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Rigging / Staging

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USA - Total Structures closed 2016, its 25th year of business in the United States, with the debut of its latest award winning products. Halo and Sky-net, fall protection solutions for Total's ground support tower systems and outdoor roof grids, received the Best Debuting Rigging & Staging Product award from Live Design during LDI 2016.

Both products are designed to work with new systems as well as existing roof systems.

Halo provides vertical fall protection and wire rope ladder mounts for 18 inch and 20.5 inch ground support tower systems. This addition of safety equipment will allow technicians to gain access to the tower head block to set hoist chains and to install grid lock off hardware once the structure has been raised into position.

Sky-net is a modular fall prevention net system designed for use with Total Structures' industry leading ladder grid outdoor stag

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USA - When ESTA learned it would be losing a long-term source of revenue, the association faced the loss of almost a third of its income in 2017. The immediate impact of this is to endanger the survival of ESTA's ANSI-accredited Technical Standards Program (TSP). The ramifications of this would be enormous to the entertainment technology industry. Upon hearing of the situation, Ford Sellers, senior product manager at Chauvet Lighting, commented, "The work that is done by the TSP is indispensable. It is central to our industry...In fact, it is what makes us an industry, instead of just a bunch of individual projects."

The rallying cry went out from the volunteer leadership of ESTA and members of the Technical Standards Program, "Everyone in the industry benefits from the TSP and everyone needs to step forward and fund this critical program to keep it alive." The standards creat

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UK - VDC Trading, one of the UK's main distributors of Van Damme cabling, has announced that the Van Damme Tourlight Range of fibre cables has been approved by Neutrik for use in its opticalCON assemblies.

In addition to the product certification, VDC Trading has seen its Neutrik opticalCON Service Centre certification upgraded to the highest level of Class A COCA (Certified opticalCON Assembly), following continued investment in clean room facilities and training. VDC will now be able to offer Van Damme Tourlight II OM3 50/125 and OS1 9/125 Superior Fibre Solutions terminated with Neutrik connectors at optimal turnaround times, delivering a high speed, fibre optic solution to clients globally.

Paul Marchesi, VDC Trading general manager and Neutrik approved Class A Coca Assembler, comments, "We're delighted to have achieved the Neutrik COCA accreditation for the successful

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USA - The Entertainment Technician Certification Programme (ETCP) has announced the programme has now certified 1000 arena riggers throughout North America.

Since 2006, ETCP has issued a total of 2,350 certifications held by 1,978 individuals in the areas of Rigger - Arena, Rigger - Theatre, Entertainment Electrician and the newly developed Portable Power Distribution Technician. ETCP has provided an easy to use search function to find one of our Certified Technicians within your area. You can search by Name, Certification, City, State, or Union Affiliation: http://etcp.esta.org/cert_technicians/search.php

Bill Sapsis, ETCP Arena - Rigging SME chair says, "Congratulations to ETCP on certifying its 1000th arena rigger. Not only does this mean that all of our hard work writing the exam is being put to good use, but also having that many qualified riggers in the work force me

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Belgium - PRG Belgium has recently received a large batch of ProLyft Pro controllers, which will instantly be deployed on productions. After a thorough selection procedure, Prolyte was selected to supply PRG Belgium with its high-end control systems. Investing in 30 12-way control units is the first step in further professionalizing and renewing their rigging department.

PRG's segment advisor rigging, Stef De Raet and Michiel van der Zijde, product manager ProLyft, met during the STEPP contact days, with the leading leitmotiv of "Lifting above the public". Both entirely dedicated to making rigging as safe as possible, discussing about rigging, regulations, and how the market will develop towards the future, they shared their common vision on how safer products can contribute to improve work floor safety, an obvious concern for all involved in rigging. "Whenever you're ready -

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UK - Truss UK is one of the few remaining British manufacturers of load- bearing aluminium trussing products; they design and manufacture structural aluminium products for the entertainment industry as well as other specialist industry sectors worldwide.

Having recently launched their new aluminium space frame product, Truss UK have announced that they have supplied the National Theatre (NT) with a large OBLIK system.

