business news

Independent Studio Services to Distribute ASM Products and Systems

Entertainment Inspection and Installation specialists Independent Studio Services Ltd have been appointed as exclusive UK distribution agents for ASM Steuerungstechnik, who design and manufacture lifting equipment for the entertainment industry.

In stage technology ASM introduced steel bands to the specialist entertainment rigging market in 1994 as an alternative to steel wire ropes and chains. Combining high strength and lifting capacity in a very small space, the band offers unique benefits over alternatives. The band is an extremely strong high-grade steel band that has been developed especially for ASM. Its edges are rounded off in a special process, making the band edge completely safe to the touch.

In picture: Maurice Sowka ASM, Simon Caldwell ISS, Sanela Iseken ASM, Detlef Iseken ASM, Colin Stoner ISS proudly displaying the new ‘Twin' high speed zero fleet steel wire rope hoist developed for projects across Europe, at Showtech in Berlin.

www.asm-steuerungtechnik.de

Technical Marketing Ltd - Celebrating the First Ten Years

Technical Marketing Ltd was formed in June 1999 by well-known entertainment technology industry names David Brooks and Andy Collier to offer companies a fresh approach to promoting and marketing their technical products and services.
Many of their initial clients have flourished and continue to entrust their marketing to Technical Marketing. "We do the two things our company name implies," says Andy. "We help to market technical products and take a technical view of the marketing process - marketing in this industry is not just about traditional activities such as advertising and glossy brochures."

Fellow director David Brooks picks up the theme: "Experience demonstrates that very few companies actually have a Marketing Plan. We typically introduce a marketing discipline but to achieve this we first need to build an understanding of the company's business goals, which is often quite challenging for some companies. We believe marketing is an investment like any other and should demonstrate valid returns."
But ‘Technical Marketing' goes far beyond news and advertising. It matches customer demands for information and support with the resources that should be provided by the company. "It is a sad fact that many companies are so close to the detail of a new product or service that they overlook a crucial selling point at the time of launch and miss a golden opportunity," said Andy.
Looking forward, Technical Marketing cautions against cutting marketing investment during the recession. It is of course an apparently easy target for savings, but it is well documented that businesses that continue, or even increase their marketing, are those that emerge strengthened from a recession.

In picture: Andy Collier and David Brooks at PLASA with Carolyn Brooks. David is holding a copy of their book, Technical Marketing Techniques, published by Entertainment Technology Press.

www.technicalmarketing.com

GLP Appoints AED Sales as Exclusive Distributor for Benelux

AED Sales has announced that it will take over distribution of the entire GLP lighting product range - including the impression LED moving heads - in Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg. Operating from a new extended HQ in Willebroek, Belgium, AED Sales say the new arrangement will become effective from July 1, 2009.

According to GLP director, Kasper Gissel, the appointment of AED Sales is in recognition of their expertise in the lighting industry, together with a strong association with AED Rent - one of the largest rental support houses in Europe, with rental/production clients right across the globe. "AED Sales has the infrastructure and logistics to ensure that all sales of GLP products are backed by a high level of service and support in order to provide added customer value."

Hans Vanderheijden, managing director, AED Sales, states: "We are very proud to be appointed exclusive distributor for the Benelux countries. Everyone knows that GLP is the leader in moving head LED technology with the impression product range and now also the leader in LED video solutions with the G-LEC acquisition. Our aim is to provide a professional sales channel to customers in our region and to market the GLP range in the best possible way."

Kasper Gissel praised the enthusiasm shown by the AED Sales team. "I am sure that we have made the right decision," he said. "The fact that AED Rent do not undertake their own productions - and are therefore able to support all AED Sales' customers - is an added benefit for us."

In picture: Kasper Gissel (GLP), Hans Vanderheijden (AED Sales), Steven Mansvelt (AED Rent), Glenn Roggeman (CEO, AED Network).

Le Mark Open House Invite to Meet their Land Girls

Like fish goes with chips and bread with butter, the same should be said "a Flight Case is nothing without a Le Mark Road Case Label". In the old days you simply stuck a strip of white gaffer on the case, wrote on it with your marker pen and loaded the case on the truck.

As is often the case, a chance conversation at a trade show in 1989 between Stuart Gibbons (Le Mark's MD) and a customer led to the invention of the now well travelled, reusable Flight Case or Road Case Label. "Correctly termed a PAL (Plastic Adhesive Laminate) Label these ultra heavy duty customised ‘stick and forget' items have become the label equivalent of a ‘sticky work horse," says Stuart. "Another Great British invention," he says. Simple yes, underrated perhaps - however they are highly effective at getting specific entertainment industry items prepared, packed, shipped and arriving on the right (or left) part of a stage.

"There are now very few countries that we haven't at some time built and shipped our case labels to. Le Mark is fortunate to have a great network of international dealers that can offer a' local service' to customers. More recently Le Mark expanded their range into Russia. "This again is where we are extremely fortunate to have acquired an ‘in-house' multilingual production team that take the hassle out of the inevitable proof and alteration part of printing," explains Stuart.

