Business News

Goldensea Acquires SGM

6th September 2024

Allen & Heath Announce New Distribution Partner in Cambodia

Cambodia – “This marks an exciting new chapter for KH Audio and the pro audio market in Cambodia," states Chheang Huy, director at KH Audio. "Allen & Heath's reputation for excellence is already established here, and we're excited to build upon that foundation and take it to the next level via training programmes, demo opportunities and knowledgeable local support. This partnership will allow us to offer even more comprehensive solutions to our clients across various sectors, be it in live sound, broadcast, streaming and recording, conference facilities, commercial spaces or premium installs."

“KH Audio impressed us with their focus and experience in the increasingly wide range of markets that our product ranges cover, from premium installation to live production,” says Jamie Ward, APAC sales director at Allen & Heath. “The team are also dedicated to providing extensive training and education to support the growing demand that we see in Cambodia and I’m excited for the opportunities to grow the business together. Their high-end home audio installations are also extremely interesting to us as we push more into this space with our AHM, CQ and Xone DJ products.”

The new distribution partnership comes into effect with immediate effect.

5th September 2024

Tateside invests in state-of-the-art London showroom to champion the latest in meeting room technology

UK – Specialists in AV and IT integration, Tateside, has announced the opening of an updated showroom space at its London-based headquarters. The space will showcase a wide array of advanced technologies for collaboration and meeting rooms, providing clients with a real-world environment in which to explore and experience the solutions offered by Tateside.

"Our investment in this new demo space underscores our commitment to building trust and credibility," says Jack Cornish, technical director at Tateside. "The showroom allows our clients to witness, firsthand, the capabilities of different technologies in various configurations and use cases and also acts as a functioning workspace for our team to test and experiment with these technologies themselves."

The demo space features a mix of technologies from leading brands, set up in multiple configurations to cater to the expanding requirements of modern corporate environments. The space comprises three main zones. Firstly, an Android-based meeting room including dual Samsung commercial screens, Neat Bar 2 and a Neat Center. Next, a Windows-based Microsoft Teams Room features a 21:9 105-inch iiyama interactive screen, offering guests the opportunity to experience Front Row technology, Microsoft’s latest answer to providing a more interactive and inclusive hybrid meeting experience. This solution is powered by the latest Yealink Mcore and MTouch coupled with a Huddly L1 camera and Shure MXA microphone technology.

A Zoom room running on a Neat Board offers a third option for clients seeking another trusted technology standard with fantastic collaboration features built in.

Mago Collaboration software is also demonstrated in the space on the 105” touch display showcasing its unique collaboration software and one touch to join video conferencing supporting over 15 platforms. A Cisco room bar, Desk Pro, Neat Frame and Airtame wireless screen-sharing products add to the rich variety of meeting room technology championed by the Tateside team.

“An interesting feature in the space is the integration of Neowit,” continues Cornish. “The Neat meeting room devices plus physical room sensors push data into the Neowit platform giving us accurate insights into exactly how the room is being used. Conversations around ‘ghost meetings’ and effective use of space are something we’re hearing more about from our clients, and with the demo space we’re able to show companies how they can utilise a platform like Neowit to overcome these challenges.”

Audio solutions from K-array, 1Sound, and Bose Professional also feature, alongside premium meeting room audio solutions from Shure and Sennheiser. Lightware Taurus USB-C solutions provide seamless BYOD capabilities and source switching, whilst the network is run on Netgear AV line switches and audio powered by Dante-enabled Powersoft amplifiers. Finally, the demo space walls are adorned with examples of Tateside’s digital signage services and room acoustic treatments, including ceiling rafts and wall coverings from DeVorm and Re:Felt.

"We’ve specifically designed this demo space to be vendor-agnostic; shining a light on a variety of configurations and products," Cornish adds. "It's a sandbox where we can experiment, advise our clients based on real-life experience, and demonstrate the tangible benefits of our solutions."

The opening of the showroom is an exciting step towards strengthening Tateside’s corporate solution offerings. Tateside already work with leading workspace brands including WeWork, Halkin and Soho Works and investing in the showroom underscores the team’s commitment to building strong and enduring relationships with its clients.

"By offering a space where clients can stop by for a drink and see a working proof of concept, we help build relationships whilst also ensuring our clients are receiving the very best solutions on the market, tailored to their needs," confirms Cornish. "This demo space brings everything we specify into our own hands to test. By investing in this, clients know they can trust our opinion on the solutions we’re specifying.”

5th September 2024

Sound Technology announces distribution agreement with the Sumolight Group

UK – Sound Technology Ltd, a leading distributor of professional lighting and audio brands, has announced its appointment as the UK and ROI distributor for the Sumolight Groups’ SUMOMAX lighting system.

Sumomax is a 500W full colour RGBWW LED soft light luminaire designed for film, television and photography professionals. Renowned for its high output, adjustable colour temperature and compact design, the Sumomax has rapidly gained traction in the global entertainment industry.

Steve Fay, managing director of Sound Technology Ltd, stated: "We're excited to represent Sumolight in the UK market. Its innovative lighting system perfectly complements our expanding portfolio of lighting brands and reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to creative professionals."

Tim Zur, managing director of the Sumolight Group, commented: “We are delighted to be able to start our journey with Sound Technology Ltd with our award winning Sumomax and we are already looking forward to adding more products to the portfolio as their sales professionals drive awareness and demand; where we have historically been film focused we are now excited to enter new markets with Sound Technology leading the way.”

Key features of the Sumomax include:

• 500W power with 1000W boost mode providing up to 188,000 LX
• Noiseless passive cooling and IP65 rated
• Image based lighting with 19 pixels
• 20-degree native beam angle with changeable optics

Sumomax will be available through Sound Technology from 1st September. Both Sumolight and Sound Technology are exhibiting at the Plasa Show in London on 1-3rd September on stands A17 and C22 respectively.  

2nd September 2024

Entedi makes waves with latest acquisition

UK - Entedi, specialists in entertainment technology distribution, has announced its acquisition of CP Wave, the exclusive distribution partner of Claypaky in the UK and Ireland.

