ULA at Integrate 2009
Click image to enlarge


Integrate 2009 debuted at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion complex early July 2009. The exhibition was well attended with over 90 exhibitors. ULA Group’s stand and attendance made the company a key exhibitor and the largest lighting and digital technology exhibitor at the show.
In addition to the main booth, ULA Group’s presence included dedicated seminar rooms, large Vuepix LED displays through the halls, as well as the impressive Anolis ArcPad LED lights in the courtyard outside the pavilion.
At Integrate the ULA Group officially launched in Australia, the Robe Digital Spot 7000DT Digital Projector. Robe CEO Josef Valchár together with Robe Digital Specialist Ales Grivac were present to host a series of Robe Digital seminars, giving each attendee an up close view and personal demonstration of the new Digital Technology from Robe. All who attended were overwhelmed with the new technology, which led to several orders for the Digital Spot 7000DT.
Also launched at Integrate was the latest issue of ULA’s popular SDV Catalogue – SDV Pro 16, which includes many new and exciting high powered LED products. All were on display at Integrate in a dedicated presentation space on the ULA booth. LED demo sessions were held every hour on the stand, providing in depth views of these new products in action.
A full Anolis and Robe range was on display at Integrate, and featured the latest addition to Robe – the much anticipated Robe Robin Series. The Robe Robin Series received an overwhelming response, with the first production due to be delivered in Australia to early adopters late August.
Vuepix was certainly the talk of the show with P18 and P25 screens displayed on the stand and through out the exhibition halls. The enthusiasm of LED and Digital technologies has truly taken hold, with incredible interest and further uptake of ULA Group’s popular Vuepix LED panels and screens including 6mm, 10mm, 18mm and 25mm pitch panels in a variety of formats.
Managing Director Cuono Biviano says “Overall the attendance of the first Integrate has been excellent – good numbers, great quality and mix of attendees from across a wide range of market segments. The response to the new Robe Robin Series, Digital 7000DT and Plasma Technology has been overwhelming. The seminar room was very well attended, proving that Plasma and Digital Technology is the way of the future and it is great that Robe and ULA are at the forefront bringing this technology to the market.” Cuono continues, “I must also mention the continuing overwhelming interest with Vuepix, and in particular the new P18 Outdoor SMD screen. Video and lighting have totally merged, opening opportunities for all markets and securing the future for the ULA Group”.
www.ulagroup.com

Enlightenment: The Basics of Efficient Lighting
Seminar Programme
IES: The Lighting Society is launching an introductory lighting course to a wide range of participants within the lighting industry.  The core-learning objective is for participants to be equipped to work with the range of lighting equipment now available in both domestic and commercial environments. The phase out of incandescent lamps has removed the ‘simple’ options from the marketplace, requiring a greater understanding of complex lighting components.  It will be delivered by a combination of face-to-face teaching and online assessment and revision. 

The course is supported by Lighting Council Australia and IES: The Lighting Society.  Participants who attend all three seminars and fulfill the assessment requirements will receive a Professional Development Certificate of Completion from IES: The Lighting Society. 

This year, Enlightenment, The Basics Of Efficient Lighting seminars will be held in Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney expanding to other regions in the next twelve months.  Details of the Seminar in each city are below.

INVESTMENT – All costs include GST
 IESANZ Member $1,012 pp  Non Member  $1,122 pp   $913 pp for 5 or more registrations                     
Non member registrants receive a one year associate membership of IES: The Lighting Society included in their registration.
For a Registration Brochure please contact Anne Stewart T: 61 2 9438 5422 E:  nswsecretary@iesanz.info

Entech rebrands for 2010
As part of its promise to broaden marketing reach to the corporate installation and integration sectors, Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) has announced the evolution of the Entech brand, which will now be known as Entech Intech.
ETF event manager Robby Clark says: "We wanted to evolve Entech into a brand that visually reflects the promises that we made to the industry earlier in the year. We are really excited about the brand evolution for Entech and we think this new approach goes a long way to providing our customers what they want from this event.
"The corporate installation and integration sectors are experiencing strong growth which will be reflected by next year's staging of Entech Intech."
In order for it to gain extra insight into the new market, ETF recently employed a new sales manager, John Garfi, who says: "I've been a part of the audio visual industry for the past 12 years, with particular focus on integration in the past two. This has included involvement with some of Victoria's marquee projects which utilised the latest Building Management Systems and Automated Integration Systems.
"Corporate focus on creating efficient, 'green' sites has seen technology evolve greatly in the past few years. Entech Intech will help to present the benefits of such integrated technology, including the results it can achieve in all industries."
Entech Intech will take place at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour from 15-17 February, 2010.

Poetics of Light: A Seminar on Quality and Forms Shown Through Light
Presented by the Italian Trade Commission, this seminar will be conducted by architect Francesco Murano from Politecnico Milano.
The seminar will focus on the latest developments in lighting design, touching topics such as language of light; light cultures; lighting arrangements (theatrical lights); light shapes and light innovation.
27 July 2009 from 3.00pm – 6.00pm
University of New South Wales
Faculty of the Built Environment,
Red Centre (West Wing)
Level 2, Room 302, Anzac Pde, Kensington
Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Gallery
RSVP by 23 July 2009 to:
02 9261 2277 or sydney.sydney@ice.it
Download the invitation (pdf)

Free Advanced maXim Lighting Console Training
Wednesday 8 July 2009 at Integrate Trade Expo
LSC Lighting Systemsare proud to announce that they will running Advanced maXim training in Sydney, on Wednesday 8 July 2009. Richie Mickan, LSC’s Senior Product Specialist will host the training on our Integrate stand from 9.30am. 
The aim of the training is for lighting operators with basic skill levels, and existing maXim users in particular, to discover the powerful simplicity of the maXim console and more advanced facilities like presets and palettes, and the time saving features available in its effects engine.
Date: Wednesday 8 July 2009
Time : 9.30am
Location: LSC's Integrate Trade Expo stand C9 Hordern Pavillion
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours  
Bookings are essential. RSVP by Monday 6 July 2009 via e-mail to - jonathan@lsclighting.com.au
Please call Jonathan Ciddor on 0410 661 406 with any questions.

ULA Seminars at Integrate
ULA is pleased to announce their Integrate 2009 seminars and seminar times.
Featuring at Integrate will be:
· The new Plasma Lamp Technology, featuring the Robe Robin 3 Plasma Spot, the Robin 300E Spot and the Robin 300E Wash
· Australian Launch of the Robe Digital 7000 DT digital moving light projector, supported by the Robe Digital Spot 3000 DT
· The state of the art Robe RedWash 3-192 LED Moving Head Technology
· Showcasing the world class chain hoists by ChainMaster

ULA will be hosting seminars at the following times. All seminars run for approx 45 minutes to an hour, every hour:

Mon 6th July – 11.00am through till 5.00pm
Tue 7th July – 12.00pm through till 5.00pm
Wed 8th July – 11.00am through till 3.00pm

Ales Grivac, the Robe digital specialist and Josef Valchar, Robe CEO, will be conducting the Robe seminars throughout the 3 days.

To Register - Email integrate@ulagroup.com
Please include your Name, Contact details and the preferred day and time you wish to attend the seminars.
Alternatively, attend the ULA stand, #F10 to register on the day.
Please note there are only 20 people max per session, so please register early.
Once you have registered please collect your session pass from the ULA INTEGRATE stand, F10.
Seminars are FREE and everyone is eligible to register.
Please feel free to contact integrate@ulagroup.com if you have any further enquiries.
Remember to pass by our stand in the Hordern Pavilion, # F10, to check out our latest and greatest products.
www.ulagroup.com

Integrate Seminars – advance bookings end soon – book now
Advance bookings for ALIA’s Integrate seminars close this week. We’ve put together an exciting and diverse range of seminars, with something to offer to everyone with an interest in lighting. No matter whether you’re a beginner or a long time professional, or if your interest is lighting design or the bleeding edge of lighting technologies - there are seminars in the programme for you.
Seminar panellists include designers from all facets of lighting, technicians, programmers and operators working at the pinnacles of the industry, and researchers, developers and engineers from a broad range of lighting technology companies. The technology on demonstration and under discussion includes the latest hardware and software - some of it never seen before Integrate.
Reserve your seminar place
Book now, even if you want to pay for your seminars at the door. It’s essential that we have a good idea of numbers this week, so if you haven’t got around to it yet, go to the bookings page right now, and let us know that you’re coming.
Integrate Show Guide
If you would like to find out more about the Integrate show and what you can expect to find there, download yourself a PDF copy of the Integrate Show Guide from http://www.integrate-expo.com/uploads/show-guide.pdf

Robe Roadshow - Robin Series Australian Launch
The Robe Roadshow kicked off mid May around Australia with massive anticipation ahead of the new Robe Robin Series launch.
Robe's innovative use of revolutionary plasma lamp technology certainly caused a stir - the Robe Robin 300 Plasma Spot is a world first - a unique new generation of plasma lamp based fixture.
Also formally launched were other Robe fixtures including the new RedWash 3-192 which is currently being used on the World and Australian Pussycat Dolls tour.
Robe’s Managing Director Josef Valchár and ULA’s MD Cuono Biviano presented the Australian Robe Roadshows. Josef says, “Robe is always at the forefront of new and emerging technologies and is the first major moving light manufacturer to utilize this radical new technology from Luxim. The Lifi (Light fidelity) lamp is a highly efficient electrodeless lamp that uses radio waves to create plasma inside a small glass bulb (the “TIC-TAC” lamp), emitting 95 lumens per Watt”. Robe’s brand new Robin 300E Spot light is a compact, hugely powerful and fully energy conscious fixture.
The new Robin Series products make best use of the features offered by both the new Lifi Plasma lamp and the new Philips MSD Gold 300/2 MiniFastFit lamp. Fantastic results in the colour rendering output are achieved by plasma lamp technology, whilst the punchy output of the Philips lamp is multiplied by a unique(Hot-or-not-spot) reflector solution for remote hot-spot control (patent pending).
Patented intuitive smart presetting and control via a touch screen control panel with battery back-up for fixture set-up without power helps to make the Robin fixtures not only very cool but easy to control. The newly designed self-diagnostics feature gives the lighting operators and technicians constant operation overview throughout the lifespan of the fixture (patent pending). Automatic self-switchable power supply units are now a must for worldwide touring shows. They ensure that the correct voltage is always supplied to the lamp without the need for any region-specific adjustments (an appealing feature to any tech!).
Managing Director Cuono Biviano says, “We have been overwhelmed by the response from our clients and the industry in general,” he continues, “Robe certainly continues to be at the forefront of technology, and I know that the Robin Series with so many features in such a compact form, will be a must have for many companies”. The event attracted over 90 lighting specialists including Lighting Designers, Production Houses and Performing Arts Venues. The format of the event offered an excellent opportunity to talk to attendees individually, and give everyone the important time they needed close-up with the products.
www.ulagroup.com

Lighting for Video Conferencing Seminar at Integrate
Herma Technologies is proud to announce that Kathy Katz Managing Partner, Brightline will be presenting an informative educational session at Integrate 09.
The education session will cover the key aspects of lighting design for video conferencing and studio applications. Included in the session will be practical information on brightness levels, bulb selection and how to light varying scenarios.
Given that Video Conferencing has been experiencing strong growth over the past 18 months and lighting is acknowledged as the most cost effective way of improving the overall communication outcome of a VC system this training session is sure to be well attended.
Kathy will be attending the Integrate show for all three days and will be available at Herma Technologies stand (Royal Hall of Industries N7) for further technical discussion.
The training session is on

Wednesday 8th July 11.00 am - 12.30pm
Key Aspects of Lighting for Video Conferencing and Studios
In the Headroom at Integrate 09

Brightline lighting fixtures will be on display on the Herma Technologies stand.
To book your place email: riap@herma.com.au

Show Technology's carnivale of products arrive in Brisbane
Brisbane was the last stop on Show Technology’s new product launch tour which began in early April in Sydney.
Proving that being last doesn’t necessarily mean being left behind, the launch night at the company’s Brisbane office was extremely well attended with a large number of industry professionals out in force. The creative team at Show Technology decided to have a bit of fun for the night and themed the launch with a “carnival atmosphere” complete with colour changing festooning, coloured LED Balls, Pinball, football and arcade machines, pool table and even a carnival style food van, complete with LED clip light, serving tasty treats for the night!
Amongst the fun and excitement Show Technology’s Technical Director, Vince Haddad, gave the audience an in depth look at the new MACIII – the 3rd generation moving light from Martin Professional of Denmark. The audience looked on in awe as Vince stepped through the many features of this new unit, which most certainly has raised the bar in automated moving lights.
Though the Brisbane market had previously had some sneak previews, it was also the first time the new MA2 control system was on display since its worldwide launch at Frankfurts’ Pro Light and Sound Trade show in March. As the most specified control system in the world and with many fans locally, there was much anticipation at the unveiling of the MA2 system. Many questions were being asked prior - would it be as good as the “classic” series, what new features were being introduced, what was the new platform really like and would it even ship? All were positively answered throughout the evening by not just Show Technology staff but indeed by many fans of MA who were all too happy to “spread the word”. There is no doubt that MA2 will be a hit for many years to come.
Adding to the interest in MACIII and MA2 was a range of other new products that had many in the audience enthused well into the night. A range of Pulsar Tricolour products were placed throughout the venue and generated much interest. Brisbane was also lucky enough to see an expanded collection of new products from Show Technology for the first time which included: the MAC301 LED Moving Yoke with motorised zoom, a sure fire hit from Martin yet again; the JEM K1 Hazer, a professionally designed hazer for larger venues; Coolux Media Servers from Pandora’s Box, which attracted a lot of interest; the small LED PAR175 and 500mm LED Balls from Pro Shop; a new version of the industry standard Unique Hazer and a new baby Viper, the Viper S from Look Solutions; the Pro Shop Tricolor PAR64; and TMB’s colour changing LED festooning.
“I am extremely proud to have had so many people attend our Brisbane event, our products are well supported here,” said Emmanuel Ziino, Show Technology Managing Director. “There is no doubt that even in trying times our industry needs to keep investing in new technology to provide the best possible shows. Interest is still very high for new products”.
MACIII, MA2 and all the products featured at the Brisbane launch are now shipping. Call any Show Technology office or your local rep directly anytime for demo, technical or pricing information.
www.showtech.com.au

ALIA Tour to Avenue Q, Melbourne
From Broadway to the West End, and the West End to Melbourne... the wait is over and Avenue Q fans can rejoice that the Tony Award Best Musical winner will finally be enjoyed in Australia. Avenue Q will have its Australian premiere at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne on 4 June 2009, with preview performances commencing on 29 May 2009. The production of Avenue Q will then tour to Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Wellington and Auckland.
The Australian production of Avenue Q, produced by Arts Asia Pacific in association with Power Arts, will be directed by talented director, performer and Helpmann Awards host, Jonathan Biggins. Other members of the creative team include: David Skelton as Musical Director, Nathan Wright as Choreographer, Set and Costume Design by Richard Roberts, Sound Design by System Sound and Lighting Design by Richard Pacholski.
Richard has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting rig on June 2nd at 5pm. The rig includes: 1 x Martin MAC2000 performance, 9 x Martin MAC700 profile, 8 x Martin MAC700 wash, 6 x Martin TW-1 80v narrow lens, 4 x VARI*LITE VL500, 77 x ETC Source IV, 4 x Strand Cantata F, 10 x Birdie MR16 parcans, 16 x Ministrips, 4 x QI 1000w, 2 x QI 500w and Wybron scrollers. Effects include 2 x Look Solutions Unique dmx hazers, 2 x Look Solutions Viper dmx smoke machines, 2 x JEM Magnumsmoke machines and 3 x JEM AF-1 dmx smoke fans. Control is a MA Lighting grandMA console plus a grandMA lite and 2 x ELC Nodes.

Date: June 2nd
Time: 5pm
Place: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name, and mobile phone number to tours@alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to the Pussycat Dolls / Lady Gaga, Melbourne
Lighting designer Scott Warner is using all-Robe moving lights on his rig for the Pussycat Dolls popular “Doll Domination” tour, currently touring the country. The rig, supplied by Bytecraft, includes 22 x Robe2500 Wash, 38 x Robe2500 Spot, 28 x Robe Red Wash LED, 39 Martin Atomic Strobe, 8 x 8Lite DWE, 12 x Coloblaze48
and a MA Lighting grandMA console for control.
Scott has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his rig next Wednesday in Melbourne.