Le Mark's experienced front line design, sales and processing team of Jenny Thompson, Magda Jankowska and Sarah Roberts (ably supported by Monika Wilk, on holiday when the picture was taken) have collectively six languages between them including Russian, Polish and Czech.

Le Mark has continued to work with both flight case manufactures and their OEM component manufactures including the world leader Penn-Elcom. "And strange to think that the once humble PAL label has its own special Penn Elcom made recessed dish to further protect it," says Stuart. "Our hot news is that currently under development is an all-new RFID PAL Label version that will be compatible with current hire and tracking systems, further enhancing the range.

In August 2008 Le Mark moved to a very rural location on the outskirts of St Ives in Cambridgeshire. "A beautiful place to work on the edge of the fens; we are very pleased to offer ‘open house' to all our customers," says Stuart. "We can't guarantee that like the picture, the sun shines on us every day but you are most welcome to join us for a coffee, talk through your requirements and enjoy the view!"

In picture: Le Mark's Jenny Thompson, Magda Jankowska and Sarah Roberts

Announcing eSET: Essential Skills for the Entertainment Technician

The ESTA Foundation has announced the launch of eSET, a web based source for essential terminology used within the entertainment technology industry. From Lekos to Cheeseburgers, eSET cuts through the jargon and establishes clear terminology that will ensure better communication from region to region and person to person.

Subscription based, eSET's searchable database provides the user with the terminology they need to understand and to be understood wherever their work takes them. In addition to the terminology, assessments for each discipline are provided as well as the means to create your own resources for learning and teaching. And just as you would expect, eSET will continually be updated and refined to better serve the needs of our ever-changing industry.

For industry professionals, it is a quick reference for new (or very old) terms. For teachers and students eSET is an additional text that clearly defines what is important to teach and to learn and, with the assessments, provides an easy way to measure student understanding.

Annual subscriptions are $10.00 for students, $15.00 for professionals and $40.00 for a five-site license. To subscribe, go to www.eset.net.

With over 2200 terms selected and defined by industry leaders, eSET is more than a glossary, it is the language we speak.

Wybron Launches Redesigned Web Site

An easy-to-navigate graphical interface highlights the redesigned Wybron Web site, launched Wednesday, June 24.

"With detailed information and photos for every model of each product, the redesigned site should make it easier for customers to find exactly what they need," said Wybron President Keny Whitright.

"We're really passionate about color here at Wybron, so it makes sense for our Web site to reflect that, with lots of colorful photos and graphics," Whitright said.

The redesigned site also offers some new features, including an online chat program that allows customers to connect instantly with a Wybron customer service representative.

The site also will soon feature tutorials for Wybron's products, giving a detailed look at how to use each one - something that should prove beneficial for lighting novices and experts alike.

Visit the redesigned site at www.wybron.com 

Highlite International BV Announces Merger with UK Partner

After nine years of successful partnership in the UK and Ireland, Highlite International Bv is merging with its UK partner Overt Light to Sound / Highlite UK. For the last few years the two companies have been operating side by side in the UK and it makes common sense to consolidate it all under one organisation.

With Highlite's new warehouse extension in The Netherlands nearing completion, they will have the capacity of holding an extra 22,000 pallets of additional stock, taking away the need for having to hold stock in outsourced warehouses, including those in other countries.

Highlite International's CEO, Huub De la Haye commented: "We are very happy for this merger. Malcolm Burlow and his UK team have built a strong customer-based sales operation within the UK and Ireland. For the majority of our UK and Irish customers, this change will be seamless; they are already used to being able to order and check stock at a time that suits them; our focus has always been on customer service and I can only see things getting better for them."

Highlite's UK manager Malcolm Burlow said: "It makes complete economic sense to have all the stock in one place. It will make the service quicker and more efficient. Delivery times through mainland Europe have become even faster over the past few years. Customers have the option of ordering online through the webshop, the dedicated sales team or through the UK office. The only change will be the email address: sales@highliteuk.co.uk."

Highlite International look forward to welcoming all existing and new customers at the forthcoming PLASA Show in London (Stands C-40 & C-42 in Earls Court 1) 13-16 September 2009. Also, Highlite's open weekend is on the 25 and 26 September at their Kerkrade base.

www.overt-ltd.com

Adamson Road Trip of Greece

Adamson Greece distributor DN'A Systems general manager Takis Tsonopoulos, together with Adamson System's European technical support department, took a week long road trip around Greece, in an effort to visit all users of Adamson Systems. The trio made up of Tsonopoulos, Jochen Sommer and Adamson newest European addition David Dohrmann, visited users and checked various details on the operation of the these systems. The mission was to ensure that the quality of the systems is in compliance with the high Adamson standards, as well as to solve any technical problems and to answer questions that end-users might be facing.
The road trip started in Athens with NET Audio where a service upgrade on their old SpekTrix demo system was performed. From Athens the trio continued to Key Sound's shop in Klidi, a small town near Thesaloniki to check on their SpekTrix system, after which they continued to Thessalonic to take a listen to Electrosound's Y10 & T21 Sub system. Sommer and Dohrmann looked into control and measurement systems used by the partner companies and verified each enclosure's component individually. Some processors were upgraded in order to use the latest Adamson presets and software versions. They also did refresher sessions on general acoustic measurement and hardware control.

