TPMEA #018

APRIL / MAY 2019 • ISSUE 018

SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES UAE SUPPLIERS UNITE FOR THE ESTEEMED SPORTING OCCASION

IDEX • TPMEA AWARDS • REDFESTDXB • TESS LOOKS BACK ON FORMULA E • BACKBONE INTERNATIONAL

TPMEA

WELCOME...

TO TPMEA

Here we go again…

I can’t believe this year’s TPMEA Awards is upon us. It seems like last week we were playing host at Lock Stock & Barrell JBR The Walk in Dubai to 400 of the Middle East’s live events community. Back by popular demand, we are at it again, this time at the Hard Rock Café Dubai on the 24 April. Justin, Hannah and I will be making the trip from Manchester along with TPMEA newcomers Lyndsey Hopwood and Sara Walker who are also joining the party. In addition to the new venue we are also adding three new awards to this year’s proceedings, which include: Technical Director of the Year, Temporary Structure Project Manager of the Year and Temporary Power Supplier Engineer. It promises to be a night to remember.

But before we boost our Emirates air miles, there was just the small matter of putting this April / May edition of TPMEA to bed. This month, we cover a range of live events and projects. Firstly, we checked in with Protec’s annual IDEX display which brought military drama and excitement to land, water and air. We also returned to RedFestDBX, which saw a selection of UAE rental houses collaborate at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for a line up including Camila Cabello, Macklemore and G-Eazy - to name but a few. This month’s front page coverage also details the Special Olympics World Games. Taking residency in Abu Dhabi for the first time, organisers enrolled a selection of suppliers such as Creative Technology, Delta Sound (now part of the Production Resource Group) and eclipse Staging Services. The collective team helped put on an opening and closing ceremony which showcased the prowess of the region’s live events market to both competitors and audiences around the world.

We do hope you enjoy this issue. The team and I look forward to seeing many of you later this month.

Until then, Stew Hume Editor

www.tpmeamagazine.com | www.tpimagazine.com | www.tpmeaawards.com

03

Same is boring.

STAY UNIQUE. BECOME UNFORGETTABLE.

CONTENTS

CONTENTS MIDDLE EAST 06 - FIRST LOOK MIDDLE EAST

32 - TECH PROFILE

08 - REGIONAL ROUND-UP

37 - TECH PROFILE

MediaPro International’s Jinesh Nair discusses the company’s progress this season.

The latest news from the Middle East.

18 - TPMEA AWARDS

TPMEA sets up for our second award ceremony at the Hard Rock Café, Festival City Mall, Dubai.

22 - TECH FOCUS

Delta Sound provide the audio infrastructure of the Pope’s visit to Abu Dhabi.

24 - TECH FOCUS

TESS’ Director Tim Roberts looks back at his experience at last year’s Formula E.

26 - TECH PROFILE

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium hosts this year’s Special Olympics World Games ceremonies.

Protec brought its larger than life production to this year’s rendition of IDEX.

42 - INSIDE LOOK

Backbone International look back at half a decade of events in the Middle East.

44 - INSIDE LOOK

With a new European office and its work in Saudi Arabia, TPMEA checks in with Protec Group.

AFRICA

TPMEA examines the production values of the annual RedFestDXB for another year.

47 - REGIONAL ROUND-UP

EDITOR Stew Hume Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360 Mobile: +44 (0)7702 054344 e-mail: s.hume@mondiale.co.uk

STAFF WRITER Jacob Waite Tel: +44 (0)161 4768385 Mobile:+44 (0)7592 679612 e-mail: j.waite@mondiale.co.uk

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Hannah Eakins Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360 Mobile: +44 (0)7760 485230 e-mail: h.eakins@mondiale.co.uk

SALES EXECUTIVE Lyndsey Hopwood Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360 Mobile: +44 (0)780 005 57094 e-mail: l.hopwood@mondiale.co.uk

SALES EXECUTIVE Lauren Dyson Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360 Mobile: +44 (0)741 5773 639 e-mail: l.dyson@mondiale.co.uk

DIGITAL EDITORIAL ASSISTANT James Robertson Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360 Mobile: +44 (0)7725 475 819 e-mail: j.robertson@mondiale.co.uk

ACCOUNTS Lynette Levi / Sarah Miller: ar@mondiale.co.uk

TPMEA INTERN Conor Kelly

CHIEF EXECUTIVE Justin Gawne Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8360 Mobile: +44 (0)7768 850767 e-mail: j.gawne@mondiale.co.uk

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Dan Seaton: d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk Zoe Willcox: z.willcox@mondiale.co.uk

MONDIALE GROUP CHAIRMAN Damian Walsh

www.tpmeamagazine.com www.tpmeaawards.com www.tpimagazine.com www.tpiawards.com

The latest news stories from the region.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY The Special Olympics by Creative Technology PRINTED BY Buxton Press • www.buxpress.co.uk @tpmea_magazine facebook.com/TPMEA_Magazine @tpmea linkedin.com/company/tpmea

05

06

FIRST LOOK MIDDLE EAST

MEDIAPRO INTERNATIONAL’S JINESH NAIR MEDIAPRO INTERNATIONAL’S DIRECTOR TAKES A LOOK BACK AT THIS PAST SEASON AND WHAT IT MEANT FOR BOTH HIS COMPANY AND THE WIDER MIDDLE EAST EVENTS MARKET. As we gear up for the approaching summer months, which are generally slow for the market, we’re using this time for extensive in-house training, overall maintenance and stock take.

As we prepare for the promising new season, I can’t help but reminiscence about how successful 2018 has proven for MediaPro International.

Over the years, we have built up a reputation for our client-centered approach to delivering defined events.

With an extensive state-of-the-art inventory and offices outside the UAE in Singapore, India, KSA and Qatar, the company has cemented its status as a consistently reliable technical production company which is well placed to provide AV solutions at all stages. MediaPro International constantly evaluate trends in the market and we procure new AV solutions at a high cost. Our constant training keeps on par with an ever-growing demand among clients for show-stopping event technology. But MediaPro International also looks for innovative solutions to push past the boundaries of what has been done before and create memorable events. UAE is place to showcase new technology and we are happy to be in this city.

This season we were awarded several high profile corporate events and concerts like RedFestDXB, Jazz Fest, The Assembly: A Global Teacher Prize Concert, Arab Media Forum, Oracle OpenWorld Middle East and Dubai’s recently concluded Arabic alternative music festival, Wasla Music Festival, to name a few. As a team, we believe our diversity is our strength. We approach every challenge head on and achieve something so unique each time, which has resulted in MediaPro International becoming one of the main choices for demanding and technologically challenging events.

At GITEX last year, we knew we had to do something so distinctive it would amaze the exhibitors – hence, we designed the Etisalat stand with our Whalberg Motion Design winches, multiple pitch LED screens and LED panels on the floor, which resulted in a huge success for our clients and us.

After all, it’s clients who motivate us to do something out of the box for every event, regardless of the scale. Saudi Arabia has opened a new market for the live events industry. We have seen an influx of substantial high profiles events in recent months. As we are fully operational in the Kingdom with a huge warehouse and crew, we are able to handle a series of concerts for Rotana, Bollywood Music Festival, as well as Formula E. We were also the technical supplier for the Winter at Tantora Festival in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia where we catered for multiple concerts, from Lang Lang to Andrea Bocelli, and many corporate conferences for various companies.

It is a new market and, as social media is quick to host any and all happenings from around the world, we are asked for new technology from the word go. International live bands require

ME

FIRST LOOK MIDDLE EAST

an extensive backline and it’s not an excuse to say it will not work because the region is new or we‘don’t have the required kit.

New audio line array systems and mixing consoles were the first items on our shopping list.

New light models soon followed with a whole new LED screen kit.

