology company Show’Em is focused on one market sector - corporate events at which every detail of the production must reflect the brand values and design ethos of the clients and their products.
And often that client is one of Germany’s leading car manufacturers, for whom Show’Em delivers end-to-end event organisation and in whose home city of Ingolstadt the company is also located.
“We have been working together with AudiAG since 2001, which has developed into a strong partnership that continues to this day” reports Show’Em CEO Christian Eck.
“The collaboration allows us to stage a large number of notable industry events for the company. We have risen to meet the needs of our customer over the years and have since made the company’s high standards our own.”
These standards extend to the careful evaluation of every piece of the AV technology deployed including a large inventory of Nexo loudspeakers, not only for how they perform, but also for how they look.
“The look of a product is very important to us” says Christian. “That’s why we have our own photo studio in the company where we photograph and evaluate all relevant products that are in the customer's line of sight. Visible screws, cables or an unfavourable shape are exclusion criteria for us.
“Nexo products have always done well in this respect. Unlike other brands, Geo M6 and M10 line arrays achieve high output and even coverage using only single low-mid drivers, rather than two side-by-side. That's why they’re so very slim,
USA - Video processor, signal distribution technology and media server developer tvONE has welcomed Jim Reinhardt and Mitch Klein to its regional sales managers team. Their appointment augments tvONE’s activities in the United States’ Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, as the company unveils significant advancements for its video processing technology and plans for 2024.
Both join tvONE with extensive backgrounds in UC/IT Channel management, kernel knowledge of video processing, and end-to-end system design and integration.
Jim Reinhardt will serve as Northeast regional sales manager (RSM), based in the New York City area, covering an extensive territory including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northern New Jersey, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Mitch Klein will assume the role of Mid-Atlantic RSM, stationed in the Washington DC - Baltimore area, overseeing Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Southern New Jersey, and North Virginia.
Bringing more than two decades of experience in the industry, Jim Reinhardt arrives at tvONE as a seasoned sales and management professional. With a career highlighted by executive roles at WyreStorm Technologies, Creston Electronics, and RGB Spectrum, Reinhardt's expertise spans manufacturing processes, sales channel development, design and engineering services, and marketing of complex technology products.
Mitchell Klein has built a successful career in technology sales leadership, particularly excelling in new business development. Klein’s prof
China - Void Acoustics has announced a partnership with Real Music Acoustics & Lighting Technology Co as its distributor for the Chinese market, as part of Void’s continued growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Established in 2008, Real Music Acoustics has solidified its position as one of China's earliest professional audio commercial application companies. With a focus on audio consultancy, promotion, sales, installation, tuning, and related services, the company boasts extensive experience in product channel sales and integrated systems, catering to a wide range of venues, including theatres, cultural tourism projects, stadiums, clubs, and commercial performances.
As a Void Acoustics distributor, Real Music Acoustics will be offering the full range of Void products to the Chinese market including the signature Cyclone speaker series and Air series.
Alex Skan, managing director at Void Acoustics, said: "We are delighted to welcome Real Music Acoustics to our network of distributors. Their proven track record and extensive expertise in the professional audio industry make them the ideal partner to represent the Void brand in China. We’re excited to extend Void Acoustics’ reach into this region and offer our audio solutions to even more customers."
Headquartered in Xi'an, Real Music Acoustics’ channel marketing and service network covers the entire country, ensuring prompt responses to customer needs and delivering high-quality end-to-end services for Void products.
The partnership comes at a time of growing demand f
UK - Komedia Brighton is a venue punching well above its weight. Situated in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine district, it hosts a variety of performances, from the comedy that cemented its reputation, to the massively popular programme of arts that it hosts now.
When the time came to retire its long-standing front of house mixing desk the team knew they would need something that was up to the task. The DiGiCo Quantum 225, purchased through James Pergrande at Solotech, was their number one choice.
Emma Henderson, technical manager of the Komedia Brighton, explains: “Our previous console was pretty tired, and it was getting to the point where we were having to spend time explaining the features to visiting engineers, which isn’t ideal. Having a robust, industry standard mixing desk was important. It needed to do a lot; not just sound great, but fit into our budget and have easily accessible features that would be recognisable to as many people as possible.
“Training is also important to us; we have a huge training programme. When we send the trainees out into the world, they’re inevitably coming across the DiGiCo family of desks, so if they have that grounding, it’s a massive bonus.”
At the beating heart of this venue is its work ethic. Completely self-funded, the team also raise money for local charities, as well as working with Komedia Productions, and by delivering projects new audiences have been developed, particularly for children and their families.