Date: Wednesday May 27th
Time: 2pm
Place: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name, and mobile phone number to tours@alia.com.au
To read an article on Scott in this month's PLSN magazine click here

Show Technology launch at the new Neverland Entertainment complex
click on image to enlarge

All of those attending the Show Technology Official Melbourne Launch of Martin MACIII, MA Lighting’s MA2 series consoles and Pulsar’s new Tricolour LED range were in for more than a spectacular product display – they were amongst the first people to catch a first-hand look at Melbourne’s latest super venue Neverland.
The yet-to-be-opened club features has a massive hexagonal dance floor area, elevated DJ Box, a hexagonal trussing system which is able to be raised and lowered using chain motors mid gig and, in the middle of the trussing system, are plasma screens again arranged in a hexagon.
The large bar areas are framed plasma screens, arranged in portrait format, covering the entire length of the bars. These are used to show graphics and the effect is spectacular.
The VIP area is a Balinese style enclave overlooks the main dance floor complete with it’s own bar and very comfy lounge areas.
Two massive outdoor areas, again with their own bars and themed in a Balinese style exists at either ends of the venue. Another outdoor area, the entry to which is via the VIP room, uses stillages stacked three high and containing LED lighting to create a boundry. There is a moat with three, six-foot high statues on plinths internally lit with LEDs to allow them to change colour. In house control is MA Lighting, of course and there are ten LC panels installed at the back of the stage creating a back drop. Martin MAC’s and LED’s galore hang in the trussing.
Special Guests were Andy Graves from Pulsar who gave a presentation on Pulsar’s new Tricolour LED technology. Emmanuel Ziino spoke about the new MACIII and Vince gave a presentation on the new MA2. Other interesting items were the new Coolux Media Server Pandora’s Box and the ShowLed curtain.
All the usual Melbourne heavy hitters were there, Braham Ciddor from Lightmoves, Roger Clapton from CC’s, Lou Constantinou from ALS, Stavros Hatzipantelis from Pro Light and Sound, Lawrie Videky from Phaseshift, Andrew Bowen and Michael Zagarn from Clear Systems, John McKissock from Clearlight. Notable attendee’s were those that made the effort to travel from Adelaide; Leko Novakovic and Hamish from Novatech, George Psorakis from Osmonds and Andy J from Adelaide Sound.
“The MACIII is a phenomenal piece of machinery, well worth the wait,” commented Stavros. “It would have been great on the Commonwealth Games opening and obviously there is a need for something that large in the market place especially for the big arena events.
“I’ve been waiting for a long time for the Pulsar Tricolour LED stuff with baited breath! A lot of these fixtures are used to wash walls but obviously we use a lot of LED lighting for concerts and events – to have that even colour coming out from the unit without having that ‘RGB look’ is a lot better. It’s still really punchy.
“The actual size of the MA2 is what interests me the most as we are often limited by space at events. We don’t want huge format lighting consoles but we still need to control 20, 30 or 40 fixtures so it has to have horsepower! The MA2 gives you all the control for a small footprint.”
Leko Novakovic of Novatech was particularly impressed by the Pulsar Tricolour products.
“It was great to see some of the LED install products finally getting up there with the brightness levels. Up until now some of them have been a bit piss-weak but when Andy Graves was waving some of the Tricolour sticks around they nearly took your eyes out they were so bright! Pulsar have always delivered good, well manufactured products but now the technology is delivering even better output.
“The MACIII has an impressive brightness, some really unique gobos and a cool auto focus feature. It’s a beats of a light and is certainly a step up.”
www.showtech.com.au

2009 Robe Road Show
ULA Group and Bytecraft Entertainment invite you to the Australian exclusive launch of the new Plasma Lamp Technology

• ROBE ROBIN 3 PLASMA SPOT, the ROBIN 300E SPOT and the ROBIN 300E WASH
• Launch of the REDMix 3.192 and the REDwash 3.192
• New Digital 3000 seamless picture merging software

Special guest presenter – Josef Valchar, ROBE’s MD, along with ULA Groups MD Con Biviano and sales team will be showcasing the new state of the art technology including the dynamic hot spot control and the LCD touch navigation system.

Date: Thursday 21st May 09
Time: 2 Session options: 11.00am - 1.00pm or 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Place: NIDA – 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW

Please RSVP to Elisha Powderly at epowderly@byteent.com.au by Monday the 18th of May

Brisbane Launch of MACIII, MA2 and Tricolour LED range
The Official Queensland Launch of the Martin MAC III, Pulsar’s Tricolour LED and MA Lighting’s MA2 series console will be held on May 26th.
Also available will be a host of other new and exciting products from the rest of Show Technology's lighting product range.
Also on the night, pool tables, arcade games, carnival food and a festive atmosphere.

When: Tuesday 26th May
Time: Arrive at 6pm for 6:30 presentations.
Where: Show Technology office Brisbane, 3/459 Tufnell Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014

RSVP by Friday 22nd May 09 to sales@showtech.com.au

MACIII and grandMA2 launched in Sydney
click on image to enlarge


It’s super bright, has a hard edge and is super fat. No, we’re not talking about an overweight, cranky Einstein but the new Martin MACIII which was regally unveiled to the industry this month along with the new MA Lighting grandMA2.
Soren Storm took to the stage of So You Think You Can Dance to present the MACIII to a crowd of impressed lighting professionals. The MAC III Profile™ is the first luminaire in Martin’s third generation of MAC moving heads. It features an all new design both inside and out for greater performance and includes new 1500 watt lamp technology, a long list of innovative features and advances in control, handling, service and more.
“I think the MACIII will be perfect for television use,” said Ian Anderson. “It’s a very good multifunction unit.”
“The MACIII is a superb unit with superior optics and output, fast and quite operation, with precision control,” noted Scott Allan.
Chris Shackleton, managing director of Eclipse Lighting & Sound commented that the MACIII appears to be a very powerful fixture, not only in its output but also in the features contained both from a user and serviceability point of view.
“I think one of greatest features, yet one of the simplest, is the ability to address the fixture from its flight case as well knowing whether the lamp has had an error or if it is right to load in a truck,” he added.
"One of the definitive features of the MACIII is its extremely wide and fast zoom,” said Adrian Rytir, Eclipse lighting technician. “No other fixture on the market has a capability close to this and it will certainly allow LD's to create some interesting effects now and into the future."
”I've just used two MACIII's on the We Will Rock You tour in the UK and they are awesome units,” reported Richard Pacholski. “They have bright, sharp images that cut through anything else in the rig.”
The general consensus on the night was that the MACIII delivered a refreshingly unique fat beam, a dramatic zoom, amazing brightness, great strobing and real red.
“MAC III is yet again a fantastic product from Martin,” commented Jeff Morgan of Lots of Watts. “Great ideas from a service point of view, with two modules in the head, the ability to use existing stock of gobos from the 2000 series, quick fit lamp, USB updates, jog wheel LCD user screen, and battery powered to have the ability to address in the case without powering up the lamp - fantastic! The head speed matches other MAC fixtures and the zoom ability is very impressive with zoom and focus tracking. This is a light with ideas from designers, technicians, end users and some very clever people from Martin, it has something for everyone.”
Recently awarded the Lighting Console of the Year title by Live Design magazine, the grandMA2 encompasses an entire new series of consoles, simply dubbed grandMA2 and including full-size, light, and ultra-light versions, as well as a network processing unit (NPU), replay unit, and fader wing.
“How do you make a great product even better?” asked one judge. “Sex up its industrial design, and update its hardware. Solid-state drive, multi-touch interface, conductive faders, and higher resolution encoders take an industry standard desk into the future and make techno-fetishists drool.”
At the launch event Vince Haddad ran through the main features of the grandMA2.
“The grandMA2 is a very good development of the original grandMA,” said Ian Anderson. “Everything that users have been asking for seems to have been addressed.”
“The grandMA2 looks very nice and compact,” concurred Michael Burton. “I haven’t had a really good go on it as yet but from what features Vince showed me in five minutes it looks really good. I like the fact that it looks a lot lighter in appearance and the improvements that I did see looked pretty good.”
“I must say I haven't had an in depth look at the grandMA2 yet but it seems to build on its older brother’s rock solid reputation in entertainment world,” said Richard Pacholski.
”The grandMA2 is again, another massive development in controllability,” commented Scott Allan. “The design and user-friendliness is practical and intuitive, something that we have come to love from MA.”
”It’s a console that has just added to what was already fantastic control surface,” remarked Jeff Morgan. “The capability of the I/O's of the grandMA2 and fact it can be worked into a network of classic series consoles, makes it almost ageless for the next 10 -15 years. Well thought out software and new look user interface with clean hi vis touch screens. And there’s more fader capability with the available wing boards. I can't wait to get my hands onto the new grandMA!”
The evening also saw Francesco Calvi discuss and show his lighting for So You Think You Can Dance in his usual laconic style. The evening ended with many heading into town for drinks and nibbles at the Civic Hotel.
www.showtech.com.au

Show Technology National PGA Tour
The Show Technology National PGA (Pitiful Golf Attempters) Tour has kicked off in Melbourne despite the fact that Tiger Woods (no relation to Woody) turned down a rumoured $47.50 fee to appear.
This was the very first time that a Show Technology Golf Day was staged in Melbourne and it might be a while before the Mark McInnes can show his face in the State again.
Set at the stunning Southern Golf Club located in the sand districts of south Eastern Melbourne the course was, unlike the players, in good condition to start with.
“The sun was shining, a perfect day for golf,” commented Mark, upon his release. “If only we could play the game.”
The day started with a civilised sit-down lunch in the club house accompanied by a glass or ten of fine wine. Finally, designated drivers found the golf carts, playing partners were allocated and the motley crew set off to the first tee. Mark had to explain to first timer Lawrie that tees were something to hold his balls when he was driving, to which Lawrie replied "Gosh, BMW think of everything!"
Lou from ALS, who only turned up when he overheard someone talking about ‘swinging clubs’, was an early stand out for his smart pants and green shirt, obviously thinking he was a chance at the ‘masters’ green jacket title. Stav from Pro Light and Sound, was doing his best to get everyone kicked off the course by disturbing the entire neighbourhood with his very best ‘energiser bunny’ impersonation.
The day finished with a round of trophy presentations as well as a few more beverages and bar snacks and soon the fact that most people only managed just over half of the course was quickly forgotten.
“All in all a great day was had by all with the guarantee of more Show Technology Victorian Golf days to come in the future,” said Mark, who has more than one handicap.
Emerging from the rough, Paul Nicolaou, Show Technology’s Victorian Branch manager and state witness to the day’s events said “It’s great to see the turn out today, with everybody working hard in this current business climate and having their shoulders to the wheel it would be easy for our clients to stay at work and dismiss today as a waste of time. Of course today is not really about the golf - it’s about relaxing a little and spending some time with the key people in the industry. Giving a little bit back if you like, I think today was an outrageous success. I’d really like to thank everyone for turning up today – I’m stoked.”
With Show Technology golf days to still yet to be had in Perth, Sydney and Brisbane there will be more shenanigans to come. Have you registered for your round? Contact your local Show Tech account manager for your invitation.
Notable results
Michael Zagarn (Clear Systems) Nearest to the pin
Roger Clapton (CC’s Light and Sound) Overall winner
Stavros Hatsipantelas (Pro Light and Sound) - Most Water / Alcohol consumed
Renata Hatzipantales (Pro Light and Sound) – Most Trees hit
www.showtech.com.au

Melbourne Launch of MACIII, MA2 and Tricolour LED range
The Official Melbourne Launch of Martin MACIII, MA Lighting’s MA2 series consoles and Pulsar’s new Tricolour LED range is to be held at the yet to be opened Neverland Entertainment Precinct
Special guest presenter will be Andy Graves from Pulsar UK. The MA2 + MACIII presentations will be by Vince Haddad from Show Technology.

When: Tuesday 5th May
Time: 6pm for 6:30 presentations.
Where: Neverland Entertainment Precinct, 32-48 Johnson Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205

Be one of the first in Victoria to see these amazing products in this amazing venue.
Drinks, finger food served. RSVP is essential to help us manage the catering.
Email: Sales@showtech.com.au by 1700hrs Friday 1st May

ALIA Tour to Coldplay, Brisbane
We all know who Coldplay are. We also all know that they deliver a top production wherever they play and I’m sure Australia will be the same.
Lucky Brisbane lighting folks will have the opportunity of a backstage tour of their lighting rig next Monday. Fraser Elisha, the band’s lighting director will take the tour. I don’t have an exact gear list as yet but here’s the European list which I don’t think will be massively different.
Lighting Console: Flying Pig Systems Wholehog 3 and Wing, Catalyst and Green Hippo Hippotizer media servers, 17 x Martin MAC 2000 Wash XBs, 7 x MAC 2000 Wash Fixtures, 32 x MAC 700 Spots, 20 x MAC 250 Wash Fixtures, 27 x Martin Atomic 3000 Strobes (10 w/ scrollers), 4 x Nova Flowers, 12 x i-Pix BB4s, 10 x Omni Wash Lights, 28 x Mole Richardson 4-Lite Blinders, 8 x Mole Richardson 2K Mole Beams, 4 x Custom Clip Light Fixtures, 4 x Reel EFX DF 50s, 4 x Look Solutions Unique Haze Machines

Date: Monday March 9th
Time: 1pm
Place: Brisbane Entertainment Centre

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name, mobile phone number and time preference to tours@alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to High School Musical Live On Stage, Sydney
To date, High School Musical Live on Stage has played in 28 cities to an audience of over 580,000 in the US, with many more productions playing or planned including a UK national tour (highest ever recorded advance sales for a UK tour), a London engagement from July 2008, national tours of Spain, Italy, Holland and of course the Australia, plus thousands of amateur productions.
Performed by Australia’s hottest young performers and an electrifying live band, High School Musical Live On Stage features all the characters and chart-topping songs from the movie, such as ‘We’re all in this together’, ‘Breaking Free’ and ‘Stick to the status quo’ as well as two new numbers and a huge mega-mix finale.
Award-winning lighting designer Ken Billington has designed 82 Broadway shows including current US and UK tours of Chicago and White Christmas, also in the US, Annie, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Riverdance for which he is the lighting supervisor and in the West End Sweeney Todd, What the Butler Saw, Annie and The Drowsy Chaperone. Other projects include Disneyland's Fantasmic! and Shamu Rocks at Sea World of Florida. He is the recipient of the Tony, Drama Desk and Los Angeles Drama Critics awards.
The rig includes heaps of ETC Source 4 fixtures, some conventional Altman and Strand fixtures, Wybron ColoRAMs, VL2500 washes, Martin MAC700 spots, and a MA Lighting grandMA for control. Gear is supplied by Bytecraft Entertainment.
Ken has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting design for High School Musical Live On Stage next Friday at Sydney's Captitol Theatre. This is a fabulous opportunity to meet and learn from one of theatres greatest lighting designers. Plus Ken has arranged for all fifteen tour attendees to attend that evening's performance of the show, an invite-only dress show. And no, you can't bring your girlfirend, daughter, mother etc etc.

Date: Friday December 12th
Time: 6.45pm
Place: Capitol Theatre, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name, mobile phone number and time preference to tours@alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Shane Warne the Musical + ticket offer
Shane Warne the Musical is a leg-spun yarn about what it means to fall arse-backwards into the Australian Dream and emerge a champion. In a country that routinely lops its tall poppies, this show sets out to both celebrate and understand the life of cricket's most adored and maligned hero as he battles fame, failure, fidelity and the ferocious Australian media.
Shane’s ups and downs will be brought to life by the multi-talented composer and comedian Eddie Perfect with editorial assistance from Casey Bennetto, the creator of Keating!. The captain of the creative team is one of Australia’s most acclaimed theatre, opera and film directors, Neil Armfield (Keating!, Stuff Happens, Exit The King, Candy). The design team will be led by Tony Award winner Brian Thomson (Priscilla, Keating! Boy From Oz – Arena).and lighting designer Damien Cooper. Production Management for the show is by Trafficlight and ALIA thanks them for arranging this tour and offer.
Damien Cooper and his operator Martin Robert have kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the lighting rig for Shane Warne the Musical next Tuesday 9th of December at 4:30pm. On top of that the show’s producers have offered ALIA members attending the tour tickets for that night’s 7pm performance (final preview) at the hugely knocked-down price of $25.00! Details on how to book tickets will be emailed to you upon your reservation for a tour position.
The lighting, supplied by Chameleon, includes six snazzy gold Martin MAC2000 Performances and two gold MAC2000 wash, 13 x MAC2000 Performance, 21 x Martin TW1, 3 x MAC2000 wash, over 100 x Source 4, 36 x Par 64 NSP, 4 x Par 63 MFL, 10 x MR16, 14 x 500w QI, 2 x UV fresnel, 2 x UV flood, 3 x Martin Atomic strobe, 4 x Molefay Duet, 8 x ACL bars and 2 x Robert Juliat Aramis 2.5K HMI. Set electrics include 7 x Cyberlight Turbo, 2 x AF1000 fans for ventilation of cyber lights, 1400 x Festoon, 4 x Star cloth Colour Changing LEDS. Control is a MA Lighting grandMA.

Date: Tuesday December 9th
Time: 4.30pm
Place: Athenaeum Theatre One, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name, mobile phone number and time preference to tours@alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Andre Rieu, Sydney
It’s bigger than Ben Hur! Bigger than U2! This week Andre Rieu will play three concerts at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium complete with a 700-tonne, $6 million replica of a Viennese palace. Featuring the world's largest transportable set, a chandelier-lit ballroom, two ice rinks, two fountains and a coach and horses, the temporary palace dwarfs the stages used by the likes of U2 and Robbie Williams. It take five days to erect and just two to pull down.
All lighting is carried on tour and consists mostly of Martin but they also have Vari-lites VL3500’s and High End Showguns. The rig consists of a whopping 450 moving lights with two Wholehog 3 consoles in control with 11 DP2000's and all 49 DMX universes are distributed by the ELC dmXLAN system.
The image to the right shows load in at ANZ Stadium.

Technical highlights:
• It takes 230 containers to transport everything into the country
• There are 100 stage builders, 250 staff and 250 performers
• Stage dimensions: width 125 meters, depth 30 meters, height 34 meters
• Ice to skate on = 600 square meters
• Hundreds of kilometers of cables, 450 tons of steel
• 8 horses
• A palace façade of 4,000 square meters
• 600 tons of ballast materials
• A golden ballroom measuring 21 x 15 meters, complete with gilded chandeliers
• a giant transport lift integrated into the structure and wardrobe rooms built into the décor
• 150 square meters of LED television monitors
• 12 tons of sound equipment
• It takes four cranes to set everything up
• 12 tonnes of spare lighting equipment is toured – basically one semi-trailer
• First tour of the country that has the new Martin MACIII lights

Yikes! Definitely not one to miss! Richard Bovee, Project Manager Lighting, has kindly organized this amazing opportunity – first in, first served.
Date: Saturday November 29th
Time: 10.30am
Place: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Free LSC maXim lighting console training, Sydney
9th & 10th December 2008
LSC Lighting Systems are proud to announce that they will be hosting 2 days of maXim training in Sydney, on the 9th & 10th December 2008. Richie Mickan, LSC’s Senior Product Specialist and Jonathan Ciddor, LSC New South Wales will host the training. The training will be conducted at two convenient locations, at Rydalmere in western Sydney, and at Artarmon on the lower North Shore.
The aim of the training is for lighting operators of all levels and existing maXim users in particular, to discover the powerful simplicity of the maXim console, as well as gaining confidence in using some of the more advanced features available.
Format: Morning - maXim Concepts and Operation (3 hours)
Afternoon - Advanced Programming (4 hours)
Date: Tuesday 9th December 2008
Location: Lots of Watts
2 Bridge St Rydalmere NSW 2116
(close to Rydalmere Railway Station)
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2008
Location: Stage & Studio Productions
26 Hotham Pde Atarmon NSW 2064
(Close to the Reserve Rd exits on the Gore Hill Freeway)
Times: 9.00am – 5.00pm (Lunch and drinks provided)
All sessions will be ‘hands on’ with a maximum of 3 people per console to ensure that all attendees get plenty of practical experience.
Bookings are essential. RSVP by 1th December via e-mail to - jonathan@lsclighting.com.au
Please call Jonathan Ciddor on 0410 661 406 with any questions.