It has been a good move to invest several million dollars in equipment to set up the Saudi office. With the current market being so saturated in terms of pricing we have managed to emerge as one of the market leaders in the live technical events rental industry. In order to achieve such outstanding deliveries, we believe proper care and maintenance of our equipment is key. We invest

keenly in the latest technology which usually fills the gap in the demand for unique and challenging events. Recently, we doubled our stock of video from LED to media servers – such as disguise – not to mention automated kinetic walls and winches including Kinesys motors. We’ve also recently invested in lighting fixtures from Robe Spiiders and Mega Pointe to SGM Q7s and P10s. Our audio supply has also been replenished with L-Acoustic K1s and K2s, 2 DiGiCo SD7 Quantums and a DiGiCo SD5 and much more in the last year which has resulted in winning demanding tenders. We also invested heavily in SFX equipment from Magic FX last year to minimise the cost on shows which resulted in the need for a bigger warehouse space.

07

We moved into our new 150,000+ sqft facility in Dubai Investment Park 1 with the ever-increasing equipment stock. Funamentally, we needed a facility which brings all the departments under one roof to ensure smooth daily operations. We have always been committed to the growth of our industry by developing innovative ways for our clients to convert their most imaginative concepts into reality and raise the bar in the use of event technology and creativity even further!

I am grateful to our clients and proud of the team for their ability to deliver great results with consistency.

Photos: MediaPro www.mediapro-av.com

ME

08

REGIONAL ROUND UP

PRG ACQUIRES UAE-BASED DELTA SOUND

Managing Director of Delta Sound Andy Jackson and PRG Middle East CEO, Peter McCann.

Production Resource Group (PRG) has confirmed the acquisition of the Middle East division of Delta Sound.

Founded in 2006, Delta Live is a specialist audio and communication company in the Gulf Region and will join forces with PRG’s operation in Dubai, forming a welcomed union between the two companies who have collaborated successfully for many years across a broad range of corporate, government and large-scale special events.

Like PRG, Delta Sound provides technical design and technology support to both local and international production houses who benefit from the high standard of service and delivery offered.

For PRG’s worldwide clients, this acquisition means that they will have access to additional expertise and technology when working with PRG in the Middle East and beyond. They can continue to be confident in the quality of product, experience, and professionalism whilst enjoying the addition of world-class event communications through the provision of fully scalable wired and wireless solutions.

“By acquiring Delta Sound, we have

ME

bolstered our existing offering for our many customers who produce events and shows internationally”, said PRG’s McCann. “I’m also delighted that this acquisition integrates comprehensive event communications into our product offering thus ensuring that we can present a truly turnkey solution to our customers and partners.

He added: “With events such as Expo 2020 on the horizon these are certainly exciting opportunities for a company that can operate at scale and this acquisition demonstrates both a significant level of commitment to the region and a continued appetite for growth.”

Andy Jackson commented: “As Delta Sound, we have worked on some of the region’s largest and highest profile productions.

“We have established a loyal client base that has become more appreciative of the standard of audio production and event communications being delivered today by Delta. Having worked closely with PRG for several years across many of these events, our partnership has naturally evolved into a trading relationship and today we solidify this to the benefit of both our clients and teams.”

It will be business as usual and Delta Sound will retain its existing operational format and be officially titled ‘PRG deltasound” during the transition process.

Stephan Paridaen, PRG’s Global President and Chief Operating Officer, concluded: “PRG and Delta Sound are extremely well positioned to provide a multi-disciplined, integrated solution.

Making the UAE Delta Sound team part of the global PRG family will be extremely valuable to our clients and this has been our top priority from the start.”

Paul Keating, Managing Director of Delta Sound UK commented: “Myself, Mark & Andy go back 40 years together and Andy has been involved with Delta since our humble beginnings back in 1988. He has done an amazing job in building and managing the business over the past 12 years.

“We have always had a very good working relationship with PRG both here in the UK and in the Middle East and this is a great fit for Delta UAE becoming part of the extended PRG family.

We very much look forward to continuing this relationship together in the future” www.prg.com

REGIONAL ROUND UP

09

RICHARD VAN NAIRN TAKES ON EXPANDED EMEA SALES ROLE During his four years in the company, Martin Audio’s Richard Van Nairn has steadily broadened his remit, and with the recent restructure of Martin Audio’s sales force, it has opened the door further for Van Nairn to bring even more territories under his management.

The restructure, which has seen Bradley Watson promoted to the new role of International Sales Director, meant many of the countries under his management has moved to Van Nairn.

Already in charge of Cyprus, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Slovenia, Estonia and the PALOPS block, Van Nairn now has responsibility for a further swathe of territories across Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Middle East (including Israel and Jordan). He also has responsibility for the whole of Africa (apart

from South Africa), including Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco.

“I feel privileged to be entrusted with so much responsibility at a time when Martin Audio’s sales are at a record high,” stated Richard Van Nairn. “The opportunity to expand the brand’s visibility in some of the lesser known parts of the world remains of paramount importance.”

Added International Sales Director, Bradley Watson: “During his time at the company Richard has been responsible for opening up a number of territories and radically improving our distributor network. He is more than capable of taking on this additional responsibility at a critical time in the company’s development.” www.martin-audio.com

Martin Audio’s Richard Van Nairn.

MUSIC & LIGHTS APPOINTS UAE DISTRIBUTOR Music & Lights has appointed Loud & Clear Audio Visual Equipment Trading as its distributor of their brands across the United Arab Emirates. With over 50 years combined experience in the live entertainment, event and installation markets with a number of awardwinning venues to their credit, the directors of Loud & Clear bring specialist technical and design knowledge to the fore ensuring products are precisely matched to clients requirements.

“By working alongside Loud & Clear Audio Visual Equipment Trading, I am confident that PROLIGHTS, DAD, TRIBE, ProAudio and PROTRUSS will become increasingly visible brands throughout the United Arab Emirates” said Fabio Sorabella, Managing Director of Music & Lights.

The relationship between Music & Lights and directors Bengan Hovgard and Ben Rogers has blossomed over the last 5 years stemming from the initial design and specification of PROLIGHTS fixtures into flagship installations in high-profile venues throughout the United Arab Emirates.

Lighting Designer and co-director of Loud & Clear, Ben M Rogers said: “I’ve always been impressed with the quality of the products and the service from the whole team in Italy whether it be on the front line from a designer angle or from a supply and innovation perspective.”

Music & Lights state-of-the-art facility.

Rogers has been actively specifying PROLIGHTS fixtures on projects throughout UAE for over 5 years and explained: “The smart industrial design, technical features and reliability of the PROLIGHTS’s range paired with superb product support and warranty deliver superb value for our clients on installations of all sizes.”

With the product ranges already delivering award-winning results for major clubs, venues, government and commercial installations the future looks bright for Bengan, Ben and the team at Loud & Clear Audio Visual Equipment Trading www.musiclights.it www.loudtech.me

ME

10

REGIONAL ROUND UP

ELECTROSONIC GROUP NAMES ITS NEW EMEA MANAGING DIRECTOR Reporting to CEO Jon Hancock, Donald Stuart joins as the company’s EMEA Managing Director.

Stuart has a long track record as a successful international chief executive.

Most recently, he was CEO of TMARA Group, an innovation management consultancy with offices in Johannesburg and London.

“We’re delighted to welcome Donald to Electrosonic’s global leadership team,” said Hancock. “Donald brings a wealth of experience across the services industry to his new pivotal role for Electrosonic Group.

The leadership skills and expertise across innovation and service transformation, which he has displayed throughout a distinguished career, made him the ideal choice to write the next chapter of Electrosonic EMEA.”

A native of South Africa with an

MBA from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, Stuart has spent his career leading professional services and technology businesses most recently at the helm of TMARA Group.

Prior to that, he held CEO positions at Brainstorm Mobile Solutions, a global mobile solutions provider; and The IQ Business Group, a Global management consulting firm and Dimensions Data.

“It’s very exciting to be joining a world leader in AV and experience and engagement solutions,” said Stuart.

“Electrosonic is world class in designing and delivering engagement solutions where people live, work and play. As the world changes how people engage with everything around them, Electrosonic will be at the forefront of enabling that world.

And that’s a very exciting space to be in.” www.electrosonic.com

Electrosonic Group’s Donald Stuart.

AUDIO-TECHNICA WELCOMES A NEW SALES DIRECTOR EMEA

Audio-Technica’s Sarah Yule.