Community is at the heart of everything the Komedia team do. The
Spain - Rock Circus Volume 2 - a completely new version of this performance concept - returned to the stage at IFEMA in Madrid, produced by Productores de Sonrisas, choreographed by Albert Sala and lit by Juanjo Llorens with a set design by Anna Calvo. The show meshed the thrills of extreme circus with a string of ‘inspiring and monumental rock anthems’.
Ten dancers, an 18-piece rock ‘n’ roll band and over 100 Robe moving lights brought the performance to life, embracing 40 musical moments from artists like AC/DC, Kiss, Metallica, Miguel Rios, Iron Maiden, GNR, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Tequila, Queen, David Bowie, Rosendo and more.
Having lit the first Rock Circus edition in 2022, Juanjo once again enjoyed working collaboratively with a creative team including video designer Romera Infografía and technical director Flavio Bañuelos alongside producers Manu & Rafa González. They combined minds and imaginations to choose the best themes for several different eras of rock history that were covered in the show.
Lighting was developed in a theatrical style that blended the precision and drama of circus performance with the emotion and power of rock music.
Juanjo explored the relationships between the various music genres - hard rock, heavy metal, rock ‘n’ roll - and daring circus acts, a process that evolved more into a musical show aesthetic than a circus.
Recalling his experience and knowledge of working in big top venues and understanding challenges and nuances presented for rigging and fixture placement, the si
Luxembourg - After an absence of 31 years, Luxembourg marked its return to the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 by staging the precursor Luxembourg Song Contest event, organised and broadcast by RTL and featuring Claypaky lighting fixtures.
Prior to 1993, Luxembourg had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 37 times, winning on five occasions. But after a poor showing in 1993, Luxembourg was disqualified from competing the following year then opted out of the event until the announcement of the country’s return last year. The national entry for Eurovision’s 2024 competition was to be selected through a televised final.
The final round show and the concluding super final, narrowed down to just three contestants, were held 27 January at the Rockhal in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. The show was broadcast on RTL Tele Letzeburg, as well as on the broadcaster's radio stations, RTL Radio Luxembourg and Radio Today, and several online platforms.
Creating the Luxembourg Song Contest proved to be an international effort with Zagreb, Croatia-based Ivas Group producing the show for RTL, providing a turnkey solution with lights, video, audio, trusses, hoists and the entire production crew. Daka Azulay, from Lightvision Lighting Design in Tel Aviv, served as the lighting designer.
Azulay chose a large complement of Claypaky fixtures for his design, which enhanced the visual impact of the show for eager fans happy to see Luxembourg back in the famed Eurovision competition. The rig boasted 205 compact, lightweight Claypaky Sharpy X Frame multi-function
Spain - Event production specialist AMG has provided a full suite of technical services including sound, video, lighting and staging at a corporate event in Barcelona. Italian commercial vehicles manufacturer Iveco invited 1,300 dealers, customers, partners and press to the unveiling of a new brand identity and a restyling of their entire product range at an occasion curated by event design specialists Filmmaster under the title Be The Change.
With just two days to set up in the 10,500 m2 space, the production involved some 200 engines, 1500m of truss, 750 moving heads, 1600m2 of projected video area and a 1500-seat grandstand, with up to 100 technicians on site at any one time.
AMG deployed their large inventory of Nexo sound systems throughout the event, most notably to cover the main convention area and a gala dinner. AMG Audio Engineer Roberto Del Duca takes up the story.
“At the convention we developed a system with four in-line clusters made up of six Nexo STM M28 line array elements placed transversal to the guest gallery. The main system was supplemented with eight Nexo STM S118 sub woofers below the platform, giving a strong emotional impact during the projected videos.
“Presenters were equipped with in-ear monitors leaving the product presentation area completely free, and miked with headsets which gave a greater impact to the voices compared to clips.
“During the gala dinner, a suspended system was developed with Nexo PS15 point source speakers covering the entire area and ground-mounted sub woofers around the perimeter,
UAE - Creative Technology recently upgraded the workflow within its Middle East team with the help of Stage Precision’s SP software. The Middle East teams, based in Saudi Arabia, Doha and Dubai, have been integrating the tools provided by SP software to help power large-scale events in the region.
“We first heard about Stage Precision about a year ago through social media,” recalls Carlos Aguilar, deputy head of video at Creative Technology ME. “It was the AR tracking capabilities of the SP software that first interested us, so we reached out for more information and began onboarding the tools into our projects. In fact, we first used SP for AR tracking during the Dubai World Cup last year.”
