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Blackout at The Brits 25 in Association with MasterCard
Drapes and rigging specialist Blackout was appointed by London based production company MJK Productions to help transform Earls Court into a stunning set for the Brits 25 in association with MasterCard.
Working with set designer Mark Fisher and Ray Winkler of Mark Fisher Studios, Blackout’s team headed by project managers, Chris Brain and Kevin Monks designed and supplied all ‘soft’ goods for the main stage. This included the design and supply of five track-and-drape systems in a variety of fabrics for various artists’ sets including Franz Ferdinand, Joss Stone and Sir Bob Geldolf.
Joss Stone’s stunning set featured four giant silver chiffon drapes, each measuring 4 x 12 metres, which were flown up on the set change as the young diva entered stage, before the soft chiffon tumbled elegantly onto the set, providing a sophisticated feminine touch. The soft, semi-opaque shimmering material caught the light beautifully.
Art house rockers Franz Ferdinand’s ‘soft’ elements included rich russet velour fabric. Their two 9 x 9 metre drops were designed and manufactured at Blackouts HQ with 100% fullness, offering a lavish and glamorous effect.
Over 250 sq metres of red velour was supplied by Blackout for Sir Bob Gelfdolf’s set. Tracked in on cue, it provided a stunning backdrop and added the finishing touch.
In the exclusive artists’ back stage bar, Blackout supplied over 1,000 sq metres of black voile to create a simple, stylish effect.
Over 5,000 sq metres of black wool serge was deployed in the main arena, disguising Earls Court’s stark surroundings and softening the acoustics.
For the Aftershow party, Blackout worked with MJK’s production manager Maggie Mouzakitis and set designer Bruce French. The team helped realise French’s eclectic retro 1970’s Jubilee inspired environment. For the spherical ‘street party’ room, the team designed and supplied a magnificent white muslin ceiling, measuring 30 metres x 30 metres. Rigged on site, it allowed a whole spectrum of colours from 24 VL5 luminaires rigged above the ceiling and supplied by PRG, to permeate the room below, simultaneously disguising the lighting truss and austere ceiling above.
Blackout also designed and supplied the black muslin casement ceiling in the ‘School Disco’ room, and its circular ‘Saturday Night Fever’ lighting truss, which was rigged with several gloriously tacky 70’s style disco whirly effects. The dark fabric contrasted spectacularly with swathes of silver slash suspended all around the room’s perimeter for a classic Top Of The Pops feel from the era.
Large quantities of black wool serge drapes were also utilised, masking and dividing the Aftershow space into six distinct areas.
MJK’s Maggie Mouzikitis commented: “We can always rely on Blackout to provide innovative set design solutions. Working to tight deadlines, the team consistently realises our objectives, no matter how challenging the brief. Yet again Blackout’s integral production role contributed to another hugely successful Brit Awards.”
17th February 2005
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