ME

Audio-Technica Europe has welcomed appointment of Sarah Yule to the position of Sales Director EMEA. Well-known in the pro-audio and consumer electronics industry, Yule joins the company from VC-backed music creation start-up ROLI, where she was Director of Sales between 2014-2019.

Starting out as an audio engineer in her teens, Yule obtained a degree in Sound Technology from Paul McCartney’s LIPA before moving into the commercial side of the industry. She has spent the last 15 years in both international and senior sales roles at the likes of TL Audio and InMusic and at ROLI was involved in bringing the brand’s groundbreaking products to market around the world; driving an impressive growth trajectory through both CE and MI retailers such as Apple, Guitar Centre and John Lewis.

With an executive MBA from Warwick Business School and credits from both Rutgers

Business School and Bocconi School of Management, Yule plans to bring her experience and passion for all things audio and technology to Audio-Technica’s EMEA consumer and professional business.

Yule commented: “I am delighted to be joining such a respected company dedicated to creating products that are both premium quality and best-in-class. Audio-Technica is a brand with a respect for the art of sound, great history and strong heritage and I am honoured to be part of the team that will ensure it has an exciting and fruitful future for many years to come.”

Robert Morgan-Males, CEO of AudioTechnica Europe said: “Sarah is joining Audio-Technica at a fascinating time, as we’re continuing to see the lines between professional and consumer products blurred; we believe that Sarah’s experience and achievements can help drive growth across the business.” www.audio-technica.com

REGIONAL ROUND UP

11

QSC ANNOUNCES NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNER IN THE MIDDLE EAST QSC has confirmed GSL Professional will begin distributing QSC Systems and Live Sound portfolios in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including Iraq, beginning 1 July 2019.

“As QSC continues to expand the Q-SYS Ecosystem and Live Sound portfolio and focus on specific vertical markets, we look forward to working with GSL Professional to provide new and existing customers the service and support needed in order to accelerate growth in the region,” said Ron Marchant, Senior Director Sales Management, QSC EMEASA. “We want to thank our existing distribution partners SGTC Professional (Systems) and PAXT Ltd (Live Sound) for helping establish QSC as a globally recognised leader in audio, video & control solutions for business partners and end users alike.”

“QSC has a very impressive line of solutions that are dedicated to enhancing the end user experience with sophisticated digital audio, video and control platforms for a diverse range of applications,” said Adrian Curtis, Managing Director, GSL Professional. “As QSC continues to become a force in the market, GSL is the ideal partner to provide the technical expertise and design consult to ensure customers understand the breadth of the QSC portfolio while helping them

deliver real business outcomes.” www.qsc.com

unveiling a new standard of whites and colours...

prolights.it

#raisingthestandard

ME

12

REGIONAL ROUND UP

SHOWFORCE FLYS WITH BLINK IN KSA Showforce continues to provide highly experienced and capable crew within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has become to ‘go-to’ solution for crewing support within the country. Most recently they have assisted UAE based production company Blink with the delivery of the amazing AlUla Balloon Festival in AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1-9 February 2019.

The event was part of the Winter at Tantora Festival and saw 50 hot air balloons taking to the sky each morning, giving rides to festivalgoers and locals. Then in the evening when the balloons were tethered there was a beautiful ‘glow show’, utilising lighting to showcase them.

A team of 10 experienced Showforce crew chiefs and a crew manager were onsite from 26 January to 12 February. Tasked with facilitating the balloon rides; initially this involved marking out the site, creating five zones with 10 balloons in each. Two crew chiefs were allocated to each zone and worked with 20 local crew who unpacked the balloons, assisted with their set-up and tethered them prior to flight. In addition, using concrete blocks and rope, they made a 25sqm area around each balloon to allow for easy access.

The ride of 7km crossed AlUla’s stunning landscape and heritage sites like Qasr al Farid and Madin’Saleh, the second largest Nabatean city after Petra. www.showforce.com www.blinkexperience.com

ME

14

REGIONAL ROUND UP

BALLET UNDER THE STARS The Covent Garden Dance Company and Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach hosted some of the world’s most supreme ballet dancers from the greatest ballet and dance companies, for an evening at the stunning open air beachside theatre, beneath the stars.

Ballet Under The Stars was headlined by The Royal Ballet’s British Principal dancer Lauren Cuthbertson, partnered by world-famous Xander Parish, who was the first British dancer to become a Principal with The Mariinsky Ballet in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The couple were joined by a cast of renowned principal dancers from the world’s greatest companies that include Staatsballett Berlin, The Royal Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Spanish National Ballet and many more.

The magical evening comprised of three halfchour performances, each section of performance containing four short works between the three gourmet dining courses curated by the culinary masters of Four Seasons Dubai. Guests arrived and

ME

received a welcome drink at a pre-show reception, before being shown to their table in the garden theatre of the stunning Four Seasons beachfront grounds.

Following the show there was a post-show reception where the artists and production team were joined by the guests for drinks.

Being held in association with Spinneys Dubai, The Covent Garden Dance Company’s Ballet under the Stars is a unique and brilliant style of ballet and dance dinner theatre. This star-studded company performed a range of works, from the deeply classical to the gorgeously contemporary and much, much more.

World renowned dance floor manufacturer Harlequin Floors have provided the sprung dance floor for the event via their Dubai distributor IRL Flooring. Harlequin dance floors are the choice of dancers at the world’s leading venues, from the Royal Opera House, the Bolshoi Theatre, Paris

Opera Ballet to The Royal Opera House, Muscat. IRL are trusted partners of Harlequin

Floors, and can supply and install Harlequin performance flooring to schools, dance studios and venues anywhere in the UAE. www.harlequinfloors.com

REGIONAL ROUND UP

15

SENNHEISER LAUNCHES IE 400 PRO AND IE 500 PRO IN-EAR MONITORS IN MIDDLE EAST Following its unveiling at CABSAT earlier this month, Sennheiser has confirmed the availability of the IE 400 PRO and IE 500 PRO in the Middle East. The latest members of Sennheiser’s family of professional in-ear monitors offer natural, high-resolution sound, a secure and comfortable fit that comes close to custom-moulded in-ears and a break-proof, patent-pending cable connection.

“For the IE 400 PRO and IE 500 PRO, we have reinvented the single dynamic driver principle.

Other in-ears in the same price range work on the balanced armature principle, which we find to be inferior to a wideband dynamic driver,” explained Jannik Schentek, product manager at Sennheiser. “Balanced armature earphones – a technology borrowed from hearing aids where small packages are crucial – require multiple drivers to reproduce the frequency range, and this may lead to cross-over effects and phase differences between the individual drivers. The IE 400 PRO and the IE 500 PRO, on the other hand, use a single high-performance dynamic driver that covers the entire frequency range with ease, resulting in a distortion-free, detailed and accurate sound reproduction.”

The single-driver technology, termed TrueResponse, ensures a completely natural, clear and spacious sound stage with a total harmonic

distortion (THD) as low as under 0.08% at 1 kHz and 94 dB. When the sound is so precise and detailed, the acoustical stress for the wearer is reduced, and they discover that they can set their monitors to a lower level. Even so, the sound still has punch – even in the loudest of surroundings.

This enables musicians to critically monitor their sound and to fully concentrate on their performance.

With the driver measuring only 7mm in diameter, the IE 400 PRO and IE 500 PRO feature a comfortable ear mould, which is ergonomically shaped, has a low profile and is extremely lightweight.

The in-ears come with silicone ear adapters in various sizes and a pair of special ear tips made from memory foam, which expand to perfectly fit the ear canal. In addition, the earphones’ sound tunnel has two rest positions to attach the ear tips too, to accommodate the variances in length of human ear canals.

This results in a secure and comfortable fit that comes very close to custom-made ear moulds. Moreover, the perfect sealing provides powerful bass reproduction and a reduction in ambient sound by up to 26 dB, protecting the wearer against excessive stage sound.

Like every in-ear in this professional series, the IE 400 PRO and IE 500 PRO are fitted with a

break-proof inner cable duct (patent pending), that has the cable’s sturdy anti-kink sleeve sit directly on the ear mould, providing a longlasting solution for the rigours of stage use. For easy distinction, the right ear mould has a red ring at its cable connection.