More recently, the Creative Technology team utilised Stage Precision software at Liwa Festival in Abu Dhabi, a week-long celebration of UAE heritage held in the shadow of the 300m-high Moreeb dune, one of the highest sand dunes in the world. The Creative Technology team managed a massive projection mapping project involving 78 projectors, to create a mesmerising display with the help of the control capabilities of SP.
The software's capability to handle the intricacies of controlling multiple projectors simultaneously was crucial for the success of the Liwa Festival projection. "Not all servers can do it like Stage Precision does,” echoes Aguilar. “It simplified our setup significantly, replacing the need for multiple software interfaces."
The Liwa Festival project presented challenges, including the need for precise control functions, fa
Denmark - Unity Living, a branch of new-build furnished apartments in the Nordics, is challenging the way we live and work by offering a modern and convenient approach with everything you need under one roof.
The most recent hybrid accommodation to be added to the company’s portfolio is Unity Aarhus. The 28-storey complex features advanced co-working spaces, fully equipped gyms, lounge areas, cafes and a rooftop terrace - alongside its selection of hotel rooms and apartments. The entire complex has an impressive AV solution, which features 58 Genelec 4020 Installation loudspeakers.
The team behind the project is TuneButler, a Copenhagen-based control manufacturer who knows all too well about the influence of good sound. “We have been working with Unity since they opened their first location in Stockholm,” says Kasper Hollænder, CEO of TuneButler. “They wanted to create an appealing atmosphere for customers and, of course, music and sound is a huge part of that.
“In the previous builds, we supplied our audio-visual control solution and curated playlists to suit each environment, but at Unity Aarhus we were also responsible for the entire design and installation of the AV system. Genelec is a brand that I know I can rely on for incredible sound and that’s why we chose them for Unity.”
Inside, Unity Aarhus is minimalist, designed in collaboration with British design studio Tom Dixon. This is carried through to each area of, from the 652 rental apartments to the fitness centres, yoga studios, lounge spaces and meeting spaces, all
UK - TSL Lighting has made further significant investment in EXE Technology load monitoring and stage automation equipment, with the addition of a further x134 hoists to complement their rental stock.
Their latest investments include the new EXE Rise D8 + 350kg, a small body hoist for compact applications, D8+ 500kg and D8+ 1000kg hoists to add to their inventory, and the EXE Rise D8+ 2000kg Single Fall chain hoists, designed for use in heavy duty applications and in rugged touring environments.
TSL who are full members of - LEEA (The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) are the first UK rental house to take delivery of the new Extra-Large Frame 2000kg hoists which boast a single chain (single fall) configuration. This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing the quality and safety standards within the entertainment technology sector and TSL’s growing inventory of their lifting technology equipment.
Commenting on the investment, Sam Tamplin, managing director of TSL Lighting, says: "At TSL, we're committed to operating at the highest safety standards and investing in our long-term future as a high-end rigging provider. Purchasing these new two Tonne single reeve D8+ units is a major milestone for us on our journey and one we're proud of.
“As expected, Area Four UK have been great at supporting us throughout the process, providing additional training and aftercare sales."
As a long-standing customer of Area Four Industries Direct UK, and with further investment in EXE Technology, TSL Lighting aims to leverage the
Germany - The era of Germany’s Weimar Republic was marked by compelling imagery that can never be forgotten by those who lived through it or studied it. The haunting aura of those years is palpable in Babylon Berlin, the series on Sky Deutschland that is set in the German capital in the waning days of the republic.
The gripping power that has made the TV series so unforgettable runs through the three Babylon Berlin Live in Concert performances that took place at the Theater des Westens. Part of the TingelTangel concert series, this stirring performance by the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, transports audiences back to the Weimer era musically and visually.
Amplifying the impact of the concert for live audiences, as well as for those who watched recordings later on television, was a nuanced lighting design by Jerry Appelt of Appelt Lichtdesign that featured 12 Chauvet Professional COLORado PXL Curve 12 fixtures arranged across the edge of the downstage deck.
Appelt used the pixel mappable batten with 12 individually controlled RGBW heads to fill a variety of roles in his design. “We needed a fixture that was capable of lighting the orchestra from a downstage edge border lights position in addition to providing show- effect lighting in the direction of the audience and cameras at the same time,” he said. “The individual tilt and zoom capabilities of this fixture gave us that exact opportunity.”
Given the historical theme of the concert, Appelt paid careful attention to selecting redolent hues that evoked images of the Weimer era. “We focus
Germany - Alongside celebrating its 30th anniversary CAST Group of Companies will unveil its latest innovations including the wysiwyg 2024, and BlackTrax's new MiniBeacon Wave.
Enriching the Visual Design Experience with Wysiwyg 2024 Exclusively at ProLight + Sound, CAST will be sharing previews of wysiwyg's Release 2024 features and enhancements that are ‘set to open new possibilities for lighting and production designers’.
