Argentina - Tale of Us, the Italian DJ duo based in Berlin, made their fourth stop on the Latin American leg of their Afterlife world tour when they recently played Buenos Aires.
Claypaky lighting took centre stage at the Mandarine Park & Tent at Punto Carrasco on 8-9 March for the two shows.
The duo is known for curating shows that transport audiences to another dimension with artistic activations, visually impactful installations and unique soundscapes, created by themselves and a variety of extraordinary supporting artists. They launched Afterlife in 2016, a show billed as an odyssey through the realm of consciousness, an immersive experience that transcends the limits of reality.
Lighting designer Pascal Bach was involved in the design of Afterlife. For the Buenos Aires show, BALS (Buenos Aires Live Show) provided a large complement of Claypaky fixtures to showcase the one-of-a-kind spectacular.
“This type of show requires lightweight, fast and sharp beams in order to achieve a visually stunning installation that is up to standards. With Claypaky Sharpy Plus and Unicos, we were confident that this objective could be achieved without any problems,” says Hugo Mossi, commercial director at BALS.
The design specified four Claypaky Scenius Unicos, two per side, extended in lateral sections inside the stage structure. They were specially positioned to act as follow spots for the performing artists.
A further 36 Scenius Unicos, 18 per side, were mounted on each side of the lateral stage structures. They were oriented to prod
USA - The 2024 edition of Premio Lo Nuestro dazzled on many levels, not the least of which were what critics called the “historic collaborations” that were performed throughout the three-hour programme.
The Univision TV special featured reggaeton performer Don Omar doing a rendition of Danza Kuduro with pop-punk rocker Machine Gun Kelly. Then there was Mexican music sensation Carin León joining forces with country music star Kane Brown in the world premiere of their song The One (Pero No Como Yo). Camilo and Evaluna also broke new ground at Miami’s Kaseya Centre by performing their song PLIS for the first time on television.
The spirit of collaboration also drove the creative juices behind the vibrant production that supported the iconic awards show according to lighting designer Tom Kenny, who described the process this way: “Production designer Jorge Dominguez and I worked together to create multiple levels and lots of linear lines. With the help of a wonderful team, including Mark Butts, Fuji Convertino, Alex Flores, Ronnie Skopac House of Sam, and The Univision producers Uli and Uji, as well as the crews from 4Wall and Acme, we managed to pull off this huge colourful show.”
Contributing to this collaborative accomplishment was a collection of 277 Chauvet Professional fixtures supplied by 4Wall Entertainment. Positioned through the raked overhead truss structure as well as on the tiered stage deck the 187 Maverick MK3 Washes and 90 Rogue R1 BeamWashes added a dynamic flavour to the production with their rapid pan
UK Prolight has announced a distribution partnership with Hollyland Technology in the UK.
Hollyland is one of the fastest-growing wireless technology companies in the global content production market. Since 2013, the brand has grown to be recognised as a leading provider of premium wireless products. The product portfolio includes video transmission systems, cameras, monitors, wireless microphones, and wireless intercom systems that feature a compact design, high quality, reliable performance, and affordability.
“This collaboration further bolsters our product offering and expands our portfolio of brands and will be featured at this year’s Plasa Focus in Leeds - Pop by our stand N-C26 to find out more,” says Prolight.
Stock of Hollyland and Hollyvox Wireless Communications Systems will be arriving in the coming weeks.
Germany - The Adam Hall Group is further expanding its international sales network. Melbourne-based Link Audio is now the new distribution partner for the LD Systems pro audio brand in Australia.
With this expanded partnership - Link Audio has also been responsible for the exclusive distribution of the Gravity brand since 2021 - the event technology manufacturer, headquartered in Neu-Anspach, Germany, is aiming to establish the diverse sound and sound reinforcement solutions of its pro audio brand on the continent and distribute them even more extensively.
"We are delighted to have found an exclusive distribution partner for LD Systems in Australia in Link Audio," says Markus Jahnel, COO of the Adam Hall Group. "The retail, rental and installation market is a particular challenge simply because of Australia's geographical size, and it plays an important role in our international endeavours.
“Link Audio is a dynamic and flexible company that has many years of sales experience with renowned audio brands and has also been the exclusive distributor of Gravity's stand solutions in Australia for several years. We’re looking forward to an extended cooperation where we make LD Systems even more popular in Australia."
Michael Jago, managing director at Link Audio, says: "We are delighted to be distributing LD Systems in Australia. For us, LD Systems fulfils all the criteria of a modern pro audio brand: high audio quality and development standards, user-centric designs, innovative features, and a constantly growing, perfectly coordinated portfolio
USA - This year’s Academy Awards featured a number of notable musical performances. With the help of Shure wireless audio technology, the industry’s most experienced professionals brought the evening at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre to life, making certain that all 10.5m viewers watching the event around the world ‘could enjoy every blockbuster moment with crystal-clear audio quality’.
Overall, the Academy Awards’ production team deployed 50 channels of Shure Axient Digital wireless, monitoring the spectrum with Shure Wireless Workbench. The team, comprised of professionals from ATK and Soundtronics, also deployed 16 channels of Q5X PlayerMics that were combined with Axient Digital wireless receivers to deliver superior digital transmission and spectrum efficiency.
Originally developed for the NBA, Q5X PlayerMics are super concealable, bendable, and are designed with Shure Axient Digital radios. Each Q5X PlayerMic was paired with Shure’s TwinPlex Premium Subminiature microphones to provide the most transparent audio while remaining easily concealed.
"The Shure TwinPlex lavalier mic is still the state of the art for live television specials like this year's Oscars,” said Pat Baltzell, sound producer for the Academy Awards. “Unlike Broadway shows where the performers are trained to project their voices, the movie actors prefer to speak confidentially, like they do on film sets. So, the challenge is more difficult to get their voices to the back row in a 3,300-seat theatre.
We also chose to use the TwinPlex lavs on the drummers/vo
USA - With its expansion to the famed Strip, Fontainebleau Las Vegas has launched LIV Las Vegas, the city’s latest nightlife destination, which lighting designer Stephen Lieberman has illuminated with an array of Ayrton fixtures controlled by a grandMA3light console.
The LIV brand from Groot Hospitality was born at the Fontainebleau Miami in 2008. Now, its 50,000sq.ft counterpart in Las Vegas delivers high-energy entertainment to that city’s clubgoers making its 2,000 guests feel in the middle of the EDM action.
Lieberman, who is president of LA-area SJ Lighting, which specialises in production systems for nightlife and hospitality, already had designed the lighting for LIV Miami when his firm was hired to design and develop the theatrical system for LIV Las Vegas. His team worked in collaboration with BWA Architects, Rockwell Group interior designers and Sound Investment AV audio designers.
“One of the challenges was having all the designers come together from different cities and make everything look coordinated - that’s as daunting a task as the actual design work,” Lieberman explains. “The theatrical lighting needed to include hybrid fixtures, wash lights to balance the look, strobes, LED strip lights, lasers and LED video panels with a high level of automation.
“The space is very fluid with a very clean layout and great sight lines: You’re able to do a lap around the first floor and second-level mezzanine and not get stuck in a dead end,” he says. “Whether you are at a table or a bar, you’re an active participant in
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