Light & Sound International - November 2022

www.lsionline.com LIGHT & SOUND INTERNATIONAL • NOVEMBER 2022
ENTERTAINMENT • PRESENTATION • INSTALLATION
DIGITAL
EDITION IN THIS ISSUE:

Live: Elephant Sessions
Instrumental joy at Barrowlands
Theatre: Cages
A musical, but not as you know it

Tech: Signature Series
Autograph’s changeover units

Art Unleashed

Masterpieces escape the frame

EVENT: THEATRES TRUST CONFERENCE 2022 • COMPANY PROFILE: CEG LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
INDUSTRY: WOMEN IN LIGHTING • RIGGING: WALKING A FINE LINE • AUTOMATION: SET IN MOTION
CONDUCTOR: GREENER POWER • PROFILE: NEUTRAL HUMAN’S SARAH COX - AND MUCH MORE . . .

INTRODUCING

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More art. Less noise.

ISSUE #422 contents NOVEMBER 2022

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE

Photo: Jordan Curtis Hughes 38 46

COVER STORY The elephant in the room

Art unleashed Steve Moles reports from Glasgow’s Barrowland
Ballroom as instrumentalists Elephant Sessions
Phil Ward visits Frameless, London’s new digital art gallery
with soaring AV ambition . . . stage a special, one-off show . . .

58 70

Theatre : Cages TF : Signature Series

Claire Beeson reports from London’s Riverside Studios Simon Allen discovers what’s new in Autograph’s
on the new musical embracing holographic technology Signature Series of changeover units . . .

and mixed-media influences . . .

04 NOVEMBER 2022 • WWW.LSIONLINE.COM

READ LSi ONLINE FOR FREE. DOWNLOAD THE ‘LSi-VIEW’ APP - Fog is
AVAILABLE FOR BOTH APPLE AND ANDROID DEVICES our passion!

NEWS REGULARS Unique 2.1

08 In the News 34 Early Stagers X Economical and powerful
Latest business news & developments, Sam Ferstenberg X Quiet
association news, events, training & X Low maintenance
education, standards & safety 36 Future Tech X Compact and blue
The simulation point
18 Walking a fine line X Optimal support of light
Rob Halliday discovers how load cell 44 Audio File and laser effects
technology has helped tightrope walker Magic circles
Andrea Loreni reach new heights . . . X Minimal heat-up time (60s)
54 Crew Cuts X Pump and fan separately
20 Theatres fit for the future Jon Shrimpton
Claire Beeson reports from the Lyric adjustable
Theatre, Hammersmith on the Theatres 56 Set in Motion X DMX 512, analog,
Trust Conference 2022 . . . Automated axes
stand alone
24 Rental finesse 57 Tools From Beyond X Internal timer
Post-pandemic, UK equipment rental Disk cloning backup software X Individual profile pro-
company CEG is looking forward with
a rethought, restructured and refined 64 Second Fix grammable
business operation. LSi reports from Plagued by announcements X Simple operation
Cambridge . . . X Filter
65 Classic Gear X Minimal fluid consumption
The USB stick X 1500 W, 230V/50Hz

66 The Conductor Accessories:
Greener power X Diverter
X XLR-remote
68 Technology Focus X Hanging set
Lightwright is wright X Flightcase

74 In Profile Look
Sarah Cox Solutions

NEXT ISSUE Fog machines made in Germany

Coming up in the December issue*: Look Solutions GmbH & Co. KG
• Live: George Ezra Buenteweg 33 · DE-30989 Gehrden
• Theatre: My Neighbour Totoro Phone +49-(0)5108 - 91 22 10 · Fax 91 22 111
• Show Review: LDI, Las Vegas
• Tech: ETC’s Eos Apex console www.looksolutions.com · [email protected]
• Plus all of your regular favourites . . .

*Subject to change

26 Leading lights For advertising enquiries:
This October saw the first in-person [email protected]
Women in Lighting Sessions event, Copy deadline:
hosted at Ayrton’s Paris HQ. LSi Wednesday 23 November 2022
reports . . .
LSi Digital Edition - published by PLASA
28 Product News Media Ltd.
A roundup of the latest product releases © Copyright PLASA Media Ltd.
and developments . . . ISSN 1759-6343

WWW.LSIONLINE.COM • NOVEMBER 2022 05



f FOREWORD

LIGHT & SOUND LSeye
INTERNATIONAL
Claire Beeson editor
PLASA Media, Redoubt House, [email protected]
1 Edward Road, Eastbourne,
East Sussex, BN23 8AS, UK. “This new art gallery concept lets visitors step inside
Tel: +44 (0)1323 524120 the frame and experience their favourite works of
www.lsionline.com art like never before . . .”