Unveiling the news to the market was Entedi MD Cally Bacchus: “I am thrilled to welcome both the Claypaky brand and the CP Wave team into the Entedi family. CP Wave have been making a very positive impact over the last 18 months and we are very excited to have them on board to add to our incredible portfolio of top-tier brands.”

A sentiment shared by Paddy Stacey, CP Wave commercial director, who added: “With locations and staff across the UK and Ireland, I can’t wait to show what we can do together with our new colleagues at Entedi.”

Alessandro Colangelo, sales manager at Claypaky, commented: “Entedi's approach to distribution perfectly aligns with our values at Claypaky, so we are incredibly happy to see them acquire CP Wave.”

Entedi have been going from strength to strength in recent years and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Sharing his pride on the announcement, Entedi’s business manager Erik Lynas said: “Adding a tier 1 titan like Claypaky to our offering is just one part of our latest growth strategy, which will see us focus on and strengthen our partnerships with our existing brands. As of the 1st September, we will cease our partnership with Elation. We will continue to provide service and warranty on any Elation product sold.”

Entedi will officially begin to distribute Claypaky in the UK and Ireland from 1st October 2024 and is committed to delivering the highest levels of product, service, and support to the industry as they move towards a record-breaking 2025.

Catch Entedi and Claypaky at PLASA Show London, 1-3 September.

Entedi – stands G33, J24 & J25

Claypaky – stand E20

30th August 2024

Constructing an aura as new lighting design house ‘Auratecture’ launches

UK – An exciting new partnership has been announced by lighting designers Ross Chapple and Nick Jevons.

Auratecture brings together the combined creative talent of these two skilled lighting and production designers to offer a design house with a bold artistic vision for clients seeking dynamic, unique and innovative lighting and stage concepts.

The duo share a mission to challenge their clients to push design boundaries and to bring striking and unique looks to the stage through visually creative technical production design.

“We have a historical friendship stretching back over a decade, during which time we have admired each other’s creativity and work ethos. Our individual artistic visions are contrasting yet complementary and we felt the time was right to bring our thinking, skills and resources together to build something really special: a design partnership where our creativity could nurture exciting new collaborations,” explains Nick.

“Nick and I are both musically driven people, and are gravitating in a world of quality music and design,” expands Ross. “Creating impact to complement the musical foundation and the artist’s own vision is where we are focused. We want to help our clients draw their music out visually through the designs we create for them and for those designs to represent the artist in a truthful way.”

And what about the company name? Ross smiles wryly. “Our company name reflects entirely our guiding principles of creating lighting design for impact and producing the right ‘aura’ for our clients. But we do this from a very architectural perspective whilst being entirely relevant to the musical style. Shape, form and architecture are the backbone of our designs, helping to create a narrative for our clients and their music.”

Nick concludes: “Our drive and passion for lighting design is all-consuming and we can’t wait to see what our new partnership will create and who we will collaborate with, from an artist perspective, as well as production companies and manufacturers.”

30th August 2024

LSC and Avolites Announce Partnership for Australia and New Zealand

Australia & New Zealand – Two of the best-known brands in the global entertainment lighting technology industry have announced an exciting new partnership destined to change the landscape of the market in Australia and New Zealand. With effect from 1 September, Melbourne-based manufacturer LSC Control Systems will become the Australia and New Zealand distributor for UK-based lighting controls and visual systems manufacturer, Avolites.

Both companies are owned by Czech Republic-based moving light and LED manufacturer, Robe lighting s.r.o.

This significant development will be mutually beneficial to both brands in Australia and New Zealand, and to the market as it signals a new period of opportunity for the region’s professional lighting industry.

It also brings these two renowned brands full circle. Although in robust competition for more than 30 years, the two enjoyed a successful partnership back in the 1980s, when LSC provided certain products under OEM licence to Avolites.

Acquisition has changed the outlook once again.

As Robe businesses, both companies can now draw on each other’s strengths together with the resources and dynamics of the wider Robe group, to offer a new level of solutions and support to the thriving Australasian market. With LSC’s role as a provider of world-leading power and data distribution solutions, complemented by Avolites’ renowned visuals and lighting control products, the future is visibly bright.

Avolites’ managing director Paul Wong is thrilled by the development: “We’re all very happy to welcome LSC as our representative for Australia and New Zealand. Their years of industry experience and strong relationships will strengthen Avolites in the region. We all take great confidence from the natural alignment between the two brands!”

Gary Pritchard, LSC’s founder and managing director, agrees: “This is incredibly exciting news that allows us to provide a very attractive turnkey offering to the customers. Two manufacturers working together in their respective fields of expertise can only benefit the market.”

He adds: “Just a few short years ago, we wouldn’t have imagined that an opportunity like this was possible. But now, I’m delighted to say that some big, bold moves in this incredible industry have made it a reality!”

This new reality continues the long and interwoven stories of both brands and presents an optimistic future.

“Avolites’ latest range of lighting control consoles and media servers perfectly complements our product portfolio,” says LSC’s business development manager, Darren McLanders, “It’s a powerful synergy and we’re looking forward to passing it on to our customers here in Australia and New Zealand.”

Darren continues: “The Avolites team has done an amazing job over the years, establishing a real presence, particularly in the UK, supporting and training console users at festivals and shows. It’s a model we’ll follow here, with regular training and direct product support from industry professionals, giving users the confidence and support they need to grow an advanced range of products.”

The Avolites brand will be officially relaunched to the Australia and New Zealand market during the 2024 Entech roadshow events, set to visit Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth during October.

In picture: Paul Wong and Avolites sales director, Ron Carrington.

29th August 2024

AVScape Brings PK Sound’s Dynamic Soundfield Control to the Netherlands

The Netherlands – PK Sound, a robotic line array company, has welcomed Dutch live production provider AVScape to its growing European partner network following the company’s investment in a T8 robotic line source system through Central EU distributor FACE Pro. AVScape is the first T8 rental partner in the Netherlands and can also deploy larger T10 and Trinity Black systems in collaboration with PK Sound’s growing Central EU network for larger applications.