OBLIK is a modular space frame system consisting of only three main component types, the largest of weighing in at less than 16kg. The system is lightweight, compact for transport and storage and simple to erect using conventional fixings (nuts and bolts) to create complex aluminium structures that are extremely strong.

Truss UK director Paul Jordan says, "The OBLIK space frame system was deployed in the grid of the NT's Lyttelton theatre and is suspended

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UK - PLASA Focus Glasgow has announced its final programme of events, including support from the BBC who will provide a unique opportunity to visit the BBC Scotland production facility. PLASA Focus Glasgow - Scotland's sole entertainment technology show - returns to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) on 18-19 January 2017.

John Carmichael, BBC Radio operations manager for Scotland, will host a tour of the studio for the Quay Sessions, a live music programme recorded in front of an audience, including a run-through of the state-of-the-art studio technology in use. The studio is in the BBC Scotland production facility at Pacific Quay, just a few minutes' walk from the SECC.

Other highlights on the Glasgow programme include a networking event at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, who will host a drinks reception and technical tours. Seminar sessions

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UK - Production, entertainment and events flooring specialists Harlequin Floors are exhibiting at PLASA Focus, in Glasgow, 18-19 January on stand A3, introducing new and exciting products including Hi-Shine Gold and Silver.

Following a huge success at the London Olympia exhibition at the end of September last year, Harlequin Floors is heading to Glasgow for more PLASA action, where it expects to have heads turning once again at the new product lines on offer.

The metallic finishes in gold and silver are the latest additions to the Hi-Shine range and give a highly reflective, glossy, and mirrored effect. Because Harlequin's Hi-Shine floors are durable and easy to roll out, they are perfect for the fast-paced and pressurised world of events, television production, set design and fashion, where time and high quality are of the essence.

Also of interest to set designers an

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USA - Motion control systems manufacturer Kinesys again welcomes guests to its dedicated training facility in Atlanta, Georgia with a combined Open Days / Training Workshop event running from 21-24 February 2017.

The emphasis is on both product awareness and providing fee-free training for those who want to increase their knowledge and understanding of automated rigging for the entertainment industry.

Subjects will include the operation and implementation of Kinesys automation products as well as the application of load cell systems for increased safety in multi-hoist lifting operations and the invitation is open to designers, operators, rental suppliers and rigging service providers - anyone with an interest in this dynamic element of modern show production.

The training workshops will provide structured learning in the theory, programming and operation of Kinesys' po

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UK - Doughty Engineering is set debut a new adaptable, three-position Tank Trap at this year's PLASA Focus, Glasgow. Visitors to stand B6 will be able to find out more about the prototype product which has been devised to answer customer demand for a Tank Trap which would allow rigging close to a wall, in the corner of a room or near to an obstruction.

It has a detachable receiver suitable for 48mm barrel, which may be fitted to any of the three mounting points. These mounting points are located in the centre as per a standard Tank Trap, at the edge and in the corner.

Dan Phillips, project sales coordinator at Doughty said, "The Adaptable Tank Trap's mounting points consist of a welded socket which the receiver slots into.The receiver is held in place with a 12mm stainless steel pin, which is in turn secured by a pair of lynch pins. The mounting points and receiver are CNC

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Germany - The first Landesjazzfestival Bayern (jazz festival Bavaria) took place in Regensburg from 21-23 October, 2016. The event, which received prominent support - the patron was Bavaria's Premier Horst Seehofer - presented a top-class and diverse programme on all three festival days. Among the highlights were the shows of Grammy winners Ron Carter and John Scofield as well as the concert of Dusko Goykovich.

During their celebrated performances, the jazz legends shared the stage with equipment newcomers - the new Gravity stands, an Adam Hall Group brand. Once again the accessories showed off their qualities: easy handling, stability and an appealing design.

Winni Freisleben, head of the board of the Jazzclub Regensburg and co-initiator of the first Landesjazzfestival Bayern, noted, "We received positive feedback regarding the Gravity stands from several musicians. The s

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Final Curtain - The curtain is coming down on the most celebrated circus in the US, the Greatest Show on Earth, run by Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey. After 146 years in the business, the owners said declining tickets sales and high operating costs were to blame. Activists who campaigned for decades against the travelling circus's animal acts welcomed the news.