ALIA seminars for Integrate '09 – a call for suggestions
Following on from the widely acclaimed success of the seminars programme at Entech 2008, ALIA is planning on extended seminar programmes for future shows. We are currently looking at the seminars we will be offering at the Integrate show (http://www.integrate-expo.com) in July next year. We are seeking input from the Lighting industry as to what topics we should be covering.
In a few weeks time we will be inviting you to make selections from a shortlist of topics selected by the ALIA committee, but right now we are seeking suggestions for possible seminar topics.
The current list for consideration is:

* From Design to Implementation: how to take a design and make it a reality(power, truss/rigging,data,touring considerations,etc...)
* Lighting Design - video as a lighting design element
* Lighting Design - telling the story - script analysis in lighting design
* The Paperwork of the LD - what is required
* PC vs Console Control - benefits and limitations of each technology in current and future control applications
* RDM - implementation and application.
* Imagination vs Documentation - the role of visualisation software in lighting design
* Visual Aids - the fine arts -paintings and photography for inspiration and creative dialogue.
* Colour and Movement - when and why should lights move.
* Artnet and network distribution of DMX/RDM

If you have any suggestions for additions to that list, please email your ideas to seminars@alia.com.au.

Free maXim Lighting Console Training, Melb 14th & 15th October 2008
LSC Lighting Systems are pleased to announce that they will be hosting 2 days of maXim training in Melbourne, on the 14th & 15th October 2008. Richie Mickan, LSC’s Senior Product Specialist will host the training and will be supported by LSC's R&D staff, giving attendees direct access to the people who write the maXim software.
The aim of the training is for maXim users, of all levels, to discover the powerful simplicity of the console, as well as gaining confidence in using some of the more advanced features available.

Format: Morning - maXim Concepts and Operation (3 hours)
Afternoon - Advanced Programming (4 hours)

Location: LSC Lighting Systems Headquarters
Building 3, 66-74 Micro Circuit
Dandenong South VIC 3075
Times: 9.00am – 5.00pm (Lunch and drinks provided)

Dates: Wednesday 14th October 2008
Thursday 15th October 2008

All sessions will be ‘hands on’ with a maximum of 3 people per console to ensure that all attendees get plenty of practical experience.

Bookings are essential. RSVP by 8th October via e-mail to lynn@lsclighting.com.au

Upcoming Lighting and Tech Courses
Julius College offer Nationally Accredited courses, each course carries a Statement of Attainment.
Traineeships can also be plugged in to these : employers get a $4,000 government grant.
BRISBANE (Starts week after next!)
At Entertainment Services Theatrical, 36 Kremzow Rd, Brendale.
• Sept 22. Stage OH&S. 1 full day. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $180.
• Sep 23,24,25. Sound Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Sept 26,27,29   Lighting  Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Sept 30 ,1,2. Video Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
•  Oct 3 Certificate III completion production day 9.30am - 4.30pm $300
Note: Full Certificate 3 Technical Production Theatre & Events (Technical Operations) CUE30203 program COSTS $2,200 and includes all above courses.
SYDNEY (Starts in 2 weeks!)
At our College, 10 Bridge street, Rydalmere
• Sept 29. Stage OH&S. 1 full day. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $180.
• Sept 30 - Oct 2. Lighting Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Sept 30 - Oct 2. Video Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Oct 6,7,8. Sound Basics, 3 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $595
• Oct 6- 10. Advanced Video and Camera Op. 5 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $875
• Oct 6- 10. Advanced Moving Light and Desk Operation. 5 full days. 9.30am - 4.30pm. $875
• Oct 11 (Sat) Certificate III completion production day 9.30am - 4.30pm $300
Note: Full Certificate 3 Technical Production Theatre & Events (Technical Operations) CUE30203 program starts at $2,200.
Enrol at http://www.juliusmedia.com/training/enroll.asp
More info at http://www.juliusmedia.com/training/default.asp

Meet and Greet with Paul Collison - hear the untold tales from Bejiing!
After five months on-site in Beijing (other than one quick detour to light Singapore’s National Day Celebration on August 9) LD Paul Collison is finally heading home to Sydney this week.
Paul was first contacted in December 2007 by Mr. Sha Xiao Lan, the lighting designer for this auspicious event, who offered him the task to look after the lighting control system for both the opening and closing ceremonies.
The opening ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. Featuring more than 15,000 performers, the ceremony lasted over four hours and was watched by over 1 billion viewers – the largest live television audience in history. More than 2,300 DMX controlled fixtures and 45,000 parameters transformed the stadium into a never before seen sea of lights. Altogether 2,342 fixtures were used and controlled by grandMA for the show which consisted of, amongst others, 308 x Vari*Lite VL3500 spot, 316 x VL3000 spot, 180 x VL3500 wash, 112 x Clay Paky Alpha Wash 1200, 980 x Martin Mac 2000 Wash and 162 Martin Mac 2000 XB Wash.
ALIA is offering you the chance to meet Paul, view his event slide show and listen to his tales of the Orient - some good, some bad, some technical, and some just damn right inappropriate!. The event will be informal with plenty of time to mingle. Who knows, there may even be a bar!
This fabulous evening will be held in Melbourne on Sunday September 7th followed by Sydney on Monday September 15th, both events will start at 7pm.

Melbourne Location:
Trafficlight
Warehouse entrance is 139 Sackville Street,
Collingwood (Enter off Gold street)

Sydney Location:
Civic Underground
Civic Hotel
Cnr Pitt and Goulburn Streets
Sydney

ALIA Tour to Cirque du Soleil's Dralion, Sydney
Envision a self-sufficient village that moves from country to country, city to city. Transporting 160 people of 21 nationalities, 74 trailers, hauling 900 tons of equipment across Australia…this is Dralion on tour.
Dralion is the 12th production of Cirque du Soleil. It is a celebration of the 4 elements that maintain the natural order: air, water, fire and earth.
The infrastructure sits on an area of approximately 20 000 square meters. 74 trailers, 600 road cases, in total 900 metric tons of equipment are required to transport the entire tour. Designed by Stéphane Roy, the Dralion set is the biggest, most elaborate ever transported on tour! Total site set-up requires seven days, tear-down takes three days. Forty technical personnel with 100 local support crew, totaling 6,000 work hours are required to accomplish both tasks. The site is fully autonomous in terms of power with the use of generators.
Bernard Letendre is in charge of the lighting, originally designed by Luc Lafortune and he has kindly offered to conduct a tour of Dralion's rig for ALIA members. The tour will take place on Wednesday September 3rd at 2pm.

Date: Wednesday September 3rd
Time: 2pm
Place: Grand Chapiteau, The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park, Sydney

Lighting Equipment List (Australia Tour)
Control and Dimming: 2 x Consoles Compulite Micron 4D, 2 x ETC SP48 Sensor Touring Racks, 2 x ETC Response Opto Splitters, 1x Doug Fleenor 125DMX Opto Splitter, 1 x Doug Fleenor 2-Universe DMX switcher
Conventional Fixtures: 125 x ETC Source Four Pars, 7 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 14 Degrees, 17 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 19 Degrees, 22 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 26 Degrees, 21 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 36 Degrees, 12 x ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals – 50 Degrees, 2 x ETC Source Four Junior Ellipsoidals – 26 Degrees, 2 x ETC Source Four Junior Ellipsoidals – 50 Degrees, 9 x Desisti Leonardo 5KW Fresnels, 6 x Strand 2KW Fresnels, 4 x Strand Coda 500 Far Cyc, 26 x Par 20, 1 x Robert Juliat D’Artagnan 933SNX, 4 x Lycian 1266 Followspots
Automated Fixtures: 8 x Clay Paky Superscan Zoom 1200, 8 x Clay Paky Stage Zoom 1200, 6 x High End Systems Dataflash AF-1000, 48 x Chroma Q CL-3 Digital Color Changers, 6 x Chroma Q M2 Color Changers, 4 x Chroma Q Roto-Q DMX dual gobo rotators, 9 x Chroma Q power supplies, 9 x Compulite Whisper 5KW power supplies, 2 x Compulite Whisper power supplies
Special Effects and Others: 4 x JEM Glaciator X-Stream low fog generators, 1 x High End Systems F-100 fog machine, 2 x ReelFX DF-50 Hazers, 1 x LeMaitre MicroFog portable fog machine, 15 x Global Design Solutions Blue Domes, 1 x Leon Audio 14-Channel cue light system, 120 x 12V MR-16 bulbs (as part of the set)

ALIA Tour to Hillsong, Sydney
The annual July Hillsong Conference in Sydney is one of the country’s largest productions and this year is no exception. The lighting includes 2 x GrandMA, 3 x Maxedia, 8 x Showgun, 34 x VL3000 Profile, 16 x VL3500 Wash, 30 x TW1, 6 x VL1000, 12 x Atomic Strobes, 40 x Duets, 12 x 80volt Pacifics, 40 x Chromabanks, 20 x Stagebars, 26 x 5k Fresnel, 32 x 2k Fresnel. Vision includes 1 x 12 Camera HD outside broadcast system, 1 x 5 camera SD outside broadcast system, 10 x Final cut pro edit suites, 152 x Lighthouse ER10 panels, 89 x Lighthouse R16 panels, 16 x Martin LC panels, 9 x projection screens
Technical Producer for the event is Ian Anderson who has kindly offered to conduct two limited number tours of the lighting as well as the broadcast, audio and AV setup. People are most welcome to stay for the beginning of the rallies to see the systems in operation.

Date: Wednesday July 9th
Time: 3.30pm or 6.30pm
Place: Acer Arena, Sydney

ALIA Tour to two MTC Productions
ALIA has arranged a tour of two productions being lit by the talented Matt Scott for the Melbourne Theatre Company. The first is Frost / Nixon to be held in the Fairfax Studio followed by a tour of Scarlett O’Hara at the Crimson Parrot in the Playhouse theatre.

Date: Friday June 13th
Time:6pm
Place: Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne

MTC has also offered ½ price tixs to those interested to see one of the shows on the night.

ALIA Tour to Michael Buble, Perth
Some of you may remember Kurt Wagner from his years working in lighting in Australia. Well Kurt returned to Vancouver about five years ago and has continued to stay active in the touring market. He has designed set and lighting for K.D. Lang, Barenaked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Jann Arden and Michael Buble, who he has been with for about four years now.
“I've been lucky as I've had a chance to work with some great artists since I moved back to Vancouver,” Kurt told ALIA. “But will always have fond memories of the Australian artists I worked for”.
Kurt is returning to Australia this month with spunky crooner Michael Buble who, unlike many other artists, is bringing his whole show to Australia. This will include 14 High End DL 2's, extensive soft LED throughout the rig (4 custom lighting borders and 7 panels 24' x 8' on the upstage spinner truss), plus 50 moving lights (Martin 2Ks + Mac Performances). There is also a mixture of analog with the main light being a smaller blinder called a 20 lite. Consoles are grandMA's and operating system for all the LED is a system called Vixen. The truss system is a custom swing wing truss.
Kurt has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting in Perth on June 15th.

Date: Sunday June 15th
Time: (TBC)
Place: Challenge Stadium, Perth

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number buble(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Phantom of the Opera, Sydney
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the world's most loved musicals, is returning to Sydney after 12 years and ALIA Members have the opportunity to learn all about the lighting for this new production courtesy of Associate Lighting Desiger Mike Odam and Production Electrician Ken Roach.
Designed by Andrew Bridge the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a timeless collection of conventionals: Source 4 profiles, CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years.  Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier.
This version of Phantom opened at the Princess, Melbourne in 1990, it toured to Brisbane in 1996, and since leaving Australia has traveled throughout Asia, South Africa and New Zealand. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton. The rig was refurbished for the Singapore season in March 2007 in preparation for the new Australian Tour.
Lighting Designer: Andrew Bridge
Associate Lighting Desiger: Mike Odam
Production Electrician: Ken Roach
Head Electrician: Ed Cymerman
Deputy Head Electrician/ Board Op: Hugh Calton

Date: Tuesday May 13th
Time: 5pm
Place: Lyric Theatre, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number sydneyphantom(at)alia.com.au

Integrate - a New Industry Event to Debut in July 2009
At last, Australia and New Zealand will have the exhibition we've all talked about and hoped for - Sound, Light, Vision - Integrate.
Intimate, bustling and vibey, INTEGRATE is Australia and New Zealand's only national platform bringing together the worlds of Concert Production, Recording, Broadcast, Audio, Lighting, Entertainment Technology, Staging, Post Production, Audiovisual, MI, DJ Technologies and Multimedia.
Taking place from 6th-8th July 2009 in Sydney's Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries, INTEGRATE is the industry event combining a compelling range of seminars, workshops, exhibition space and special events profiling up-to-the moment technologies and techniques.
For more information and to view the INTEGRATE video and brochure, visit www.integrate-expo.com or contact Show Organiser Louise Brooks at Alchemedia Events louise@integrate-expo.com.

ALIA Tour to James Blunt, Perth
James Blunt is returning to Australia with his All The Lost Souls tour designed by Paul Normandale. Lighting director and show operator Glen Johnson has kindly agreed to conduct an ALIA tour of the rig in Perth. Glen has conducted several tours for ALIA in the past and they are always incredibly well received. And you can bet that Paul Normandale will have designed something extraordinary.
Glen will be bringing his own FOH system with him: 2 Wholehog III Console, 2 Wholehog III Wings, 4 DP 2000’s, 2 Luminex 1GB Switch, 2 Data Lynx, 2 Folsom Image PRO HD, 1 Catalyst HD V4.0, 1 Pixel Mad System plus racks, Custom Ethernet Multi Power, DMX, XLR 100M and 4 Ethernlynx Artnet Nodes.
Locally provided lighting will include 12 x 48way Colour Blaze, 19 x Martin Mac 250 WASH or Mac 700 WASH, 22 x Martin Mac 700 SPOT, 6 x Martin 80v TW1’s (13-20 Lens), 12 x Omni Photo Floods (Small Floor Stands), 6 x 4 Lite Moles, followspots, smoke machines, a 3ft mirror ball and a silver confetti machine.

Date: Friday May 9th
Time: 2.30pm
Place: Challenge Stadium, Perth

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number blunt(at)alia.com.au
Photo © Louise Stickland

ALIA Tour to Matchbox 20, Melbourne
Matchbox 20 return to Australia with their Exiled Downunder Tour next month and their lighting designer Benoit Richards always comes up with something special (remember the VersaTiles extravaganza on the last Rob Thomas tour?) and Melbourne ALIA members have the opportunity to meet him and have a guided tour of his rig.
The rig includes 2 x Hippotizer V3 (Stage) Media Servers, 36 x Panels of Martin LC 2140 transparent LED Screens, 4 x Panels of Martin LC 1140 transparent LED Screens, 22 x Martin MAC2000 wash, 12 MAC2000 profile, 14 x MAC700 profile, 12 x Atomic strobes, 25 x Martin Stagebars, 48 x Par64, 1 x 4K HMI with DMX douser and junior stand (the God light) and 2 x WholeHog 3 for control.

Date: Friday April 11th
Time: 2pm
Place: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number matchbox20(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to So You Think You Can Dance, Sydney
So You Think You Can Dance Australia is set to be television’s smash hit of 2008! After the US series proved a ratings winner, Network Ten has embarked on the local version to showcase Australia’s best undiscovered dancing talent.Currently filming at Sydney’s Carriageworks (how to get there http://www.carriageworks.com.au/visiting_us.php?subpage=getthere ) the production is lit by Francesco Calvi who has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his rig on Wednesday March 26th. The rig includes 12 x Impressions, 32 x ChromaBanks, 42 x Honeycomb, 48 x ChromaStrips, 6 x Lycian Truss Spots, 16 x VL3000, 36 x MAC700, 21 x MAC250 Wash, 16 x Martin Stagebars, 14 x Martin MACTW-1, 6 x VL1000s, 13 x 5k Softlights, 4 x Unique Hazers, 4 x AF1000 Fans, 2 x Retro Encabulators, 12 x Atomic Strobes, 30 x Source Four Pars29 x S4 Parnels 36 x  Pinspot sort of thingys, 2 x grandMA consoles with Super Vince Feature and 8 x S4 Profiles

Date: Wednesday March 26th
Time: 1pm (TBC)
Place: Carriageworks, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number sytycd(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to the Rocky Horror Show
It’s astounding, time is fleeting and The Rocky Horror Show is back in a totally brand new Australian production at Sydney’s brand new Star Theatre.
This production is directed by Gale Edwards, with sets by Dale Ferguson and lighting by Damien Cooper. Damien is a leading Australian lighting designer with extensive experience across Theatre, Opera and Dance. Having worked with Australia’s leading companies, his CV covers many of the pre-eminent works of recent time.
Damien has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his Rocky lighting for ALIA on Wednesday March 19th at 5pm. His rig includes an MA Lighting grandMA, Catalyst Media Server, VL 500 Wash 80v, Martin TW1, Martin Mac 2000 profile, Martin Mac 2000 performer, Cloud wheel Mac 2KP, Flicker wheel Mac 2KP, Martin MAC2000 Wash, VL 3000 spot. Atomic 3000 Strobes, Source 4s, Par 64s, ZS3 Ministrip EYC, 5K Fresnel, MR 16, MR16 LED, coloured festoon, star cloths, 500w QI, Rope Light and Pro Shop LED Tubes.