Editor CIn an age where we are increasingly examines Lightwright power calculations
Claire Beeson reliant on technology, even absolute (pages 68-69) and stage automation
[email protected] masterpieces of the art world are specialist Sam Woodward explains
getting digital make-overs in a bid to attract automated axes for the second instalment
Assistant Editor new audiences. Our cover story this month of Set in Motion (page 56).
Genevieve Phythian concerns Frameless, a new immersive
[email protected] art gallery in London where none of the We also report on the recent in-person
actual, original artwork is present, but Women In Lighting event that took place
Technical Editor digital versions of them explode on every at Ayrton’s headquarters in Paris recently
Richard Cadena surface of the venue. This new art gallery (pages 26-27), and attend the 2022 Theatres
[email protected] concept lets visitors step inside the frame Trust Conference, with its theme of Theatres
and experience their favourite works of art Fit For the Future (pages 20-22). Plus, we
Production Manager like never before. Phil Ward embraces the meet the team at UK-based rental specialist
Sonja Walker experience for his report on pages 38-43, CEG (pages 24-25), and Rob Halliday
[email protected] detailing the careful planning of projection, discovers how load-cell technology is
lighting and audio tech placement to ensure helping Italian tightrope walker Andrea
Sales Manager a seamless experience for punters. Loreni take on increasingly ambitious
Jamie Mould challenges (pages 18-19).
[email protected] Also inside, Steve Moles enjoys a joyous,
one-off performance by instrumentalists For his latest edition of Future Tech (page
Sales Executive Elephant Sessions at Glasgow’s 36), James Simpson wonders if we’re all
Natasha Adams Barrowland Ballroom. In celebration simulations and what that means for ‘live
[email protected] of the Scottish folk-fusion band’s 10th entertainment’; while Sarah Cox of Neutral
anniversary, the show had big production Human tells us about her latest venture for
Subscriptions values, as Steve discovers for his report on this month’s In Profile (page 74).
[email protected] pages 46-52.
Later this month, PLASA will welcome
PLASA MD Meanwhile, I report from London’s its members to this year’s in-person AGM.
Peter Heath Riverside Studios on Cages, a contemporary Taking place on 30 November at London’s
[email protected] new live production that’s part musical, Victory Services Club, the official business of
part film and part live music video. Fresh the day will be followed by festive drinks and
PLASA FD from LA, the show makes extensive use nibbles. PLASA members are encouraged to
Shane McGreevy of hologram technology and immersive sign up via their email invitations to confirm
[email protected] soundscapes. Read more on pages 58-63. attendance. We look forward to seeing you
there! Finally, I’d like to take a moment to
Regular Contributors: On the tech front, Simon Allen reviews welcome our new assistant editor, Genevieve
Simon Allen, Mike Clark, Simon Duff, James Eade, Autograph’s Signature Series of changeover Phythian, to Team LSi. Great to have you on
Jim Evans, Rob Halliday, Roland Hemming, units (pages 70-73); Richard Cadena board, Gen! I
Julie Harper, Mark Johnson, Mel Lambert,
Kate Lyon, Steve Moles, Sarah Rushton-Read, Use it
The Shend, James Simpson, Louise Stickland, Anywhere!
Cat Strom, Phil Ward.
w: rentalpoint3.com e: [email protected]
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Editor or PLASA Media.

The editor’s consent must be obtained before any
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LSi is published by PLASA Media Ltd, a commercial
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IN THE NEWS

INDUSTRY ISSUES

PLASA and #WeMakeEvents launch follow-up
impact survey

[UK] Following the extensive report released by PLASA and The resulting data will strengthen the position of the industry at
#WeMakeEvents last winter, a follow-up survey has now been government-level and will provide key insights for business leaders
released. The new survey investigates the ongoing recovery of the to plan for the future. Once the data is analysed, the full report will
supply chain to the live events, entertainment and installation be available to download for free on PLASA and #WeMakeEvents’
industries. Companies and individuals are invited to complete the respective websites.
survey, which closes at midnight on Sunday 20 November.
P www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/plasa-wme-2022
This survey will build upon last year’s findings which were
sourced from nearly 2,000 industry professionals in over 40 P www.plasa.org P www.wemakeevents.com
countries. The subsequent 2021 report revealed huge challenges:
45% of companies took on additional debt to survive the lockdowns,
94% of manufacturers experienced delays in components, 69% of
companies faced skills shortages, and full-time freelancers in the
industry dropped by 52%.

With last year’s survey serving as a solid benchmark, the
follow-up survey will accurately measure the progress made and
clarify outstanding challenges, including emerging issues such as
spiralling living costs and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

BUSINESS BUSINESS PEOPLE

Out Board appoints Full Production partners New roles for senior
ESS Audio with Avion TSL Robe players

ESS Audio demo’d TiMax at a recent exhibition Steve Richardson of Full Production with Mat [Europe] Two of
in Poland Robe’s key
Spencer of Avion TSL international sales
[UK] TiMax spatial audio and showcontrol team will be taking
manufacturer, Out Board, has announced [UK] Berkshire-based Full Production has on new roles in the
a strategic relocation of its distribution partnered with Coventry-based Avion TSL in company. Following his
partnership through Poland, in alliance with a move that will see both companies benefit 70th birthday, Harry von den Stemmen
the strategic growth plan of its long- from the sharing of premises, resources (pictured) will step back from his post as
standing distributor, Polsound. and expertise, enabling the delivery of international sales director to continue
“a stronger and faster service to a broader working as a global key account
Following many successful years with range of clients in the UK and beyond”. manager, as well as taking on an
Polsound, the TiMax range of products ambassadorial role within the company.
including TiMax SoundHub and TiMax Founded in 2010, Full Production has Having been with the company since
Tracker will now be managed through ESS worked on a variety of top-flight events in 2003, he will continue to travel, although
Audio. The strategic coordination leverages recent years, from touring exhibitions and not at quite such a furious pace, and
the additional solutions-based project awards shows, to TV, festivals and other spend time working on Robe special
resources within ESS Audio, which operates special events. Drawing on a network of projects in selected regions as well as
across the full spectrum of TiMax’s core live skilled designers, project managers and managing specific global territories and
event and theatre markets, as well as the crew, the company prides itself on its engaging with key communication and
rapidly-growing presentation and central ethos of ensuring the customer’s promotional activities. Stepping up as
experiential sectors where the unique vision is realised as fully as possible. international sales director is Ingo
immersive audio technology adds notable Dombrowski, who has been with the
benefit and value. Avion TSL, a family-run business formed company for 18 years and has also
P www.outboard.co.uk in 2001, specialises in providing full-service played a significant role in Robe
P www.essaudio.pl production for concerts, fundraising events, becoming a worldwide player.
fairs, Christmas walks and other visitor P www.robe.cz
P www.lsionline.com experiences. Under the new partnership it
will operate under the Full Production All the latest business,
banner where appropriate, while continuing
its own activities as Avion TSL. people & project