The new MiniBeacon Wave is the latest addition to BlackTrax. Engineered to guarantee seamless integration and maximum versatility, the MiniBeacon Wave features compact design and user-friendly interface. One of its key features is the ability to quickly attach stringers (tracking points), streamlining setup and reducing the load on belt packs.
"This year represents a significant landmark for CAST, as we commemorate 30 years of pioneering innovation in April,” says Stuart Green, CEO, CAST Group of Companies. “We look forward to connecting with both long-standing members of our community and new faces alike, as we showcase our latest advancements in wysiwyg and BlackTrax at ProLight+Sound.
“We are profoundly thankful for our exceptional team, whose persistent commitment and hard work have been crucial in achieving this milestone. Our gratitude also goes out to our broader community of clients and partners, whose valuable insights and support have been essential in shaping the future direction of our offerings. This achievement is as much a testament to their contribution as it is to our own, and we are excited t
USA/UK - Ambersphere Solutions has officially become a part of North American supplier of entertainment technology ACT Entertainment. This acquisition continues a long-standing relationship between the two entities, especially in their distribution of MA Lighting and Ayrton products.
“We are excited to bring ACT and Ambersphere together and continue to build on our mission of providing technology for our customers to realise their creative vision,” says Ben Saltzman, CEO of ACT Entertainment. “Just like ACT, Ambersphere prides itself on offering industry-leading products with an accomplished staff of experts in sales, service, support and training. I have tremendous respect for Lee (House) and Philip (Norfolk) and am excited to work alongside them as valuable partners to our customers, extending our reach and continuing the strong tradition of excellence Glyn (O’Donoghue) created at Ambersphere.”
The transition sees the departure of Glyn O’Donoghue and Ken Sewell, with Lee House stepping up as managing director alongside Philip Norfolk, who continues in his role as sales director. The focus remains on preserving the company’s core values while leveraging ACT Entertainment’s resources and capabilities.
Lee House concludes: “It’s business as usual at Ambersphere. Our collaboration with ACT has always been strong, and this move is a natural progression of our ongoing relationship.”
Australia - Robe Lighting has acquired LSC Control Systems in Australia, a move that sees the Czech Republic lighting manufacturer further consolidate its portfolio of leading lighting and control brands.
This move follows the purchase of console manufacturer Avolites in September last year.
“We’re delighted that this opportunity arose - it is hugely exciting, and we look forward to a long and positive collaboration,” says Robe’s CEO Josef Valchar. “It will allow us to offer the best complete lighting and control turnkey solutions to our customers and their clients and projects across all sectors.”
As well as diversification, it also gives Robe a manufacturing base in Australia, in addition to its facilities in central Europe and the UK.
LSC’s founder and managing director Gary Pritchard adds: “LSC will gain access to greater investment and resources, and working through Robe’s renowned worldwide distribution network we can reach more global and diverse markets in turn stimulating greater opportunities for creativity, expertise, business and action for all of our team.”
LSC’s operation, which started over 40 years ago in Melbourne and has grown into a trusted and respected specialist brand well-known for inventive technology, will continue functioning exactly as it is now.
Gary sees the move as an affirmation of the company’s value. “An organisation of Robe’s stature wanting LSC onboard is a sign of confidence that also tells the world that LSC will continue doing what we do best - both now and well i
UK - The ALPD has announced the successful candidates for their Design Lumière and their Production Lumière for 2024. This is the first year in which the ALPD has been able to offer a Production Lumière placement to complement its successful Design Lumière programme.
A pathway scheme for emerging lighting designers, the Design Lumière Scheme gives the successful candidate valuable experience of working professionally as an assistant lighting designer for six months and the Production Lumière for four months. For both Lumières, the scheme begins with time spent at Glyndebourne.
The Production Lumière this year, Ellen Butterworth-Evans, is already at Glyndebourne and will continue there until mid-April, when she then spends four weeks at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and two weeks at Lamp & Pencil.
The Design Lumière for 2024 is Imogen Clarke. Imogen will spend three months at Glyndebourne followed by a further three months, when she will work with several different lighting designers on a variety of productions.
Imogen started out as an apprentice at Fairfield Halls, moving to Richmond Theatre and then The Peacock Theatre to work full time. As a freelancer, she works across dance, theatre, musical theatre and ballet as well as site specific projects wearing lots of different hats.
“I'm over the moon to become this year's Design Lumière and gain the opportunity to develop my craft and learn from working alongside the brilliant designers across this year's scheme. I’m greatly looking forward to beginning the course