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In response to customer requests for additional financing options, Vari-Lite Inc has partnered with entertainment industry financing specialist FX Financial. Under the arrangement, FX Financial will administer a financing program that provides monthly payment options to qualified customers for the purchase of Vari*Lite products.

"As we continue to expand our line of Vari*Lite automated lighting products, this partnership will allow end users to acquire the best lighting equipment on the market with low up-front costs,"said Clay Powers, president and COO of Vari-Lite Inc. "Through FX Financial, Vari-Lite customers can have predictable and manageable fixed monthly payments."

Vari-Lite selected FX Financial because the financing company focuses exclusively on the entertainment industry, bringing with it years of experience with the equipment and its use. Current FX F

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For the second consecutive year, the Puy du Fou theme park in France has used L-Acoustics sound systems for its Gallo-Roman Stadium Show, which was inaugurated in 2001 and plays between May and September.

Stéphane Gramondo, L-Acoustics’ permanent installation project manager, was in charge of evaluating the needs for this specific attraction at the Puy du Fou. He explains: "We opted for four clusters of three dV-DOSC which were integrated into the columns and tables of the scenery. The clusters were located at a slightly higher point than the actors and animals’ locations during the show, thereby allowing a very even sound pressure level within the arena."

Four SB218 subwoofers were also installed into the columns, with dV-DOSC clusters situated on top. Three dV-DOSC and four EX112 loudspeakers plus 2 SB115 were dedicated to the Governor’s rostrum and thr

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For the crowds who thronged the banks of the River Thames to witness this year’s Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, it was one of the most memorable races in recent history. And as the lead chopped and changed constantly, the only certain way of monitoring progress for the live audience was via the two giant i-mag displays provided by Screenco.

The company supplied a 50sq.m 25mm high brightness display at Putney Bridge and an auxiliary 10sq.m, 15mm LED mini mobile rig, anchored at Furnival Gardens in Hammersmith - a popular meeting place for supporters of both crews. Contracted by sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management, Screenco worked through event organizer and production manager, Dominic Reed.

Commented Screenco’s project manager Steve Purkess: "We have been providing a turnkey package for the Boat Race since Aberdeen Asset Management became involved four years ago, and

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Storm at the Mandalay Bay Resort is one of the latest cutting-edge shows to add to the glitz and glamour of the famous Las Vegas Strip. In Storm, performers dance and sing to live musicians against the backdrop of ‘nature’s powerful forces’. A combination of live concert event, Broadway theater experience, and Las Vegas dance spectacular, Storm is a musical journey of human emotion expressed through the forces of nature.

As part of the show’s huge technical set-up, Electrosonic Systems was commissioned to design a system which would reliably retain 35mm film clips produced for the Storm show, and display them on three screens. Crucial to the system was ease of operation in conjunction with live actors, musicians and dancers. Two of the screens are Saco LED (12ft wide x 9ft high and 8ft wide x 6ft high). The third is a Stewart screen 3

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An exciting opportunity to work with two of the world's most successful playwrights, Alan Ayckbourn and John Godber, is being offered in Scarborough this summer from 21-25 July. The Stephen Joseph Theatre School 2002 is a four-day course giving participants the chance to see Alan Ayckbourn at work in his home theatre with his acting company.

Alan Ayckbourn will be leading two full days of rehearsal, technical and playwriting workshops, giving a unique opportunity to work with the acclaimed playwright and director. John Godber, artistic director of Hull Truck Theatre, will be joining the school (subject to availability) to offer his own perspective on writing, directing and running a theatre company.

The Stephen Joseph Theatre School features a busy programme of workshops, discussions and lectures concentrated on Alan Ayckbourn and his work in the round. It is hoped that Gwenda Hughes

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Bandit Lites has purchased a new 8,400sq.m facility in Bedford, UK, to serve as the headquarters for its European operations. "Given the tremendous growth we have experienced in the European market, we needed a larger facility to better suit our needs and aid in delivering the Bandit Standard to our customers," said Bandit Lites’ CEO, Michael Strickland. The building features high ceilings, a spacious prep floor, plenty of storage, a spacious loading and unloading area, and is wired for an extensive computer network.