P www.fullproduction.co.uk news available daily at :

P www.aviontsl.com www.lsionline.com

08 NOVEMBER 2022 • WWW.LSIONLINE.COM



IN THE NEWS

BUSINESS

Britannia Row Productions acquires Skan

[UK] Britannia Row Productions, a Clair Global company, has L-R: Shaun Clair, Abby Llewellyn, Troy Clair, Chris Fitch, Bryan Grant and
acquired fellow UK-based sound reinforcement provider Skan to Nicola Amoruso
offer “an even more comprehensive level of service and support to
both firms’ existing and future clients”. The transaction was
finalised in September.

Founded in the 1970s, Skan offers sound reinforcement services
for tours, festivals, and large-scale events with an impressive roster
of clients worldwide, including Muse, Liam Gallagher, and ELO. As
Skan becomes part of the Clair Global brand, its present leadership
team will remain in place, along with the Skan name.

P www.skanpa.co.uk

P www.britanniarow.com

BUSINESS TRAINING/EDUCATION PEOPLE

Blue Array invests in Call out for training intake New faces at
DiGiCo Quantum at Lighthouse Poole Martin Audio

Blue Array’s Reotshepile Tlhowe and Nathan [UK] Applications are open for Lighthouse [UK] Jamie Gomez
Thiart with their latest DiGiCO acquisition Young Technicians, a training course for 12 has been appointed
young people aged 16-19 eager to get to as global marketing
[South Africa] Blue Array Productions grips with lighting, sound and stage manager for Martin
audio rental and production outfit has management in a variety of indoor and Audio and Optimal Audio. He moves to
become the first technical supply company outdoor settings. his new position from within the wider
in South Africa to own a DiGiCo Quantum Focusrite Group, where he was GMM
338, purchased from DWR Distribution. Guided by industry specialists, those on for Focusrite Pro. Martin Audio has
The Quantum 338 went straight onto the 12-week course navigate all elements of also appointed former lecturer,
DStv’s Delicious International Food & technical theatre to gain the experience that producer, DJ and
Music Festival, held recently in may set them on course for a future career. freelance sound
Johannesburg, where it was used for “The students get lots of hands-on engineer Paul
a performance by Nigerian singer and experience and crucially it’s real-world Connaughton as
songwriter, Burna Boy. training in a working multi-venue arts a product support
P www.digico.biz facility working on shows and events engineer. He will
P www.dwrdistribution.co.za indoors and outdoors,” says Poole-based support clients and
international lighting designer and course customers in the use of
BUSINESS tutor James Smith. Martin Audio systems and software in
all areas of live sound and system
Power Logistics to Workshops run weekly on Saturday integration design and deployment.
mornings during term times between P www.pro.focusrite.com
open base in Cork 10am-2pm. Course fees are £150 for the P www.martin-audio.com
entire programme with bursaries available. P www.optimal-audio.co.uk
[Europe] Sustainable event power To apply for Lighthouse Young Technicians,
specialist Power Logistics has announced fill out the application form found via the web PEOPLE
plans for its expansion into Europe. The first address below and submit your application
stage of this development programme is the to [email protected]. HOF grows sales team
establishment of a permanent base in Cork, P www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Ireland to better serve the needs of its Irish [Germany] HOF has
client base. Power Logistics has been All the latest industry extended its sales
supporting Ireland’s premier outdoor events team with the
and concerts for over 15 years. Further news available daily at : appointment of
announcements regarding the company’s Dominik Rieskamp.
expansion programme across Europe will www.lsionline.com As key account
follow in the coming months. manager, he will look
P www.powerlog.co.uk after HOF’s major
customers in the German-speaking
countries. Rieskamp has been working
in the industry for over 13 years and is
already very familiar with HOF’s
portfolio.
P www.h-of.de