“After several demos with other brands, T8 was a simple choice,” shares AVScape co-founder Joost Moerbeek. “The output, weight and innovative multi-axis robotic coverage control is simply far beyond any other brand I have heard and seen. Being a new audio provider, we naturally want to invest in the latest solutions and not outdated technology.”

AVScape’s initial investment includes 24 T8 robotic line source elements and 12 T18 intelligent subwoofers. Controlled via PK.dynamics software, the T8 system offers precise robotic control of vertical and horizontal dispersion both remotely and in real-time, allowing users to shape the soundfield to any environment and essentially remove the room from the equation.

Adds co-founder Kim Moerbeek: “In the world we work in, everything must be flexible and adaptable. After experiencing PK Sound a few times, my biggest impression is that the variable horizontal directivity is an incredible tool. They clearly demonstrated the difference that comes with precisely configuring horizontal coverage to the environment, a whole new world. And the service and advice from FACE Pro has been simply phenomenal.”

Based in Echt, Netherlands, AVScape is the sister company of esteemed Dutch LED screen provider DjemLED. The two firms work in close collaboration to provide AV solutions and expertise for a wide variety of live events throughout the Netherlands and neighbouring regions.   

The company’s first deployment at the Zomerparkfeesten Venlo only solidified confidence in the acoustic and operational advantages of the T8 system. “Ours was the only stage that ultimately had no limits because the audio was so well controlled and focused away from reflective surfaces and obstacles while the other stages were constantly fighting against noise ordinances,” adds Kim Moerbeek. “After that, we were all the more convinced of the potential for PK’s robotic solutions in an increasingly strict world.”

“It’s exciting to see more and more companies embrace the unique capabilities of PK Sound’s patented multi-axis robotics and deliver elevated live sound experiences to their customers,” comments Tim Timmermans, Central European Partner Support with PK Sound and FACE Pro. “While new to the audio industry, the AVScape team has a strong reputation for technical proficiency and professionalism and will serve as a great partner as PK Sound’s presence in Europe continues to grow.”

In picture: AVScape co-founders Kim Moerbeek and Joost Moerbeek.

23rd August 2024

Union Audio Announces Partnership with Leading UK Reseller, Westend DJ

UK – British audio design firm, Union Audio, has announced a new partnership with leading DJ and PA equipment reseller, Westend DJ, who will stock the company’s growing range of elite audio products.

Union Audio is the brainchild of legendary mixer designer, Andy Rigby-Jones, who has collaborated with leading names in the DJ and sound reproduction field, including Richie Hawtin’s Play differently, MasterSounds Audio and TPI and culminating in the release of a growing portfolio of its own brand products, including the orbit.6 six-channel rack-mounted analogue rotary mixer, compact linear four-channel elara.4, eq.xfader, phoebe phono preamp and lisann headphone amplifier.

Effective immediately, Westend DJ will display, demo and sell Union’s orbit and elara mixers and accessories, as well as any future product releases in its London stores and online.

"Westend DJ is the leading DJ equipment reseller in the UK and with two stores in the capital, provides a rare opportunity for customers to get hands-on with products. This makes them the perfect partner for Union Audio, as it gives our customers and followers a chance to see and hear the high end, hand-built quality of our growing range of very special products,” says Andy Rigby-Jones.

“We’ve always been huge fans of Andy’s approach to the creation of DJ Mixers, and now Westend DJ is incredibly excited to be partnering with Union Audio. We look forward to offering our customers the opportunity to experience and own bespoke, high-end products that deliver Union Audio’s unique signature sound and tactile control over the mix,” concludes Gavin James, director, Westend DJ.

9th August 2024

Richard Martin Lighting Limited Bids Farewell After Decades in TV Lighting

UK – It’s with mixed emotions, after 40 years of dedicated service to the television lighting industry, that Richard Martin Lighting Limited (RML) announces its decision to close the business and sell its name and assets.

Owner of the business, Richard Martin, says: “It’s been an immense honour to serve the television lighting industry for the last 40 years. We will always remember the exciting, inspiring and occasionally challenging opportunities it has afforded us.

“First and foremost, I would like to say a very big, sincere thank-you to the people who made this business so successful. The vision and knowledge of our operations director, Steve Wells, as well as our staff, customers and suppliers have all helped RML grow and prosper. RML’s ethos has always been to listen to and then respond to the industry appropriately. It’s never easy to close a viable business. However, changes in the sector, post-COVID, plus where we are in our own personal lives, have made selling the assets and the warehouse the best option.”

Steve Wells, operations director, who will be taking some well-earned leave following 28 dedicated years with the business, adds: “I would like to thank Richard and Jackie for giving me such a fulfilling opportunity, not only by trusting me to run their business but because they have both become lifelong friends. Since RML’s inception in 1984, the company has had the privilege to support countless remarkable television productions, while observing the fast evolution of the industry and the technology that supports it. It’s been quite a ride.

“We have always prided ourselves on our ability to offer the latest and best in lighting and control technology, alongside exceptional customer service,” continues Wells. “Over the years, RML has been proud to collaborate with many of the most talented lighting designers and professionals in the television and entertainment sectors. I believe that our commitment to quality and creativity has not only brightened TV screens but also set new standards in television lighting.”

Richard Martin Lighting (RML) Ltd has sold its assets and the company name ‘Richard Martin Lighting’ to Luminosity Lighting, where Chris Rand and his team will continue to provide and uphold RML’s longstanding reputation.

Steve Wells concludes: “We wish Chris and his team at Luminosity success. To all our valued employees, past and present, to our creative clients, and our innovative suppliers, we salute you. It’s been a joy, and we wish every one of you all the very best for the future.”

6th August 2024

Cadac Consoles Announces Strategic Relocation of New CM-Series Production to UK

UK – Cadac Consoles, an innovator in professional audio mixing solutions, has announced the strategic decision to locate manufacturing of its new CM-System in the United Kingdom. The move marks a significant transition from its previous China production base under the Soundking Group.