The road trip was spearheaded by DN'A's Tsonopoulos who has been in a continuous effort to increase Adamson support in Greece since he took over Adamson distribution in that country early last year. Tsonopoulos organized the trip with the help of the partner companies involved, but there were other companies who felt that there was no need for additional technical support, and others whose schedules didn't match up. The trip was financed by Adamson Systems and DN'A, users only covering costs of parts they needed. Tsonopoulos received some enthusiastic feedback from the participants: "All involved expressed desire to establish an annual technical support tour. This further reinforces that buying an Adamson system offers more than ownership of a leading speaker brand, but also establishes confidence that the systems are being supported for continuous high-end performance."

Institute of Acoustics Website Updated with Fresh New Look

The Institute of Acoustics' much anticipated new website has been launched with facilities for

e-commerce. The new site, www.ioa.org.uk, has the facility to make bookings for events and conferences, and includes a new improved modern interface with various features designed to make the user experience more enjoyable. As well being able to book on line for some of the IOA's major events, users will also be able to order publications from the on-line shop.

The new site also includes a newly developed on-line version of its Buyers' Guide for Acoustic Products, Services and Instrumentation. This is a searchable data base of acoustic products, services and instrumentation, containing direct links to supplier's websites on the new IoA website www.ioa.org.uk

The Buyers' Guide comprises three main categories: consultation, instrumentation and products. These are then divided up (in the form of a drop-down menu) into individual sub-categories, making it quick and easy for potential clients to find suppliers of the particular items or services they are looking for.

The site also includes a Find a Specialist section which is a database of IOA members in educational institutions, local authorities, public bodies, consultancies, manufacturing and installation, measurement and instrumentation and research and development, allowing visitors to the site to find specialists in acoustics.

One area sure to be of particular interest, given the current climate, will be the Jobs in Acoustics section, allowing companies to advertise their vacancies and job seekers the chance to find new positions.

The Institute's chief executive, Kevin Macan-lind, said: "We are delighted that the long-awaited new website has now gone ‘live'. I am sure visitors to the website will notice its polished and well thought through look and feel. This new development enhances the institute website's usability and ease of navigation.

"It has been developed over the past two years according to the latest WC3 standards for coding and is 100% hand-coded. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking those who have contributed to its development thus far, not only to the website designers at Apache Solutions, but head office colleagues and some of the IOA's members too."

The launch of the institute's new website marks the end of phase one in its development. Other additions and enhancements will be delivered over the coming months.

Polar Audio Appointed Exclusive Distributor for Australian Monitor

Polar Audio has announced its appointment as exclusive distributor for Australian Monitor in the UK and Ireland.

As the leading independent distributor of installed audio equipment in the UK, Polar Audio already boasts an impressive product-portfolio and has exclusive UK distribution for brands including Aviom, beyerdynamic, Biamp, Dynacord, MC2, XTA and Renkus Heinz. The company was chosen for its full coverage of market segments in the UK and its excellent connections with dealers, integrators and consultants across the UK market.

Ian Hodgkinson, European sales manager for Australian Monitor commented: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Polar Audio as our UK and Eire distributor. Australian Monitor has a successfully established product range in the UK and is set to expand in the coming months with the introduction of a new range of DSP solutions and digital amplifiers for the installation market. We feel that Polar Audio is well positioned to build on the success of our existing product range and develop our progressive solutions in the future. The UK and Eire are extremely important markets and we are looking forward to developing a great partnership in the coming years."

John Midgley, Polar Audio's managing director added: "We are really excited about becoming the new Australian Monitor distributor. We wish to build on the brand's existing reputation in the 100V-line installation market and use our extensive achievements in the AV market to gain greater exposure for this important brand. We offer a host of professional services including system design, product integration, project logistics and programming assistance in addition to the marketing and sales of the brands we represent, we hope this will assist us in taking Australian Monitor to new heights."

Australian Monitor designs and manufactures innovative audio products for the installation, contracting and AV markets. Part of the Hills SVL group, who distribute high quality audio, lighting and automation brands in Australia and New Zealand, the company has distribution partners in over 60 countries and has their head office in Sydney, Australia, factories in India and China and warehousing in Europe.

Polar Audio has exclusive UK distribution for ASL, Australian Monitor, Aviom, beyerdynamic, Biamp, Blue Sky, Cue, Dynacord, Gallien Krueger, MC² Audio, Novasonar, Renkus-Heinz, WHD and XTA.

Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2009 Announced

The Theatres Trust, the National Advisory Public Body for Theatres, publishes its 2009 Theatre Buildings at Risk Register (TBAR) today. The top ten include the threatened Opera House in Blackpool, and Derby Hippodrome, whose owner is being prosecuted by Derby City Council. A total of 82 theatres are covered in the Register.