General manager Jason Tang told us: "The move to the new facility in Bedford is an extremely positive move for Bandit UK. This further establishes Bandit's European presence and shows that Bandit will be a major player here in the UK for many years to come. The move should contribute immensely to our growing operations and level of service that we offe

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Never ones to take it easy, the busy truckers at EST are currently rushing about supporting a wide variety of artists and events. Five tucks are accompanying French-Canadian singer Garou, still touring French-speaking Europe and performing to packed houses wherever he goes. Still jigging away with some gusto, the cast of Riverdance has now moved on to Cardiff for a week before leaping off to Birmingham with up to 10 EST trucks dancing attendance on them.

Back on this side of the pond for the first time in five years, US Soul and R&B singer, Mary J Blige has commandeered four EST trucks as she embarks on a grand tour of Europe, starting in Hamburg on 5 April and finishing in Dublin on the 25 April, taking in most of the major European cities on the way, including shows in Birmingham, Manchester and London. The show is produced by Patricia Chaveria whose husband Paul is well known

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The spring touring season is off to a busy start with a number of high profile acts touring under Martin MAC rigs. They include Paul McCartney, touring the US under 50 MAC 2000Es (electronic ballast). Lighting design is by Roy Bennet with lighting supply by Light & Sound Design. For Lenny Kravitz, lighting designer Jon Pollak is using MAC 2000s for contemporary the world tour through August (Japan, Europe and US). European production is by UK-based Lite Alternative.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are reunited under a MAC rig for their US tour. Lighting designer is Keith Wissmar, with lights supplied by Bandit Lites. For Westlife, Bandit Lites supply a MAC rig and Jem Glaciator heavy fog machine for the latest European and UK tour. Lighting design is by Barry Halpin. Barry Manilow’s latest world tour also features a lighting system delivered by Bandit Lites and based around Martin M

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Outline’s recently launched Bomber enclosures, first seen just a few weeks earlier at both the Frankfurt and Rimini trade shows, were ‘road-tested’ for the first time at the Viareggio Carnival in March, one of the most famous and colourful Italian festivals known worldwide and attended by over 100,000 people. Michele Brudaglio’s Sound Service rental firm fitted out two floats with Outline sound systems, achieving an enormous concentration of power and sound pressure in a small space: on the first float, there were two Bomber enclosures, four Doppia and four Victor Live subwoofers, whilst on the second there were four Doppia, four Victor Live, two Minisubs and two SM18SWs, all powered by Series T digital power amps and controlled by Outline Genius 6 digital processors.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Pathway Connectivity, the leading data communications company in the entertainment lighting industry, has appointed Jose Luis Olvera & Associates as its new sales representative for South and Central America. Already representing ETC and Wybron in this market, Jose Luis Olvera & Associates is a well-respected presence in Latin American lighting, with more than 20 years of electrical engineering and entertainment lighting experience. "Jose Luis Olvera & Associates will boost our presence in this important market, and improve availability of our entertainment networking solutions to theatres and studios," says Pathway’s president, David Higgins. "We are thrilled to have a representative of this caliber join the Pathway team."

(Lee Baldock)

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Paradigm has been providing the BBC with two DNP wide angle screens for News at Six and News at Ten. Commissioned by Shooting Partners, a specialist in production management, the screens are positioned within the studio behind the main presenters, and are being used on every show for the weather, interviews with outside sources and for feature item illustrations.

Rob Hopkins at the BBC said: "We carried out a test to compare various screens and projectors on the market and the viewing angle and brightness of these screens came out on top." Mark Holdway of Anna Valley - the new display division of Shooting Partners - commented: "The brief was to be able to view the screen from a variety of angles whilst maintaining image brightness and uniformity. The DNP screens fulfilled this requirement perfectly."

(Lee Baldock)

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During the SIB show in Rimini, Martin Professional's worldwide distributors were treated to a black tie Gala Dinner followed by Martin's Annual Awards Ceremony at the elegant Villa des Vergers just outside the city. The company’s marketing director and CEO of Martin Italy Pio Nahum presented Martin's Distributor Awards for 2001. The winners were:
Preferred Partner of the Year:
Ecler - Spain

Stage, Studio & Event Distributor of the Year:
Panou - Greece

DJ and Club Distributor of the Year:
Pro Technica - Bulgaria

Architectural Lighting Distributor of the Year:
AMAC - Lebanon

Martin Lighting Distributor of the Year:
High Tech Design - Czech Republic

Mach Speakers Distributor of the Year:
Factory Trading - Cuba

Jem Smoke Distributor of the Year:
A&T Trade - Russia

Best MAC 2000 Dealer:
EVDV

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After a great deal of speculation and industry rumours, Eat to the Beat UK is spreading its wings to America. As of June 1st 2002 'Eat to the Beat Inc’ will be in full operation, taking up residency in New York. After the success of recent US tours and at the request of many of their existing clients, Eat to the Beat have decided that the time is right to set up an operation in the States. Managing director Tony Laurenson said: "In the past we have come close to setting up a division in the States, first in Atlanta nearly 14 years ago, then Los Angeles eight years ago. Our feelings are that, whilst we have successfully worked on tours in America without a proper presence, now the time is right to consolidate and build on our successes in the USA.