Mr. Xianggui Wang, president of the Soundking Group, emphasised the benefits of the relocation. "To fully realise Cadac Consoles’ potential and ensure its long-term sustainability, both Soundking Group and Cadac Consoles’ management team recognise the importance of partnering with a UK-based manufacturer specialising in low volume, high value products, in ensuring that the high expectations of its customer base are fully met." 

Wang further elaborated: "This decision additionally enables Soundking to reallocate resources to our broader product range, accelerating our ability to drive Soundking’s global growth across the AV sector."

James Godbehear, Cadac Consoles’ director of marketing and business operations, highlighted the advantages of this milestone development for Cadac Consoles. "With the completion of our rebranding and recent introduction of the new CM-Series, relocation of the manufacturing to the UK marks the final step in phase one of our holistic strategy for Cadac Consoles. The move positions the brand to better support our partners and customers, specifically addressing the unique requirements of large-format consoles in the live sound market. By bringing manufacturing closer to our R&D and operational teams in the UK, we aim to improve communication, facilitate faster turnaround times and enable a more agile response to market dynamics and customer feedback."

Emily Watson, head of research and development, outlined the next steps following this decision. "During the next few months, we will collaborate closely with our UK partner to thoroughly evaluate and optimise our sourcing, purchasing and production processes. Our goal is to develop a pivotal manufacturing roadmap that ensures reliable product delivery, significantly enhances our prototyping capabilities and continually improves the CM product line."

Godbehear concluded: "Our commitment to consistently deliver products of 'Made in the UK' quality is paramount. We anticipate that customers will be able to experience and appreciate the benefits of this highly significant move by the fourth quarter of this year."

Soundking will continue to directly provide hardware support for legacy Cadac CDC five, CDC six, and CDC seven-s digital consoles.

In picture: Emily Watson, James Godbehear and Xianggui Wang.

6th August 2024

DirectOut announces Digital Media Technology as a new distributor

China – DirectOut has announced Digital Media Technology Co. Ltd. (DMT) as a new distributor for its audio solutions in the Greater China region. This exciting partnership marks a significant step in the expansion of DirectOut's presence in Asia and reinforces their commitment to providing world-class audio solutions.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1990, DMT has established itself as a leading supplier of audio and video system solutions. With four additional offices in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Taipei, DMT offers a full range of services, from design to support.

"DMT's technical expertise and deep understanding of the market make them an ideal partner," said Luca Giaroli, chief solution officer at DirectOut. "This collaboration ensures optimal integration of our audio solutions."

Over the years, DMT has successfully implemented complex installations, including music recording systems and networked post-production environments, expanding its reach and capabilities in the broadcast, music production and live sound sectors.

"We are pleased to add DirectOut to our product portfolio and look forward to making this brand available to our Greater China customers. The search for the perfect audiovisual equipment continues to be a challenge for many industry professionals,” says Desmond Stou, general manager of DMT. "DirectOut's continual provision of proven solutions to a wide array of applications definitely satisfies their needs."

With over 130 professionals in five offices, DMT is well equipped to support the introduction of DirectOut audio solutions and provide exceptional service.

"We are incredibly excited to add DirectOut’s innovative range of solutions to our portfolio.  DirectOut's reputation for reliability, flexibility and redundancy is very desirable in our market and will allow us to add tremendous value and security to our clients’ systems when downtime is not an option," concludes Chris Fish, technical director of DMT.

Additionally, Luca Giaroli and the colleagues from DMT will be in Beijing for the BIR TV Show from August 21-24, booth #2006. This will be a great opportunity to meet with him and learn more about DirectOut's innovative solutions firsthand.

In picture: Chris Fish, technical director of DMT, Luca Giaroli chief solution officer at DirectOut and  Desmond Stou, general manager of DMT.

5th August 2024

CAST Announces CMI as Exclusive Distributor for BlackTrax in Australia and New Zealand

Australia & New Zealand – CAST Group of Companies, a global leader in pioneering next-generation software and hardware solutions for the live event and entertainment production sectors, has announced CMI as the exclusive distributor of BlackTrax in Australia and New Zealand. This strategic collaboration expands CMI's established role as a key distributor of CAST’s award-winning BlackTrax range.

BlackTrax is a vision-based tracking system that merges different fields together into the same tracking application, such as lighting tracking, media, immersive audio, game engines, cameras tracking and many others. 

This partnership is aimed at enhancing the availability of advanced real-time tracking technologies within Australia and New Zealand, and providing the highest level of support for any organisation or creative looking to leverage the technology and seamlessly integrate it into their production workflows.

"We are excited to extend our partnership with CMI and expand the reach of BlackTrax in Australia and New Zealand. With a strong track record in pro-audio distribution, CMI is an ideal partner to propel BlackTrax in the region," said Dekkar Densham, global sales director for CAST Group Inc. "With the successful launch of BT-1 last year, designed to bridge a crucial gap, offering a compact and cost-effective tracking solution, we are dedicated to advancing breakthroughs in tracking technology. We believe that CMI’s expertise, market presence, and client support will significantly contribute to its success in the live event and entertainment industries."

Lee Stevens, national business development manager for CMI, expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration, stating: "The CMI team services consumer, commercial pro audio and event technology needs. With vast experience in installation, touring, theatrical and performance environments, the team consists of industry-recognised and highly regarded individuals with many years of experience and cutting-edge knowledge. We are looking forward to championing BlackTrax’s technology into our market."

The inclusion of BlackTrax in CMI’s portfolio is set to offer innovative and transformative tracking solutions to the Australian and New Zealand markets, reinforcing the commitment of both CAST Group and CMI to deliver cutting-edge technologies to the live event and entertainment production sectors.

2nd August 2024

AIT, Global Leader in Culture-Defining Experiences, Unifies Thinkwell and productionglue Under the TAIT Name

USA – For over 45 years, TAIT has been a trusted partner to the world’s most influential artists, brands and institutions. Throughout its history, TAIT has continued to evolve and grow, and has announced that TAIT Group companies productionglue and Thinkwell will now be operating within a singular TAIT brand identity.