The Trust's TBAR Register highlights theatres that have been abandoned and those suffering neglect under the hands of their owners. But it also highlights the efforts of groups across the country who are working to rescue theatres, such as the Tivoli in Aberdeen, the Theatre Royal Hyde, and the Doncaster Grand.

The Register also provides good news. Whilst 13 theatres were added this year, 11 have been removed. From the 2008 top ten, two have been downgraded. Wilton's Music Hall is now talking to the National Trust about the future of this historic Grade II* East London theatre, and Sussex University has announced plans for the refurbishment of the Gardner Arts Centre.

Theatres Trust director, Mhora Samuel said: "The Trust exists to promote the better protection of theatres. Each year we publish the Theatres Buildings at Risk Register to raise awareness of the threats facing theatres. Some of our most architecturally significant theatres still lie abandoned or are under threat from redevelopment. Many could come back to life as theatres or become cultural centres for local communities. We must do everything we can to make local authorities and owners aware of their responsibilities. The Trust's aim is to prevent the loss of theatres, such as Glasgow's Coliseum which was lost in a fire in May and had to be demolished."

The Theatre Buildings at Risk Register can be searched online at www.theatrestrust.org.uk. It covers 71 theatre buildings in England, four in Scotland and seven in Wales. More information on each theatre is provided through a link to the Trust's Theatres database, which includes around 2,000 existing theatres. Each top ten entry has a downloadable information sheet.

The 2009 Top Theatre Buildings at Risk

England - Top Ten:

Winter Gardens complex (Opera House), Blackpool (Grade II*)

Swindon Mechanics Institute (Grade II*)

Plymouth Palace (Grade II*)

Brighton Hippodrome (Grade II*)

Derby Hippodrome (Grade II)

Burnley Empire (Grade II)

Doncaster Grand (Grade II)

Hulme Hippodrome and Playhouse, Manchester (both Grade II)

Stockton-on-Tees, Globe Theatre (Grade II)

Theatre Royal, Hyde (Grade II)

Scotland:

Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen (Category A)

Odeon/New Victoria, Edinburgh (Category B)

Gateway Theatre, Edinburgh (Category C(s))

Wales:

Patti Theatre, Craig-y-Nos (Grade I)

Gwyn Hall, Neath (Grade II)

Palace Theatre, Swansea (Grade II)

Theatr Gwynedd, Bangor (not listed)

Christie Joins the ALA Equipment Family

Underscoring its ongoing commitment to provide the best in professional audio, video and lighting, ALA Equipment Co. Ltd has announced an agreement to represent Christie, a leading manufacturer of visual solutions for business, entertainment and media products, in Cyprus.

Christie is the first high end video brand to join ALA Equipment Co. Ltd's distribution portfolio and part of a planned expansion to create a unique roster dedicated to the sector.

"Christie is leading the market in video projection, with an excellent and unique range for all core market applications," stated ALA MD, Andrea Piemonti. "We are very pleased to welcome the company to our portfolio and excited by the opportunity to provide maximum market exposure." He added: "Through Christie, we have brought 3-Chip DLP to our market having already successfully closed the negotiation with leading rental company, AVS, for three large-format 3-Chip high brightness DLP projectors."

As one of the first DLP licensees, Christie attributes its market dominance to the pioneering work carried out in three-Chip micromirror development. Purpose-built for broadcast, cinema and staging applications, the power of Christie's devices has enabled them to provide dynamic projection for the largest spectaculars on the world stage, including the Beijing Olympics, the 400th anniversary of Quebec and major events in the Dubai desert, where they gave rock solid performances in temperatures of 50° in the daytime and 98% humidity by night.

The three-Chip DLP projectors will thus be ALA's main focus for the top end market, while Christie's consolidated range of LCD boardroom and conference projectors will be marketed at the medium and entry sectors.

All Christie products will be granted the ALA Equipment Co. Ltd Two Years Gold Service support while on location, and benefit from the same marketing support afforded to the other premium brands represented under the ALA Equipment Co. umbrella.

ALA Equipment Co. Ltd debuted the Christie range at the Business & Technology Showcase in December 2008. Christie EMEA sales director, Simon Smith, attended the show and commented: "We are pleased to join the A.L.A. Equipment Company in offering Christie products and solutions to the Cypriot and Mediterranean market. A.L.A is a reputable AV distributor and well-known for offering service excellence to this market." Mr. Smith added "In turn I'm confident that together we will be able to offer one of the most compelling packages for professional AV users."

In picture: ALA's Andrea Piemonti (centre) with Costas Constantinou (L) and Nicolas Katsouris from Cyprus' AVS

Hawthorn is Preferred Supplier at Millbrook

Hawthorn is this week celebrating the extension of its relationship with Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, one of the UK's leading events venues.

A key supplier over recent years, Hawthorn has now been awarded the contract to provide all of the in-house rigging service to Millbrook Events. The development continues the growth of Hawthorn's venue rigging service packages which offer a combination of design, support and full equipment testing to their clients.

At the same time Hawthorn will replace the existing truss in Concept 1 with a bespoke curved section following the shape of the building and the feature lighting throughout both Concept 1 and Concept 2 is currently being upgraded to LED fixtures. This will allow the structural elements of the buildings to be lit to suit the client's requirements without the cost and time involved in replacing gels.