Both new models have a detachable cable with a reinforced ear hook. While the IE 400 PRO comes with a black, straight cable, the IE 500 PROs are fitted with a clear, twisted-pair cable which provides optimised resistance to structureborne noise.

Commenting on the difference in sound between the two models, Jannik Schentek said: “The biggest difference is in the mids, really.

Between 1 and 2.5 kHz, the IE 500 PRO has more presence and sounds much more direct, thus opening up a very wide and deep sound stage that allows artists to more easily localise themselves in the mix. Furthermore, it has a wider frequency response and a few extra dBs of sound pressure level – which can be crucial on loud stages.”

Both models are available in a clear and smoky black version. They come complete with a handy transport case, memory foam and silicone ear tips, a cleaning tool, and a 3.5 mm (1/8”) to 6.3 mm (1/4”) jack adaptor. www.sennheiser.com

ME

16

REGIONAL ROUND UP

GLOBAL INFUSION GROUP PARTNERS FOODIE BRANDS CATERING SERVICES

Tony Laurenson and Kareem Abughazaleh.

GIG, an award-winning caterer and a division of Global Infusion Group, expands into the United Arab Emirates following the completion of a joint venture agreement with Foodie Brands Catering Services, the Dubai-based food production and catering company.

The two catering experts have combined their respective skills and expertise to launch GIG Catering Services, which will provide high-end food, beverage and hospitality services to the UAE market.

A key focus of GIG Catering Services will be to provide dedicated catering and hospitality solutions to EXPO 2020, the world expo that will see more than 190 countries participate and

welcome millions of visitors to Dubai from 20 October 2020 until 10 April 2021.

Tony Laurenson, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Infusion Group, commented on the new venture: “Following our successful appointment as the exclusive caterer for UK Pavilion at EXPO 2020 growing demand from clients, it made perfect business sense for GIG to partner with Foodie Brands and open an operation in the UAE. We recognised the same passion and drive to deliver premium event catering, food production and service in Foodie Brands that we pride ourselves on. GIG Catering Services will combine our skills with those of Foodie Brands in order to deliver world-class

culinary expertise in the region.”

It is EXPO 2020’s vision to develop local and regional economic impact and spur social development. The creation of GIG Catering Services LLC will only add to the UAE’s long-term strategy and drive to develop local and regional interests in co-operation with high-level local partners.

Laurenson continued: “GIG Catering Services LLC will be led by a dynamic team of catering professionals with years of food, event and hospitality experience. It will utilise an established HACCP-certified (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) production kitchen in Al Quoz, Dubai, and will be supported by excellent logistics management, first-class approach to operations and professional standards at all times.

“By combining the expertise of GIG and Foodie Brands, GIG Catering Services LLC is well placed to provide organisers, clients, agencies and organisations with memorable experiences, coupled with a perfect blend of innovation, creativity and excellent service.”

Kareem Abughazaleh, CEO of Foodie Brands added: “Being in a position to partner with a company of Global Infusion Group’s global stature is an exciting step for everyone within Foodie Brands and something that the team is incredibly proud of. We’re confident that we will be able to provide world class support and added value to all future projects in the region. www.globalinfusiongroup.com www.foodiebrands.com

THE HARLEQUIN ARENA GROUP ADOPTS THE TITLE OF ARENA MIDDLE EAST & ASIA The Harlequin Arena Group, Asia Tents Arena & Arena Hong Kong has rebranded to the title of Arena Middle East & Asia.

A spokesperson for Harlequin Arena Group commented on the merger: “Each of our regional offices will continue to design and deliver temporary event environments with the same passion and to the same exemplary standard that you’re used to.

However, we’re proud to be a member of

ME

the world-renowned Arena Group and of our global capabilities, and we feel that this should be represented more clearly in our name and branding.

More information on the Arena Middle East & Asia regional offices and the Arena Group globally can be found on our brandnew website along with details of what we’ve been up to recently throughout the region.” www.arenamea.com

REGIONAL ROUND UP

17

Felix Erdmann and Jens Giessler.

N&M APPOINTS NEW MANAGEMENT TO OVERSEE THE RAPID GROWTH OF THE UAE MARKET Neumann&Müller Event Technology welcomes Felix Erdmann as its new General Manager and Jens Giessler as its senior partner of the group to preside over the UAE division.

Erdmann and Giessler will take full responsibility as the general managers following Rick Wade’s decision to move on to new challenges outside of N&M’s core business.

Commenting on Wade’s leaving, was Managing Director of the group, Alex Ostermaier.

“We are very grateful for Rick’s contributions to building and leading the UAE venture for over eight years,” he commented. “He has been a key player in the company’s achievements in this region. On behalf of the entire team, I wish him well and success for the future. We took Rick’s decision as an opportunity to refine responsibilities in the management”.

In 2018, this office has become the core of two business units - events rental and system

integration. The new management structure enables the company to effectively enhance the quality of customer service in order to provide the best possible solutions with regards to market demands. The presence of the two executives here in the region allows the local operation to have the continuing ability to connect with senior management easily and collaborate creatively with international branches, which leads to faster decision making while providing greater client experience.

The transformation of the local workforce is part of the company’s strategy to streamline the workflow process and align the UAE operations to the group’s systems and international processes, aiming to effectively manage the rapid development of the business and the challenges of future projects—outstanding productions and major events such as the EXPO 2020 Dubai.

Felix Erdmann came on board six years ago as a project manager. He quickly gained the trust of the senior management and last year became the head of the new business unit, “System Integration”, after delivering successful projects such as the very prestigious expo pavilions— Astana Sphere “Nur Alem”, Energy Best Practice, Shell, Austrian and the multi-award-winning German pavilion—at the Expo 2017 Astana, in Kazakhstan.

Jens Giessler, on the other hand, is a senior partner and a board member of the N&M group of companies. He has been with N&M for over twenty years looking after the accounts of the important clients as well as driving the sales force. His experience will sustain the business to achieve the company’s vision for efficient and optimum customer service and long-term success in the Middle East region. www.neumannmueller.com

ME

18

TECH PROFILE

TPMEA AWARDS 2019 THE ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT RETURNS TO DUBAI TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE OUTSTANDING PROJECTS AND INDIVIDUALS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST’S LIVE EVENTS INDUSTRY.

Back by popular demand, TPMEA Magazine returns with the second instalment of the highly-anticipated TPMEA Awards. Taking place on the 24 April in Dubai, the event presents an opportunity for guests to network with industry colleagues and pay tribute to a selection of individuals, as the Middle East events season draws to a close.

This year’s ceremony follows a similar format to 2018s inaugural event, which saw 400 guests gather in Lock Stock & Barrell JBR The Walk at the Jumeriah Beach in Dubai. This year, TPMEA takes over a new space with the Awards - taking residency in the Hard Rock Café Dubai.

Earlier this year, the Middle East live events community came together to put forward the individuals who make up this

ME

year’s shortlist and following a voting process over a selection of months.

As well as a new venue, this year’s event will also see the introduction of new Awards categories, including: Technical Director of the Year, Temporary Structure Project Manager of the Year, and Temporary Power Supplier Engineer. The Awards, which include categories such as Production Coordinator of the Year, Lighting Engineer of the Year and Lighting Designer of the Year, have been voted for by industry insiders.

The only exception to the public vote is the Outstanding Event Production, The TPMEA AV Industry Recognition Award, and the EINO Backstage Award, which have been put forward by a panel of industry experts.

A full list of the 2019 shortlist can be

found on the next page. Awards sponsors include SES, Gulf Crewing Company, EFM Global Logistics, Creative Technology, PROLIGHTS, Robe, Sennheiser, Delta Sound (now part of Production Resource Group), Protec and Prolyte.

Tickets are still available at the cost 250 AED with proceedings begin at 19.00 and end at 22.00. The event includes an open bar and buffet.

For further updates and to keep posted on the event you can follow TPMEA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn: @TPMEA.