Date: Wednesday March 19th
Time: 5pm
Place: Star Theatre, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number rocky(at)alia.com.au

Show Technology Gala Partner dinner
Click on images to enlarge



The 2008 Show Technology Gala Partner dinner was recently held at the sumptuous Doltone House function centre and restaurant in Pyrmont. Nestled on the upper deck of the historic Finger Wharf at the newly restored Jones Bay Wharf, Doltone House is situated in a priceless location on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour, with views of the Harbour Bridge, city skyline, and Darling Harbour precinct.
Show Technology guests from all over Australia and indeed the world, mingled prior to the dinner on the venues deck as the sun set over the Harbour Bridge. And in case anyone had trouble finding the venue, the Robert Juliat spotlights heralded the spot so that even the most myopic taxi driver couldn’t go wrong!
Inside the loft design incorporates existing timber beams and a blend of heritage and contemporary features. A plethora of Show Technology products lit up and enhanced the venue in style with a fabulous lighting design by Paul Collison, assisted in the production stakes by Philby Lewis who acted as Production Manager for the event.
The main stage incorporated the Martin LC Panels, TW1’s, the new Krytpon 575, MAC700’s as well as an array of Pro Shop Led Products including the new Impression from Germany, LED Blinders and MUltiPAR375’s. The tables were further enhanced by the new SmartMAC, which impressed the crowd with its brightness, wide angle and smooth performance. Naturally control was via the industry standard grandMA console while visual media was controlled via Arkaos.
”With a list of gear this big you would think the dinner was being held in a room four times the size!” remarked Paul Collison. “The trick was to try and make it not look like a demo room. Show Tech was keen to display their product line but not be over the top. Whilst for a dinner it was most certainly over the top I believe there was enough restraint allowing us to present a picture with some soft colour changes and slight movement for variation.  Each product line worked its area well.  The LC Panels had a huge presence in the room by their sheer size. The Impression LED heads were a talking point as they lit the roof and provided the biggest majority of ambient light in the room. The Smart MAC’s were fantastic. For their first outing in Australia they were quiet, reliable and bright. They spent the night at 30% which for a 150w lamp is incredible.  Their crisp beam and optics might be a sign of things to come from Martin.
”The crew from Lots of Watts and Chameleon worked flawlessly together to help make this event a huge success.  Philby Lewis was crucial in the co-ordination of the production and Super Vince was there to help as well.”
What started out as a dinner for 120 people soon blew out to 170 thanks to Emmanuel Ziino’s Italian way of the ever growing list. But somehow the venue staff managed to accommodate everyone serving up a dinner to die for.
International guests of honour included Mr Soren Storm from Martin Professional Denmark, Mr Lionel Garraud from Robert Juliat France and Menze van der Sluis from ProLyte in Holland.
Emmanuel delivered a speech thanking all for their support, loyalty and understanding throughout the recent years before indulging in a little ‘backslapping’ by presenting a myriad of awards. In an industry first, he turned the tables by awarding an accolade to a supplier – Martin Professional.
”Usually Martin awards its’ distributors but we’ve decided to award them!” he commented. “Martin has been our partner for more than fifteen years and together we have made it the number one brand in this country. They have supported us, as we have them, through thick and thin.”
The award was accepted by Soren Storm who was recognized in himself for his unrivaled dedication to the brand and Emmanuel affectionately referred to him as an extension of the Show Technology team.
The awards handed out by Emmanuel and the lovely Gina Ziino are as follows:
Regional Lighting Production: Entertainment Installations.
Creative Lighting Installations: Avsound Productions
Major Lighting Installation Recognition: QPAC Dimmer Installation
Achievements in TV Lighting Design: Rohan Thornton
Lighting for Houses of Worship: Forefront Productions.
TV Set Lighting: Mark Dyson, Pitch Design
Hotel Ballroom Lighting: Staging Connections
Achievements in TV Lighting Design: Francesco Calvi
New Technology Lighting Company: Chameleon Touring Systems
Achievements in Lighting Design: Paul Collison
Achievements in Lighting Design: Mark Hammer
Innovative Lighting Production: Resolution X 
Achievements in Theatre Lighting Design: Richard Pacholski
Innovative Lighting Production: LUX Entertainment
Professional Lighting Supply: Lots of Watts
Creative Lighting Installations: Lightmoves
Emmanuel concluded his speech with a heart-felt thanks to his ‘tremendous team’ at Show Technology, a team that together, makes the company function on a daily basis.
The night carried on with much merry making and dancing to the fabulous sounds of Xpresso Band headed by well know M.I. industry personality Nick Bava of Bavas Music fame.
Show Technology would like to thank Lots of Watts, Music Box, Staging Connections and Chameleon for helping stage the event.
www.showtech.com.au

ULA at Entech
With an unprecedented number of visitors to the ULA stand as well as the exclusive launch of several new products and product ranges - Entech 2008 has proven to be a massive show for ULA!
Vuepix - Entech saw the exclusive launch of ULA’s range of VuePix High Resolution indoor and outdoor LED video screens and curtains. The VuePix technology enables wide viewing angles and superb uniformity at short viewing distances. The P10 10mm screen and the 25mm LED curtain were on display on the stand, proving to be an immense hit, with orders flooding in right throughout the show. We will keep you posted on the launch of the full VuePix catalogue!
iLED - The new iLED catalogue and the iLED range of high output fixtures was launched at Entech, proving to be an enormous success. The iLED range offers exceptional output, precision optics and saturated full color as well as all the benefits inherit with LED technology: extreme efficiency, long life, low maintenance and low heat.  The success of the iLED range at Entech is a true indicator of the benefits of having high-powered LEDs amongst any rig or rental inventory – the effectiveness of the ColorBank54 and the LED Source 36 on the stand is testimony to this.
Avolites - The Avolites Pearl Tiger has landed! The Australian launch of the Tiger console at Entech, as well as the demonstration of the Pearl Expert and the Diamond 4 + PC, received an impressive response. Both training and hands on opportunities were presented by Avolites Dave Parry, ensuring that many visitors had a chance to get up close and personal with the console. These consoles are now available for demo so be sure to call 1300 ULA GROUP if you missed playing with these consoles at the show!
Wireless Solution - ULA’s exclusive distribution of Wireless Solution’s W-DMX technology was officially celebrated at this year’s Entech. International Sales Manager Niclas Arvidsson visited to provide demonstration and training of W-DMX’s exclusive technology.
Robe - Building on the huge success of the previous Entech shows, the Robe presence on the ULA stand this year was bigger than ever. The latest in digital lighting technology was on display for everyone to experience first hand. The line up included Robe Media Fusion, Digital Spot 5000DT and Robe LED Stage Quebes. Robe’s CEO Josef Valchar, International Sales Manager – Harry Von Den Stemmon and Digital technology specialist Ales Grivac were all present and eager to share their expertise and answer any questions. With over 60 Robe moving lights ranging from the 2500 series through to 250 series operating inside the booth, it was definitely a world class showcase of the Robe Product family.
E:Cue - From its easy to use DMX – PC based software through to its complete room control Media Engine the E:cue range has something to offer in all aspects of lighting control. The Butler can operate as a stand alone device which can replay shows or it can be utilized as a DMX interface to offer 2 x 500 channel streams of DMX. Best known for its easy LED matrix control software and vast array of effect generations the E:cue brand is growing rapidly throughout the Australian and Worldwide lighting industries. E:cue Specialist Fai Ho was on hand at Entech to walk through the range with the many interested parties.
www.ula.com.au

Show Technology Golf Day
Yes it was that time of the year when green keeper’s quake in their boots, wildlife scurry into the distance and locals lock up their valuables – the Show Technology Golf Day. The event was sponsored by Martin and Philips.
This time it was Kogarah Golf Club that had to warn the club members to keep their distance on Sunday February 10th as Show Technology partners and clients descended onto the green for another day of pure mayhem. Fortunately it was one of the few days when the rain wasn’t pelting down and plans for scuba-golf did not have to be implemented.
Described by Ryan Varley of Frontier Lighting as an ‘action-packed day of laughter and sport heroics’, the event was extremely competitive and accusations of ball-tampering were rife.
As the only female on the course (apart from Show Technology’s own Kelly who startled all with her pink golf clubs), Candice Wolff from Brisbane Sound Group was very diplomatic when commenting on her hair-curling experience.
“Well it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be,” she tactfully stated. “Actually it was kind of fun, though I think it should be illegal to play without a drinks cart and golf buggy.”
Walking the green was also too much for Braham Ciddor from Lightmoves who echoed Candice’s remarks and would no doubt prefer a sit-down game of tiddlywinks.
"Golf without the use of golf carts should be illegal,” he said. “I’m pleased to say my golf game has not deteriorated since the last Show Tech Golf game four years ago – it’s still as bad. I also think that Soren is way too serious. Bury the Golf day and bring on the Go Karts!”
Jeff Morgan of Lots of Watts insists that he got the longest drive of the day on the 17th despite being distracted by the array of furry dead animals on the end of Emmanuel’s clubs.
“He should really be locked up for that,” confided Jeff. “I’d also like to say that Luca and I did not cheat at all ....honestly…cross my heart……”
Tony Davis from Chameleon Touring Systems described the event as a great day however he did point out that it’s lucky that the Show Technology team do better lights than they play golf!
And the results are…..
Winner Scratch – Soren Storm/Philby Lewis (3rd year running!!) with a +3  75
R/up Scratch – Wayne Kellet/Darren Mclanders with a +6   78
Winner H/cap - Vicken Hekimian/Mark McInnes
R/up H/cap – Ed Fardell/ Daniel Munro
Philips Nearest the Pin #1 – Martin Anderson
Philips Nearest the Pin #2 – Graeme Hicks (<50cm)
“Water baby” Most water found – R2 Richard Pacholski
“Lumberjack” Most trees Hit – Martin Anderson
“Beach Bunny” Most Sand found – Mark McInnes
www.showtech.com.au

Lighthouse Distribution at Entech 2008!
Lighthouse Distribution’s inaugural attendance at Entech was a great success with visitors experiencing a variety of the Lighthouse product range. The Lighthouse Bar housed LEDs from DTS and CLS as well as an Optikinetics clock. On either side of the bar were lighthouses complete with moving fixtures from Clay Paky and DTS, these fixtures shone onto a white scrim alongside four DTS Deltas. The result was an amazing array of lighting effects for a multitude of applications.
The new Clay Paky Alpha 300 Series created a lot of excitement with their compact size and high output. The Clay Paky Alpha 300 Series, the DTS XR Series of Moving Lights, Bar LEDs and Mirror Panels were individually controlled using a Crestron control system. By working with sister company, Crestron Control Solutions, Lighthouse was able to demonstrate control of the ChamSys lighting consoles from a number of 4 and 6-inch Crestron touch panels. This allowed a seamless control solution that offered interactive product slideshows with control for the visitors, but did not require constant monitoring or resetting, as you would see if you had a standard lighting desk for each fixture. In turn, the Crestron touch panel’s present a simple control for lighting equipment for user-friendly operation, perfect for bars and clubs.
Also popular was the Lighthouse range of LEDs including the Delta LED Colour Changer, which is the brightest LED Colour Changer in its category with an output of over 1500 lux at 3m. The Delta’s light source comprises 40 RGB Full Colour LEDs with each LED containing a single RGB module, which independently generates 16 million colours. This full colour technology presents a uniform light beam, therefore eliminating colour separation, which until now was an unfortunate setback of working with LEDs.
Lighthouse also exhibited the new sleek designed Helious, a 15 x 3 watt LED, and the Focus, which is a 3x3 Watt full colour LED. Both products are available in in-ground models and are IP68 rated. Lighthouse even put the Focus to the test by placing it in a water display for the duration of the show. Visitors also enjoyed meeting Franco Zaghini from DTS and Neil Rice from Optikinetics.
Lighthouse Distribution has a range of show specials, which have been extended to 29 February
Contact Lighthouse today to take advantage of crazy deals on:
Clay Paky Alpha Series including the NEW Clay Paky Alpha 300 fixtures
DTS XR Series and the XM1200
DTS Theatre Lighting and Followspots
DTS Par Cans at amazing prices!!!
www.lighthousedistribution.com.au

ALIA would like to thanks all who donated their time, services and gear to make the ALIA Stand at Entech so successful.

• Design and implementation Mandylights
• Furniture Harry the Hirer
• Gobos (steel and glass) Gobotech
• iPix Satellite LED wash light Balanced Technology
• LED wash light LSW
• MA ArtNet node, smartMac, Studio Due D-Colour, GLP Impression Show Technology
• Pacific Zoom Profile spots Selecon NZ
• Power FMI Event Lighting & Power
• Slim-Dim DMX controlled fluorescents Sylvania Lighting Australasia
• Truss and rigging Lots of Watts
• Vista console, Vari*lite VL500s Jands Electronics
• Vari*lite VL500s Cairellie Showcraft

ALIA Tour to Phantom of the Opera, Brisbane
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the world's most loved musicals, is returning to Brisbane after 12 years and ALIA Members have the opportunity to learn all about the lighting for this new production courtesy of Associate Lighting Desiger Mike Odam and Production Electrician Ken Roach.
Designed by Andrew Bridge the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a timeless collection of conventionals: Source 4 profiles, CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years.  Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier.
This version of Phantom opened at the Princess, Melbourne in 1990, it toured to Brisbane in 1996, and since leaving Australia has traveled throughout Asia, South Africa and New Zealand. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton. The rig was refurbished for the Singapore season in March 2007 in preparation for the new Australian Tour.
Lighting Designer: Andrew Bridge
Associate Lighting Desiger: Mike Odam
Production Electrician: Ken Roach
Head Electrician: Ed Cymerman
Deputy Head Electrician/ Board Op: Hugh Carlton

Date: Friday February 8th
Time: 5pm
Place: Lyric Theatre

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number brissyphantom(at)alia.com.au

Jands Entech Demo Room Topics and Presenters
The Wireless Jungle - Monday 10.30am/Wednesday 12.00pm
Navigating the Wireless Spectrum is becoming more difficult.
Exploring ways to make it easier.
Presenter:  Jeff MacKenzie -  Manager, Jands Technical Resource Group

Powered Loudspeakers from JBL... At Last!!!!! - Tuesday 10.30am/Wednesday 10.30am
Being last has it’s advantages…………….. we say!!!
Experience how the “oldest, new kid on the block” has raised the bar.
Presenter:  Jeff MacKenzie - Manager, Jands Technical Resource Group

Understanding Sound System Performance Criteria and Specifications - Tuesday 12.00pm
Do sound systems sound like their specifications?  Yes, but what does that sound like?
There are many specifications and performance criteria seeking to define what sound systems sound like.  This presentation seeks to unpack the most important.
Presenter: David Connor – Electro-Acoustic Engineer

Now more for less with BLU-Link - Monday 12.00pm
Come and find out how top-end DSP just got more accessible with four new products from BSS London.
Presenter: Iain Gregory: BSS Product Manager, Harman Music Group

Vari*lite VL3500 Wash Product Release - Monday 3.00pm/Tuesday 4.30pm/Wednesday 1.30pm
A demonstration of the key features of the groundbreaking new 1500w washlight from Vari*lite - the pioneers of moving light technology
Presenter: George Masek - Product Manager, Vari*Lite

Demystifying the World of Dimming - Monday 1.30pm/Tuesday 3.00pm
Sine Wave vs SCR and the True Meaning of Risetime
Explore the key differences between the available products and examine their application to real world problems
Presenter: Jeremy Roberts - Field Project Manager, ETC

The New i3 from Jands - Monday 4.30pm/Tuesday 1.30pm/Wednesday 3.00pm
Lighting made easy with the i3 Console.
How to program your show and still beat the sound guys to the catering! 
Presenter:  Alex Mair – Lighting Specialist, Jands Technical Resource Group
www.jands.com.au

ALIA Tour to Raggamuffin, Melbourne
Put UB40, The Wailers, Maxi Priest, Arrested Development, The Black Seeds, Katchafire, The Midnights and House of Shem together and what do you get? Well, first up, around ten hours of fantastic music!  And that’s exactly the musical feast on offer at Raggamuffin, an innovative new event showcasing the best homegrown and International reggae music, with a healthy dose of funk, dub, hip-hop and soul!
Lighting designer Dan Hardiman, who always does a fantastic ALIA tour, returns to Australia with this unique event and no doubt a unique lighting design! His rig includes 1 x WholeHog III, 30 x MAC2000 Profile, 9 x MAC2000 Wash, 15 x VL 2500 Wash, 8 x HES Showguns, 4 x 8-Light Molefays, 4 x DF50 Hazers, 2 x F-100 Foggers and 4 x Robert Juliat 2.5kW Followspots.
Dan has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting design on February 12th at Melbourne’s Vodaphone Arena.
Date: Tuesday February 12th
Time: 4pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number raggamuffin(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to The Police, Adelaide
The wait for fans of The Police is officially over. Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers have confirmed they will be spending the summer downunder with stadium concerts scheduled in Australia in 2008. The Police tour is definitely the hottest ticket of the year.
Lighting director Danny Nolan has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the Patrick Woodroffe designed lighting for the Adelaide show on Tuesday January 29th at the Entertainment Centre. The rig includes Coemar Infinity Wash x 57, Atomic Strobe x 08, Maxi 12 x 08, 5K Beam Projector x 03, 8-lite Mole + scroll x 09, Par 64 NSP x 72, Robe 2500 Spot x 29, 2-lite Mole x 24, Little Big Lite x 18, Mac 700 x 18, Mac 250 Wash x 11, DL2 Projector x 04, 2000 Mac 2000 wash x 40, Pixel Par x 06, Omni floods x 04 with control by MA Lighting grandMA.
Date: Tuesday January 29th
Time: TBC
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number police(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Rage Against The Machine, Sydney
The drought will break and rebellion will rise again this January with the long awaited return of Los Angeles California's RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE in their exclusive first performances outside the United States for years.
Lighting designer Sooner Routhier will be using the same rig as at the Big Day Out for Rage’s individual shows consisting of Martin MAC700 washes and profiles, High End Showguns, Color Kinetics Color Blaze 48, Mole Richardson Spacelite, Atomics, pars and blinders.
Sooner has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of her lighting on January 22nd at Sydney Entertainment Centre at 1pm.
Date: Tuesday January 22nd
Time: 1pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number rage(at)alia.com.au

ULA Training at ENTECH
The ULA stand at Entech 2008 will be bigger and better than ever with hundreds of products on display. Featuring new products from brands such as Robe and Avolites and focussing on new technologies from iLED, Wireless Solution and VuePix – the ULA stand is not to be missed!
Demonstrations will be running throughout the show, as well as training sessions scheduled throughout Monday and Tuesday.
The training sessions will be held in the Exhibitor Lounge on the Mezzanine Level of Hall 5. The schedule is as follows
10am – 11am
Wireless Solution: Introductory session to W-DMX Technology hosted by Wireless Solution’s International Sales Manager, Niclas Arvidsson. This session will run both Monday and Tuesday, and will discuss the features, benefits and uses for the W-DMX systems.
11.30am – 1.30pm
Robe: Robe’s Ales Grivac will hold a demonstration of the new Robe’s Media Fusion Software and the Robe Digital Spot, as well as Robe ColorWash 750AT Tungsten. This session will run both Monday and Tuesday and will feature training on both the moving lights and pixel mapping system.
2.00pm – 3.00
LED in Entertainment: This session will feature an introduction to LED in Entertainment – focussing on the advances in and benefits of LED technology. The  latest iLED products will also be showcased. This will be hosted by ULA’s Simon Pentz and will run both Monday and Tuesday.
3.30pm – 5.30pm
Avolites: Hosted by Dave Parry of Avolites, this session will include an introduction to the Pearl Tiger and the Diamond 4 Consoles as well as a working demonstration of these consoles. This session will be packed full of information and will run both Monday and Tuesday.
For more details or to register your interest contact 1300 ULA Group : 1300 852 476 or email nadine@ulagroup.com.