Martin Neale, head of events and marketing at Millbrook commented: "We continue to invest in our capabilities at Millbrook in order to offer our ever-growing client-base market-leading levels of service and infrastructure. And by working with Hawthorn to improve even further on our lighting and LED capabilities, we feel sure that clients will continue to utilise Millbrook for its imaginative, forward -thinking event and conference solutions."

www.hawthorns.uk.com

LOUD Unifies Engineering and Product Management into Two Market-Focused Groups

LOUD Technologies Inc. has announced the unification of its previously separate engineering, brand management and product management functions and the creation of two market-focused teams: the Pro Audio Group and the Music Gear Group.

"Loud has some of the industry's most admired brands, a brilliant collection of multi-disciplined engineers and truly customer-focused product management teams, explained Rodney Olson, Loud CEO. "By unifying these disciplines around our core brands and the markets they serve, we will markedly increase our technical innovation and speed the delivery of the next round of products that leave our customers smiling - and our competitors reeling."

Jeffrey Cox, VP of the Pro Audio Group, will manage the EAW and Martin Audio brands and their market positioning, product strategy and product development efforts. Jeffrey's group will include the Whitinsville, USA EAW Engineering team headed by Jeff Rocha, who will also take on EAW product management responsibilty; the High Wycombe, UK-based Martin Audio Engineering team headed by Jason Baird; and the Victoria, Canada-based Pro Audio Software/Hardware Development Group headed by Chris Jubien.

John Boudreau, VP of the Music Gear Group ("MG"), and his team will develop the next wave of Mackie, Ampeg, Blackheart, Alvarez and Crate products.

John's group will include the Woodinville, WA-based Engineering team lead by Nathan O'Neill; the Woodinville, WA-based Industrial Design team headed by Kimberly Van Horn; Greg Young, Mackie brand director; and Pyotr Belov, director of instrumentaAmps.

While the two Groups will focus on the brands in their immediate purview, they will share core technology where it makes sense for LOUD's benefit. The new Mackie HD High-Definition Powered speakers are a good example of this collaboration and the leveraging of EAW Engineering expertise to create an innovative, proquality Mackie loudspeaker design that's already turning heads in the marketplace.

"I am confident Jeffrey, John and their teams will add the creative spark and entrepreneurial spirit that will take LOUD to the next level of growth," concluded Olson.

National Theatre Beams Helen Mirren Live on Cinema Screens Worldwide

On Thursday 25 June the National Theatre will be broadcasting live the NYLive! production of Phedre, starring Helen Mirren, to 60 cinema screens across the UK and a further 170 worldwide.

NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) is part-funding NTLive! as part of a series of work to find ways that digital technologies can support traditional arts. Projects such as NTLive! bring together old-world and new-world forms of entertainment with potentially powerful results that have both a cultural and economic benefit to the UK.

As this week's Digital Britain report highlighted, the creative industries and digital technologies will play a key role in the growth of the future UK economy. Currently, the creative industries make up 6.4% of the UK economy and has been growing at 4% a year (the UK has the largest creative sector in the world relative to GDP). Including those working in related creative occupations, the creative economy employs just under two million people in the UK. Within this, just over 1.1 million are employed in the creative industries themselves.

NESTA forecasts that the creative industries in the UK will grow on average by 4% over the next five years (more than double the rate of the rest of the economy), generating £85bn to GDP (up from £59 billion). By 2013, the sector is expected to employ 1.3million people, a figure likely to be more than the financial sector. By 2013, there may be as many as 180,000 creative businesses in the sector, compared to the current 148,000.

However, It is estimated that if the creative sector does not get up to speed in its transition to digital markets, the UK economy stands to lose an annual £6bn in value added by 2013.

The reason for the optimistic medium-term outlook is primarily due to the high levels of the UK's creative talent and opportunities for innovation, partly as increasing numbers of creative businesses take advantage of digital technologies to develop new business models and NTLive! Is a great example of this.

Jon Kingsbury, director of the Creative Economy Programme at NESTA, says: "Developments in digital technology mean that audiences are increasingly consuming content in different ways. Bringing National Theatre productions to audiences in cinemas across the world has the potential to unlock new revenue streams for the creative economy as well as bringing world-class cultural experiences to a wider audience."

Launch of Litestructures LIVE

Wednesday 10 June proved to be a memorable day for Litestructures (GB) Ltd as it marked the launch of its brand new division - Litestructures LIVE.

Litestructures LIVE is a unique, one-stop-shop facility, unifying three previously distinct areas of operation, Hire, Stage and Set, and Litestructures Studios, merging them into a single, powerful entity. Add into the mix on-site custom design and manufacture and you have the most capable, flexible, experienced and user-friendly force in the concert, touring and events marketplace, say Litestructures. In short, Litestructures LIVE is a division formed by fusion.

The launch took place at Gibson Guitars showroom in London. After a speech and introduction from Julia Jones, Litestructures' consultant in the south, the evening kicked off with musical entertainment provided by Scottish band sensation Our Lunar Activities.