“TAIT has always pushed the boundaries of storytelling. With the creative and producing capabilities of Thinkwell and productionglue, we are offering an unmatched depth and breadth of skill to our partners,” said Adam Davis, chief executive officer, TAIT. “We bring a legacy of innovation and a desire to solve impossible problems. Solidifying this singular brand represents a fusion of creativity and technology, which provides unparalleled possibilities for our partners.”

Working across live, brand, placemaking and location-based experiences, TAIT creates moments that move people across the world every day. Super Bowl halftime extravaganzas, award-winning theme parks, World Expo pavilions, Olympic opening ceremonies and much more have been brought to life through their global multi-disciplinary team. 

TAIT's transformation and evolution with Thinkwell and productionglue coming together under one brand represents a significant milestone. This unification reflects the passionate team of storytellers and technologists the company has built, creating an unprecedented global force with remarkable capabilities. TAIT is uniquely positioned to bring ambitious visions to life through seamless strategy, creativity and execution. The combined entity stands ready to make the impossible possible through unforgettable moments that inspire and connect audiences like never before.

“Our new brand identity is a reflection of the deep expertise and strength of our unified TAIT organisation, consisting of the most exceptionally skilled professionals in the business,” said Jennifer Kurland, chief brand officer, TAIT. “Representing TAIT as one brand is a pivotal and exciting moment for us, setting us up to continue creating world renowned experiences.”

Following the company’s acquisition by TAIT in 2022, Thinkwell has expanded the visioning and creative expertise within TAIT. Thinkwell has led the master planning, design and production of world-class entertainment destinations and immersive guest experiences since 2001, bringing a unique expertise to global projects including The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Developed in close collaboration with Warner Bros. and the original film-making team, the award-winning London attraction showcases the magic and artistry behind film production. After the success of the London attraction, having expanded three times since 2012, Thinkwell led the design and oversight of a second Tour that debuted in Tokyo in 2023.

“As one brand under TAIT, our new design and delivery structure means that partners can come to us with any challenge anywhere in the life cycle of an end-to-end project, and we can advise, strategise, solve and execute,” said Joe Zenas, Executive vice president, global development and strategic partnerships and former CEO of Thinkwell.

productionglue, an award-winning experiential agency founded in 2006, has become an integral part of TAIT’s producing capability since being acquired in 2016, transforming brand stories into never-been-done before activations. Their ingenuity is evident across their partnerships with some of the biggest names including Nike, Frieze, Live Nation and Bloomberg. For the third consecutive year, they helped elevate Snapchat’s NewFront and were recently named as SXSW London’s 2025 producing partner.

“We have laid the foundation for the future of global producing at TAIT. Today’s announcement is more than just branding, it’s about the growth in the offering to our clients. The capabilities we now have are unprecedented,” said Tom Bussey, executive vice president, global producing and partner strategy and former CEO and founder of productionglue.

1st August 2024

Europalco reinforces its facilities with a new 18,000 m² plot

Portugal – Europalco, the largest provider of solutions for events and shows in southern Europe, has announced a significant expansion of its facilities. The acquisition of an adjacent 18,000m² land increases Europalco's total operational area to an impressive 42,000m², nearly doubling the current space and extending the perimeter to almost one kilometre.

"This major step reflects our continued commitment to growth and innovation," said Pedro Magalhães, CEO of Europalco. "The expansion will allow us to double the capacity of our main warehouse from 4,000m² to 8,000m², creating 12,000m² of storage space. This increase will significantly optimise logistics, improve production capacity, and further modernise and streamline our facilities."

Magalhães continued: "Throughout our 27-year history, the dedication and hard work of our exceptional team have driven Europalco's success. Every employee has played a vital role in our continued growth, and we take pride in the journey we have shared."

The expansion continues Europalco's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. "Since our humble beginnings, we have constantly pursued superior quality and groundbreaking solutions," said Magalhães. "We started with big dreams and a determined spirit, and through hard work and teamwork, we built the Europalco we know today. This expansion testifies to the power of perseverance and collaboration, paving the way for a bright future."

Europalco's vision for the future is brimming with ambition and enthusiasm. "We believe this expansion is the beginning of many exciting future achievements," Magalhães stated. "We are committed to inspiring and pioneering the industry, continually surprising our customers with innovative and high-quality solutions. Stay tuned because Europalco is here to stay, growing relentlessly and reaching new heights."

In 2023, Europalco affirmed its dedication to innovation and expansion by incorporating Rise, the newest member of its portfolio, as well as NEW Audiovisuais and AV Tech. These strategic investments highlight Europalco's commitment to providing enhanced and comprehensive services to its clients, increasing its scale and geographic reach and solidifying its market position.

30th July 2024

ETC Unveils Season Two of its "On Headset" Podcast Series  

ETC has announced the launch of season two of its acclaimed podcast series, On Headset. Offering a unique glimpse into the fascinating realm of theatrical lighting design, this immersive audio experience invites listeners to join real-time programming sessions with renowned lighting designers as they craft the visual magic of major productions. 

In season two, also known as The Paule Project, listeners will embark on an educational journey with internationally acclaimed lighting designer Paule Constable and programmer Will Frost, as they share lightly curated recordings of headset conversations during the technical rehearsals of the National Theatre's production of The Normal Heart. This iconic play, depicting the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis in New York, serves as a perfect case study in theatrical lighting, providing valuable insights into the creative process behind bringing a show to life on stage. 

"The National Theatre graciously granted us access to their groundbreaking production, allowing us to offer listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the intricate work involved in lighting a show," says Declan Randall, outreach and training specialist at ETC. "From conceptual discussions to the creation of lighting groups and presets, each episode of On Headset provides invaluable knowledge for both seasoned professionals and aspiring lighting enthusiasts." 

Spanning five episodes, season two of On Headset delves into various aspects of lighting design, including collaborative processes, programming techniques and the integration of lighting effects. It offers listeners the unique opportunity to experience real-time programming, guided by Constable’s audio instructions, alongside supporting materials such as show files, a lighting plot and a lighting operator's guide. Each episode provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in lighting design and programming through the collaborative efforts between Constable and Frost, allowing listeners to witness the evolution of the lighting design from its initial stages to the polished production seen on stage. 