"We are now finding that venues are more willing to allow us in and we know that our style of catering is both popular and ec

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Audio rental specialist Alex Schlösser GmbH has formed a new company, AS Audio, to distribute Chameleon amplifiers and other brands throughout Germany from its Cologne base. The decision will allow Alex Schlösser GmbH to concentrate solely on servicing its extensive number of clients in the broadcast and live sound sectors.

Schlösser is no stranger to Chameleon, having purchased DP/2 3500 and 2000 models over the past nine years for use by commercial and state-owned TV stations, RTF and ZDF. Recent contracts where the British company’s amps have played an important role include the 2001 Chancellor Party in Berlin and the Wiener Festwochen in Vienna.

Schlösser says AS Audio intends to build on Chameleon’s success in the UK and his own country by further promoting the brand via its website and through the pro audio media in Germany.

(Lee Baldock)

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Hertfordshire Police have advised PLASA Media that two Turbsound TFM 212 monitor wedges were stolen at the weekend from the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth. The wedges, both the characteristic Turbo blue with grey grilles, were just six months old and carry the serial numbers 121540 and 121541; they were taken from the theatre on Saturday 13 April. The TFM212 is a passive 2-way floor monitor consisting of two 12" LF drivers and a 1" HF compression driver.

If you are offered Turbosound TFM212 wedges for sale, or if you know of anyone who has recently come into possession of a nice new pair of blue boxes, please contact the officer dealing with the case at the e-mail address below, or by phone on 01932 472142.

(Lee Baldock)

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The London Borough of Waltham Forest is to treat Her Majesty the Queen to a presentation of half a century of fashion when she visits the area on 9 May 2002. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will be guests of honour at an all day celebration of youth and fashion.

50 models (one for each year of Her Majesty’s reign) will put on a fashion spectacular that will reflect fashions from 1952 to the present day. Popular music from the different eras and a commentary on momentous events in the nation's history will complete the pageant.

"We have a great days celebration of youth planned for 9 May and we’re looking forward to the visit from The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. It’s a fairly simple idea really, but I think it’s a great way to celebrate the Golden Jubilee," commented a local authority representative.

ESS will provide a 50 metre by 12 metre

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Shure Incorporated, the leading manufacturer of microphones and audio electronics, has announced the establishment of a new company - Shure Distribution GmbH. This new wholly-owned subsidiary of Shure Europe GmbH will begin direct sales to Shure dealers in Germany from 1 June 2002.

"This new arm of Shure Europe is a logical extension of our current activities in Germany, the largest audio market in Europe," said Al Hershner, vice-president of US and European sales. "Shure Distribution will enable us to strengthen our brand both in the home country of many of our competitors, as well as throughout Europe."

Markus Winkler, managing director of Shure Europe and the new Shure Distribution GmbH, added: "Direct contact enables us to benefit from market feedback which is critical for future product development and growth. In addition, our European distribution partn

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Lighting sales specialist TMB has opened a new OEM Sales division, based at its Los Angeles HQ. The new department will focus on developing TMB’s sales to OEM manufacturers, both inside and outside of the lighting industry. TMB’s CEO Colin Waters told us: "Over the years, we’ve developed excellent resources for many types of products, at both the component and finished levels. This move will allow us to develop and further capitalize on these resources."

The goal of the new department is to build a specific, expert OEM Sales team, functioning close to, but outside, the hectic environment of TMB’s regular Sales office. "The ‘Rush Service Normal’ pace of TMB’s sales offices is better suited to our dealer and rental company customers," continues Waters. "It’s a daily, team-effort fire-drill, almost incredible to beho

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Screenco’s involvement in the TV sensation Pop Idol has led to them supplying an LED display to the Pepsi Chart Show - and it’s all thanks to Gareth Gates. Management of the Pop Idol runner-up had been so impressed with the screen during the series that they requested that the same display form the backdrop to his appearance in a Gareth Gates TV Special - and Gareth’s record company BMG were happy to oblige.