The TPMEA team look forward to seeing you there! www.tpmeaawards.com

EVENTS. ENHANCED. From customized design solutions to maximize live performances, projection mapping for mesmerizing visuals, and powerful sound systems that deliver rich acoustics – InfoComm has the latest innovations to take your live events experience to the next level.

Learn more about the power of integrated AV experiences at infocommshow.org.

YOUR FREE EXHIBIT HALL PASS IS WAITING Register Today With VIP Code TPMEA

CONFERENCE: JUNE 8-14 EXHIBITS: JUNE 12-14 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER ORLANDO, FLORIDA

infocommshow.org

www.tpmeaawards.com

Recognising Production Talent In The Middle East

24 APRIL 2019

Hard Rock Café, Festival City Mall, Dubai

CATEGORY SPONSORS SES

The Power Specialists

SES Global FZC

The Nominees Production Manager of the Year

Production Coordinator of the Year

Lighting Engineer of the Year

Sponsored by PRG deltasound Samantha Stacey Roy Zaidan Sonu Balchandani Helen Dale

Richelle Villar Candice Dalziel Chantel van As Zain Zaidi

Sponsored by ProLights Miguel Paris Stephen Hedges John Pathrose George Papageorgiou

Lighting Designer of the Year

Live Audio Engineer of the Year

Corporate Audio Engineer of the Year

Sponsored by Robe Middle East Aaron Russ Craig Ralph Paul Coopes Semynov D’Souza

Sponsored by Sennheiser Ethan Curry Nitin Kurup Christopher McAleese Ryan Kearns

Shelton Fernandes Miguel Osorio Wissam Shaheen Ed Ross

Video Engineer of the Year

Rigger of the Year

SFX Engineer of the Year

Sponsored by Creative Technology Richard Bearpark Scott Walker Thomas Evans Giorgio Devecchi Chris Whimbush Thomas Stocks

Sponsored by Prolyte Group Shane Manning Ryan D’Cunha Sascha Milde Artem Schneider

Hanre Rossouw Michael Hilgemann Piotr Szablowski Sergey Lomadze

Technical Director of the Year

AV Project Manager of the Year

Site Infrastructure Manager of the Year

Peter Herring Nick Groves Thorsten Dolinski Alex Wuerfel

Johnny Mitchell Daniel Hughes Mirco Resta Christian Eberlein

Marek Sobolewksi Johnny Trichard Marko Mitrovic Andrew McLeod

Temporary Structure Project Manager of the Year

Temporary Power Supply Engineer

Event Project Manager of the Year

Sponsored by SES Vincent Davies David Angelini Kenny O’Neil Aaron Lewis

Tessa Sprangemejier Michelle Stock Sajid Sayeed Ceirah Hutchison

Entertainment Manager of the Year

Outstanding Event Production (Non voting Award)

The EINO Backstage Award (Non voting Award)

Brian Cunliffe Nabin Kumar Rene Karnahl Richard Lucking

Peter Green Lucy Magee Dean Scott Elia Mssawir

The TPMEA AV Industry Recognition Award (Non voting Award)

For sponsorship opportunities and to book tickets, please contact Hannah Eakins (h.eakins@mondiale.co.uk) or Justin Gawne (j.gawne@mondiale.co.uk).

SUPPORTERS

DRINKS SPONSOR

22

TECH PROFILE

BRINGING THE SOUND OF UNITY TO THE UAE IN LINE WITH THE REGION’S YEAR OF TOLERANCE AND SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF INTERFAITH RELATIONS - DUBAI-BASED DELTA SOUND PROVIDES AUDIO INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A SELECTION OF THE PONTIFF, POPE FRANCIS’ APPEARANCES TO ABU DHABI.

The Pope’s recent UAE tour included three official engagements including a rare display of Christian worship in the Muslim-majority region with a Papal Mass at Zayed Sports City Stadium for 135,000 people as well as official visits at the Presidential Palace and The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi.

The Pope was officially welcomed by horsemounted guards, the UAE’s military marching band, an artillery salute and a military flyover trailing the yellow and white smoke of the Vatican flag as he arrived at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi.

The visit, which was historically the first by the Roman Catholic Church leader to the Arabian Peninsula, was celebrated by the UAEs unique population of people from a large mix of nationalities, races and religions who have come to call the UAE their home. Dubai-based audio and event communications specialist Delta Sound were commissioned to provide coverage across all three events.

A discreet audio system was required for this occasion, the full PA system was operated

ME

wirelessly with Delta Sound deploying a series of L-Acoustic Kara and SB28’s draped to blend into the surrounding structures. A variety of mics with an RF base were used for the marching band, as no cable mics were able to be used in the space.

Lead Engineer Mahesh Ramdin was on site.

He picked up the story: “The main challenge was a two-metre-high, sub-surface ground-based air-condition system which we needed to work through for the musicians as they moved across it.” He began, adding, “Our configuration handled it well and the result was refined.”

One of the Pope’s most significant appearances was at an interfaith meeting at The Founders Memorial with His Holiness and notable figures from the UAE, including Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sign a commemorative stone at The Founders Memorial (TFM). The event required impeccable sound and a quality delivery for the PA and the event communications.

TFM’s onsite Audio Project Manager was James Ghamlouch. He said: “Having worked at the inauguration of the memorial we are familiar with the acoustics and the infrastructure

at the site. This allowed us to provide the PA specification for the meeting,” he commented.

The rig consisted of 12 L-Acoustics K2s, 8 SB28s subwoofers and 42 5XT loudspeakers. The main control was run through LA Network manager on an Avid S6L. Ghamlouch continued: “Throughout the tiered seating we deployed 6 ground stacked L-Acoustics K2s and 4 SB28s subs per-side. The delay system was 42 5XTs divided across seven audience rows.”

The event communications consisted of wireless and wired comms for the production and show-calling teams. “We supplied a number of digital DP4400 Motorola Radios, ClearCom Helix wired comms and ClearCom Freespeak II wireless packs for the show-callers and stage managers,” said Technical Manager Liam McGrath.

The UAE’s first ever Papal Mass was a widely anticipated event with thousands of worshippers converging on Zayed Sports City Stadium to witness the Pontiff’s historical Mass. With a very short lead-time for preparation of only three weeks (something typical in the UAE)

TECH PROFILE

Delta Sound’s Managing Director Andy Jackson and Head of Engineering Al Woods, designed a methodology based on the brief set by the client, drawing on their knowledge and familiarity of the venue.

Interestingly, the Delta Sound crew had rolled into the build for the Papal event straight off the back of the Asian Football Confederation Final which took place only hours before at the same stadium. Without a break in its presence on-site ,the team and some system components were mobilised immediately.

Overseeing as audio project manager on site, Woods said: “We literally hit the ground running, our forward planning and prep paid off and our guys were able to streamline our operations into the next event.”

Delta Sound deployed its high-end L-Acoustics speaker stock, combining K1, K2, Kiva and Kara. The PA positions were dictated by site lines, utilising 4 flown hangs of L-Acoustics K1 over K2 from masts, covering the pitch and lower seating and the arcs covering the mid and upper bowl. Due to the seating configuration, the sound design challenges were tackled head-on.

“The PA positions were difficult to time align and the roof flown PA also added additional issues as the azimuth of these hangs again did not always triangulate correctly with the PA on the field,” commented Woods. “We ran K1 and K2 main hangs and in fills with subs and ground stacked rear Kara fills. Kiva front fills were set into the stage and 20 hangs of four arcs were flown from the roof of the stadium for the upper and lower bowl.

23

“The arrangement worked really well.”

The event communications delivery involved stadium-wide FreeSpeak coverage and additional infrastructure. Communications Project Manager Bob Turner explained: “We opted for ClearCom FreeSpeak II packs across the production team to service the event. “The team at NMK Electronics also supplied us with a delta frame to accommodate the show.”

“Our clients have their reputations to protect, as do we at Delta Sound,” concluded Jackson. “It was an honour to be involved in such an historic event for the people of the UAE and it’s nice to put another feather of this magnitude in our cap.”