"Our goal with On Headset is to bridge the gap between conventional classroom training and the practical experience of operating an Eos desk in a theatre," adds Randall. "Whether you're seeking to enhance your understanding of context or improve your muscle memory, our ‘console flight simulator’ caters to both needs, offering an engaging and educational experience for all." 

"We're excited to unveil The Paule Project and invite listeners to join us on this immersive journey into the heart of theatrical lighting," concludes Randall.  

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of theatrical lighting design first-hand. Tune in to season two of On Headset now, available on all major podcast platforms. And for those eager to delve deeper into the world of theatrical lighting, all the supporting materials are available at etcconnect.com/onheadset

29th July 2024

Theatre Lighting Design: Conversations on the Art, Craft and Life Launches today

UK – Theatre Lighting Design: Conversations on the Art, Craft and Life, a new book offering fascinating insights into the design processes, work and lighting lives of 14 leading lighting designers, launches today: 25th July 2024.

Written by lighting designers Emma Chapman and Rob Halliday, the book features individual interviews with lighting designers Neil Austin, Natasha Chivers, Jon Clark, Paule Constable, Rick Fisher, Richard Howell, Howard Hudson, Jessica Hung Han Yun, Mark Jonathan, Amy Mae, Ben Ormerod, Bruno Poet, Jackie Shemesh and Johanna Town. A final interview talks to the lighting team responsible for creating the hit musical Billy Elliot about how the lighting design evolved as the show was created and then how it has been maintained as the show has been remounted over the last 18 years. Between them, the lighting designers interviewed in the book have lit shows of all scales and styles in theatres around the world, winning countless awards along the way: there is a vast collection of knowledge here.

“What’s fascinating is hearing these designers talk at length about their work: how they approach a new show, how they design their rigs, where they start making the first cue, how they work with other members of their teams,” explains co-author Emma Chapman. “It’s fascinating when they agree, but more fascinating still when they disagree, an invaluable reminder that there are really no rules in lighting, and at every decision lighting designers are free to make their own choices when creating their lighting,” adds Rob Halliday.

Aimed at those working in lighting and moving through their lighting design careers, the book will also be of interest to other theatre practitioners, and to anyone who just enjoys watching theatre and wants to learn more about the role lighting designers play in the creation of productions.

Theatre Lighting Design: Conversations on the Art, Craft and Life is published by Methuen; it is available now from all good bookshops, real and online, or directly from the publisher:

UK: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/theatre-lighting-design-9781350295926/

US: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/theatre-lighting-design-9781350295957/ 

25th July 2024

Neg Earth Donates Truck to British Ukrainian Aid to Support Humanitarian Relief Efforts

UK – Neg Earth Lights, a family-owned lighting and rigging equipment supplier for the entertainment industry has announced its partnership with British Ukrainian Aid (BUA), a UK registered charity.

As part of its ongoing commitment to giving back, Neg Earth will be donating a truck through the donation scheme to support the valuable work of this charity.

“Since it was permitted from 15 March, British Ukrainian Aid (BUA) is operating the donation scheme with Transport for London (TfL) to donate vehicles to Ukraine through the ULEZ programme, where they would be used for medical and humanitarian purposes.” Whilst Neg Earth Lights is not eligible for the for the scrappage scheme, it has decided to purely donate a vehicle through the charity.

The donated vehicle is a Renault 16T rigid truck, the first of its kind to be contributed through this scheme.

The truck’s journey so far has been an adventurous one. Designed and built to Neg Earth’s specification from new in 2015, it has travelled over 100,000 miles across most of Europe carrying its precious cargo to prestigious live events such as Rammstein, Iron Maiden, The Eurovision Song Contest, The Rolling Stones, ACDC and, closer to home, to the Glastonbury Festival every year since.

In full working order, this vehicle will be instrumental in delivering essential humanitarian aid to those in need. In fact, Neg Earth Lights filled the truck before its departure with aid from two different charities, which meant the truck was filled to the brim with medical supplies and food.

On July 25th 2024, a convoy consisting of over 25 vehicles, including Neg Earth's donated truck, will depart from London to provide vital support to communities in Ukraine. By raising awareness for British Ukrainian Aid, Neg Earth hopes to encourage more people in the entertainment industry and beyond to donate and support this worthy cause.

In addition to donating, individuals and businesses can also participate in the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme to contribute to the charitable efforts of British Ukrainian Aid. Together, we can make a purposeful difference and show our support for those in need.

Dave Ridgway said: “I am thrilled to donate our truck to the British Ukrainian Aid and support their incredible work. We know this vehicle will help deliver much-needed aid to those in need in the Ukraine." I wish BUA much success with the continuation of these important schemes.”

Dan Skinner added: “We are happy to be donating our truck to such a deserving cause. We believe this is the perfect next journey for our vehicle. A truck that has travelled across Europe delivering to some of the biggest concerts over the past nine years. It will now be driving with even more purpose!”

For more information on how you can get involved and donate, visit the British Ukrainian Aid website Donate your Vehicle – British-Ukrainian AID.

25th July 2024

LSC Control Systems welcomes Controllux to sales network

Benelux – LSC Control Systems has announced the appointment of Controllux as its new exclusive distribution partner for the Benelux region (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg). The Australian manufacturer, which was acquired by Czech Republic-based Robe earlier this year, has been designing and manufacturing innovative lighting and power control solutions for more than four decades.

Controllux is a long-established and well-respected presence in the Benelux region’s entertainment market. A full-system integrator and distributor, it represents a broad range of professional lighting brands including Robe, ETC, Astera, ARRI and Prolyte. Operating across the theatre, television and film, entertainment and architectural lighting markets, the company has become a one-stop source for professional lighting expertise and systems integration solutions.

