Author: James Robertson

Billie Eilish’s first arena-sized world tour, Where Do We Go, scheduled to run from March to September 2020 halted abruptly after three shows, so the recent Where Do We Go ‘Livestream Concert’ re-united many talents from her acclaimed creative team. Under the Creative Direction of Billie Eilish and Moment Factory, collectively they worked to script and stage this stunning. Lighting Designer and Director Tony Caporale from Tennessee-based Infinitus Vox was working as LD on the tour, and also came onboard in the role for the livestream concert, where he collaborated closely with lighting director Madigan Stehly of 22 Degrees who…

Read More

Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) announces the appointment of pro audio veteran Michael Palmer as its Director of U.S. Sales. The loudspeaker manufacturer’s North American sales figures have recently shown a positive growth pattern and with Palmer at the helm, EAW is anticipating sizable market share gains. The release of new cutting-edge products, including its ADAPTive, MKD and Radius Series in addition to its KF810P installation line array, will continue to help drive this progress. In his new role at EAW, Palmer is overseeing all aspects of sales throughout the U.S. working closely with manufacturer’s sales reps and regional sales managers.…

Read More

In February 2020, Neutrik announced the development of Milan audio modules. Now, a few hard months for the industry later, Neutrik announces the launch of the first Milan-certified audio module, called MINEA. MINEA is a 2×2 stream Milan-certified audio module. It’s a ready-to-go solution that allows manufacturers in the Pro Audio market to quickly and easily implement Milan into their products, from single loudspeakers, amplifiers, microphones, audio embedders & de-embedders to complex multichannel mixing desks and multi-port conferencing systems. Today the demand for professional, real-time, reliable, and future-proofed audio network systems is growing rapidly. Manufacturers in the Pro AV industry…

Read More

AP Live, based outside Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee, is using its Analog Way Aquilon RS2 multi-screen presentation system and videowall processor to drive virtual production in the company’s new studio. Known for providing AV solutions for corporate meetings and live events nationwide, AP Live found itself pivoting to a new business model when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “We took delivery of the Aquilon RS2 at the beginning of this year and our sister company, OCD-Labs, built a rack for it to support it for our work on the road,” explained Cole Abshier, Technical and Creative Coordinator at AP Live. “Our…

Read More

Renowned for its 360-degree live event solutions, which range from exhibitions, corporate, broadcast and media through to full virtual production, Faber Audiovisuals is a veteran player in the dynamic world of LED displays and audio-visual services. Part of the NEP Worldwide Network, the company has dynamically calibrated its entire fleet of LED panels with Brompton Technology’s Hydra measurement system, to unlock the full potential of its LED displays and make them Brompton HDR-ready. “Especially in the film industry, there is a requirement for exceptionally realistic-looking visual content and extra-wide colour gamut,” says Steven Embregts, Faber’s Technical Manager. “The way Brompton…

Read More

Rob Davies joins the Audiologic team as National Account Manager, as the company focusses on its ever-growing number of customers and projects. The latest recruit joins Audiologic with a career background in audio which spans multiple sectors, including high-end car audio, hi-fi, home cinema, home automation and, for the last six years, pro audio. He will be responsible for engaging with the company’s new and existing customers, emphasising Audiologic’s Application Support Team and products. Andy Lewis, Managing Director, Audiologic, commented: “We are proud to welcome Rob Davies into a role that we have been keen to develop for some time.…

Read More

Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International (DFI) – together the investors in and developers of the £1.3bn regeneration of Olympia London into a world-leading cultural destination – announce three major agreements with leading names in entertainment and hospitality, marking the first occupiers to commit to the landmark scheme, four years ahead of its scheduled completion. With construction work underway at the 14-acre site, live entertainment company AEG Presents, global hotel group Hyatt and affordable luxury lifestyle and hotel brand citizen have all signed long-term agreements to operate out of the west London venue. Key tenancy details include: · A 4,400-capacity…

Read More

Up to 1,000 jobs for people working in the theatre will be created in Manchester in the spring of 2021, when the world’s first DriveINSIDE Theatre opens at the Trafford Centre. The DriveINSIDE Theatre has been specifically designed to be COVID-19 secure and has been approved for operation even at Tier 3 restrictions. The ingenious venue has a team of Theatrical Drive Jockeys, who welcome the audience in their cars and escort them to their unique space. Each vehicle has its own dedicated parking space under the 68,000 sq ft marquee – Europe’s largest. People are only allowed to exit…

Read More

One of the more widely acclaimed, and viewed, virtual concerts during lockdown has been the recent live internet performance from psych-pop stars, Glass Animals. The widely acclaimed Oxford-based quartet were all set to tour their chart-topping Dreamland album this Spring until lockdown came along. When their lighting team (Cassius Creative) were eventually called into play (by Tour/Production Manager, Simon Lutkin), it was to produce a viewable online show only (Live In The Internet)—a dynamic concert masterminded by the band’s inventive front-man, Dave Bayley. Set up nearly five years ago by Chris ‘Squib’ Swain and Dan Hill) Cassius Creative dipped into…