ALIA Tour to Spamalot, Melbourne
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the smash hit Broadway and West End musical comes to Australia this Christmas. SPAMALOT will have its first performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne on November 23, with the official gala opening set for December 8. On the announcement that SPAMALOT would play in Australia Eric Idle commented, "In revenge for the cricket, we are sending you Spamalot," adding, "actually we are anxious to see how the show plays upside down."

SPAMALOT creative team includes Casey Nicholaw (choreography), and multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting). Hugh Vanstone has designed lighting for plays, musicals and operas in London, New York and around the world. He has received three Olivier Awards for his work, most recently for Pacific Overtures (Donmar). New York credits: Bombay Dreams (Broadway); Life (x) 3 (Circle in the Square); Uncle Vanya, Twelfth Night and Hamlet (BAM); The Graduate (Plymouth); Follies (Belasco); Blast! (Broadway); The Unexpected Man (Promenade); The Blue Room (Cort); Closer (Music Box); Art (Royale).

ALIA is offering the opportunity to find out more about lighting this fabulous production with a Backstage Tour.

LX Designer - Hugh Vanstone (uk)
Associate LX designer - Philip Rosenberg (usa)
Programmer - Laura Frank (usa)
Production Electrician - Hugh Hamilton (Newcastle's finest)

At this point Hugh Hamilton will conduct the tour hopefully Hugh Vanstone and Philip Rosenberg will also be available.

The rig includes: 15 x VL3000 Q spots, 10 x VL2500 spots, 14 x VL2500 wash, 18 x VL500, lots of Source IVs & Wybron scollers, 2 x MA Lighting grandMA consoles.

Date: Tuesday November 27th
Time: 5pm (pending any technical mishaps or urgent rehearsals)
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number spamalot(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Billy Elliot, Sydney
The theatrical sensation, Billy Elliot the Musical is coming to Sydney this November!

Billy Elliot the Musical opened in London in May 2005 to extraordinary reviews, has broken UK box office records and is still playing to capacity houses at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
 
Directed by Stephen Daldry with book and lyrics by Lee Hall and choreography by Peter Darling, Billy Elliot the Musical was developed for the stage by the same multi-award winning creative team behind the film Billy Elliot which captured hearts and minds the world over when it was released in October 2000. Nominated for 3 Academy Awards and 13 BAFTAs, this poignant film broke box office records across the world.
 
The score has been composed by music legend Elton John, the most celebrated UK singer songwriter of the last 30 years. Set design by Ian MacNeil, costumes by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti and music supervision by Martin Koch.

Rick Fisher, along with associate lighting designer Richard Pacholski, has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the lighting for ALIA members. The rig includes: 17 x Vari*lite 3500Q spot, 6 x Vari*lite 3500Q wash, 2 x Vari*lite 1000 arc, 8 x Martin MAC700 wash, 16 x MAC TW1, 14 x MAC600, 29 x ETC Revolution, 7 x Starnd Pirouettes, 3 x DHA lightcurtains and a bunch of Source IV's / Wybron scrollers. Rrunning on a Strand 550i console.

Date: Wednesday November 28th
Time: 5pm
Venue: Capitol Theatre, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number billyelliot(at)alia.com.au

Selecon announce A Conversation with Rick Fisher
Selecon is delighted to announce the unique opportunity to meet renowned lighting designer Rick Fisher who is currently in Australia for the premier season of Billy Elliot The Musical which opens at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in December 2007.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rick has been working in British theatre for over twenty years and is currently Chairman of the Association of Lighting Designers. Recent theatre credits include: Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace), The Philanthropist, Old Times (Donmar); Jerry Springer The Opera (National Theatre / West End); Hamlet (Edinburgh International Festival / Barcelona / Birmingham); Honour (National Theatre) and Red Demon and Peribanez (Young Vic).

“Talking about Light”: A Conversation with Rick Fisher presents an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a small group of like-minded individuals to meet Rick, see a successful West End production followed by a post show discussion on stage. The next day Rick will lead a workshop based on his approach to lighting design including demonstrations of particular stage lighting techniques in a theatre environment wrapping up with lunch.

This is one conversation that will not be repeated and if you’d like to grab this chance to be part of a select group who will gain personal and professional insights from an award-winning, experienced international lighting designer then you need to put your hand up and register your interest with Selecon now.

Full details and the cost for participating in this 2-day experience (5th and 6th December) plus who you should contact can be found at: www.seleconlight.com

This will be the second event where Selecon and Rick have worked together to bring the theatre lighting community into the Billy Elliot arena; eleven of Australia and New Zealand’s top lighting design students were presented with funding from Selecon and given the priceless opportunity of sitting alongside Rick, observing and learning from a master of design during two days of technical rehearsals in October.

Portrait photographer: Ken Howard
Billy Elliot show photographer: Tristram Kenton

ULA hosts E:Cue Training
ULA is hosting E:Cue training seminars this November. Availability of places is strictly limited.
These seminars will include product range presentations and training across the E:Cue range.
The training sessions will specifically cover setup and playback features, particularly on the Twilight Excite and FaderUnit. There will also be an overview and demonstration of the E:Cue Programmer Standard and Enterprise, as well as Patchelor and Library Editor.
The E:Cue series of seminars will commence on November 19 at the ULA showroom facility in Melbourne, followed by the Gold Coast on November 20.
These sessions will run for approximately 3 hours and will cost $55per person, inc GST. A laptop is required for training. Refreshments are provided.

If you would like to register for the latest E:Cue training, please contact ULA on 1300 852 476 or email nadinew@ula.com.au.

ALIA Tour to Justin Timberlake, Perth
It's been three long years, but the wait is finally over... Justin Timberlake is heading back Down Under! Justin will return to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and for the very first time fans in Perth, Adelaide and Auckland will also share the Justin Timberlake experience.
The 21st century's ultimate trend-setting, genre-defying superstar will tour this October/November, delivering his FutureSex/LoveShow Tour to his New Zealand and Australian fans.

Lighting designers Bryan Leitch and Nick Whitehouse have designed a brilliant rig to deal with the in the round set up. Bryan told Live Design magazine, "The biggest challenge was the fact that it was so entirely three-dimensional," he says. "Not only was it in the round, but it wasn't just 360°; it was multi-layered. We are lighting a circular center and then with four complete legs going off, then bars that leave the circles and rejoin the B-stages. It's quite a complex shape. Plus the stage itself is on multiple levels. The center stage is 8' above the deck, and the B-stages are 4' high. Then there are intermediate levels with staircases. There are two lifts that people go up and down on during the show. The band is on three different levels, plus the risers the band are on move, so there are multiple focus positions. In fact, we ended up with 120 stored focuses just for positions."

The rig includes: 1 Avolites Diamond 4 Vision Control Console, VL4 Wash Luminaire, VL3000 Spot Fixture, VL3000 Wash Fixture, VL3500 Wash Fixtures, Syncrolite MX2, 4-Lite PAR, 4-Lite PAR36, Color Kinetics ColorBlast12, Martin Atomic 3000 Strobe 208V.

Date: Saturday November 10th
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Perth Burswood Dome

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number justin(at)alia.com.au

Read more about this tour at Live Design Online

Seminar Topic Selection
ALIA will be presenting a series of lighting seminars during the first day of the Entech 2008 show. Although resources limit us to three sessions over one day, there are an abundance of topics that have been suggested for the programme.

We have already settled on two sessions that we feel will be of widespread interest and value:
1.  Starting Out in Lighting Design
Four Lighting Designers explain how they arrive at their design concepts and how they bring the design to life during the plotting process.
and
2.  What you really need to know about Testing and Tagging
An attempt to dispel some of the mythology that abounds about this important aspect of our workplace safety. How can testing and tagging be implemented to maximise safety without becoming a bureaucratic and financial black hole.
However, there have been quite a few hotly-contested suggestions for the third session. Whilst they are each valuable and interesting subjects, we just don't have the time and financial capacity to present them all. So, we are turning to you - the people who will be attending the seminars - to chose the session that you would most like to attend.
Yes folks, it's time to vote two topics OFF THE ISLAND!

The ALIA committee have refined the list of possibilities down to:
(a) RDM and ACN - the two new bi-directional control protocols on the block.
What do these protocols do? How will see them implemented over the next few years? What impact will they have on the way we design, rig, equip, operate and maintain lighting systems?
or
(b) Intellectual Property - your rights and the rights of others.
Who owns the look of the show you just lit? Who owns the stuff you find on the Internet, in a magazine, in an art gallery, on a video or in a show? How much of an idea can you borrow without it becoming copying or theft? Can you just shoot your own images and videos to use in a production?
or
(c) Networks and Protocols - the glue that holds complex systems together.
Every week more of the lighting gear we use talks to other components in the production. As these data networks spread further and carry more types of data via more paths, everyone in lighting is now dealing with networks much more complex than plain old DMX512. How do we design, implement and maintain a reliable, robust and affordable production-quality data network?

To let us know your preference for the third seminar, you can vote in the poll in the Current Affairs section of the ALIA On-Line Forums <www.alia.com.au/forums> or send us an email (sorry we don't do SMS voting).
If you prefer the topic: RDM and ACN - the two new bi-directional control protocols on the block, send and email to rdm-acn@alia.com.au.

If you prefer the topic: Intellectual Property - your rights and the rights of others, send an email to ip@alia.com.au.

If you prefer the topic: Networks and Protocols - the glue that holds complex systems together, send an email to networks@alia.com.au.

Please only vote using only one method and only vote for your most preferred topic.
The full seminar programme and advance booking form will appear on the ALIA web site during the next week or two.

ALIA Tour to The Killers, Sydney
Currently embarked on their second world tour, multi-platinum Island Records recording artists’ The Killers are selling-out hundreds of performance venues from festivals to stadiums. Behind the scenes, Lighting Designer Steven Douglas and Show Designer Bryan Leitch created an exhilarating design to complement both the music and the band. 
Steven Douglas began his lighting career at the age of 18 working in the theatre.  In November 2004, while living in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland, Douglas was approached by a friend for help. This friend was wishing to take a day off from his lighting position, and asked if Douglas could both design and operate the lighting rig for an American band in town for a one-night concert. That band was The Killers, and Douglas agreed to help.
After the show, the band members were impressed by the lighting design and therefore they took down his contact information.  A little while later, Douglas was contacted by the group and asked to join them in January 2005 for their United Kingdom tour. After that, he signed on as the lighting designer for The Killers, and he has since worked with such artists as James Taylor, Arctic Monkey’s, and Kanye West.
Steven has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his rig which includes: 20 x VL 3000 Profile, 36 x MAC2000 Wash, 12 x Atomic Strobes, 10 x DWE 4 Lite, 10 x Fag Pods, 9 x Source 4 Profile, 1 x Source 4 Par, 3 x DF50, 2 x F100, Avolites Diamond 4 Elite, Avo D4 Desktop

Date: Sunday November 11th
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number killers(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Crowded House, Brisbane
After months of tantalising us with news of US and UK dates, an appearance on Live Earth and a sold-out show at Melbourne's Corner Hotel, Neil Finn and Nick Seymour, Mark Hart and new recruit Matt Sherrod (of Beck fame) have announced a major arena headline tour of our shores for October/November..
Lighting director Glen Johnson has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the rig (designed by Paul Normandale) which includes: 6 x Martin TW1 80v, 20 x Martin MAC 700 Profile, 13 x Martin MAC 700 Wash, 2 x Martin AF1 Fan, 7 x Colour Blaze 72, 12 x Omni Photo Flash Flood, 9 x Colour Blast, 6 x Thomas 4 Lites Moles FT, 2 x DF50, 2 x Wholehog III Lighting Console, 2 x Wholehog III Wing, and 2 x Wholehog III Full Size Wing
Date: Sunday November 11th
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Brisbane Entertainment Centre
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number crowded(at)alia.com.au
© Photo - Steve Jennings 2007

ALIA Tour to Linkin Park, Sydney
At long last Linkin Park return to Australia in October to storm stages, get heads banging, feet stomping and bodies rockin'. Lauded as one of the most dynamic live acts around, Linkin Park will bring a slew of aural and visual treasures with them.
Lighting director Sooner Routhier tour is looking forward to conducting a tour of her rig which at this stage includes Martin MAC2000 washes and profiles, Atomic 3000 strobes, High End Cyber Lights, molefays, and Syncrolite B52’s.
Date: Sunday October 21st
Time: 3pm
Venue: Sydney Entertainment Centre
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number linkinpark(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to The Singing Bee, Melbourne
Channel Nine’s new show The Singing Bee challenges contestants to accurately sing the lyrics to popular songs from the 1960s through to today. A live studio band and some of the top singers in the country will play a familiar tune and when the music stops the contestant must finish the next part of the song word perfect. Hosted by former US boy band singer Joey Fatone, The Singing Bee premiered to 13.1 million viewers on America’s NBC in July this year, becoming the biggest US summer premiere since Dancing with the Stars.
The Melbourne production is lit by Rohan Thornton, who will be conducting the tour, and includes 24 x Martin MAC700P, 24 x Martin MAC700W and 92 iPIX Sattelites.
Date: Thursday October 11th
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: GTV9 Richmond
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number singingbee(at)alia.com.au

ALIA lighting seminars at Entech 2008
ALIA, the industry's own lighting organisation, will be conducting a series of seminars in conjunction with Entech 2008. The preliminary programme consists of three 90 minute sessions which will be of interest to a wide variety of lighting people.

Starting Out in Lighting Design
Four Lighting Designers explain how they arrive at their design concepts and how they bring the design to life during the plotting process.
Includes an open discussion session. Limit 50 participants

What you really need to know about Testing and Tagging
An attempt to dispel some of the mythology that abounds about this important aspect of our workplace safety. How can testing and tagging be implemented to maximise safety without becoming a bureaucratic and financial black hole.
Includes a question and answer session. Limit 50 participants

Technology Briefing
This session will examine one of several current technologies that will have a major impact on lighting technology, design and production.
The final content of this seminar session will be decided by the ALIA membership over the next few weeks.

Although run by ALIA, the seminar programme will be open to everyone in the industry. ALIA members will have booking priority and receive a substantial discount on the entry fee. Preliminary bookings will open in late November for members and to the general lighting public in mid-December.

ALIA Tour to the AFL Grand Final Footy Show, Melbourne
Yes, it’s footy finals time again and lucky Melbourne Alians have been invited to the AFL Grand Final Footy Show to be held this Thursday at Rod Laver Arena. Not only do you get to see the show you get an incredible tour of the lighting by Rohan Thornton (Lighting Director and Production Manager) beforehand.
The rig includes: 32 x MAC700 wash, 56 x MAC700 profiles, 30 x MAC2000 wash, 36 x MAC2000 profiles, 28 x Martin LC Panels, 24 x VL3000 profiles, 14 x VL3500 wash, 26 x VL5, 18 x VL500, 18 x VL2416, 30 x Turbo Cyberlights, 14 x Color Kinetics Colorblaze 72, 8 x Colorblaze 36, 66 iPix Sattelite LED fixtures.
Date: Thursday September 27th
Time: 6.30pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number afl07(at)alia.com.au

ULA launch new Soundivision range
The new Soundivision range: SDV 14 was launched on Saturday the 15th of September to rave reviews!
The new range was viewed by over 50 people who attended the launch party at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The night showcased the 25+ new products in the range, demonstrating their features individually. This was followed by a light show combining all the products, thoroughly impressing the crowd!
The new SDV catalogue provides The Perfect Fusion of Lighting Technologies – combining professional and LED lighting products. With a more modern feel, the catalogue is designed to represent the advancing technology in the range as well as the developing style of the lighting market.
If you were unable to attend the launch but would like a chance to check out the new range, contact your Sales Rep or call 1300 ULA GROUP : 1300 852 476.
www.ulagroup.com

High End Systems Demos
High End Systems is hosting a series of new product demonstrations in New Zealand and Australia in early October. All are invited to see SHOWGUN, Road Hog, DL.2, the Wholehog 3 and Expansion Wing at these dates and locations:
Oct. 1- Auckland, New Zealand
Location: The Edge Performing Arts Center & Conventions Auckland
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central
NZI convention rooms lower level
10 am-6 pm
Oct. 3- Melbourne, Australia
Location: Westin Melbourne- Room TBD
205 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
613 9635 2152
10 am-6 pm
Oct. 5- Sydney, Australia
Location: Four Points by Sheraton-Bridge Room II
161 Sussex Street
Sydney NSW 2000
10 am-6 pm
For more information on these Australia/NZ product demos, contact Randy Mayer at the HES Los Angeles office by phone at 818-947-0550 or email randy_mayer@highend.com

Selecon Performance Lighting announce Pro-Theatre series of Workshops: QLD, VIC and NSW
SEE and EXPERIENCE for yourself the Selecon range of creative lighting tools, including some new stuff;
Lower voltage luminaires including 80V Fresnels
Direct DMX – stand alone 80V power supply with dimmer
CST / MSR studio Fresnels
Performer Series Followspots
Re-modelled Acclaim Fresnel & PC……
+ ONE prize draw per session for a Leatherman Wave tool!