The team at Controllux is enthusiastic about the possibilities of representing LSC Control Systems’ product lines. LSC’s ranges include advanced power management solutions (including the Unitour, Unity and APS systems) designed to securely service the latest technologies in video, audio and lighting control. These power management systems provide high levels of safety, reliability and versatility, bringing peace of mind to professional users in leading theatres, entertainment venues, studios and attractions across the globe.

LSC’s International sales manager Pete Floyd welcomed the appointment, saying: “We’re very pleased to be partnering with the team at Controllux. They are a hugely experienced operator in the Benelux countries, with years of expertise in entertainment markets, and we know that their commitment to supporting customers reflects our own values. We’re all looking forward to our future partnership.”

24th July 2024

Anima Network appoints ECM S.A. as Green-GO distributor for Switzerland

Switzerland – Award-winning Netherlands-based comms brand Green-GO has announced the appointment of Electric Claudio Merlo Lighting Equipment S.A. (ECM S.A.) as its new exclusive distributor for Switzerland. With this development, which follows the appointment last year of ECM S.A. as the Swiss distributor for Green-GO’s sister-brand ELC, both brands from ELC Lighting have now joined the sales portfolio of ECM S.A.

Based in the southern Swiss Canton of Ticino, ECM S.A. was founded in 1971 by Claudio Merlo. The company first established itself in the booming discotheque market as a supplier of popular lighting brands, including Coemar and Optikinetics. However, it later developed to serve Switzerland’s professional entertainment markets, particularly theatres and TV studios, providing world-renowned brands such as ETC, Arri, Claypaky, Robert Juliat and more recently, ELC. Today, the company employs 14 people and serves the whole country from branches in German and French-speaking Switzerland.

ECM’s managing director Lorenzo Merlo comments: “As the Green-GO and ELC product ranges are closely linked, we’ve been watching Green-GO’s fantastic ascension for several years now. The flexibility and scaleability of Green-GO networks give both service providers and integrators immense freedom to adapt their installations. The absence of a base station or matrix allows linear investments and highly flexible management of equipment inventories.”

While Green-GO products already have a strong presence in the Swiss market, particularly on stages and in studios, the brand’s latest product development, Stride, will enable ECM to both develop existing installations and explore new fields of application.

Says Merlo: “Stride provides greater security when switching from one antenna to another, without interrupting communication. Missed cues or important information due to radio blackouts are now a thing of the past. This is a significant step forward for comms applications.”

He adds: “The arrival of Green-GO at Electric Claudio Merlo SA will enable our customers to find one more technology under one roof, as well as our already renowned service.”

Welcoming the appointment, Green-GO’s Silvio Cibien comments: “We have seen the ECM team take a great lead with our ELC range. Because of this we know that, with the new possibilities offered by Green-GO’s latest technologies, they are the perfect partner to drive the brand forward in this market.”

23rd July 2024

Prism Sound Appoints Planeta Analogico as its Partner in Argentina

Argentina – UK manufacturer Prism Sound has appointed Planeta Analogico as its partner in Argentina, with responsibility for its range of audio interfaces including the powerful and versatile Dream ADA-128 modular, multi-channel converter.

Based in Buenos Aires, Planeta Analogico was established in the early 2000s by CEO and founder Daniel Paracha. The company represents more than 40 high-end pro audio brands including API, Audient, Chandler, Crane Song, Eventide, Maselec, Telefunken and Weiss.

Commenting on the appointment, Daniel Paracha says: “We have worked with Prism Sound in the past with excellent feedback from customers. We love the brand and feel that this new partnership will increase our customers’ exposure to professional high-quality converters and focus their attention on what is important: the sound.”

Paracha adds that Planeta Analogico will initially concentrate on products such as the Prism Sound Lyra, Titan and Atlas audio interfaces, which are more accessible to its customer base.

“We expect sales growth to be organic as customers become more familiar with the range and what they can achieve with these products,” he says. “Good pricing, effective demonstrations, availability and proper technical support are sure to increase awareness of a brand that already has an enviable international reputation for audio quality. We love audio and we have been representing the best brands for more than 20 years, so why not have the best converters available?”

Even before it became Prism Sound’s distributor, Planeta Analogico had already sold Prism Sound converters to some of Argentina’s best known recording studios, including Romaphonic in Buenos Aires.

“It’s a shame they are located in the machine room and don’t have the physical exposure of a console or a fancy compressor/EQ unit, but they are the heart and soul of these studios and are doing the most important job of keeping recordings alive,” Paracha says.

He adds that the market in Argentina behaves differently to other markets because it fluctuates to reflect the country’s hard economy. However, thanks to Prism Sound’s willingness to alter internal systems, Planeta Analogico is now well placed to represent the brand in all economic conditions.

“We appreciate working with companies that understand and adapt to what is happening in each market,” Paracha adds. “Prism Sound offers that flexibility, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial collaboration with the company.”

In picture: Mariano Caraballo and Daniel Paracha. 

23rd July 2024

Leading LED lighting solutions provider LITE anchors partnership with Goboservice.

UK - Goboservice is a trusted manufacturer of custom gobos and low-consumption, high-definition projectors that illuminate buildings, streets and businesses around the world. LITE has seen a great deal of interest in the Goboservice solutions, as well as a general uptick in awareness of what these technologies can offer.

Through LITE, Goboservice’ high-efficiency, high-brightness projectors are available and are suitable for a wide range of applications and projects.

Recognising the need to drive forward sustainability in the lighting sector, every Goboservice projector is designed with great attention to energy efficiency. Demonstrating this, Goboservice’s headlamps deliver the best-performing lumen/watt ratio in their class.

Unrivalled image quality is achieved through lenses with anti-reflective coating and quality optics to ensure sharpness every time. Adding to the benefits, the high luminous efficiency of Goboservice’s projectors delivers reduced consumption even for prolonged use. The low price of the lamps – about one-third of the cost of the lamps of a video projector – enables low running costs.

Goboservice’s custom gobos can also be specified, offering the ability to reproduce any image, photo text or logo to be projected. This is ideal for bringing the dynamics and impressive effects of architectural lighting to events and stunts, exhibitions and the entertainment sector.