10 NOVEMBER 2022 • WWW.LSIONLINE.COM

BUSINESS PEOPLE VOICES IN
THIS ISSUE
Prolyte appoints Ambersphere promotes
Prostage for Norway Lee House “We’ve spent a lot of
time thinking about
[Europe] Prolyte has appointed Prostage AS as its [UK] Ambersphere making every single
new distributor for Norway. Established in Oslo in Solutions has promoted step of the rental
2008 by CEO Gunnar Waldemar Naas, Prostage is Lee House to the position life-cycle a painless
the exclusive distribution partner in Norway for of operations director. process . . .”
several market-leading brands and has a wide House joined the
product portfolio catering to a large array of clients, Ambersphere sales department p24 CEG’s Gavin Thorrold
including Norway’s largest TV studios, rental in 2013 following a successful career in on the company’s
companies, AV installation companies, churches, technical sales and product management. post-pandemic strategy
schools and educational institutions, as well as Ambersphere’s MD Glyn O’Donoghue says:
cultural institutions such as The National Theatre “Lee and I have worked together for more “What defines this
and The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. than 15 years, and I am so pleased that he is experience is the
joining Philip, Ken and myself to help steer dynamic animation
“I am thrilled to work closely with Prolyte and and manage Ambersphere Solutions’ future. applied to the
their technical team in a distributor capacity, Lee’s organisational skills and vast industry hitherto static
having worked with their products in a wide variety experience have been invaluable as the canvases, combined
of projects for more than 20 years. The quality of industry recovered post-COVID, and his with arresting and
their products, combined with their well-known commitment to Ambersphere’s suppliers and enveloping sound . . .”
level of know-how and service makes Prolyte customers is unrivalled”.
a solid partner, and the collaboration will further P www.ambersphere.com p38 Phil Ward explores the
strengthen our position in the Norwegian market,” Frameless art gallery
said Kai Vidar Bech, Prostage’s technical PEOPLE
manager of rigging and stage machinery. “It’s the biggest
P www.prolyte.com Adam Hall appoints global production I’ve seen in
P www.prostage.no sales director the Barrowlands for
a long time . . .”
BUSINESS [Germany] The Adam
Hall Group has appointed p46 Adam Thayers on
Martin Audio appoints Nik Gledic as global sales Elephant Sessions’ recent
WSS for Sweden director. Before joining Glasgow show
the Adam Hall Group,
Gledic gained many years of “We wanted the show
experience at Shure Germany and Shure to hit you in the chest
Europe in sales and marketing management like a concert does,
positions; most recently he was senior but also have the pin-
director, retail, for the Western European drop silence moments
business of the US pro audio manufacturer. of a film score . . .”
P www.adamhallgroup.com
p58 CJ Baran explains new
The WSS team - Mattias Winther, Mårten Ihre and PEOPLE musical, Cages
Pontus Svensson
[Sweden] Martin Audio has appointed Winther SGM Light appoints “No one wants to
Sound Solutions (WSS) as its new distributor for specification spend cash on the
Sweden. WSS has an impressive track record with manager ugly duckling, despite
Martin Audio products, having worked as a dealer the potential for it to
for the last two years. The company is headed by [Europe] Eloise Reed has become the swan of
Mattias Winther, Pontus Svensson and Mårten joined SGM Light as sustainability . . .”
Ihre - a team with an impressive heritage in the specification manager for
Swedish market. Northern Europe. Reed has over p66 James Eade hopes for
P www.martin-audio.com 25 years of experience in lighting, spanning investment in greener power
P www.winthersoundsolutions.se several global markets in both the
architectural and production lighting sectors. “For the theatre
P www.lsionline.com In her new role, she will establish and build world, mostly working
customer relationships and support business with short cues, the
development within Northern Europe, Signature Series
providing a go-to point of contact for certainly offers
architectural lighting designers. complete peace of
P www.sgmlight.com mind . . .”

WWW.LSIONLINE.COM • NOVEMBER 2022 11 p70 Simon Allen reviews
Autograph’s Signature
Series

IN THE NEWS

TRADE BODY EVENTS
DIARY
ABTT launches mental health guide
LDI
[UK] The ABTT has launched assistance for organisations as
Guidance Note W2: Mental health they work on improving mental 18-20 November 2022
and wellbeing in the workplace, health and wellbeing in the Las Vegas, NV, USA
a practical guide to conducting workplace. The subject of mental www.ldishow.com
stress risk assessments and health and wellbeing can often
creating wellbeing policies. This is feel vast and that no one-size-fits- JTSE
the second in the ABTT’s W series all solution is available. It is easy to
of guidance notes which deal with feel the need to ‘put off’ working 22-23 November 2022
legal duties and best practice for on policies in this area. This Paris, France
ensuring the welfare of all guidance note presents the task in www.jtse.fr
workers. a way with which we are all
familiar, working with the risk ISE
HSE statistics show that assessment method we deal with day-to-day. The
work-related stress is a significant issue with more guidance simply provides a methodology and 31 Jan - 3 Feb 2023
than 15.4m working days lost as a result of stress, encourages you to make those vital first steps in Barcelona, Spain
anxiety or depression. This equates to an creating a better culture of well-being in your www.iseurope.org
estimated cost of £5.2 billion. workplace. We need to do this now more than ever.”
PLASA PlugFest
ABTT co-chair Mig Burgess Walsh comments: P www.abtt.org.uk
“I hope this guidance note will be of significant 7-9 March 2023
Lille, France
EVENT PEOPLE www.plasa.org/plugfest