Delta Sound LLC is now part of the Production Resource Group LLC. Photo: Delta Sound

ME

24

TECH FOCUS

THE EVENT SAFETY SHOP REFLECTS ON FORMULA E CULTURAL BOUNDARIES EXPAND ACROSS THREE NIGHTS OF GROUNDBREAKING MUSIC IN SUPPORT OF THE INAUGURAL FORMULA E RACE IN RIYAD, SAUDI ARABIA. DIRECTOR TIM ROBERTS OF THE EVENT SAFETY SHOP TALKS TO TPMEA ABOUT ITS ROLE IN THE PRODUCTION...

The Saudi General Sporting Administration (GSA) commissioned the inaugural Saudi Ad Diriya E Prix Festival celebration, featuring three nights of concerts running alongside the Formula E track and eVillage offering. This was a multiple first time event - in that it was Saudi Arabia’s first large outdoor multi-day concert, and more so. The GSA and higher Saudi authorities were determined to provide a concert spectacle with mixed audience and full cultural content.

The Event Safety Shop (TESS) has supplied qualified health and safety professionals across the globe to sports, music and cultural events since 2000. This event highlighted how its service has expanded, becoming interwoven into the

ME

production fabric and cultural wellbeing of an event, to ensure its success. Director Tim Roberts was the company’s lead on this event. “This was the first race of 2019 season and the first time Formula E had been to Saudi,” he told TPMEA. “It featured a new course, new car designs and new sponsors, which all brought additional complexities for the race organisers, such as the new street-race track waiting for motorsports’ governing body, the FIA, to authorise while we were undertaking the production build.

“That was a considerable congregation of firsts, all part of the cultural progression being encouraged by the Crown Prince to liberalise the country, which is particularly relevant against

the current international backdrop of political scrutiny. Bringing electric cars to oil rich Saudi reflects suggests leaders looking to the postcarbon economy. To complement the circuit action, we supported the local promoters and helped create an arena for 22,000, with extensive technical production for an event that had no predecessor in the country.”

TESS was contracted to provide a range of event health safety and production assistance services, working very closely with Jim Digby of US company Show Makers – the overall show producer, looking after artists and technical production. Roberts continued: “Jim is a stakeholder in TESS USA, so we are used to

TECH FOCUS

25

Hannah Charlton, Matt Norman, Joe Skarz, Jimmy Chan, Chalki White, Missy Algood, Justin Argent, Tim Roberts, Jim Digby, Irfan Shukat, Adam Blaxter, Doug Bruce.

working together. There were many uncertain factors around this kind of event and our role, role evolved over three main phases; the preplanning, the production build (and derig) and the operational delivery of the event.” TESS’s Adam Blaxter spent several weeks on site in advance of the event looking at the bigger strategic picture as a part of the main team covering a wide range of logistics, safety and production activities. “He saw the site literally grow out of bare earth to tarmac to stage to show,” joked Roberts.

With the lack of an established live events sector in Saudi, TESS was one of many international companies bringing its event expertise to the country, with most of the production hardware coming from Dubai. PRG supplied lights and screens, Delta the sound, AES the staging, Aggreko the power and GCC the crew. Roberts described the team’s professionalism: “Working practices across the board were exemplary, and all the vendors stepped up to provide a first-class service. Preplanning with the local promoter and Jim Digby had gone really well, but we had no idea how the crowd would behave, having the first large-scale outdoor rock and roll show. We were really aware of the need for effective crowd management

and the ability to respond to anything that might come up. Luckily we had the benefit of Mark Logan bringing a team of Showsec’s finest to help with planning, contingency and artist security.

The Showsec team acted as mentors to local security and provided a huge degree of assurance with their quiet professionalism.

“We had literally no idea how the crowds would behave – or if they’d even turn up to all three nights, be early, be late, quiet or boisterous.

I made sure I was out in the arena when we first opened, and everyone came in very orderly and stood around quietly. Then pretty much as soon as the first act came on there was an instant transformation from quiet anticipation to joyous.

The reception was stunning each night.”

The first night featured Enrique Iglesias and Jason Derulo, then came the Black Eyed Peas and Egypt’s Amr Diab. Finally to close out the evening it was the turn of One Republic and David Guetta.

Roberts added: “There was a new visa system just put in place in Saudi Arabai to promote easier access for tourists and foreign visitors, Jim (Digby) and Adam were amongst the first to use the print-at-home visa!”

Blaxter continued: “The new fast-track visa system was another uncertainty in this project but it worked very well, which even the local

officials seemed relieved at.

“Once on the ground, our first task was to build relationships, common understanding and bridges between the Formula E, GSA and Blink Experience, the overall site principal contractor.

Then it was to assess the lay of the land and find out how things work as you would in any new territory not used to hosting this kind of event.

The event also had local security on site for the build. “We were aware there was a good opportunity to skill share and up-skill them during the build,” commented Blaxter. “Mark (Logan) and his team did very well – and they were quickly on the ball – telling us all to put on Hi Viz as we came in through the production gate.

As with most shows there were curve balls, such as swapping out main LED screens just a day or two before the show, and generators giving grief just as the doors opened. But it all got sorted, in the nick of time.”

In the end a ground-breaking show was delivered to an ecstatic audience. There was not one moment of trouble or unruly behaviour and people seemed genuinely delighted to have a concert industry developing in their own territory.

Photos: TESS www.the-eventsafetyshop.co.uk

ME

26

ME

TECH PROFILE

TECH PROFILE

27

REDFESTDXB A MAJOR DATE IN THE UAE MUSIC FESTIVAL CALENDAR, REDFESTDXB RETURNS TO THE CITY FOR TWO DAYS OF POPULAR MUSIC AND GROUNDBREAKING PRODUCTION VALUES...

ME

28

TECH PROFILE

Marking one of the region’s biggest weekends, 20,000 music enthusiasts flocked to the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on the 14-15 February to witness the 6th edition of RedFestDXB.

Founded by Done Events in 2013, Virgin Radio RedFestDXB has steadily become one of the UAE’s premier hit music festivals. Officially launched in 2014 with headliners The Lumineers and Jessie J taking to the main stage, the event has now aligned itself as a major player in Dubai’s critically acclaimed music festival portfolio.

Over the last five years, RedFestDXB has also been privy to artists like Demi Lovato, Sean Paul, Mike Posner, The Script, G-Eazy, Bastille, Rita Ora, Kesha, and Fifth Harmony hit the main stage.

While DJ sets have included some of the world’s biggest – Marshmello, The Chainsmokers and Steve Aoki.

On stage in 2019, fans were able to see globally recognised artists such as Jonas Blue, G-Eazy and DJ Snake on Thursday, whereas Friday welcomed Camila Cabello, Macklemore, Jax Jones and Lea Makhoul - among many other acclaimed musical acts.

ME

ALL EVENTS SERVICES Ensured with setting the stage was All Events Services, brought into the fold by Done Events and RedFestDXB organisers. Collectively, the company providing the full stage and temporary structure overlay for the entirety of the two-day event. As a focal point of the structure setup for three of the last six RedFestDXB festivals, the company has overseen build requirements change each time as the organisers look to impress each year.

The coverage included a double-tiered central VIP deck with extended balcony on top elevation. Two double-tiered VIP deck wings, two main entrance archways at FOH and scaffold light towers. On the floor and a Mojo Barriers partition separated the Red Pit and Red Fans areas.

AES also covered the festival in providing two mini arches for Red Pit and Red Fans areas, the stepped decks for sponsor concessions, Heras fencing, police barriers as well as perimeter scaffolding and a sheet metal wall.

The AES Main Stage was a beacon of light this year with the setup of over 30 tonnes of

LED screens hanging from the roof. This year, the festival played host to an enormous 41.5m x 1m LED backdrop for the stage’s header, resulting in a radiant and vivid light spectacle.

MEDIAPRO INTERNATIONAL The red glow at dusk from the LEDs on stage made way for the perfect backdrop for MediaPro International. Having worked on the event last year, Jinesh Nair, Director of MediaPro International talked about how this project came about and what it meant to be involved in the annual festival. “We delivered complete technical production for lighting, rigging, trussing and video with cameras. The overall stage and design were also done by MediaPro with the collaboration of Done Event,” he said.

