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REGIONAL ROUND UP
MAESTRA GROUP LAUNCHES A SCENIC DEPARTMENT IN DUBAI EVENT DESIGN AND TECHNICAL PRODUCTION SPECIALIST MAESTRA HAS LAUNCHED A NEW SCENIC DEPARTMENT IN DUBAI WHICH WILL OPERATE FROM A DEDICATED FACILITY CLOSE TO ITS HQ IN DUBAI INVESTMENT PARK, AND WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF MAESTRA’S THRIVING EVENT SUPPLY BUSINESS.
Maestra Group has been proving its clients with creative scenic services over the past few years in both London and Dubai. The development of a scenic department consolidates the company’s business model, and brings a key division of the contractor services portfolio in-house. As well as delivering lighting, audio, video, and rigging as well as scenic elements - including the fabrication of set and staging. This latest move is a “totally logical step” confirmed Maestra Dubai’s MD Tom Clements. The department will be headed up by Jurgens Potgieter, who brings over 10 years of practical experience in the region, having worked for several fabrication contractors. Before then, he cut his ‘production teeth’ in South Africa. Potgieter has been deployed on many demanding and high profile shows and events, and “his wealth of talent, energy and positive personality fits perfectly with our team” said Clements.
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Potgieter started his career in theatre while completing an N-Dip in Entertainment Technology, specialising in Set Design & Construction. In the intervening 12 years he has acquired some serious skills in the construction of temporary and semi-permanent structures across all genres of the entertainment, production and special projects spectrums, and he’s also worked on permanent installations. “I always strive hard to help create memorable events, productions and projects, by combining my passion and knowledge of the highest international standards and safety regulations to deliver the vision and expectations of each individual client” he commented. Asked why he wanted to work for Maestra Group, known for their imagination, flair and being one of the youngest, fastest growing and sought-after production partners in a highly competitive market, he said: “What Tom and the team have achieved at Maestra in such a short time says a lot about their enthusiasm and
aptitude for the industry.” A new warehouse has been designed and kitted out for the exclusive use of Maestra Scenic, all geared towards providing a flexible workspace with maximum efficiency. An initial investment in new tooling and machinery will assist with custom set and scenic requirements, and while it is envisaged that this will be a big part of the activity, there will also be a comprehensive range of standard rental items available from stock - set flats, staging units, etc. - unleashing an even wider range of costeffective solutions for any client. This new scenic division is expected to be expanded rapidly as the company’s commercial success flourishes. The department will focus on supporting Maestra Group’s existing business as a truly excellent single-solution provider for all scenic and technical production needs. www.maestra-group.com