"After much evaluation and deliberation, my family and I have made the difficult business decision that Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey will hold its final performances in May," said a statement from Kenneth Feld, CEO of Feld Entertainment, the family business which has run the circus since the late 1960s.

Sep Outside Love - A life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black has been unveiled outside Liverpool's Cavern Club as the venue celebrates its 60th anniversary. The club, credited with launching

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Europe - Evago AG, German event infrastructure provider, has acquired 100% of the shares in Mojo Barriers' global crowd barrier business.

The Evago Group, which includes German full service event company B

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UK - PLASA Focus Glasgow kicked off the 2017 show season unveiling exciting new product launches and UK debuts including: EM Acoustics' ESP-8 and IC range, Allen & Heath's new dLive C1500 on SSE's stand, RCF's TT45-CXA touring and theatre series, Area Four's EXE Rise 500kg electric chain hoist, and ETC's new AV version of the Color Source desk.

The show, taking place at the SECC in Glasgow, attracted a record number of visitors on day one, hosting packed seminar sessions - including Phil Ward's panel entitled Is Point Source Fighting Back - and the Riggers Forum.

Chris Toulmin, director of PLASA Events says: "PLASA Focus Glasgow has gathered fantastic momentum in the Scottish region, attracting industry support from likes of the BBC, Department of International Trade and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. The buzzing show floor is further testament for the thrivin

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Italy - LITEC has recently introduced a new concept in heavy-duty portable roofs - the MyT Folding Steroid Roof System. The MyT Folding Steroid was purpose-designed by LITEC engineers to answer the needs of live event companies that require colossal structures with extreme loading capacities, while optimizing transport costs and reducing storage requirements.

The successful debut of the MyT Steroid Folding Roof System was at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples, Italy, which served as both a test build and massive roof structure for an important live concert. The custom made 30 x 15m MyT Folding Steroid Roof System was expertly delivered and erected by Massimo Stage, one of Europe's premier event production and rental companies that specializes in big events.

The modular, self-contained design of the MyT Folding Steroid Roof System consists of heavy duty components that are

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UK - J&C Joel has announced three appointments as it expands its senior management team.

Nick Worton has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the company's financial strategy, accounting and IT.

"Nick brings over 20 years of financial, commercial and administrative experience to J&C Joel" said James Wheelwright, CEO. "His impressive background complements J&C Joel's dedication to excellence and growth." Prior to joining J&C Joel, Nick served as director of finance of Camira Fabrics.

In addition J&C Joel has confirmed two other senior appointments - Scott Carter, operations manager for purchasing, logistics and warehouse and Matthew Oldfield who joins as manufacturing production manager. Both appointments are part of the company's commitment to improving service whilst growing both the UK and international business.

Scott brings more than si

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Germany - Guang Jian Gao, designer-in-chief and art director at the Chinese National Centre of Performing Arts in Beijing, will present a keynote lecture at this year's Prolight+Sound exhibition (Frankfurt, Germany, 5-8 April 2016). The lecture will be held on Thursday, 7 April at 15.30.

"Products and subjects relating to theatre and stage technology have gained greatly in significance for Prolight+Sound. Therefore, I am particularly pleased that, with this lecture by Guang Jian Gao, we can also present a special highlight for trade visitors from this segment at this year's fair", says Prolight+Sound Director Michael Biwer. "Our special thanks go to Florian von Hofen, CTO of Rouge AVE, who made contact with Guang Jian Gao and went to great lengths to make this extraordinary highlight possible."

China's leading stage designer, Gao has been honoured many times for his work a

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UK - This week the Current RMS Team is celebrating hitting the 1,000-user mark with close to 700 rental businesses worldwide now relying on the system to manage their hire processes.

Launched just 15 months ago, Current has experienced rapid growth, illustrating the need for AV, lighting and production hire businesses to be able to work on the move, raise quotes on the fly, check stock availability and generate invoices from any device and location.