Brisbane in association with The Production Shop
Date: Monday, 8th October 2007
Venue:
The Block
Queensland University of Technology
QUT Precincts
Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059
2 x Sessions: 10.30am - midday, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Melbourne in association with Clearlight Shows Pty Ltd
Date: Wednesday, 10th October 2007
Venue:
Victorian College of the Arts
Grant Street Theatre
Grant Street, South Bank, VIC 3006
2 x Sessions: 10.30am - midday, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Sydney; in association with Herkes Pro Lighting
Date: Friday, 12th October 2007
Venue:
Sydney Theatre Company
Wharf Theatre
Pier 4 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Sydney 2000
2 x Sessions: 10.30am - midday, 2.00pm - 3.30pm

RSVP's for all 3 states to Peter McKenzie, Selecon Australia - pmckenzie@seleconlight.com please including the session you'd like to attend, either morning or afternoon.
Please register your interest now by emailing Peter!
www.seleconlight.com

ALIA Tours to silverchair & Powderfinger, Melbourne and Adelaide
Australia’s two biggest rock bands - Powderfinger and silverchair - have teamed up to stage a massive national concert tour - Across The Great Divide.
Across The Great Divide kicked off at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in silverchair's hometown on August 29, and then moved to Powderfinger's backyard, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on August 31. From there, the two chart-topping bands will take their show on the road for over two months, performing in locations as distant and diverse as Darwin and Hobart, Cairns and Mildura, Toowoomba and Bendigo - across the Great Divide and beyond.
In those cities which don’t have sufficiently large indoor venues, the bands will erect a large custom designed tent in which to stage the shows. The humongous Spring tour is an opportunity for literally hundreds of thousands of Aussie fans to partake in what will be a huge event in every location it visits. Most regional centres on the expansive itinerary won’t have seen a rock & roll show like this since tours by the likes of Midnight Oil and INXS in the 1980s.
Dave Jackson is lighting silverchair whilst Jeff Pavey is lighting Powderfinger and both have kindly agreed to conduct ALIA tours in both Melbourne and Adelaide. Their rig, supplied by Chameleon, consists of: 19 x MAC2000 wash, 20 x MAC2000 Profiles, 8 x MAC2000 Performance, 6 x MAC250 Wash. 13 x Atomics c/w Scrollers, 13 x Pulsar ChromaBanks, 12 x 8 lites c/w scrollers, 6 x Duets, 22 x Studio Due CS4, 9 x ETC Source 4 Profiles, 100 x Pulsar ChromaHearts (Used in silverchair set), 4 x DF50, 1 x 12 x 5m Stealth Screen, 3 x Custom Built Stealth Boxes (silverchair set) and 1 x Catalyst Media Server V4. Control is 2 x Wholehog II (Powderfinger), 1x Wholehog 3 + Wing (silverchair) and 1x Hog IPC (silverchair).

Melbourne
Date: Wednesday 19th September
Time: 1pm
Venue: Rod Laver Arena

Adelaide
Date: Thursday 27th September
Time: 1pm
Venue: Adelaide Entertainment Centre

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to either spadelaide(at)alia.com.au or spmelbourne(at)alia.com.au

ENTECH 2008 Update
With the recent addition of Hills SVL, EONA ADRaudio and Music Link Australia, ENTECH now features over 300 different brands and exhibitors, making it the essential entertainment technology tradeshow for 2008.
From February 11th to 13th, the world’s leading suppliers of professional sound, lighting, audiovisual, broadcast and event staging technology and services will be gathering at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Major exhibitors like Bosch Communications Systems, Production Audio Services, Yamaha Music and Bytecraft Entertainment will be joined by dozens of suppliers of lighting and AV technology, broadcast, recording and show control systems, as well as industry media and associations.
According to Louise Brooks, Event Manager for Exhibitions and Trade Fairs Pty Ltd, “For professional sound, lighting and audiovisual equipment, systems and services  ENTECH is the entertainment technology tradeshow you can’t afford to miss.”
Over 3000 visitors attended ENTECH in 2006. Due to the range and quality of products and services on offer, organisers are anticipating an even greater turnout in 2008.
Entry to ENTECH is free, and visitor pre-registration is now available via the website at www.entech-tradeshow.com.
Latest news
Hills Sound Vision and Lighting is the latest major exhibitor to announce their presence at ENTECH. Combining Audio Telex Communications, Australian Monitor, Australian Audio Supplies, Crestron Control Solutions and Lighthouse Distribution, Hills SVL is a one-stop shop for pro audio, production, contracting, audio visual and lighting products.
Yamaha Commercial Audio has announced a free training programme at ENTECH 2008 Yamaha will run free hands-on training on PM5D V2, DSP5D, M7CL and Audio Network design and construction for new and experienced users. The hands-on training will be conducted in the Yamaha Demo Room, which will operate in addition to Yamaha’s display stand on the main ENTECH floor.
Slovenia-based speaker manufacturer EONA ADRaudio, represented by Australian Event Productions, will be showcasing their versatile U103 mains PA, ATA118 subwoofers, and the incredible M1225 powered wedges. Renowned for their focus on customer service and reliability, EONA ADRaudio have become a favourite of artists and PA companies alike. General Manager Franci Pavlin and R&D manager Ales Dravinec will be coming to Australia for the event.
ENTECH aims to provide a wide range of solutions for venues, pubs and clubs, corporate spaces, broadcasters, recording studios and places of worship. With everything from microphones to PAs, projectors to plasmas and LED screens, cameras, monitors, mixing desks, lighting rigs, control and automation systems and software, ENTECH has the technology that industry professionals demand.
A current list of exhibitors and brands is available on the ENTECH website. For information, registration and updates, go to www.entech-tradeshow.com

Architectural Lighting Designers' Convention
The first global Architectural Lighting Designers' Convention, PLDC will be taking place from the 25th to 27th of October, 2007 in London. It is organised by the Professional Lighting Designers' Association and PLD magazine This convention is intended to document a major step towards the recognition of the profession of Architectural Lighting Design and the strengthening of the ties between lighting designers, clients and the architectural world.
www.pld-c.com

PLASA07 Seminars Unveiled
Visualisation Training Sessions, plus free Special Interest and Exhibitor-Led Seminars
PLASA Events has unveiled the extended educational programme that will be a key feature of PLASA07 - with many of the sessions offering free admission to show visitors.
Four days of exclusive seminars, training sessions and workshops will be held in four purpose-built PLASA Education Theatres on the main show floor in Earls Court 2, divided into official 'special interest' seminar theatre sessions and exhibitor-led sessions.
Last year's guest presenters Technologies for Worship and InfoComm International return with an expanded seminar programme, while Cast Software will host a series of visualisation training sessions. Located nearby, PLASA will also host the first live pilot assessments for the National Rigging Certificate - the major new scheme that provides a recognised framework for measuring professional rigging skills.
Special Interest Seminars
This four-day programme, which includes sessions from InfoComm International and BEIRG, is designed to offer attendees an update on current industry issues, as well as valuable knowledge that can be applied in the workplace.
Several theatres have recently announced their intention to become carbon neutral, so Monday will see a special presentation from The Theatres Trust, assessing how venues can do more to become Carbon Neutral Theatres.
On Tuesday, the British Entertainment Industry Radio Group (BEIRG) presents Digital Dividend Review - the Consequences, an update on the status of this crucial issue which has brought the industry together to fight to save the radio frequencies it relies on.
Tuesday also sees InfoComm Academy's Design School present Using Displays in a Staging Environment - understanding image brightness level essentials, aimed at all presentation professionals, whilst on Wednesday InfoComm return to present Ethernet Usage for AV and Staging, addressing the uses of Cat-5/6 cabling in a staging environment.
Exhibitor and Manufacturer-led Seminars
Leading the charge among the exhibitor-led sessions is Wireless Solutions whose team present Wireless Control Technology on Monday, followed later in the day by Acrobatic Rigging at Cirque du Soleil, hosted by Cirque du Soleil's technical director for Dralion and the chief rigger for Kà. On Tuesday, audio innovator Duran Audio hosts a presentation entitled Modern Loudspeaker Array Theories and Technologies. These are just part of a wider programme, full details of which can be found on the PLASA07 website.
Visualisation Sessions
Cast Software will host its exclusive training programmes on the WYSIWYG and Vivien visualisation software packages in Theatres 1 and 2. The WYSIWYG course, in Theatre 1, runs twice during the show as a two-day course for both beginners and advanced lighting professionals interested in learning more about this easy-to-use 3D CAD package.
Theatre 2 hosts a half-day hands-on course for both beginners and intermediate levels on Vivien, the Virtual Event Designer - the most powerful, comprehensive software design tool for meeting and event professionals. Both courses are chargeable and can be booked in advance.
Technologies for Worship
Theatre 4 sees Technologies for Worship magazine return to PLASA07 with an expanded seminar programme. Four days of inspirational seminar sessions will demonstrate how to enhance services and special events with staging, lighting and video systems for today's houses of worship. Confirmed topics include: Setting up Video Projection in Your Church, Introducing Change Without Offending Almost Anyone, Acoustics in Worship, Effective Lighting on a Budget and Defining the Role of Technical Director in Today's Contemporary Houses of Worship.
With its broadest agenda in the show's history, the PLASA07 educational programme will give attendees access to some of the most knowledgeable practitioners in the industry. And for the first time ever, PLASA07 is offering free admission to the general educational programme and the Technologies for Worship sessions - but with attendance at each session limited to 60, visitors should register online to be sure of a seat. Tickets for WYSIWYG and Vivien can also be purchased in advance.
Director of Events Nicola Rowland comments: "The redesign of the show gave us an unmissable opportunity to grow the educational programme and to ensure we addressed a broad range of visitor interest groups. We anticipate high demand so people should book early to be sure of a place."
To register to attend the seminars, log on to www.plasashow.com/seminars

An enjoyable tour to Phantom
ALIA Members were treated to a rare look into one of the world’s most famous musicals, about to be launched in the Princess Theatre, in Melbourne. Since coming to Melbourne first in 1990 and then again in 1996, this is the first time an entirely new rig of moving lights has been run. Replacing over 200 conventionals, and designed by Andrew Bridge, the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a collection of remaining conventionals that can only be described as timeless: Source 4 profiles, Jands CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years! 
Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier. The transition to moving lights has enabled the production team to cut two days off the standard load in whilst reducing focusing time dramatically, all the time maintaining the artistic integrity of Andrew Bridges original design. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton! 
Being able to return to the same theatre which housed the production in 1990, meant that they were even able to utilise the same roof reinforcements which had been done to hold the chandelier originally.
Many thanks go to Mike Odam and Ken Roach for taking the time to give us an insight into their amazing world of the Phantom.

ALIA Tour to Gwen Stefani, Sydney
Music and fashion icon Gwen Stefani is touring her Sweet Escape Tour throughout Australia this July and August and expect nothing short of fabulous!
Butch Allen and Jesse Blevins are responsible for the lighting design and Jess has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the rig at Gwen’s second Sydney show. The rig, supplied by Bytecraft, includes 13 Martin MAC2000 Profile, 68 MAC2000 Wash, 14 Martin Atomic Strobe, 44 Color Kinetics ColorBlast, 7 8 - Lite Molefay, 11 Single Cell Cyc, 14 ACL Police Beacon, 4 DF50, and 4 2K FOH Spot. Control is a Martin Maxxyz.                                                           
Date: Tuesday July 31st
Time: TBC
Venue: Acer Arena, Sydney

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to stefani(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Christina Aguilera, Melbourne CANCELLED
Christina Aguilera is strutting her stuff around the country for her Back to Basics tour in support of her album of the same name, which features a more jazz- and blues-infused sound than her earlier work. To complement this trend, the live show takes on a theatrical style, including eight dancers and a four-piece horn section added to the usual band, and a themed production in three parts: Jazzy Hollywood, Juke Joint, and Enter the Circus. Peter Morse and Baz Halpin teamed up on lighting design duties, Morse collaborating with Butch Allen on the production and set design, with content by video director Dago Gonzalez, all under the direction of show producer Jamie King.
Baz has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the lighting design at Christina’s third Melbourne show on July 30th at Rod Laver Arena. The rig, supplied by Chameleon, includes 15 Martin MAC700 Wash, 60 MAC700 Spot, 122 MAC2000 Wash, 45 MAC2000 Spot, 7 B52 Syncrolite Xenon, 3 8 Lite Molephay DWE, 12 MR16 Mini Strips, 6 Robert Juliat 2.5k med throw truss spots, 6 Robert Juliat Long Throw Xenon Follow spots, 4 DF-50's and 2 Martin Maxxyz Consoles.

Date: Monday July 30th
Time: 3pm
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to aguilera(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Phantom of the Opera, Melbourne FULL
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the world's most loved musicals, is returning to Melbourne and ALIA Members have the opportunity to learn all about the lighting for this new production courtesy of Associate Lighting Desiger Mike Odam and Production Electrician Ken Roach.
Designed by Andrew Bridge the show uses High End Studio Beam's, Martin MAC700's, VL 1000's, VL5's and Martin Atomics plus a collection of conventionals that can only be described as timeless: Source 4 profiles, Jands CCT Minuette Profiles and Fresnels and a much loved Patt 23 that's been on the show for the last 18 years!  Control is via two grandMA consoles with two NSP's. Dimming is provided by Jands HP-12's. 6 Followspots - 2 Robert Juliet Arimis and 4 Beam Lights (also originals from the first season!). A Howard Eaton Radio Dimming System runs the various set electrics, including the famous chandelier.
This is the first time that Phantom has been switched to an overhead rig consisting almost entirely of moving lights. The transition to moving lights has enabled the production team to cut two days off the standard load in whilst reducing focusing time dramatically, all the time maintaining the artistic integrity of Andrew Bridges original design.
This version of Phantom opened at the Princess in 1990, returned in 1996 and since leaving Australia has traveled through out Asia, South Africa and New Zealand. When moving, the whole show travels in 23 Sea Containers and weighs in at 110 Ton!  The rig was refurbished for the Singapore season in March 2007 in preparation for the new Melbourne Season.
Lighting Designer: Andrew Bridge
Associate Lighting Desiger: Mike Odam
Moving Light Programming: Pryderi Baskerville
Production Electrician: Ken Roach
Head Electrician: Ed Cymerman
Deputy Head Electrician and grandMA Operator: Hugh Calton

Date: Tuesday July 24th
Time: 5pm
Venue: Princess Theatre, Melbourne

If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to phantom(at)alia.com.au

ENTECH 2008 is coming!
From February 11th to 13th 2008, the world’s leading suppliers of professional audio, lighting, broadcast, audio visual and staging products and services will be gathering at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre for ENTECH tradeshow, the essential entertainment technology show.
Held every two years, ENTECH is the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere: For professionals in the lighting, sound, broadcast, audio visual and event staging industries, ENTECH is the only event in Australia to showcase products and services from across the entertainment spectrum.
ENTECH has the solution for everyone, including clubs and bars, churches and places of worship, corporate spaces, venues, broadcasting, recording and all areas in between.
Visitor entry is free, and registration will soon be available online at www.entech-tradeshow.com.
Attendees will have the chance to meet representatives from leading brands and suppliers, and see, hear and feel the latest technology in action:
Once again ENTECH will feature live demo rooms, with Yamaha Music and Jands already confirmed. Professional audio and AV brands like National Audio Systems, KV2Audio, Technical Audio Group, Meyer Sound, Group Technologies, Digidesign, Production Audio, Audio Products Group and Dolby will be on display, among many others.
Lighting and show staging brands include Alkalite, Bytecraft Entertainment, AV Stumpfl, Enttec, LSC Systems, Osram, Pulse Enterprises and The Look.
No other tradeshow brings together so much entertainment technology in one location. For a current list of exhibitors and brands, visit the ENTECH website.
ENTECH Seminar program:
More than just a tradeshow, ENTECH includes a program of professional development, with seminars from leading industry figures and accredited training bodies. Details of the seminar program are to be announced in August 2007. Spaces are limited, so book early to reserve your place.
New in 2008: ENTECH BAR and Industry / Media / Associations Pavilion
ENTECH has always been a great event for entertainment professionals to catch up with colleagues and make new connections. In 2008, there will be a central BAR within the tradeshow; an informal place to relax between meetings, take a rest and get together with old and new friends.
Also new in 2008 is a dedicated Industry / Media / Associations pavilion, housing industry representatives, media bodies and professional organisations. This is the social hub of ENTECH, where visitors can gather information, connect with industry bodies and learn about opportunities for professional development. Among the exhibitors will be ALIA (Australasian Lighting Industry Association), Julius Media (CX Magazine), Spinworkz (Entertainment Technology Asia), ProAudio Asia and Infocomm.
For information, registration and updates to ENTECH 2008, visit www.entech-tradeshow.com

ALIA Tour to Sweeney Todd
Musical thriller Sweeney Todd, a sell out Broadway success and winner of eight Tony and Grammy awards has delighted audiences around the world with its comedic and twisted tale of love, revenge, madness and murder.
This razor sharp production starring musical superstar Rob Guest (Sweeney Todd) and critically acclaimed musical star Mandi Lodge (Mrs Lovett) is the tale of the murderous Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, whose victims were baked into pies by his friend Mrs Lovett. Director is Robert Young and Musical Director is Kellie Dickerson.
Lighting designer for this production at the Gold Coast Arts Centre is Scott Allan who, along with head electrician Russel Jones, has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of his lighting rig.
Equipment list includes: 2x Performer LT MSR, 16x Pac Zm 05-13, 16x Pac Zm 12-28, 10x ETC Source Four-36deg, 44x ETC Source Four –26deg, 49x ETC Source Four –19deg, 06x ETC Source Four –10deg, 09x Selecon 1200w Zm 8-16, 12x Selecon 2000w 8" PC, 12x Selecon 1200w 7" PC 12, 24x Vision 2.5Kw Fresnel, 20x Cadenza 2kw Fresnel, 58x Par64 MFL, 18x Par64 NSP 240V, 16x Iris Cyc (4-cell), 4x MiniCity Colour CYM, 17x 150w QI, 24x ColourTec Scroller, 4x MAC550, 4x MAC250+, 4x Source 4 PAR MFL
Set Lx: 16x MR1, 04x 150w QI
Control: MA Lighting grandMA
Custom Gobos
In addition to the shows lighting, the venue has a large MA Lighting control infrastructure that is of interest. In fact it was the first theatre in Australia to have MA control as a permanent install.
Date: Friday 29th June
Time: 4.30pm
Venue: Gold Coast Arts Centre
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol  then email your name and mobile phone number to sweeny(at)alia.com.au

