This week saw James at Deeside College in Flintshire for their annual student awards show, produced as always by CSP Audio Visual.

All equipment was provided by CSP, apart from our own Catalyst media server and Jands Vista lighting console. The lighting rig was designed by Steve from CSP and operated by James.

The set backdrop was 11m x 4m of ColorWeb 250 with a black backdrop. Over this was hung a widescreen projection surface. Using the Catalyst system, the colour scheme of the lighting, ColorWeb and projection could be easily and effectively matched.

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So, here are my first photos of the show, possibly my only as explained...

During the shows that Andy Hurst operates, he likes to have someone front of house to spot any problems with the lighting and relay these to whoever is on stage. Tonight, since crew chief Paul Solino is on follow spot duty, that job fell to me. So taking the chance, I decided to get some photos of the show.

This is one of the last shows to have lighting only, after this leg my responsibilities switch to video, I'll try and get some photos of this online from Brixton.

James

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For the first leg, the rig will be a festival style, floor based LED system using GLP Impressions, ColorBlock DB4s and Palcos. Moving lights and PA will be provided by local promoters. From the first UK date in Brixton, there will be some video goodies added with full lighting and sound production for the UK tour.

James will be working with Dennis Brown aka 'Bear' to implement Andy Hurst's designs with equipment provided by PRG.

Britannia Row are running the sound department with Mark Kennedy at front of house.

Keep checking back for updates!

This weekend saw James back with Lightech, this time at a wedding reception in Lancashire.

James was there to help with the finishing effort and to operate the lighting in the disco area, which was hidden from view until a grand reveal.

Fireworks also provided by Lightech added an extra 'bang' to the night, followed by band and DJ music until the early hours.

Catering was provided by With a Twist with Nicola and Catherine on the front lines ensuring the excellent food was served with efficiency and style.

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Tonight was the Fashion Kicks event in Lancashire County Cricket Club's semi-permanent marquee, lit by Lightech Sound and Light.

James was there to help with the build in the fashion show tent, sponsored by Selfridges, and later the conversion of this area to a nightclub for the guests after their dinner.

Entertainment in the dinner marquee was provided by Westlife whose LD Dave Lee used lights provided by Lightech and Versa Tubes provided by MCL.

There was a huge press interest in the event, hopefully it raised plenty of funds for Macmillan!

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Equipment will be provided by PRG, including Martin's LC series semi-transparent LED screens which will be James' responsibility. He will also be helping with the lighting rig and roll on should he have any spare time!

Keep checking back for more news. Follow James' updates here: Faithless Posts

Lightech Sound and Light, one of Basic Monkey's longest standing clients, have asked us to provide projectors, screens and control equipment for Jamie Tyrer's 21st Birthday Party at Craxton Wood Hotel.

The remit was simply that above, but we also provided our Catalyst system and Vista console to make best use of the lighting installed by James along with Mike, Lee and Jack from Lightech.

Our Catalyst server was used to drive the projection screens and also Lightech's Traxon Mood Tiles. They are usually driven by eCue, but James and Mike decided to use the infinitely more flexible Catalyst system on this occasion with fantastic results.

The evening had a great atmosphere, with entertainment provided by DJ Kerry Spicer.

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Phil specified the 6x DigiSpots to project custom and stock content onto the cycs down the side of the room. Used in both 3 way merge and independent modes, James programmed the show on a Jands Vista T4 under the guidance of CWA.

ATC provided projection onto screens in the centre of each cyc, so when these were in use the DigiSpots would be used to project logos either side of the screen.

The day finished with an evening of X-factor styled karaoke, backed by appropriate stock video content and matching lighting colours.

Ruth Lorenzo was the special guest, performing 6 numbers. With access to the set list only briefly before the guests arrived, James programmed colour and gobo matched video and lighting states to re-enforce her performance.

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Based on the success of the Catalyst and Barco iLite 12 combination at Paul Hogarth's birthday party, James was asked by CSP to reproduce the spaced screen effect for Unilever's Christmas party in a marquee at Chester Rugby Club. The event had a strong Hollywood/Oscars theme with lighting designed and implemented by James to enhance this.

Jeremy from Unilever asked that as the guests arrived, it would look as if he had spent no money on the event and as such all screens were off, intelligent lighting was off and the room left dark with only a hint of colour. After the guests had all arrived, an intro video was played on the iLite screens and projection surfaces mounted on the gable ends of the marquee (also fed by Catalyst). After this intro video, the full lighting effect was revealed and film trailers were played on the iLite pillars, a different one on each.

As the evening progressed and entertainment from the band began, stock content from Basic Monkey's large library was played on the iLite pillars along with lighting effects from the array of LED and moving fixtures to support the performance.

The night was real show piece, demonstrating the benefits of combined lighting and video design. Ideas brewing for next year already...

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Steven Williams from CSP saw the photos from Paul Hogarth's birthday party and suggested to Unilever that they use the same system. A few design ideas were put forward but they've decided to go for the same layout of 5 columns of video wall, this time in a V shape plan on stage.

The Catalyst system will also be driving projection in the marquee, all geared towards the Hollywood theme. All video and lighting will be controlled using our Jands Vista S3.

James will be installing and operating the system, also creating some custom Hollywood graphics to work on the LED screen and projections. James will also be designing and operating the lighting.

Should be a great event!