Women In Theatre panel Clear-Com adds applications ISCVEx 2023
tackles global challenges engineer
21-22 March 2023
[USA] Shure recently invited women in the [Europe] Clear-Com has Coventry, UK
theatre industry from around the globe to join its appointed Andreas Schick www.iscve.org.uk
president and CEO Chris Schyvinck for a panel to its applications
discussion around the evolving role of women in engineering team in MIR Tech
the industry. Panellists included Vicki Hill, FOH EMEA. Schick brings over
operator for theatre (UK), Nancy Lam, chief 10 years of professional 2-4 April, 2023
theatre technician, West Kowloon Cultural District experience in the AV industry to the role, Rimini, Italy
Authority (Hong Kong), Victoria (Toy) Deiorio, head having previously worked as a //en.musicinsiderimini.it
of sound design at DePaul University (US) and commissioning engineer at Salzbrenner, a
Stephanie Farina, adjunct professor at The Theatre Germany-based systems contractor for AV NAMM
School at DePaul University. and media technology.
P www.clearcom.com 13-15 April 2023
The live online broadcast provided a myriad of Anaheim, CA, USA
topics ranging from what inspired these PEOPLE www.namm.org
professionals to pursue this career, to challenges
faced in the industry and global regions, to advice Stuart West joins 3LR Prolight+Sound
they have for young women interested in theatre
production. [UK] Specialist consultancy 25-28 April 2023
3LR Lighting has appointed Frankfurt, Germany
“This talented panel of women from all over the Stuart West as business www.pls.messefrankfurt.com
globe really provided some fantastic insights into development manager for
their diverse adventures in theatre,” said Schyvinck. lighting, control and PLASA Focus Leeds
“The ability to bring their perspectives forward for software. West brings more
the next generation of young women to experience than 25 years of 9-10 May 2023
is an essential part of our industry’s efforts to entertainment production Leeds, UK
increase inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.” experience to the role, having enjoyed a www.plasaleeds.com
P www.shure.com varied career in technical theatre production,
venue management and building operations. AES Europe
His experience also includes a varied
freelance career covering theatre 13-15 May 2023
productions, television, touring, training and Helsinki, Finland
consultancy. www.aes.org/events
P www.3lrlighting.com
Showlight 2023
All the latest industry news : www.lsionline.com
20-23 May 2023
12 NOVEMBER 2022 • WWW.LSIONLINE.COM Fontainebleau, France
www.showlight.org

ABTT

7-8 June 2023
London, UK
www.abtt.org.uk

InfoComm

14-16 June 2023
Orlando, FL, USA
www.infocommshow.org

BUSINESS BUSINESS

Optimal Audio appoints Koil Corp to distribute PEOPLE
TMP Pro HH in South Korea
Audio-Technica
[USA] UK Brandon Han, H.Y. Jo, Mi Jung Jo and David grows team
McKinney (Generation AV)
manufacturer [South Korea] HH Electronics, part of the [UK] Audio-Technica
Optimal Audio has Headstock Group, has appointed Koil has appointed Jack
appointed TMP Pro Corporation as its official distribution Spenn as business
partner in South Korea. Koil will work development manager
as a distributor in closely with both HH Electronics and for the south of England.
the US. Part of the Generation AV, HH’s appointed sales Based in Bristol, Spenn’s portfolio
Focusrite Group, agency in the region. comprises Audio-Technica and its
distributed brands - Allen & Heath,
Optimal Audio James Laney, Headstock CEO, Optimal Audio, Audio Pro Business and
comments: “We are delighted to be working Artnovion - in the UK.
manufactures a TMP Pro’s David Henry with Koil. We share a mutual goal to fulfil
the potential for HH products in Korea and He brings considerable experience
one-stop solution look forward to a long and successful within the audio installation industry to
partnership.” the position, having studied acoustics
offering of control, amplification and P www.hhelectronics.com at Salford University before working for
P www.koil.co.kr Masons Sound, GVAV and most
loudspeakers for small- to medium-sized recently Enlightened in Bristol.
P www.audio-technica.com
commercial installations, with a focus on
supporting multi-zoned venues. Based in Daily industry news :
www.lsionline.com
Connecticut, TMP Pro is the pro audio,

video, lighting, and pro accessories division
of The Music People, an Exertis/Jam
business which distributes more than 200

premium brands across the US.

P www.optimal-audio.co.uk

P www.tmppro.com

Daily industry news :
www.lsionline.com

We’re Hiring!

Service Engineer

The Role

Providing top level service and support to our customers
Repairing moving lights, problem solving desk issues and
servicing traditional theatre fixtures
Includes ongoing support and education, allowing you to build
your skills and serve all levels of the industry
Based in our West London office but may involve occassional
travel to clients around the country

You Are

An experienced service engineer or technician looking for a challenge

Ready to get stuck into repairing and servicing products from our
industry leading brands
Technically competent and willing to be awesome at the role! (Full
product training will be provided)

We Are

The exclusive UK sales, support, service and training centre for
Astera, Ayrton, MA Lighting, Robert Juliat and zactrack
A fun, exciting and rewarding workplace!