Almost no elements from last year’s production was reused. Nair explained: “The concept and design started all over from scratch with the latest gear and technology. There were no specific goals in mind, just bigger, better and different than last year and also the previous years.”

TECH PROFILE

On the lighting side, 48 Robe MegaPointes were the unrivalled “workhorse fixture” of the rig as “they are just an amazing hybrid fixture” which complemented 78 Claypaky Sharpys, 22 Claypaky Scenius Profiles and 19 Claypaky B-Eye K20 washes to create “a perfect wash and beam combo” of moving heads lights, according to Nair.

To enhance on-stage looks, 28 Pixarc lighting fixtures along with 19 Molefay 4-Way Blinders were deployed. Nair reflected on the reception of the lighting rig. “Overall the guest performers were extremely happy with our rig and had no real additions as everything they would want was already in the rig, moving floor lights on wheels gave each headliner a bit of a different look and feel, and they were happy with that.”

For control, MediaPro International provided 2 full sized MA Lighting grandMA2s. While the backbone of the system featured the company’s new Luminex AV network and 3 grandMA2 NPUs.

For video, some artists brought their own content and VJs. Nair talked through the media servers which were used to deal with the backend video and why it was the right choice for the

project.

Nair explained: “A mixture of Resolume Arena 6 and WATCHOUT multi-screen and mapping software, media servers were utilised at the back end. We also had 3 x Ascenders 48PL (4K) at the front end as we used a 4K canvas for all content to enrich the overall experience. It made for a good system without any flaws. All the controls was provided by MediaPro International”

MediaPro International specified two types of LED reaching 500sqm - which consisted of 8.33 Glowshine Outdoor screens, complimented by a curved 4.8 Absen outdoor LED screens. “It was so bright that we had to dim down to 30% for show,” Nair commented.

With expertise in the pre-production stages of the event, the MediaPro International team faced no challenges during the technical build.

However, its biggest obstacle was always “time and weather”, as Nair furthered: “We had major wind gusts while onsite, so we had to ensure that everything was safe and braced correctly to ensure the safety of our crew, artists and the audience.”

29

Nair reflected: “It was a great event bringing ages from old to young together for one big celebration, making sure that the worlds know that Dubai, Done Events and MediaPro knows how to put on a world class production which everyone can enjoy. The result speaks for itself.”

STAGE FX & LASER FX To enhance the crowd’s excitement, Stage FX supplied an impressive line-up of special effects equipment fit for the sixth edition of RedFestDXB.

The SFX package contained flames, CO2 jets, pyro, sparkular singles and triples, which in combination were used to create a stunning visual spectacle for festival-goers to enjoy.

For festival equipment, Stage FX supplied Galaxis G-Flames, CO2 Jets and Sparkulars.

DJ Snake’s pyro was specified as per their rider, with some colour variations. Additional coverage came in the shape of CO2 jets and G-Flames.

Jax Jones’ pyro featured comets with some colour variations - while Mackelmore’s set included a waterfall with comets as substitute

ME

30

TECH PROFILE

to air bursts. Extras featured a Squall CO2 T-Shirt Cannon.

Macklemore’s extras included an extra allowance for flames. Whereas Camila Cabello’s extras included Ultratec Low Smoke Generator.

Working alongside Stage FX, was Laser FX that supplied a Pangolin Laser Controller, 30w RYGB Phaenon Lasers, MDG M3e Fog Machine & Fan, RGB OPS Lasers.

Laser FX’s fixtures were controlled from a custom controller running Pangolin Beyond 4.0.

Meanwhile, for Stage FX control, the team used a ChamSys MagicQ MQ80 desk. Oliver Yates, Head of Lasers at Laser FX met with each artist’s LD and VJ to set looks and cues. Having worked with DJ Snake’s crew on several occasions he already knew DJ Snake’s laser looks.

Despite the successful outing, both departments had to overcome major challenges in the build of the show. Arran Hopkins, Managing Director, Laser FX stated: “As the design was already full of LED and lighting, it was a challenge to place lasers creatively where we wanted especially around the automated trussing.”

Two members from both Laser FX and Stage FX crew members were deployed to the Media City Amphitheatre in Dubai. Its usual high standards regarding health and safety maintained by all of its staff in operating the equipment to fulfil all the safety requirements.

ME

Arran Hopkins, Stage FX General Manager, concluded: “We supplied a wide variety of SFX which was complemented perfectly by our lasers.

Our special effects played an integral part in amplifying the thrill of the audience’s experience.

It’s always a pleasure working with Done Events and we are immensely proud to be a part of their phenomenal show.”

BYRNE EQUIPMENT RENTAL Providing a mix of mechanical and nonmechanical equipment along with support services was Byrne Equipment Rental. This included; cabins, green rooms, police/CD/ security, box offices and token booths. On site offices, canteen, ablutions were also covered all the way down to lighting towers and picnic benches.

Having been on site at the Amphitheatre in Media City from the beginning of the 2018 events season, Byrne had to reposition production offices, bars and ticket booths to cater for RedFestDXB organisers’ layout requirements.

Additionally, from a safety aspect, the team also replaced its Heras fencing perimeter with structural walls to reduce any security issues.

As the VIP structure, toilets, fast food outlets and water/waste tanks were not part of the initial set up, the grandstand was already built allowing for the crew to bring a 100 tonne crane to site to

install the units required.

Marko Mitrovic, Byrne Events Manager UAE and KSA stated: “Byrne was involved in the preplanning meetings and the site design it meant a smooth installation and setup while also liaising with the relevant authorities for application and issuance of any transport permits required and work in accordance with any road restrictions.”

Byrne have been providing equipment to RedFestDXB for a number of years now, and with that came an understanding of the client needs and requirements, as Mitrovic described: “We work hard to maintain expectations regarding budget and delivery schedules,” he continued: “RedFest has grown from strength to strength over the years. The festivals target audience is young adults, giving Dubai the fresh, dynamic and community feel.”

Another well executed Project, still keeping Dubai on the events industry map. Mitrovic had the last word: “It is always a pleasure to work with Done Events and we look forward to next year.”

Photos: Virgin Radio RedFestDXB and Done Events. www.redfestdxb.com www.doneevents.com www.aes.ae www.mediapro-av.com www.stagefx.ae www.laserfx.ae www.byrnerental.com

As seen

After the successful introduction in 2016, the Verto truss is a hit. It is a revolutionary system, making truss connection fast, silent and safe.

This year Prolyte introduces two new series: Verto H40V and Verto H40R. www.prolyte.com/verto40series

Building your LED screen from ground level is now easy, with Prolyte’s Universal LED Stack system (LSU), a very stable system to support you LED screens in various configurations and offers flexibility in height as well as width. www.prolyte.com/LSU

nd

on

P r o li g

ht

+ Sou

The dimensions of LED systems often cause either unbalanced loading or unstable LED walls. The new Prolyte Middle Beam truss series keep the total load in the middle of the truss section and guarantee safe and easy suspension of LED walls. www.prolyte.com/MBtrusses

Helping you build great things www.prolyte.com

facebook.com/Prolytegroup

Instagram.com/prolytegroup

32

TECH PROFILE

SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES TECHNICAL SUPPLIERS FROM FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE REGION UNITE TO BRING THE ANNUAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMPETITION TO ABU DHABI FOR THE FIRST TIME. TPMEA TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PRODUCTION VALUES OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS’ OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES.

ME

TECH PROFILE

For over 50 years, the Special Olympics organisation has worked tirelessly to provide year-round sports training and competing to men and women with intellectual disabilities giving them continuing opportunities.

However, the annual competition has come a long way since its early roots back on a Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois back in 1968 and is now a global spectacle. It is now cited as one of the world’s largest humanitarian sporting event and a global movement, which focuses on the empowerment of People of Determination with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport.