Several weeks later, Initial TV approached Natasha Blake of Screenco and booked 11sq.m of 15mm LED high brightness display for use on the Pepsi Chart Show. Initial TV production manager, Vivienne Pheysey, explained: "We spoke at length to Gareth’s record company, who thoroughly recommended the screen. Anything less than an LED display would not have been bright enough."

Artists using video reinforcement on the show included Express 2 featuring Da

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MCL Manchester have supplied a four-camera PPU with Sony DFS-700 video switcher - all running Serial Digital Interface (SDI) - to the British Swimming Championships and Commonwealth for use at the new Manchester Aquatics Centre. The company also fielded the latest Sony MAV-555, instant digital hard disk editor and replay machine, utilising Sony’s latest MPEG IMX technology.

The camera system ran a serial digital feed to the new Barco DLite 7 LED screen, supplied by Screenco, whilst the audio system, in what was potentially an acoustically challenging venue, was installed by Dimension Audio - making this a real Avesco family affair. MCL Manchester supply full digital camera systems, giving greater flexibility over location, cable runs and reliability as well as allowing digital effects to enhance the presentation. MCL took this opportunity to trial the Sony MAV 555 hard disk recor

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Marquee Audio has supplied Blitz Sound with processing and sound reinforcement products for use on the new West End show, The Full Monty. This includes a wide range of products from the BSS Omnidrive family. Blitz - whose equipment fulfils sound designer Mike Walker’s specifications - have been customers of Marquee Audio for the past eight years.

Blitz consultant, Dave Perry, explained: "Although we had built up a relationship with producer Sacha Brooks when he did The Graduate, we still had to tender for the show." The Full Monty is essentially a strong musical show - with a 12-piece rock band and 21 in the cast - and Mike Walker's sound design for the production needed to reflect this. The production uses a distributed, highly-automated system with a lot of discrete channels. According to Dave Perry: "All 32 matrix outputs of the desk are being used

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In a spectacular West End ‘first’, Lighthouse LED video technology will take the lead visual effects role in the new Queen-inspired musical We Will Rock You, written by Ben Elton, which opens at London’s Dominion Theatre on 14 May. This is the first time LED video screens have been deployed as the major staging effect in a West End musical, and in We Will Rock You, the screens are being used in ways that go beyond the staging of the most adventurous TV show or live event.

The musical’s story is set 300 years in the future, when the world is a bland place in which music and musical instruments have long been banned, but a bohemian subculture is determined to bring them back to life. The show is designed by rock’n’roll veterans Willie Williams and Mark Fisher and directed by Chris Renshaw. The upper, everyday world is represented by such

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MCL Manchester has been officially appointed audio-visual contractor for The Skills Show 2002. The Prince’s Trust event, which will take place between November 13-16 this year, will be held in 55,000sq.m of temporary structure on a disused docklands site in Salford Quays. Designed as a celebration of skills, which will motivate and inspire young people to learn, and encourage them to aspire to excellence, ‘Skillcity’ will house extensive exhibition and demonstration areas, a live performance stage and comprehensive conference facilities.

The show will draw on MCL Manchester’s considerable experience in staging large-scale events, with previous projects including Creamfields, Party in the Park, Manchester Millennium Celebrations and many more. MCL will be providing audio, video, lighting and staging requirements for the organizers and will be preferred suppliers

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Soundcraft Electronics have appointed Dublin-based Audio Warehouse to handle their distribution in Southern Ireland. The newly-formed company is run by John Byrne, a pro audio professional for 20 years whose relationship with Soundcraft stretches back 16 years. "In the course of that time we have established a strong reputation for the brand, and enjoyed particular success in the Broadcast and Capital Project sectors," he says.

Byrne is also delighted to be awarded the Spirit business as part of the distribution package. "Who else can boast such a range, starting at a £120 Notepad, and expanding to top-line live and broadcast consoles. The support we receive for both brands is excellent."

While Audio Warehouse’s strengths are in broadcast - they recently supplied a B400 to RTE and have equipped a total of six on-air studios using Soundcraft consoles since t

  1. Shure moves to new HQ
  2. Triple E demerges from Blackout
  3. Lighting Technology light ‘living robots’ with Show Magic
  4. Nexo’s GEO makes its stadium debut in Paris
  5. Kingston Inmedia and BFBS take the fibre option
  6. Sun convention lit with Vari*Lites
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