Through the use of laser ablation to deliver the required incision, Goboservice guarantees precise results, with gobos produced at over 4100 DPI, a benefit that has set them among the leading experts in the world in this field.

Goboservice’s solutions are made in Italy, offering reassurance through traceable, European manufacture. Their quality and reliability are further proven through a series of laboratory certificates.

LITE’s managing director Steve Hainsworth said: “At LITE, we carefully curate our portfolio to ensure our clients have access to the best and most advanced market-leading lighting solutions.

“Through our recently formed partnership with Goboservice, we have been able to offer our clients new and exciting solutions. For those working in events, exhibitions and entertainment, Goboservice’s high-performance gobos and projectors can open a world of visual spectacle. These technologies provide the opportunity to create unique, innovative and captivating lighting effects.”

Goboservice’s gobos and projectors are proving to be of value to LITE clients, spanning both existing and new relationships.  Partnering only with a number of market-leading manufacturers of dynamic LED and controls, LITE’s clients are assured they have access to the best-in-class lighting solutions.

23rd July 2024

Renkus-Heinz signs exclusive distribution partnership with LAV Projekt in Croatia

Croatia – Globally recognised loudspeaker manufacturer Renkus-Heinz continues to reinforce its presence throughout Europe, this time with an exclusive distribution agreement with LAV Projekt d.o.o. Specialist AV solutions provider and distribution experts, LAV Projekt has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Renkus-Heinz throughout Croatia with immediate effect.

LAV Projekt places particular emphasis on staying up to date with technological advancements and emerging trends to better serve their customers. In that light, Patricio Valenta, who heads up the audio department of LAV Projekt, is delighted to be representing Renkus-Heinz. “In our endeavour to establish ourselves as a premier system integration company in Croatia, we place great emphasis on innovation and adaptability,” he explains. “We firmly believe that the groundbreaking technologies and integration ease offered by Renkus-Heinz will be pivotal in our success as distributors and system integrators.”

He makes special mention of Renkus-Heinz’s prowess for delivering high-quality audio in demanding spaces. “As we've been working on a lot of projects lately, we've come across spaces where it was very difficult to get adequate sound coverage and deliver audio excellence. We believe that with Renkus-Heinz’s expertise in innovative steerable sound solutions we will now be able to offer our clients an adaptable solution with premium sound in diverse environments.”

Renkus-Heinz export sales and marketing director, Michal Poplawski, welcomes LAV Projekt to the fold. “It’s been an exciting time for us in Europe over the last few months as we continue to forge partnerships with strong, highly motivated companies who share our passion for excellence,” he says. “We are fortunate to collaborate with LAV Projekt, a dynamic and rapidly expanding company with a highly skilled team who are a pleasure to work with. Their dedication to top-level customer service and after-sales service reflects our own values and we know that we have the products they need to help them achieve their goals. I have every confidence that our collaboration will be mutually beneficial and significantly expand the reach of both Renkus-Heinz and LAV Projekt throughout Croatia.”

17th July 2024

DirectOut appoints Beamcast as new distributor in the Middle East and North Africa

UAE – DirectOut introduces Beamcast as its official distributor for the broadcast market in the Middle East and North Africa. This strategic partnership promises to strengthen DirectOut's presence in the region and take customer service to a new level.

Beamcast, known for its outstanding expertise and commitment to cutting-edge broadcast and pro-AV solutions, will help DirectOut to better serve the needs of professionals in the industry.

“We have had excellent relationships with many system integrators in the region for years, yet we have consistently struggled to secure a permanent distributor capable of enhancing the region's knowledge of our audio solutions for broadcast,” states Lorenzo Sassi, business development manager at DirectOut. “With Beamcast, we now have a partner who not only understands the market, but also the technologies we support, and how to match them with the needs of the customers.”

Beamcast will now offer comprehensive support and training services. This includes seminars, provision of demo and loan equipment and the ability to ship products directly from a regional warehouse in the Middle East. This will enable DirectOut to offer customers short lead times and efficient procurement processes.

Ms Sama Eid, business development manager at Beamcast, expresses her excitement about the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with DirectOut and to be able to offer their exceptional range of audio solutions to our customers in the Middle East region. We look forward to a successful partnership that will drive innovation and excellence in the broadcast industry.”

DirectOut and Beamcast are confident that this collaboration will lead to improved market coverage and increased customer value.

In picture: George Zakaria (Beamcast), Lorenzo Sassi (DirectOut) and Tareq Eid (Beamcast).

17th July 2024

Linea Research announces distribution partnership in Portugal with Sons do Marquês

Portugal – Linea Research, high power amplification and DSP solutions specialist, has announced a new distribution channel for Portugal, taking audiovisual event production company, Sons do Marquês, as network partner in the region to extend the reach of Linea Research into that territory.

Based in Pombal, Sons do Marquês has supplied the highest quality audio products to the Portuguese rental and installation markets for over 20 years. Audio installers and rental companies across Portugal will benefit from Linea’s full range of products with market-leading feature and performance combinations.

Known for its audio engineering excellence, Linea Research focuses on high performance and cost efficiency in each product across the company’s entire catalogue. The high-performance levels rely on the design of each part operating together in synergy. To achieve this, every product, from switched-mode power supplies and high-power Class D amplifiers to networked digital signal processing and control software, is developed in-house.

Sons do Marquês MD, Rogerio Lopes, said: “The Linea Research range of amplifiers will be a popular choice in Portugal and already there is interest from larger rental companies and for multi-zone installation project, in the eight-channel M- and C- series models. Linea Research enhances our offering to existing clients seeking an extensive preset library combined with a powerful range of amplification and DSP technology.

Linea Research sales manager, Martin Hildred, added: “We are delighted to partner with Sons do Marquês in Portugal and the company is the ideal partner to strengthen our distribution in the territory. Rogerio and his team have extensive industry knowledge and an established network through Portugal where the products offered by Linea will add value to the existing offering.”

In picture: Sons Do Marques' Gustavo Rodrigues and Rogerio Lopes with Linea Research's Martin Hildred. 

16th July 2024