"Current has been so well received across the UK and we are now seeing significant growth across USA, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East - that's the beauty of the cloud, businesses can sign up within 60 seconds online and receive the same level of support from us, no matter where in the world they are," says business manager Lisa Kenward.

Since launch, Current has heavily invested resource in development, building

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UK - PLASA has 39 years of experience in providing business events for the live entertainment technology industry, attracting a high calibre of attendees with more than £3billion spending power for the PLASA Show, £340m for PLASA Focus Leeds and £130m for the newest edition, PLASA Focus Glasgow.

PLASA prides itself on delivering a targeted audience for each show highlighted by the small audience crossover between events, with only 350 Leeds visitors and 52 Glasgow visitors attending the flagship London show. This unique audience is not just limited to shows organised by the PLASA Events division, but also includes competitor shows with 41% of PLASA Show 2015 visitors not having attended any other show in the past year.

Christopher Toulmin, director of Events Division says: "Engaging face-to-face is still the fastest and most effective way to build relatio

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Canada - The new BlackTrax Beta 2.0 makes tracking even easier, faster to calibrate, programme and use. Developed for over a year, 2.0 has the largest number of new features, GUI and workflow improvements in any BlackTrax release yet.

"A lot of these improvements were developed from customer suggestions, requests and general feedback," explains Marty Cochrane, BlackTrax product manager. "This includes better system reporting, real-time chapter programming and more control over fixtures during the calibration process."

Highlights include: All-new GUI designfor BlackTrax, BTWyg, Tracker, and Follower - with full-screen mode for BlackTrax and new simpler basic mode for Tracker and Follower; new Fixture Calibration mode improvements ensure faster calibration; rigid and soft frames for more flexible tracking operations and objects. Frames combine a collection of Stringers (aka

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UK - Following a year in which Doughty Engineering has upped its game in the film and TV industry, visitors to the company's stand E39 at BVE 2016 will see a range of its products specifically designed with the broadcast sector in mind. With two new additions to Doughty's award winning Modular Rigging System making their début at the show, as well as a selection of grip, rigging, suspension and lifting equipment on display, Julian Chiverton, sales director at Doughty, believes shows like BVE are more important than ever to the company.

"We really got our teeth into the broadcast space in 2015," he said. "We're involved in an ongoing job with the Stop Animation and Puppet Making faculty at the University of Staffordshire and have some fascinating projects within the media department at Queen's University in Belfast under our belt, as well as working with major shopping c

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UK - Twenty-seven axes of Kinesys automation were in action on the 2016 Strictly Live UK arena tour, produced by Phil McIntyre Entertainments.

The completely sold out tour was presented by the Great British Bake Off's Mel Giedroyc and once again provided a highly successful sequel to the BBC's blockbusting Strictly Come Dancing phenomenon, offering fans nationwide the chance to experience all the glamour, glitz and excitement totally live.

Kinesys has featured on most of the recent Strictly Live tours - this was the ninth one - to move a combination of scenic elements and drapes as specified by the tour's technical director, Andy Gibbs. This year there were more movement elements than before with the system again provided by leading UK lighting and visuals rental company, Neg Earth, and Steve Kellaway operating for the second year running.

Steve, also an

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South Africa - Every year DWR Distribution kicks off with the Prolyte Rigging Training Course, an internationally recognized five-day course presented by Rinus Bakker from Rhino Rigs. This year the Prolyte course has been evaluated and is registered to provide 48 CPD (continuous professional development) credits that can be used to earn and maintain the CertAV professional designations.

Kevan Jones, executive director of the South African Communications Industries Association (SACIA) explains, "In February 2015 SACIA was recognised by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) as the professional body for the broadcast and AV community across Southern Africa. We have registered 6 professional designations and are in the process of developing additional designations for the theatre and live events sector. In order to earn and maintain a professional designation, candidates a

  1. Stage One completes acquisition of WGH
  2. PL+S: BroadWeigh wireless makes European debut
  3. PL+S: Triple E launches ModTruss in Europe
  4. PLASA launches National Event Lifting Certificate
  5. Mojo Barriers makes Madonna Rebel Heart Tour safe
  6. An Unusual interview technique on ITV
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