Read More

CT Northern Europe proves its commitment to customer service and focus on technical innovation by becoming an L-Acoustics Certified Provider for the event market. “I have been working with the L-Acoustics brand since 1995 and have seen the advantage of dealing with such a reputable company,” said CT’s Business Unit Manager, Ola Bigélius. “I have always believed in developing a close connection with our suppliers. Becoming an official L-Acoustics Certified Provider corresponds perfectly with this objective.” A long-term benefit of being an L-Acoustics partner is the training program offered by L-Acoustics. CT’s new technicians will benefit from the technical knowledge…

Read More

UK-based apparel and tech brand STNDBY has launched its flagship range of stylish, sustainable and feature-packed clothes and accessories, designed for crew and creatives. After spotting a gap in the market, STNDBY was conceived by lighting and production designer Tom Campbell and host, producer and entrepreneur James Murden to offer clothing and accessories that are as functional as they are fashionable. With partnerships in place with industry leaders such as Avolites and Dirty Rigger and offering customisation, gifting options and tour swag, STNDBY’s products are designed to work and built to last. “We’ve spent almost two years researching the problems…

Read More

Following the success of the Backup Pumpkin Challenge, which ran for its second year this Halloween, the technical entertainment charity has announced the launch of the Backup Christmas Challenge. The challenge will see members of the creative and technical entertainment industries battle it out in a number of categories to see who can reign supreme and put their lighting, design and comedy skills to the test. The categories are: ● Best Exterior House Xmas Design ● Best Xmas Tree Design ● Best Xmas Pet Outfit ● Best Gingerbread Design ● Cheesiest/Funniest Xmas Jumper The winners will be decided by an…

Read More

Drive-in concerts have become the necessary norm under the pandemic and Southern California’s moderate climate makes it possible for these fan-thankful events to take place late into the year. Enhanced by a complement of Elation Professional lights, Concerts in your Car, presented by CBF Productions at two SoCal locations, are some of the most popular. Helping to quench the thirst of live music fans, Concerts in Your Car debuted June 26 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds north of Los Angeles and branched out to a second site, the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego, in September. Victor Ortiz, owner of full…

Read More

Allen & Heath’s SQ has rapidly established itself as a go-to pro streaming console throughout 2020, and now it’s opening up even more applications with the timely addition of the new SQ MADI card. Joining the existing Dante, SLink and WAVES option cards, the 64×64 MADI (48/96kHz) interface unlocks a host of new possibilities for integration with broadcast and recording systems, OB vans and third-party consoles. “With its easy USB streaming and Dante options, SQ is already an ideal console for pro streaming and AV production applications where there’s a need for big features in a compact footprint,” comments Keith…

Read More

Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli played last October in Noto, Sicily. The Unesco heritage site turned into an incredible stage, showcasing a dreamlike atmosphere among the sinuous baroque architecture of the cathedral staircase. The artist was accompanied by the orchestra and choir of the Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, directed by Alberto Bartalini. The televised event, adapted for COVID-19 health guidelines, aimed to celebrate the seven Unesco sites present on the island and promote the region. Italian Lighting Designer Massimo Tomasino was responsible to create the celebratory atmosphere and enhance the features of the architectural feat that is the Noto…

Read More

IPS has announced the appointment of experienced staging specialist Phil Addyman as the newest Project Manager to join the team. There have been a lot of developments at IPS recently, with some exciting new outdoor structures joining the established line up for 2021. Following extensive infrastructure investment in this area, Phil will be helping lead the deployment of Outdoor Roof Systems and Staging projects across the broad IPS customer base. Phil has extensive experience, having spent many years working for Star Live (known previously as Star Events) and been involved with many different projects all over the UK and further…

Read More

During the Covid-19 era, production companies have sought many ingenious ways to keep clients satisfied and the work coming in. In June, Australia’s Big Picture launched its’ premium live event studio offering the most technologically advanced and connected virtual event space in the country. This high-tech studio supports clients in delivering a broadcast-quality online event, corporate theatre, and live performance experiences. As such, Big Picture’s flexibility, imagination, technical prowess and high regard within the industry recently led to a mammoth two-day shoot with country superstar Keith Urban. Keith’s production house Human Person approached Big Picture to facilitate and coordinate the…

Read More

In celebration of their upcoming new album ‘For Those That Wish To Exist’, Architects performed an exclusive livestream show at The Royal Albert Hall on the 21st November. PRG supplied all lighting, rigging, media server (disguise) and LED for the live performance which was streamed globally via the streaming service Veeps. Production Designer Paul McAdams utilised the space, creating an incredible high energy design to showcase the venue and ensure viewers watching the stream could experience that same live energy from behind their screens! “The team at PRG were extremely professional and supportive as always, constantly coming up with creative…

Read More