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Automation in Entertainment - a Collaborative Insight
Sir Cameron Mackintosh writes in the foreword of the recently-launched ‘Automation in the Entertainment Industry - A User's Guide': "At last, a book I have always needed - the idiot's guide to the use of technology in the theatre... this excellent new book by Mark Ager and John Hastie reveals to anyone interested in theatrical stagecraft the common-sense thought processes that go into using automation in the theatre. From the simplest effect to jaw-dropping coup de théâtre, technology is just a tool to make the difficult look simple."
John Hastie talks about their objective when the book was very much still in the conceptual stages. "When we first sat down and discussed the idea of a book two years ago, we knew that we wanted to put something out there that would fill a bit of a gap in a niche market because there isn't much available in the way of existing books on this topic. Since 1994 when Stage Technologies was founded we have visited a large number of colleges, trade shows, exhibitions and conferences around the world and one of the questions that we hear frequently is, ‘Automation seems really interesting. Where can I read more?' We wanted the book to be a useful reference for practitioners and students in our industry, so we divided it into two sections - the first part being a general introduction to automation and the second part addressing the more technical side of types of automation and techniques."
The book launch, which took place after the ABTT Theatre Show awards on June 10, was a casual gathering in a private room of a pub near the Apollo theatre, and around 60 industry personalities made an extra effort to attend even though the tube strikes were affecting transport in central London.
At the launch, Mark Ager said a few words to thank all the contributors and those who had helped to make the book a reality. "This book has been part of a focus to help educate the market about automation and its uses and possibilities. Although John and I are credited as the authors, this book has been a collaborative effort by a whole host of people, both inside and outside Stage Technologies. So much of the knowledge contained within is the distilled wisdom of colleagues and friends who we have worked with over the years, thanks to all of them for their insights and inspiration, and the various people involved in collecting pictures, editing, and proof reading to reach this final version."
The book is the newest title from Entertainment Technology Press, which publishes books on theatre engineering, rigging and related themes using digital technology to allow variable print runs. Mark and John have agreed to donate copies to college and school libraries where theatre studies are taught. Arrangements have also been made with ET Press that discounted prices will be given to students, to make it more easily available for those studying technical theatre. All proceeds that the authors make from the sale of the book will be donated to the Stage Technologies charity, which is supports individuals at a grass roots level who want to follow a career in theatre automation and allied industries.
To purchase copies of the book, please visit http://www.etbooks.co.uk or www.amazon.co.uk
In picture: authors John Hastie and Mark Ager of Stage Technologies with Ken Sewell and John Offord of Entertainment Technology Press at the launch event on June 10.
26th June 2009
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