Lots of Watts 36 Hour Sale is on again!
Every June Lots of Watts holds their famous 36 hour sale which means that this year's sale is not far away. That's right, we're open 36 hours straight: from 9am Wednesday June 13 to 9pm Thursday June 14.
Our Rydalmere showroom, foyer and half our factory gets piled high with ex-hire, ex-demo, discontinued, second hand and also brand new stock – all at fantastic 36 hour sale prices. There are always great bargains to be found and a queue of people waiting for our doors to open on the first day. It's strictly first in, best dressed, so we recommend you arrive as early as possible to secure the best deals.
Goods at the sale are sold as is and on a no warranty basis. Also, no sale items can be placed on account.
Sale Highlights
In past years, we have had items ranging from wireless microphones, lighting effects, speakers and cable to plasma balls, intelligent lights, microphone stands and par cans.
As the day of the sale draws closer we update this list of equipment, so check back here soon.
Ex-hire Equipment
Jands 4PAKs
Shure SM58s
Soundcraft Series 5
Soundcraft SM12
LSC Atom 24/48
QSC PL1602s
Denon DN2000 MkII
dbx 1066
dbx 1046
Shure Beta87s
Klark Teknik DN1248s
Microphone stands
Molefay duets (2-way blinders)
Allen & Heath Mixwizard
Allen & Heath ML3000
AM1600 amplifier
Mackie SRM450
New, Ex-demo, Discontinued and Second Hand Equipment
Selecon theatrical luminaires
Microphones from Sennheiser, Electrovoice, Shure, Audio Technica, AKG, sE, DPA
DI boxes from Whirlwind, ProCo, Klark Teknik
Powered speakers from FBT, Mackie
Roadcases and soft equipment bags
Truss
Osram DOTit
Wireless DMX systems from LSC/Wireless Solution
SPL meters
Video distribution equipment
Mixers from Rolls, Alto, Australian Monitor, Mackie, Yamaha, Allen & Heath
Lighting effects from Martin, Geni, ADJ
HD set top boxes from NEC
Cables (terminated and bulk cable)
Headphones from Audio Technica, Sennheiser
Speakers from Australian Monitor, Mackie, FBT
Wireless microphones from Audio Technica, Shure, Sennheiser
Multicores
www.lotsofwatts.com.au

1 v ALIA
Click on image to enlarge


The competition amongst television game shows to be the best has not been lost on lighting designers as was evidenced by the members of ALIA who were given a rare insight into the lighting of Channel 9's latest offering 1v100. The show places 1 contestant against a mob of 100. The player is asked a multiple choice question with the goal being to keep answering correctly until there are no mob members left. If you do this, you win $1M.
On a wet and cold Tuesday evening at the Docklands Studios in Melbourne, ALIA members on a back stage tour were made to feel very welcome by Megan McGahan and the rest of the Channel 9 crew.  Despite the hectic recording schedule, the ALIA members got to see 15 minutes of “live” action and then had 90 minutes of almost unrestricted access to the studio. Over 50 questions were answered by 10 representatives of Channel 9 and the associated companies involved with the lighting.
To give lighting designer Rohan Thornton enough functional and visually appealing options, the rig included 118 key lights (ETC Source 4) on separate dimmer channels, 262 x LED Tubes, 100 x 56 channel LED matrix (X Dot) utilising 35 universes of DMX, 18 x VL 500, 38 x MAC700 Profile, 18 x MAC700 Wash, 24 MultiPars, 56 PAR64MFL, 150m Browns Truss, 3 Unique Hazers, 1 x grandMA, 3 Hippotizer Media Servers and 1 x Enttec Datagate. Despite the number of LED fittings, power consumption was huge.
“Nearly 600 amps a leg, enough to power a city the size of Wangaratta,” said Nikki Koumos from Resolution X.
The lighting state is dictated by a number of factors. The start and end of the show, to/from commercial breaks, the end of the 6 second question time, Eddie talking to a mob member, or the need to use all 100 LED panels as a low res video wall. Each of these options could then apply to the whole rig or to individual members of the mob. The possible combinations are immense with the next state not known until the mob answers the question.
The signal path is equally complex. The contestant's control panel sends a signal to the games computer, which sends a midi signal to the grandMA. The grandMA sends a signal to the dimmers and the Hippotizers which send a signal to the Enttec Datagate which sends a signal to the X Dot controllers which finally sends a DMX signal to the X Dots.
The channel 9 crew included Rohan Thornton, Megan McGahan as LD for this season, Scott MacDonald as Board Operator, Matt Drinkwater as Rigger and Hippo Wrangler, Amelia Lever-Davidson and Claire Casement. To ensure a seamless operation, Lighting Hire company Resolution X included Nikki Koumos as Crew Chief and Liz Beedle as Moving Light Tech with the equipment hire. Peter Kemp from Coemar De Sisti supplied the X Dots and was on hand to answer questions during the tour.
As can be seen from the photographs, the set is physically huge, standing nearly four storeys tall. The Docklands studios were chosen to house the set; which also meant bringing in all the other equipment required to produce television. Logistically it is also huge, with items including rigging, drapes, audio, cameras, vision switching, recording, communications, wardrobe, make up, control room equipment and hundreds of kilometres of cabling brought in. A second studio was used to hold several hundred audience and mob members. This is the second time that it has been in the Dockland studio with Crew Chief Nikki Koumos able to get the rig in and operational in a little over one day. This included much work above the set and the focussing of the 100+ key lights to a precise look.
Included in today’s "Mob", we have 13 ALIA lighting technicians. They are: 71 Peter MacLean, 72 Peter Gray, 73 Simon Smith, 83 Lucas Packett, 84 Dave Lang, 85 Braham Ciddor, 86 Charley Anderson, 92 Bruce Lauf, 93 Brianna Bowen, 94 Peter Darby, 95 Mark Chatterton, 96 James Taylor, 97 James Symon.
This tour came as a result of an ALIA members suggestion. Channel 9 were asked, kindly agreed and within 5 days the tour was held.  If you know of a rig that would be worth visiting, let the ALIA committee know.

ALIA Tech Expo: Media Servers
Media Servers are more than just a technically complex video juke box or a PowerPoint player. Aside from the basic functions of storing and replaying material from their internal libraries, media servers offer an increasingly sophisticated range of real-time video effects and manipulations that can be performed on a multiplicity of image sources, including live video input. The current generation of media servers allow video images to be "played live" in just the same way as the lighting, sound and music that create the atmosphere of a performance and an audience. Media Servers can truly transform a production or venue.
Even if you're aware of the trend toward merging lighting hardware, control, and video projection technology, you may not know how these systems really work — how they interface to the lighting console, what products are available, and what they do best.
ALIA's Media Servers Tech Expo offers an unprecedented opportunity for everyone interested in creating a contemporary performance, dance or leisure space, to compare all of the Media Servers on the market and talk to the people who know all about this technology.
Products confirmed as on display include the recently released Hippotizer V3 media server and the hot-off-the-production-line Robe Media Fusion software as well as ArKaos, Martin Maxedia, Catalyst and MA Lighting grandMA Video. Also on display will be the High End DL2 digital light with integrated media server and the Robe Digital Spot 5000DT.
The evening will also feature a talk by Francesco Calvi who has become, through a variety of projects, a bit of a media sever guru.
Download 75kB PDF by clicking on image.
Please check the website for updates.
Date: Tuesday 29th May
Time: 6 – 8.30pm
Place: Sydney Exhibition & Conference Centre
Whilst registration for this event is not strictly necessary it is appreciated so that we can assess requirements for numbers expected. Please email you name to mediasydney@alia.com.au

Show Technology Open Day success in Perth
Click on image to enlarge

On May 3rd Show Technology held an Open Day in Perth; the latest in a series of popular events the company has been holding around the country.
The occasion marked the official launch of the Martin LC Panels and TW1, the ArKaos LED Mapper, new MA Nodes and heaps of new PRO SHOP products including the much anticipated LED MultiPARs.
“I was really impressed by the new Martin LC Panels,” commented Darryl Edwards, managing director of Matrix Productions. “I can really see them becoming popular for all types of productions. They’re very bright and the resolution is impressive too.”
Also on show was the newly refitted showroom that now boasts an 8 metre trim height and is fully decked out with the very latest technology from Show Technology's comprehensive product range.
"This facility is a real treat for us" said Dave Trapp, managing director of Lux. “We can pre-program shows and train our guys any time - not to mention showing our clients what something would look like in an appropriate environment."
"The showroom was spectacular,” agreed Jared Hawke of Frontier Lighting. “An absolute A1 showroom! I couldn’t believe how well done it was, a lot of effort must have been put into it, in fact it’s probably the best I’ve ever seen. I have to say I was most impressed by the LC Panels as well as the pixel mapping which is really happening.”
More than sixty industry professionals turned out for the Open Day which ran for a few hours. Everyone was impressed with the commitment Show Technology has to the local market and most key customers were amazed at the increased level of investment the company has put into the Show Technology Perth operations.
“It was great to catch up with many of the industry professionals in our newly redesigned showroom and continue to strengthen our commitment and support to the market,” remarked Gino Lombardi, branch manager of Show Technology, Perth.
The event was also the first time many people met the newest staff member in Perth; Michael Wilkinson who is employed as Operations Assistant to support Gino in the day to day running of the branch.
"Perth was our first branch office back in 2003 and has served us well as a model for other operations around the country,” said Emmanuel Ziino, managing director of Show Technology. “However, it was time for us to reinvent ourselves and prove to people that we are still very committed here, not withstanding our substantial growth in other markets."
The following day the inaugural Perth Golf Day was held at the Vines, one of the country's elite golf courses, for a select group of keen customers who appreciate the game and were willing to take a day off work to attend! Jerry Reinhardt, CCP’s general manager, took out one of the two trophies the other being won by the dynamic duo of Sean McKernan (ex-CCP staff member who now resides in the US) and Adam Sykes from Matrix Productions.
“It was a great day on the course,” said Jerry. “The level of skill amongst the participants reached new heights of mediocrity. I would like to apologise to the ground keepers for hitting one of their waterfowl on the eleventh hole. Fortunately the duck survived. A big thanks to Show Technology for a most enjoyable day.”
www.showtech.com.au

ULA’s Robe Roadshow
Click on image to enlarge


April 30, 2007: The Family Nightclub played host to the first leg of the 2007 Robe Roadshow, which gave both ULA clients and Lighting Designers the hands-on and “play” with the new Robe 2007 product line up. Leading industry figures from all over Queensland came to see the exciting new products first hand and to experiment with products they had never used before. 
On show was the most anticipated Robe DigitalSpot 5000DT, which did not disappoint! Also on display was the compact Robe ColorSpot 700E AT and ColorWash 700 AT, which received a very enthusiastic reception. The attendees were also treated to the Australian debut of the new Robe ColorWash 2500 AT!
On hand to present these fixtures was Robe’s Managing Director, Joseph Valchář, who was overwhelmed and delighted by the level of excitement and positive feedback he was receiving about the Robe products in Australia. “Australia has really embraced Robe” says Josef “and the ColorSpot 700 E AT really has people’s attention!”
Clients were also given operation tips on E:Cue and the Avolites consoles by John Stanley from ULA. The Family Nightclub has recently had their lighting control updated to the advanced E:Cue systems and so was the perfect venue to host the event.
The Robe Roadshow is part of ULA’s continual commitment to providing clients with the best products, information and support to help grow their businesses.
For an on-site demonstration of any of the Robe range, call one of our sales representatives on 1300 ULA GROUP (1300 852 476)
www.ulagroup.com.au

Show Technology Perth 2007 Open Day
Date: May 3rd
Address: 18 Milly Ct, Malaga, WA 6090
Time: 3pm – 8pm. Food and Beverages will be offered through out the day.
We are pleased to take this opportunity to invite you to come and help us celebrate another in our series of Show Technology’s OPEN DAYS.
There will be many new products to look at and to play with. We will be running presentations through out the day of the brand new Martin TW 1 as well as showing off the new MAC700 Wash, the first time in Western Australia. Of course we will have many other products from our Pro Shop range – the new expanded Martin EFX range, LED Multipars, LED Honeycomb 36’s, ARKAOS pixel mapping and of course the worlds best Lighting consoles – MA.
We will have several of Show Technology’s staff from the Sydney office on hand to help you with any of your lighting project questions or just to catch up.
The Perth Show room has a new fresh look and we also have a new WA Staff member, Mick. So please take the opportunity to come and have a coffee or a beer.
In the interests of catering please RSVP by Tuesday 1st May 1700hrs to glombardi@showtech.com.au

You are invited to the opening of Show Technology's new Brisbane premises
Please come along and meet the new Queensland Show Technology Staff, Adam White and Oliver Hartwig. Special guest from Pulsar Lighting in from the UK, international sales manager LED Mr Andy Graves. Also present will be key members of the Show Technology team to discuss any of your professional or architectural lighting requirements.
We will be celebrating the opening of a brand new Show Technology building complete with warehousing, office and showroom facilities and we would love you to be a part of it.
Presentations will made of recent international PULSAR LED projects and installations by Andy Graves
Date: April 18th
Time: 7pm start
Place: 3/459 Tufnell Rd, Banyo (parking available on site)
RSVP: By 1700hrs Monday 16th April 2007 – to Luca on 02 9748 1122 or Lsellarulo@showtech.com.au
www.showtech.com.au

ALIA Tech Expo: LED & Fibre Optics Perth
ALIA's very popular and informative LED and Fibre Tech Expo is coming to Perth on Monday April 16th.
From coffee shops to car launches and game shows to gaming rooms, LEDs and optical fibre have swept through the worlds of decorative and effects lighting, bringing with them new ways of designing with light.
Although the LED has been around for over 40 years, it's only quite recently that it has attracted much interest as a useable light source. As developments in materials technology have now given the LED an expanded range of colours and a more useful light output, innovative applications have begun to pour from the electronics, optics and lighting industries.
Today's fibre optic technology offers us a cool, UV free, dimmable, colour-changing light source that’s nearly invisible. In complex installations, where a multitude of light sources need to be embedded in sets, walls, floors, ceilings, footpaths or roadways, optical fibre enables us to keep our originating light sources in clean, dry, and easily serviceable locations. This Expo is a chance for you to see the latest components of fibre optic systems and to discuss the ways that they can be employed.
The Perth LED and Fibre Optic Technology Expo features light sources, luminaires, components and controllers from such manufacturers as Alkalite, Artistic Licence, Ayrton, CDA, Chroma Q, CLS, DTS, Elumina, LED, Littlite, Osram, Pharos, Plesi Neon, Pulsar, Space Cannon, White Lite and X-Chip. Come to the Lighting Studio on the WAAPA campus in Mount Lawley between 6pm and 8:30pm on Monday April 16th to see and learn about the latest developments in these fields.
Download the official invite (90kB PDF) by clicking on image
Date: Monday April 16th
Time: 6pm - 8.30pm
Where: WAAPA
Whilst it is not essential to RSVP it is appreciated perthled(at)alia.com.au

HES Hosts Australia Open Houses in May
High End Systems is hosting two Open House events in Australia in May, and all interested industry professionals are invited to attend.
The first event is May 2-3 in Sydney. Location is the Westin Sydney at No. 1 Martin Place, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Barnet Room. Phone number for directions is +61-2-8223-1138. We'll show the new Road Hog console, along with the DL.2, Studio Command 1200, Wholehog 3 and Hog iPC.
The next Open House combines a Training Event May 8-9 in Brisbane. May 8 features DL.2 and Hog training from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., while May 9 features an Open House from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. -- both events at Chameleon Touring Systems, 25 Helen St., Newstead, Queensland 4006. Phone for directions is +61-7-3854-1511. We'll feature DL.2, Studio Command 1200, D-Tek, the Hog family of lighting consoles and will introduce a new product, the Showgun light!
Please RSVP by emailing RSVP@highend.com and indicate which date you will be attending.
Refreshments and food will be served for all events.