The brand new concept was also introduced and revealed at the ABTT Theatre Show at the Royal Horticultural Halls on 10 -11 June.

Adrian Brooks, managing director of Litestructures (GB) Ltd comments: "For several years clients have used Litestructures for custom-build solutions, rental packages and for our wonderful rehearsal studio, and long may that continue. Through Litestructures LIVE we will introduce clients to the service and savings that can be had by utilizing the ‘one stop shop' idea, where the complete package can be supplied from design to full technical rehearsal, all in one place, from one team, on time, and on budget! We want to promote the thought that you can come here with an idea and leave with the full performance package."

In picture: Our Lunar Activities in action at the launch.

www.ls-live.com

www.litestructures.co.uk

Midas and Klark Teknik Appoint Midas Consoles North America as New Distributor

Midas Consoles North America has been appointed as the exclusive distribution channel for Midas and Klark Teknik in the USA and Canada.

Based north of Los Angeles, Midas Consoles North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of JAM Industries, is a new, brand focused, distribution company dedicated to the sales and after sales support of Midas and Klark Teknik products in the world's largest single market.

"This is a huge new chapter in our company history," states David Cooper, sales and marketing director for Midas and Klark Teknik. "It ensures that our present and future customer base in North America is offered dedicated, brand-orientated sales expertise and technical support. We believe that a focused, brand led distribution channel is the best way of ensuring our already industry leading support is maintained and then continually improved. Our aim is simple: to establish the XL8 and PRO6 as industry standards in the live performance sector across North America. We see this move as the means of making that happen."

Adds Lynn Martin a JAM executive and president of JAM's AM&S (American Music and Sound) division, "The creation of Midas Consoles North America is yet another milestone. We are extremely proud to be awarded two of the greatest live sound brands in the industry and see great opportunities for those brands via the new Midas Consoles North America distribution channel. Both Midas and Klark Teknik operate in a unique market and we need to address the requirements of sound engineers, rental companies, houses of worship, theatre, live TV broadcast - in fact the whole live sector. I am also happy to announce that Jay Easley, who has been heading Midas and Klark Teknik sales in the US, will be managing the Midas Consoles North America sales team from day one and will ensure we hit the ground running! We aim to offer seamless customer support during the transition."

The move gives Midas and Klark Teknik direct control of its US distribution channel, allowing it the flexibility and freedom to respond to the market and tailor its sales and service network accordingly. Launching a dedicated operation in the US comes during a period of huge development for the company, particularly in light of the rapid uptake of the XL8 and PRO6 digital systems. In such a developing market, offering superior support and backup is paramount to the brands' ongoing growth and success across North America.

www.midasconcoles.com

G-LEC Acquired by German Light Products

Following speculation regarding the future of G-LEC, the leading innovator of transparent LED video, GLP German Light Products GmbH has announced its acquisition of all assets of the G-LEC business, with immediate effect.

Formed in 2001, G-LEC provides leading edge systems and solutions to the entertainment and architectural markets and enjoys a world class following. In acquiring the business, GLP has ensured the continuity of the innovative and pioneering technology for which G-LEC is renowned, while the association of the two companies echoes the converging use of lighting and video technologies.

G-LEC, now a fully owned subsidiary of GLP, has discontinued all rental activity and will focus on selling the G-LEC product range through the company's existing offices, as well as new sales channels. All owners of G-LEC products, whether for sales or rental, will continue to receive the same high level of service and support, from the same G-LEC staff, as before.

Founder of G-LEC, Lars Wolf, said: "I am delighted that the future of G-LEC and its staff has been safeguarded and that it will continue to develop newproducts to meet the growing need for visual solutions."

Kasper Gissel, director of GLP - the creator of impression moving head LED - said: "The acquisition covers all assets of G-LEC's business, including its full portfolio of intellectual property. This is a perfect match for GLP and part of our long term business strategy to supply innovative solutions to both the lighting and visual effects markets. Bringing the G-LEC product range under the umbrella of GLP enables us to increase manufacturing

efficiencies and bring product pricing to an even more competitive level, without compromising any aspects of product quality."

In picture: the G-LEC team with Lars Wolf second from right in front row.

Prolyte Products Group Appoints New Management

Prolyte has announced the appointment of Gert Felten as managing director of the Prolyte

Products Group. This appointment is the final step in the gradual transition of the company's management team after the participation of the GIMV investment group in 2007.

Fokko Smeding, founder and shareholder of Prolyte, will stay active within the company, offering the management his professional vision and plans for the future. "Being able to put daily operations in capable hands, leaves me room to do what I'm best at," states

Fokko Smeding, "My involvement with Prolyte will remain significant, laying out plans for the future holds a big challenge for me, all the more because this business is a thrill to work in."

Gert Felten was able to experience the many facets of Prolyte in his previous position as production manager and can rely on the support and knowledge of the management team and shareholders.

As part of the planned transition process Prolyte has also appointed Hans Kiewiet as commercial director. Following an international career in sales and operational management, Hans joined Prolyte in October 2008 to head-up the, further unchanged, sales and marketing team.