Interested? [email protected]
ambersphere.com/page/careers

WWW.LSIONLINE.COM • NOVEMBER 2022 13

IN THE NEWS

PEOPLE PEOPLE

Ollie Jeffery joins EICC Genelec deepens global
AV commitment
[UK] The Edinburgh International incredible venue with fantastic technology
Conference Centre (EICC) has hired Royal and great flexibility to host a multitude of [Finland] Genelec has appointed Kati
Albert Hall (RAH) executive Ollie Jeffery as different events. I am also really excited to Pajukallio as AV business manager
director of event operations and technology. join such a dedicated team, and I look and Sami Mäkinen as AV sales
Jeffery spent over 18 years with the RAH, forward to building on the relationships manager for Finland.
most recently as head of production and I have built up within the industry to help
technical. His experience at the RAH the EICC move forward into both the new Pajukallio joined Genelec last year,
included developing the venue’s lighting hotel and overall venue development.” bringing with her a wealth of AV
and audio services, establishing an industry experience, having previously
apprentice scheme, and supporting the P www.eicc.co.uk worked in marketing communications
delivery of around 400 events a year. roles for Electrosonic and Audico
Systems, both highly regarded
EICC CEO Marshall Dallas comments: integrators. Mäkinen has been a key
“As we aim to further establish the EICC as part of the Genelec sales management
a globally-recognised conference venue, team since 2007, and has concentrated
getting someone of Ollie’s international exclusively on the AV market for the
experience and know-how on board is a last seven years. Mäkinen will work
major coup and signposts our ambitions for closely with sales engineer Henri
the years ahead. We look forward to Ollie Ulmanen, who will continue his role in
helping to drive continuing success during the Finnish AV team by focussing on
our next phase of growth.” sales channel education, technical
sales support and internal R&D
Jeffery adds: “I am extremely pleased to co-operation.
be joining the EICC at such an exciting time P www.genelec.com
in its development. The EICC is an
PEOPLE
BUSINESS INDUSTRY ISSUES
Mike Walker returns to CT
Artistic Licence winner Whitepaper outlines
announced [UAE] Mike Walker has
sustainability issues rejoined Creative
Ed Jackson of Techno Tarts Technology (CT)
[UK] Artistic Licence has announced the in live production Middle East as sales
winner of the competition it launched at this director. After 14
year’s PLASA Show for visitors to win [UK ] The live production industry faces years with CT, Walker
a Micro-Scope DMX tester. Winner of the mounting pressure to operate more spent two years as a
Sustainability Award in the 2022 PLASA sustainably, despite a multitude of freelance video
Awards for Innovation, the Micro-Scope persistent challenges. A newly-published consultant. In 2010 he joined Martin
upgrade kit is a microprocessor that can be whitepaper by Sony aims to present the key Professional heading up the company’s
retrofitted to any previous generation opportunities for businesses within the UK operation before moving to a senior
Micro-Scope product to enable it to be industry to implement change. role within Harman Professional after it
brought completely up-to-date with a full acquired the business.
suite of DMX512 and, most significantly, The report underlines that sustainable
RDM test functionality. practices are not one-size-fits-all, as each “Joining the CT team in Dubai at
production has unique requirements. By such an exciting time in the company’s
Freelance technician, Ed Jackson of analysing the key areas of challenge for the development is hugely exciting and it’s
Techno Tarts, was the lucky winner. His industry, Sony has been able to look for also a coming home to the company
Micro-Scope tester, serial number 782, first spaces where creating change that benefits where my career first began,” says
saw the light of day in 1998. Delighted with business and the environment is possible. Walker. “I have maintained contact
his win, Jackson was keen to explain the over the years and watched CT grow
benefits: “With the new RDM upgrade to my The report suggests that the key whilst maintaining its reputation and
trusty Micro-Scope 3, I can now easily challenges at hand are: quantifying position as the leading global provider
determine if I’m connected to a responsive environmental footprint; considering of AV services for live events and
device, or a piece of wet string. There’s also individual production needs; the limitations integrated system installations. It’s
a new sticker for the front plus new sticky of OB trucks; and battling uncertainty great to be back.”
feet for use when navigating choppy around power supply. The whitepaper P www.ct-group.com
waters.” explores a modular approach to live
P www.artisticlicence.com production that enables companies to
reduce waste and environmental impact
where they can, proving that the industry
can play an active role in moving the dial on
sustainability. The full report can be viewed
via the we address below.
P //plasa.me/sonypaper

Daily industry news :

www.lsionline.com

14 NOVEMBER 2022 • WWW.LSIONLINE.COM

BUSINESS PEOPLE PEOPLE

Wharfedale Pro partners Chris Munn joins Neutral Human adds
with Tech Top Martin Pro co-director

[Israel] Wharfedale Pro has reinforced its [EMEA] Martin [UK] Technical business development
position in the Israeli market by partnering Professional has specialist Neutral Human (NH) has
with Tel Aviv-based distributor, Tech Top appointed Chris appointed Christian Dickens as
which is now the sole official distributor of Munn as an account co-director of the business. Dickens first
Wharfedale Pro products in the country. manager for the UK and established a solid working relationship
Established in 1994, Tech Top has since Ireland. With almost 20 years of with NH founder, Sarah Cox, while they
grown to become the largest importer of experience in the industry, he brings were working at media server
sound, lighting and multimedia products in extensive knowledge to the team. Munn manufacturer disguise as head of support
Israel, serving a wide client base which joins Martin from working as an energy and sales director EMEA, respectively.
encompasses AV installers, system zone manager on the Birmingham
integrators and audio contractors. Commonwealth Games. He has Dickens has been in the
previously worked across many roles in entertainment technology industry for
“We are delighted to welcome Tech Top to various venues, in roles including 26 years, specialising in video tech
our business network,” comments Simon technical manager. Also, a qualified across a variety of verticals from
Godfrey, sales director at Wharfedale Pro. electrician, he brings with him a wide concert touring to theatre, film and TV.
“With their impressive distribution channels range of skills gained from working on P www.neutralhuman.co.uk
and skilled customer-focused service teams, many events, festivals and tours.
this new partnership fits well with the P www.martin.com/en
product direction, strategy and enthusiastic
energy here at Wharfedale Pro.” P www.lsionline.com
P www.wharfedalepro.com

We’re Hiring!