ALIA Tour to The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brisbane
Lighting designer Scott Holthaus has been designing fabulous lighting for the Red Hot Chili Peppers for many years and this tour is no different. Join Scott for a guided tour of his rig at Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre on Saturday April 14th.
Rig includes: 62 Martin MAC2000 wash, 13 Syncrolite B52 fixtures, 31 Martin Atomic strobes w/scrollers, 16 SoftLED curtains and 8 truss-mounted followspots w/dmx dousers and CXI color changers. FOH has 3 Control Freak media servers, 2 MA Lighting grandMA consoles, 1 lava lamp, 1 inflatable palm tree and 1 rack of SoftLED processors.
Date: Saturday April 14th
Time: 4pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number peppers(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Pink, Adelaide and Perth
Pink is returning to Australia for an extensive tour with a show designed by Baz Halpin and operated/directed by Trent O’Connor. Trent, an ex-employee of Bytecraft now residing in the UK, has kindly agreed to conduct tours of the lighting in both Adelaide and Perth.
The rig includes an High End Catalyst, 70 Martin MAC2000 wash, 38 Martin MAC2000 spot, 30 MR16 mini strip, 10 8 way moles with DWE, 7 2 lights with DWE, 7 Par 64 short nose, 4 way bars of ACL, 20 ACL Beacons, RED, 18 4 way moles with DWE, 12 S4 Profile 750 watt, 19 deg, all controlled by a Whole Hog II.
Adelaide
Date: Monday April 23rd
Time: TBC
Perth
Date: Sunday June 3rd
Time: TBC
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number adelaidepink(at)alia.com.au or perthpink@alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Miss Saigon, Melbourne
Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Boublil and Schönberg's legendary Miss Saigon opens in Melbourne this weekend. Miss Saigon is one of the most successful musicals in the world - seen by over 33 million people in 25 countries.
Associate Lighting Designer Richard Pacholski has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the lighting at Her Majesty’s Theatre next Friday at 5.30pm.
The lighting rig contains a large amount of Vari*Lites as well as DHA digital curtains, MAC TW1’s, ETC Revolutions, ETC and Selecon luminaries, AC Color Blocks and Strand consoles.
Date: Friday March 23rd
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number saigon(at)alia.com.au

Show Technology reinforce position as a knowledge company
Show Technology is proud to announce the first part of its’ comprehensive Training Program for 2007.
“Our training programs are very popular and always in high demand” says Andrew Winslade, the Professional Segment Manager who is also the man in charge of training at Show Technology. “Not only have lighting products become more complex over the years but this complexity means that you can be much more creative. To fully harness this creativity you really need to be totally up to date with the technology" continues Andrew.
“More and more, current times and methods dictate the need for education in a market where so much is undertaken without qualification and education to suit. The demand for knowledge and training is increasing enormously and it is those who are prepared to meet the needs and requirements that will succeed” says Show Technology managing director, Emmanuel Ziino.
Show Technology has put hundred’s of people through various product training modules in the recent past and the company places great importance on training in the market place.
As part of Show Technology’s commitment the company completed purpose built training centres and display showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and most recently, Brisbane.
The technical program is delivered in accordance with the manufacturers outlines to offer the various levels of training requirements. This means offering courses and programs to meet the varied skill and expertise levels within our industry. Course numbers will be limited to ensure personal attention and absolute hands-on training.
Each course will be fully catered and those who have attended will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
To view dates and times or to book online, visit the company’s website www.showtech.com.au/education.cfm
More courses and dates will be added throughout the year. For further information contact Andrew Winslade awinslade@showtech.com.au

Bytecraft Strand roadshow comes to Hobart and Adelaide
Bytecraft is pleased to invite the industry in Adelaide and Hobart to the release of the new Strand Lighting consoles the “Light Palette”
To be followed by an informal discussion with John Grimshaw
John Grimshaw – the former editor of Connections Magazine is now the National Sales Manager for Bytecraft Entertainment, and he is currently touring the country to show off the new range of consoles.
For those involved in professional theatre and entertainment lighting, this will be an opportunity to see first hand the latest developments in lighting control and to examine the console.
ADELAIDE Friday 16 February
Adelaide Festival Centre 2pm to 4pm
Festival Theatre
- Meet at Stage Door at 1:45pm
HOBART Monday 19 February
Theatre Royal 2pm to 4pm
29 Campbell St, Hobart
- Meet at Box Office at 1:45pm
Suggested Attendees: Venue techs, lighting desk operators and supervisors, technical managers and any one who is interested in commenting on and contributing to the future of Strand lighting desks and control systems.
We would also appreciate input from consultants, designers, or anyone concerned as to how the interpretation of the lighting design is transferred into commands and into the control system. Basically, anyone with a view on lighting control systems.
Please RSVP with your preferred session by Wednesday 14th of February to Elisha on 02 8568 4400 or to Strand@bytecraft.com.au

ALIA Tour to Cosentino, Drum Theatre Dandenong
Lighting designer Stuart Sinclair is inviting ALIA members to have a comprehensive look at his work for illusionist Cosentino and his 2007 Evolution National Tour. The show on February 16th is a lead up show for the upcoming national tour and this performance is primarily for a DVD shoot.
There will be plenty to see in the show as apart from lighting for a magician and all the required masking, the lighting provides plenty of atmospherics including hazers, low fog and pyro. As well as a host of analogue lighting, Stuart is utilising Robe ColorSpots and ColorWashes.
Check out the lighting plots at:
Cosentino Drum Theatre layer 1 A4 PDF
Cosentino Drum Theatre layer 2 A4 PDF
Cosentino Drum Theatre layer 3 A4 Alia PDF
Cosentino Drum Theatre layer 4 A4 Alia PDF
Stuart will also kindly arrange comp tickets for the show. Note that the artist does ask that all who attend the tour must sign a NDA due to props being on and around the stage.
Date: Friday February 16th
Time: 6pm
Venue: Drum Theatre 226 Lonsdale street Dandenong Melbourne
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol then email your name and mobile phone number cosentino(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Robbie Williams, Sydney
Always a top entertainer Robbie Williams returns to Australia with his acclaimed Robbie Williams: Close Encounters tour with lighting designed by Al Gurdon. Lighting director for the tour is Rich Gorrod.
Read about lighting for the show at http://livedesignonline.com/concerts/martin_colors_robbie_williams_world_tour/
The rig contains 16 x B52 Syncrolites, 42 x VL3000 Spots, 88 x Mac 2k washes, 28 x VL5a’s, 122 x Martin Atomics Strobes, 8 x 2.5k Nova Lites, 14 x VL2000 washes, 6 x DMX Dominators, 6 x Hungaro Flashes, 8 x Coemar Supercycs, 18 x 8lite DWE Moles c/w Wybron Scrollers, 8 x 18k Gargantrams, 24 x Thomas Pixel Pars, 80 x Colour Blocs, 129 x Colour Blasts, 1 x Virtuoso EX1
Date: Sunday December 10th
Time: TBA
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol then email your name and mobile phone number ROBBIE(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Kylie, Perth
Don’t miss this opportunity to have a look at Vince Foster’s fabulous lighting for our own pop princess Kylie on her Showgirl Homecoming tour. Lighting director Rohan Harrison will conduct the tour at Perth’s Burswood Dome.
The rig contains: 1 x Hog 3, 1 x Catalyst Version 4, 46 x Mac 2k Profile, 69 x Mac 2k Wash, 54 x PC Beam, 24 x Atomic strobes, 4 x Big lite 4.5, 48 x Pixel lines, 6 x Robert Juliat 2.5k followspots, 8 x Kino Flo, 9 x Colour block, 60 x Chroma hearts, 6 x F100, 4 x DF50, 6 x 1k flood, 22 x 4 lite strips, 10 x Liftket 1tonne variable speed hoists, 12 x Liftket 1/2 tonne variable speed hoists, 1 x Kinesys motion control computer and 8 par cans!
Date: Tuesday December 5th
Time: 4pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number KYLIE(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Elton John, Melbourne
Lighting Kevin ‘Stick’ Bye has kindly agreed to conduct an ALIA tour of his lighting for Elton John at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. This is the 12th time that Elton John has toured Australia and this time it is to promote his Captain & The Kid album.
Equipment includes 40 x VL3k spots, 32 x MAC 2k wash, 12 x VL 2402 wash, 12 x VL 1000 spot, 10 x VL6c spot, 7 x ETC Source Four 19 degree ERS, 2x Catalyst Media Servers, 1x custom 64 FT X 32 FT Mainlight Soft LED Curtain, 2x grandMA consoles
Date: Sunday December 3rd
Time: 5.30pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number EJOHN(at)alia.com.au

ALIA Tour to Pearl Jam, Adelaide
Pearl Jam are currently touring the country and their lighting designer Kille Knobel has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of her lighting rig this Wednesday at Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Date: Wednesday November 22nd
Time: 5pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number pearl(at)alia.com.au
A lighting plot will be posted on the ALIA site tomorrow. Kille’s equipment includes:
10 - Mac 2K Wash Fresnel Lens, 30 - VL3000 Spot Luminaire, 8 - Martin Atomic Strobe, 20 - VL5Arc Wash Luminaire Clear Lens, 16 - VL2402 Wash Luminiare, 5 - Syncrolite 5K B52, 6 - Clear ACL Beacon, 4- Source 4 36 Degree, 3- 6K Maxi Spacelight w/Par 64, 9 - Horizonatal 4 Lite Vert, 6 - Horizonatal 4 Lite Horiz, 10 - Source 4 19 Degree, 2 - MaxiBrute 12 VNSP, 1 - 4' Color Blazew/ Vertical Frost, 15 - 6' Color Blaze 6 w/ Vertical Frost, 6 - Nook Light 1k clear bulb, 2 - DF-50 Hazer with fans, Star Strobe String random twinkle- side pod trusses, 4 - Double Molefay, 2 - Par64 Medium, 1 - Virtuoso VX primary, 1 Virtuoso DX Backup, 2 external monitors
If you've never attended an ALIA Backstage tour then you don't know what you're missing! Whether you're a student, novice, professional, or jaded-seen-it-all-before designer there is something to be learnt by everyone. Take the opportunity to mix with your peers and enjoy yourself.

MAC TW1 launched in style
Click on image to enlarge

It may have been Melbourne Cup day however, there was a large turn out for a winning event of a different kind; the official Australian launch of the Martin MAC TW1. Held at Global Studios in Sydney, the set for Australian Idol provided the perfect backdrop for the TW1 units rigged around the stage.
Christian Engsted, President and CEO of Martin Professional A/S, was present to introduce the TW1 and to get to know some local Martin customers.
"This is by far one of our most important product breakthroughs" Christian revealed.
As well as the expected speeches from Christian and Emmanuel Ziino, Show Technology’s Managing Director, there was also time for a light-hearted interview with Australian Idol’s lighting designer Francesco Calvi. Conducted by Andrew Winslade, Show Technology’s Professional Segment Manager, the interview had the audience laughing in no time. Maybe Francesco should be on the stage instead behind a console as it was a performance worthy of a touchdown!
Andrew then demonstrated the amazing MAC TW1 - the 80volt, 1200W tungsten wash fixture that brings to the stage avant-garde features and patent pending technology to equip the lighting designer with the broadest possibility of effects, colours and design. Andrew showed popular features such as the twin lens zoom system, the full CMY colour mixing and choice of internal or external electronic dimming (as well as the mechanical dimmer to allow for dimming without changing colour temperature). All this contained in a sturdy magnesium structure that allows the fast and silent convection of heat away from the back of the fixture.
The presentation ended on high note with the drawing of a raffle with a few prizes that include a meat tray, case of beer and a bottle of wine; an Aussie tradition that fascinated the visiting Danes. Christian was also presented with a Socceroos soccer jersey. Something that he can proudly wear when Australia take on Denmark in the soccer!
"In all my years of selling Martin product I have never seen such a dramatic and immediate response to a new launch," said Emmanuel Ziino at the conclusion of the highly successful evening. "I am pleased to say that Martin thoroughly did its homework before releasing this fixture. They double-checked and triple-checked what was required by the market and then exceeded everyone's' expectations by a long way!"
“It was a fantastic way to get everyone together, in a relaxed atmosphere whilst promoting this new fixture,” said Andrew Winslade.
Søren Storm, managing director, Martin Asia Pacific, was also on hand and he was rapt with the event saying, "The guys did a great job down here as always, we were very impressed with the turnout and quality of presentation by the Show Technology team."
"It was flattering to see the impressive turnout, all of us here at Show Technology are truly flattered,” concluded Emmanuel.
Show Technology would like to thank Francesco Calvi, Global Studios and Lots of Watts for their assistance in achieving such a great event.
www.showtech.com.au

Turn the spotlight onto Martin CEO Christian Engsted
Christian Engsted, President and CEO of Martin Professional A/S, is visiting Australia next week and if you’re in Sydney next Tuesday you can take this great opportunity to meet and even grill the man!
The 42-year old Dane took over the helms of Martin eighteen months ago and what has he done in that time? Well, ask him yourself by attending the Show Technology official launch of the new Martin MAC TW1 Tungsten Wash.
Get Christian to spill the beans about recent product releases, future company plans and who knows he may even have some inside gossip on Princess Mary’s pregnancy. Assisting Christian will be Martin’s popular spunk and man-about-town Søren Storm as well as Show Technology’s usual riff-raff staff!
And whilst you’re at it don’t forget to take the opportunity to check out the MAC TW1. Other prominent Australian lighting designers have and this is what they said:
“The TW1 is verrrrrrry nice. It has great colours, good resolution, great beam angle and a very even field. The heat management, with all the heat at the back rather than the front, is very good. The concept of the accessory holder on the front is a great idea. I can certainly see myself using the TW1!” Rohan Thornton
“It’s really punchy and has some very nice colours. I thought that the dowser system was a very neat feature.” Mark Hammer
“I fell in love with the TW1 straight away! Having a shutter that enables you to snap to black is awesome. And the TW1 is soooo quiet; you almost have to look at the LED panel to see if it’s switched on!” Paul Collison
“I can’t wait to use one!” Tim Hall
To top it all, this cool event will be held at Global Studios where Australian Idol is currently in production. Check out the set, caress the seat that Mark sits on and stand where the gorgeous Dean has stood. It’s all too much………
Location: GLOBAL TELEVISION STUDIOS - NSW, Cnr. Epping & Delhi Road, North Ryde NSW 2113 (Entry via Delhi Rd)
Date: Tuesday, 7th November 2006
Time: 7:00pm Start
Please click here to view the invitation (328KB - please be patient).
RSVP to rsvp(at)showtech.com.au
For further information email us at sales(at)showtech.com.au

Two for one deal for ALIA members to see 'Blue Eyes and Heels'

Whoosh Productions, Killer Kinnane and Darlinghurst Theatre Company
present

BLUE EYES AND HEELS

“Integrity… It’s the twenty-first century equivalent of virginity”

Patrick Brammall (last seen in Channel 9’s The Alice) plays Duncan an ambitious young TV producer, ready to do anything to find the next big hit. While planning to bring wrestling back to TV screens, he meets Victor (John McNeill), aka The Count of Monte Cristo. Victor is one of the old guard, past his prime but desperate to reclaim his glory days - and he's a perfect pawn for Duncan to use in his climb to the top of the media industry ladder.  Along the way Duncan, who believes in the trash he is peddling, encounters female PA (Sandra Eldridge) who is hungry for quality.

Directed by Kim Hardwick (Dinner With Friends, The Memory of Water)

with Patrick Brammall, Sandra Eldridge & John McNeill

Production Design by Martin Kinnane with Sound Design by Steve Francis

 "Blue Eyes is very well performed, smartly paced and makes for an entertaining night.  Brammall is terrific as the contemptible Duncan"

Jason Blake, The Sun Herald 

"McNeill is terrific as the shambolic wrestler... Eldridge is excellent as Emma"

Bryce Hallett, The Sydney Morning Herald

 Darlinghurst Theatre

19 Greenknowe Ave

Potts Point

Bookings (02) 8356 9987

Pro Light & Sound at the Melbourne BarShow
Following the success of Sydney BarShow over the last four years, Spanton Media Group presented the inaugural Melbourne BarShow in early May . Tapping into the extensive array of southern state bars from Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, Melbourne BarShow showcased the leading brands and services to thousands of southern state professionals unable to attend Sydney BarShow each year.
Melbourne-based Pro Light & Sound took a stand at the show and naturally they were well supported by Show Technology who always back and encourage their dealers at such events.
“Our main aim was to show the boutique and bar venue owners that they can utilise intelligent lighting, rather than just standard down lights, to create different moods within their venues,” said Stavros Hatzipantelis, Project Manager at Pro Light & Sound. “The show was attened by many venue representatives who were looking for ways to reinvent their venues; almost on a daily basis as they have the same clientele visiting every day. We showed them how you can integrate the lighting with the audio to be able to create spaces and moods.”
A strong emphasis was made on the Pulsar LED fixtures with Stavros demonstrating how a venue can switch easily from white ambient light, for a restaurant application, to a colourful mode for a bar or club look. However, attracting the most attention was the Pro Shop LED tile flooring which drew a large number of people to the Pro Light & Sound stand.
“The LED floor caused a huge buzz and there was a lot of interest in it,” commented Stavros. “Everyone remarked about the price as it is very attractive especially compared to earlier products available on the market. We were approached by one venue owner who had wanted to install a LED floor a couple of years ago but it was too expensive – well, now he can!”
Stavros commented that the show attracted a quality trade rather than quantity.
“It drew people who really were looking to do something different in their venues not just coming in for a free drink!” he added. “We had people from Tasmania, Northern Territories, Queensland and Perth all visiting the stand because I think Melbourne still has a reputation of being at the forefront of night life.”
www.showtech.com.au

A great James Blunt tour
If you've never attended an ALIA Backstage tour then you don't know what you're missing! Whether you're a student, novice, professional, or jaded-seen-it-all-before designer there is something to be learnt by everyone.
Last night ALIA arranged a backstage tour of the lighting for James Blunt, conducted by Glen Johnson, and here is a report from David Duffy who attended the tour.
When we were taken in, James was still doing sound check but Glen Johnson still took us all in as he thought they were nearly done. We ended up getting a private concert of 4 or 5 songs as they kept rehearsing! Glen showed us all the FOH and explained the concept and how it all worked. He then took us on down to the back and showed the dimmers and power distribution, etc.
He was very willing to answer all questions at length and after a slow start to question time, he ended up talking to us for about an hour and a half I think before it was food time for him! I think that everyone enjoyed the session.
Thanks for organising the tour. It's very much appreciated.
So if you've never attended a tour, get off butt and do so!

ALIA Tour to James Blunt, Brisbane
Click on image to enlarge

Paul Normandale of Lite Alternative has designed yet another innovative lighting rig; this time for singer songwriter James Blunt. The full tour lighting rig consists of fifty square metres of Chroma-Q™ Color Web, PixelMAD media server, three 5k projectors, Arkos media server, Wholehog III lighting console, four Eytherlynx Artnet nodes, 40ft Black A Type, 80ft Stack truss and seven 1 tonne Lodestar motors. Fixtures include two DP2000s, eleven Martin MAC2000E, five MAC700, eleven MAC250, six S4 profiles, six Omni, four 4-lites and one long throw spot.
Consoles, Media Servers and the LED Color Web 50m2 are being flown in whilst Bytecraft Entertainment are providing the rest.
Lighting director Glen Johnson has kindly agreed to conduct a tour of the lighting rig on Thursday April 20th at 5pm at Brisbane's Convention Centre.
Date: Thursday April 20th
Time: 5pm
If you would like to attend this tour, please read the ALIA Tour Protocol, then email your name and mobile phone number blunt(at)alia.com.au
To read a Word document article on the lighting and audio for the show please click here. This article was written by Steve Moles and is kindly reproduced from Lighting&Sound International magazine, February 2006.