In picture: the Prolyte management team of Erica Helmus (controller), Hans Kiewiet (commercial director), Gert Felten (managing director) and Douwe van der Leeuw (manager P&O)

Goboland UK at ABTT 09

The recent ABTT Theatre Show saw the successful launch of Goboland UK Ltd which has been formed with the purpose of bringing Goboland's expertise in custom and collection gobos direct to its customers in the UK.

The new company reunites the talents of Vicky Fairall and Wyatt Enever and benefits from their experience in every aspect of gobo production, technical support and professional services to clients.

Goboland UK has introduced the ‘Credit Crunch Custom Gobo'. For the next six months, customers can take advantage of this offer which aims to help with customers' production costs in this difficult economic climate. The ‘Credit Crunch Gobo' is made from an alternative, non-coated, metal to the high grade Black Steel of Goboland's existing gobos. It is easier to etch and retails at £27.00 for the first gobo with copies at £6.00 each (minimum 3 day turnaround).

"The idea has been met with great enthusiasm," says Goboland UK director, Vicky Fairall. "Customers appreciate the additional option to our Black Steel custom gobos and see it as an extra facet to their - and our - production capabilities."

In a second innovative venture, Goboland UK also launched its ‘Green Scene' initiative whereby Goboland will accept returns of all used metal gobos for recycling in an environmentally friendly way. As an extra bonus, Goboland's ‘Green Scene' also offers a Loyalty Scheme on its Black Steel Custom gobos: customers who return their used custom gobos will receive a credit on their next Black Steel Custom order of £2.50 per Black Steel Custom original, and £1.00 per copy.

"We introduced our Green Scene as a way of giving our customers additional cost savings with the added bonus of helping the environment," says Goboland UK director, Wyatt Enever. "The feedback on the stand was above and beyond what we were expecting! We have had interest from Health and Safety people and lighting technicians across the West End theatres and beyond. Customers think it is an excellent idea and we can see it keeping us very busy in future."

The opening of Goboland UK follows hot on the heels of the launch of Goboland Middle East as part of an ongoing move to bring Goboland services to an ever-broadening world-wide customer base.

In picture: Wyatt Enever and Vicky Fairall Launch Goboland UK at the ABTT Theatre Show.

www.goboland.com

Northern Light Appointed Distributor for Martin Audio

Loudspeaker system manufacturer Martin Audio have confirmed Northern Light as an approved dealer for Scotland.

Northern Light will in a position to provide the full range of Martin Audio equipment including W8L line array, Wavefront, the LE Series, OmniLine and BlackLine. The company is already installing Martin Audio's Wavefront across a variety of UK venues.

Al Brown, UK account manager for Martin Audio, said: "We are delighted to have a company of Northern Light's stature with a well deserved reputation for quality and superb customer support representing us in Scotland. We are currently involved in a number of very exciting projects together and are looking forward to a superb mutually beneficial relationship."

Paul Brown, Northern Light's purchasing manager, commented: "Combining the knowledge and experience of Northern Light and Martin Audio will prove extremely beneficial to our clients. With 70 years industry experience between both companies, this partnership will help to ensure that our customers receive the very best guidance, service and product in the field of professional audio systems."

www.northernlight.co.uk

Goboland UK Ltd to be Launched at ABTT

Goboland has chosen the ABTT show in London (10-11 June) to launch Goboland UK Ltd., a newly formed UK based company dedicated to bringing top notch gobo quality, experience and customer service to the UK gobo market.

In a long-awaited move, the creation of Goboland UK reunites Wyatt Enever and Vicky Fairall, who, between them, have over 50 years of experience in every aspect of gobo production, technical support and professional services to clients.

Wyatt Enever is an acknowledged industry pioneer in the art of gobo development and projection, founder member and former Managing Director of DHA Lighting, and more recently filled the role of Consultant for Goboland. Vicky Fairall, was formerly graphics manager, then customer services manager, for DHA Lighting where she worked for almost 20 years developing both graphic capabilities and customer service strategies for which the company was lauded, before moving briefly to Roscolab Ltd, and then to Goboland as head of UK operations to the Belgian Head Office.

"We felt very strongly that there was a need for a UK-based custom gobo service," explains Vicky Fairall, Goboland UK director, "of the quality which we at Goboland put at the forefront of our business. Much of our work comes from loyal customers who rely upon our high standards and, with the arrival of Goboland UK, we can offer this service on a friendly, local basis with the benefit of our accounts now being held in the UK."

Goboland UK's unbeatable custom gobo service is backed up by the Goboland Collection of established gobo designs etched on award winning black steel or glass, and benefits from having a loyal, knowledgeable and efficient dealer network already in place.

Wyatt Enever, also Goboland UK director, says: "We are very excited about having a direct influence on the UK market and for the opportunity to reinstate the kind of service that we are proud of. Vicky and myself have been at the forefront of the gobo industry for many years and are very passionate about our work. I think we can safely say that a Great British Gobo Company is back!"