Support Technician Job Opportunities at IPS

The Role We are recruiting for the following roles:
Service Manager
Providing training and technical support to all levels of programmers
and lighting designers in the industry Manages the service department, maintaining, testing & repairing the IPS inventory
Assisting product demos
Assisting programmers on site during busy festival periods and Outdoor Structures Project Manager
providing support to a wide range of productions
Based in our West London office with travel to clients Manages Outdoor Structures projects, from enquiry to onsite delivery
on an ad-hoc basis
Hire Coordinator
You Are
Interprets customer requirements to complete equipment only hires
A recent graduate or not long started your career
Technical Coordinator
Passionate about using lighting consoles, explaining workflows
and programming Provides technical guidance and 2D/3D CAD design across all IPS product areas
Experienced using moving lights and lighting control solutions All roles are full time, and based from our Milton Keynes premises.
in productions (Full product training will be provided)
For more information, please contact us in confidence by email.
We Are
[email protected]
The exclusive UK sales, support, service and training centre for
Astera, Ayrton, MA Lighting, Robert Juliat and zactrack ips.co.uk
A fun, exciting and rewarding workplace!
WWW.LSIONLINE.COM • NOVEMBER 2022 15
Interested? [email protected]
ambersphere.com/page/careers

IN THE NEWS

EVENT

Registration opens for ISE 2023

[Spain] Registration is now open for Integrated Systems Europe an informative programme of Spanish-language content covering all
(ISE) 2023, taking place 31 January - 3 February 2023 at Fira aspects of the pro AV and systems integration industry as well as
Barcelona Gran Via. With just under four months until opening day, sessions to cover thought-provoking issues, market trends and
ISE 2023 already has over 52,000sq.m of space booked, over 30% inspirational keynote speakers.
more than the exhibitor space in 2022, say its organisers.
P www.iseeurope.org
Mike Blackman, Integrated Systems Events managing director,
comments: “We can’t wait to return to Barcelona with ISE 2023. This
year’s show exceeded expectations, and we are looking forward to a
bigger and even better event at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via in
January 2023. We already have a great showfloor packed with
industry-leading brands and we’re working hard to ensure that, yet
again, ISE goes above and beyond expectations.”

ISE 2023 will showcase technology innovators and solution
providers which include industry-leading brands such as Absen,
Blackmagic Design, Barco, Christie, Crestron, Google, KNX, Lang,
LG, Logitech, Panasonic, Samsung, Shure, Sony and more.

The ISE Conference Programme returns in 2023 with a new home
in the modern, purpose-built conference rooms in the CC4 and CC5
areas on the upper level of the Fira Gran Via. The schedule includes

BUSINESS CHARITY PEOPLE

EAV Group acquires Roadie Cookbook supports Cliff Eldridge joins Second
Audiologic mental health charities Warehouse

The Audiologic and EAV Group teams [UK] Since its launch, The Roadie [UK] Cliff Eldridge
Cookbook has raised thousands for Mental has been named as
[UK/Germany] Audiologic has been Health First Aid (MHFA) training for the new chief
acquired by EAV Group, an alliance of professional touring crew. The industry- financial officer of
distributors of professional AV products and inspired recipe book was curated during online platform
services, headquartered in Germany. The the first lockdown by production manager Second Warehouse.
acquisition looks to ‘invest and build on an Nick Gosling and industry friends, Eldridge is best known for his tenure
already successful UK operation’. production coordinator Julie Cotton, band as CFO at Meyer Sound, where he
assistant Athena Caramitsos, backline spent more than two decades
Founded in 2004, Audiologic has seen tech Rich House and industry publicist supporting the growth of the American
consistent growth since its inception. Kel Murray. The book showcases manufacturer before deciding to step
Recently celebrating its 18th anniversary, a collection of 50 recipes, anecdotes and back from the role in early 2022.
the company has expanded both its brand advice from seasoned touring P www.secondwarehouse.com
partners and employees, continuing to professionals working at all levels.
strengthen its position in the UK AV market. Following World Mental Health Day, the PEOPLE
book’s creators revealed that it has raised
EAV Group, serving until recently the well in excess of £13,000 to-date, with Andy Bell moves to
Benelux and DACH territories exclusively, 100% of profits being donated to charities Truckingby
specialises in the distribution of Music Support and Stagehand.
professional AV products. Like Audiologic, [UK] Andy Bell,
EAV Group also offers dedicated training Eric Mtungwazi, Music Support MD former operations
academies, marketing expertise and states: “We are so grateful to the team director at KB Event,
excellent relationship management with behind The Roadie Cookbook for donating has joined
manufacturers, integrators, and dealers. proceeds towards Music Support’s Mental Truckingby as events
P www.european-av-group.com Health First Aid training accredited by operations director. Bell
P www.audiologic.co.uk MHFA England.” has over 23 years’ experience in live
event trucking, working with bands and
Daily industry news : P www.the-roadie-cookbook.myshopify.com artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart,
the Stereophonics and many more.
www.lsionline.com P www.brianyeardley.com

P www.lsionline.com

16 NOVEMBER 2022 • WWW.LSIONLINE.COM

YOUR PORTAL TO SPATIAL AUDIO CREATION

CREATE. IMMERSE. ANYWHERE. l-acoustics.com

IN THE NEWS

Walking a fine line

Rob Halliday discovers how load cell technology has helped tightrope walker
Andrea Loreni reach new heights . . .