To celebrate its launch, Goboland UK is introducing the Credit Crunch Custom Gobo at ABTT. Made from an alternative, non-coated, metal which is easier to etch than the very high grade black-coated steel of Goboland's standard custom gobos, this custom gobo will retail at £27.00 in an effort to combat some of the customers' production costs in this difficult economic climate. Copies will be £6.00 each with a minimum three-day turnaround. The offer is open to all customers for the next six months, until 2010, by when, we are told, the financial crisis will be over!

ABTT 2009, as with the rest of the industry, is focusing heavily on green issues so, to show its support and commitment to the environment, Goboland UK is introducing its own initiative at the show, ‘Green Scene'.

With ‘Green Scene', Goboland will accept returns of all used metal gobos for recycling in an environmentally friendly way. This will apply to all gobos and, in addition, Goboland will offer a Loyalty Scheme on its Black Steel Custom gobos, whereby customers who return their used custom gobos will receive a credit on their next Black Steel Custom order of £2.50 per Black Steel Custom original, and £1.00 per copy.

In the meantime, Goboland UK will be celebrating its launch in very British style on its ABTT stand (Lawrence Hall, Stand 137) and invite you to come and join the fun and find out more about the new Credit Crunch gobo and Goboland's new Green Scene.

www.goboland.co.uk

Essential Lighting Launches Comprehensive New Website

Essential recently announced that after a lot of hard work, their new website is now available and ready for use. It's been developed to provide customers with a useful resource to learn about the people at Essential, their services and most importantly the equipment they can provide.

Adding equipment to the new site has allowed Essential to start creating a complete technical resource, offering information including specifications and in-depth technical detail on many fixtures. A download section that includes brochures, user manuals, datasheets, accessories and more is also available on a growing list of equipment.

The 'news' and 'equipment' sections have also now been linked together to allow users to see photos and videos of fixtures in use. Equipment items now include a 'recent uses' gallery to show how they have been included on shows - this will be especially useful to demonstrate the versatility of new technology such as Scenic LED.

Community and prodyTel Agree Distribution for Germany

Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced the appointment of prodyTel Distribution GmbH as its distributor for Germany.

Founded by co-directors Jan Wintersberg and Christian Schiele, Stein-based prodyTel is a leading distributor in the pro audio and systems integration market in Germany, with brands which include AMC, Broadata, Clearone, CUE, Digispider, DIS (Danish Interpretation Systems), IDAL, IKON, Listen, Prodys, Revolabs, Smart-e, TeqAVIT and Vaddio.

Jan Wintersberg, managing director of prodyTel Distribution GmbH, commented: "For some time now we have been looking for a strong partner for professional loudspeakers, to fulfill the needs of our installers seeking unique and best performing speakers. Community fits exactly into our portfolio of sound reinforcement products and we are very happy to work with them in the German market. Community also provides excellent technical support and comprehensive loudspeaker performance data for EASE and Ulysses, which is very important for our customers."

Julia Lee, sales and marketing director of Community, is enthusiastic about the appointment, stating: "With a focus on the contracting market, and a company philosophy based on unrivalled customer service, innovative products and personal attention, prodyTel is an ideal distributor for Community. Like us they believe in personal relationships with a good attitude to customer service, outstanding technical support and first-class business ethics. The very wide range of Community solutions will serve prodyTel well, and we are looking forward to working together to develop our business in this key European market."

In picture: Jan Wintersberg, Julia Lee and Christian Schiele.

Martin Professional A/S and Lighting Science Group Sign Distribution Agreement

Lighting Science Group Corporation (Lighting Science) and Martin Professional A/S have announced a distribution agreement that will give Martin access to Lighting Science's X16 DOTZ LED strings for global distribution. The X16 DOTZ LED string has been well-received in the market since its introduction and will be marketed under the name FlexDOT in Martin's line of LED video products. FlexDOT has already been used in multiple projects across the lighting market.

FlexDOT is a string of super bright (RGB) LEDs designed for a variety of dynamic lighting applications including video and other entertainment displays. Leveraging the DMX512 lighting control protocol, each LED capsule on the string produces a wide color palette of millions of hues. This allows the user to create a personalized interactive experience through color control, special effects and animation of each light point. The FlexDOT has up to 30-frames-per-second speed, which is ideal for fast-moving video applications.

"The FlexDOT is a unique and promising addition to our growing line of creative LED video products," said Christian Engsted, CEO of Martin Professional. "The market will be excited by the FlexDOT's versatility and we look forward to working with Lighting Science to incorporate the FlexDOT family into our product offering."

Based on solid-state LED technology, the solution is energy efficient and can last up to 50,000 hours, allowing customers to install and forget about maintenance for up to 15 years. The flexible, lightweight strands can be molded into nearly any shape, to provide designers unlimited options to enhance exterior and interior spaces.

"These bright, colorful, blazingly fast light strands are already a designer's favorite for intelligent décor, both indoors and outdoors," said Govi Rao, Lighting Science's chairman and chief executive officer. "Together with Martin, we intend to make the FlexDOT product available to leading designers and builders around the world."

HEADLINES

news archive

search stories