[Italy] “Many years ago, when explorer, so I love it,” he says. up their line themselves: B Load cells from Broadweigh
I was 18, I was performing at Those projects have seen him “They would touch the wire,
a festival with a bunch of cross valleys and rivers, climb something about their senses are used to ensure the correct
friends,” recalls rigger and rope inclined wires, and create would tell them it was right,” tension of the main wire and
access specialist Davide beautiful night walks that seem Bertorello explains. “But now we to allow that tension to be
Bertorello. “Andrea Loreni was to have him walk along a line of have technologies, trained monitored
invited as a special guest. We light, with LED strip attached to people, specialist riggers and
saw his performance and or suspended below the wire. rope access technicians, so it is
thought it was beautiful, different.”
unbelievable. Right there we Having had his life changed
quit our artistic life, and by Loreni, Bertorello is now Those people are a core team
I decided to help artists build a leading member of Loreni’s of 11; Bertorello plus Daniel
their shows. Andrea is why I am support team. “I met Andrea Pellizzon, Daniele Gili, Carlo
in the show business industry.” again about four or five years Porrone, Giulia Sarah Gibbon,
ago,” he recalls. “We started Jessica Giacoletto, Camillo
The performance Bertorello working together. I really like Sacco, Claudia Conti, Dario Cali,
would have seen was, at its what he does with the wires, Erik Castello, Stefano Rogliatti
essence, a man on a wire. with meditation. It is something and Andrea Mammolenti.
Andrea Loreni is an Italian unique - technical, but poetic. Between them, their skills cover
funambulist - tightrope walker - Something amazing.” show rigging, KASK safety
who has developed a speciality in ambassadors, firefighters, tree
walks that are unusual through Part of what Bertorello and climbers, aerialists, drone
length or height or location or, his team have brought Loreni is operators and photographers.
most usually, a combination of a more rigorous and precise They have the backup of an
all three. His journey here was approach to the way the wire is engineer, who will provide the
also not planned. “I performed set up. In the olden days, such calculations for a proposed
street circus for years,” he a performer might just have set
recalls. “One day an organiser
asked me if I made high wire
walks, because then I was using
the low wire, just 2m high and
6m long. The guy asked me if
I was ready to have a bigger and
longer walk. I said, not yet. But
during the year I tried the low
wire, the high wire, then finally
I walked on a wire across the Po
River. It had never really been my
thought or desire to walk on
a high wire, then it happened . . .”

BALANCING ACT
Loreni possesses a deep inner
calm, a trait which one suspects
is essential to this most precise
of skills. “When I am not on the
wire I can watch it in the sky
and it is very still. Then when
I walk on it, it starts moving - it
is my fault! You must be gentle,
smooth with your body and its
movement. Graceful. It’s about
harmonising your movement
with ‘the rest’. If you harmonise
and don’t make too much - or
too little - effort, there is
gracefulness because you are in
the right place and you are
doing the right thing.” That calm
means he is driven not by the
need to achieve ever-longer or
ever-higher walks, but rather by
interesting walks. “Every walk is
a new land where I can be an

18 NOVEMBER 2022 • WWW.LSIONLINE.COM

project (“he is very curious; he difference for the safety of the the wind. Maybe looking at the will no doubt also play an
likes his job but is excited by performer, operators and the monitor the wind seems too important part in.
something outside the box,” public.” Bertorello explains: much, but if you feel really ready
Loreni explains), but will always “Our tension on the cable is to go - it is about knowing These mixtures of technology
discover new challenges when it always a little under three tons, yourself very well - you can and tradition, teamwork and an
comes to the actual set-up. which is safely under the limits start.” individual’s particular talent, are
of our systems.” fascinating, clearly fuelled by
TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITION In a new experiment he and the respect and understanding
A key technology they have For Andrea Loreni the final the team are trying, he may no between them all. Loreni
deployed are load cells from “sensation and feeling of the longer be alone on the wire. “It describes a walk where “there
Broadweigh, to ensure the wire is still important”, but what is a new technical idea,” he was about 42km/h of wind, but
correct tension of the main wire he finds interesting is the ability explains, “with some of the team when I got to the wire I felt I was
and to allow that tension to be to better understand the hanging on the wire, moving OK so I started walking . . .”,
monitored. “For Andrea’s walks, influences on the wire’s with me, to stabilise the wire, Bertorello noting that the
we use two 4.75 ton Wi-Fi cells behaviour. “We can do what we not so much from the vertical funambulist appeared still on
with Twist Links at the ends of did before but better, safer, with waves, where I can just go up the wire, but that his very
the cable,” explains the less effort, more conscious of and down with the wire, but distinctive beard was offset at
Broadweigh specialist of the what we are doing. It means from the side to side movement a dramatic angle by the wind.
group, Andrea Mammolenti. that if we change something in which is very difficult to follow. Bertorello recalls that walk as
“We had always overestimated our tools - in the wire, in the That would then mean being “so emotional, I cried.”
the forces on the anchors, but stabilising wires - we know that able to have a shorter balance
being able to measure and keep what we have to keep the same pole.” For Bertorello it also Mammolenti sums up that
the real values under constant is the tension. The load cells let means new sets of mix of technology and emotion:
control has allowed us to work us change something else to comprehensive, carefully “With Broadweigh, we are now
with greater awareness during see what happens but adjust considered rescue plans. able to manage all the variables
set-ups, even when working with that tension back to being the Beyond that, they are working of the set-ups, to be able to
historic buildings and situations same.” on a Guinness World Record focus on the emotions we
where every minimum attempt for walking up the experience every time Andrea
component of force makes the Though, he does add: steepest inclined wire - a project walks on the cable.” I
“Finally, you have to feel which Broadweigh’s technology
everything: the team, the wire, P www.ilfunambolo.com

P www.broadweigh.com

Immerse yourself
in the new

ROE Visual UK
Showroom

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