This year, following a bidding campaign led by The Crown Prince Court, saw Abu Dhabi

successfully be awarded the hosting medal. The Crown Prince Court led the winning bid efforts with a mission to promote positive social change for people with intellectual disabilities and create a more inclusive society. The Crown Prince Court’s bid was very much in line with its mission to promote positive social change for people with intellectual disabilities within the region. In fact, last year H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, with the hope to be a bridge of communication between people of different cultures in a respectful environment that rejects extremism and emphasises on the acceptance of the other.

For both the opening and closing ceremonies, the organisers made a temporary

33

home in the city’s Zayed Sports City Stadium.

During the opening and closing ceremonys, all 7,500 athletes from 190 nations were treaded to two lavish opening ceremonies with celebrities from around the world came to give the audience and athletes a show they would never forget with performances from the Global Unified Choir, DJ Paul Oakenfold, Avril Lavigne and Luis Fonsi to name a few.

LIGHTING & RIGGING Commissioned by People, illuminating the proceedings was eclipse who provided an impressive array of fixtures throughout the venue for both events. eclipse Staging Services’ Project Manager, Duncan Shortt spoke about the various

ME

34

TECH PROFILE

challenges that arose in the project: “In terms of challenges, beyond the duration of the build running up to the opening ceremony, there was a major overhaul and redesign of the stage and scenic elements prior to the closing ceremony.

Collectively, this involved 24-hour work across all departments of the event to facilitate the change around, and allow for the technical creative team to then reprogram and choreograph a spectacle fit to be televised on the world stage.”

Designed by dbnAudile’s Lead Lighting Designer, Stephen Page, the lighting rig for the event consisted of an impressive array of over 800 lighting fixtures. From the Claypaky range, there were around 60 Scenius Unicos, 100 Mythos 2, as well as Sharpys and Super Sharpys.

There were also Spots, Profiles and Washes from the Alpha 1500 stable.

Robe brought a further 80 BMFL Blades and 50 Robin 150 LED Beams with Vari-Lite, Martin

ME

by Harman and SGM bringing a further 100 VL3500 Wash FX, MAC Auras and P5 LED Floods respectively, all controlled from a network of 5 MA Lighting grandMA2 consoles.

The lighting team comprised around 10 technicians, on night and day rotation covering about 18 hours a day on site to maintain and manage the continuous functionality of the lighting rig in quite testing atmospheric conditions over a six-week period to see things through to the end of the closing ceremony.

For rigging, eclipse’s offerings included the provision and installation of the rigging infrastructure for all the lighting, audio and video components. In total it supplied over 120 motors as well as deploying high-speed winches to move LED panels while the main LED screen was built to a height of approximately 20m. “Health and safety was of utmost importance,” remarked Duncan. “Ensuring that the event achieves the highest HSE standards, People drafted in the

support of Gallowglass to manage the Stadium side work, and Flash Entertainment ran the overall Special Olympics site infrastructure, including a separate set of HSE inductions.”

Duncan gave his final thoughts on the event. He commented: “The Special Olympics has been touted as the single biggest event the UAE has ever hosted, and so to play such a major supporting role in the opening and closing ceremonies is a great privilege and a very rewarding experience. Our crew worked day and night to keep everything at the highest possible level of production.”

VIDEO Creative Technology (CT) worked alongside client People to deliver all live video aspects of both the opening and closing ceremony for this prestigious and heart-warming event.

CT supplied a 600sqm upstage screen, a total of 270sqm relay screens, 580sqm LED Floor,

TECH PROFILE

90sqm tracking screen, and 2500sqm of mapped floor projection using RZ31k Panasonic Laser projectors.

The impressively large 600sqm LED screen was placed directly opposite the VIP box where the Crown Prince and heads of state sat, and the relay screens were strategically positioned around the arena to ensure all attendees didn’t miss a thing. The floor LED was integrated into the main stage construction, creating a 6m wide ‘doughnut’ display area some 32m in diameter, which was then covered with a white projection material diffuser.

Dan Hughes, CT’s Senior Project Manager, explained: “There was a central circular stage, and outer ring stage which we projected onto and an inner ring of 8mm LED joined the two surfaces.

We used a white diffusion on the LED to open up the viewing angle of the screen fully. The white diffusion also served to turn the LED screen into a

matching white surface, so it appeared as one full area instead of a black/negative ring in-between two white stages.”

A key feature of the opening ceremony production was a 10m diameter flying disc, weighing nearly 5 tonnes, the disc incorporated lighting, pyro and, impressively, a 9m diameter LED screen. The disc rose up 30m from the stage at the start of the show and tracked back over the main LED screen, relaying show content throughout to enhance the floor projections.

At the climax of the ceremony, the two torch bearing athletes travelled on board the disc as it flew back to its centre stage position.

Tom Stocks, CT’s Senior Video Engineer, went on to say: “For the LED we utilised our new HDMI 2.0 and 12G SDI kit to maintain a fully redundant 4k at 60 4:4:4 uncompressed workflow from the media server to screen. In the field, we had a remote Screen Management system comprised

35

of linked Barco E2 and S3s managing all LED scaling and mapping.”

All Projection, LED control and Image Processing was integrated on a centralised fully redundant network ring controlled from FOH and utilised CT’s new 1G and 10G fibre networking solutions.

Stocks stated: “Our 288 x 288 Crosspoint matrix took on all the main feeds and distributed them across the site, and our new Lightware 2.0 matrix managed backup feeds.” CT also provided a selection of disguise media servers with two pairs of 4x4pro (main and understudy) running HDMI 2.0 VFC cards and 3G VFC cards respectively with a further main and understudy 2x2 running production.”

Hughes gave his final thoughts from the project: “Both the opening and closing ceremonies were amazing. Our client, People, did a fantastic job bringing this production to life. We

ME

36

TECH PROFILE

want to congratulate all the athletes that have participated in the games over the last week. It has been inspirational to watch and a pleasure to have been part of such an uplifting event.”

Mark Fogwill, Technical Director at People also commented: “I would like to thank CT for their support on this very successful project. The screens, projection and content management were a massive part of the ceremonies, and we are all very pleased with the way they managed this with their team. The feedback from all involved has been 100% positive, and the live broadcast looked fantastic. We are enormously grateful to you for your support, and we look forward to working closely with you again.”

SOUND Throughout the seven-day event of sporting events, Delta Sound was responsible for two main components. The first was being commissioned

by People to provide full audio support PA networking and control as well as timecode distribution for both the opening and closing

ME

ceremonies. The second was to provide the audio overlay package for sporting events specialists Great Big Events.

For the both opening and closing, Delta supplied an L-Acoustics K1 over K2 systems in a general left right hand with outfills all flown from the stadium roof. Commenting on the company’s involvements with the event was Delta’s Director of Projects, Al Woods. “We used Kara delays flown above the VIP from the stadium roof and ground stacked K2 delays to cover masking of audio from flown screens along with subs and rear fills either side of the stage with SB28s and K2s respectively.”

Delta coordinated the full sound design package and utilised its DiGiCo stock of SD7s and FOH and a SD11 at playback as well as an SD5 at monitors.

With only a few suggestion event organisers were happy for Delta to take the lead of the sound design for the event. Mean while away from the stadium, Delta’s overlay component of the project was spread across 28 venues with an army in excess of 40 engineers and technicians

working around the clock to prep, build, manage and de-rig in the venues throughout Abu Dhabi.

Delta Sound is now part of the Production Resource Group LLC.

Following the week of competition in a selection of sports from athletics, badminton, swimming and tennis, the event came to a close with all athletes once again collecting under the metaphoric roof of the Zayed Sports City Stadium and entertained by Nicole Scherzinger and Keala Settle ended it with a dramatic performance of This is Me from The Greatest Showman. Surely a fitting end to an event that celebrates diversity within the global community.

Photos: Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Creative Technology and Delta Sound (now part of the PRG) www.specialolympics.org www.abudhabi2019.org www.people-creative.com www.ct-group.com www.eclipse.ae www.dbnaudile.co.uk

TECH PROFILE

37

IDEX 2019 OPENING CEREMONY FROM THE MILITARY JETS AND DRONE SWARMS CREATING UNPREDICTABLE SKIRMISHES, TO FAST MOVING ARMOURED VEHICLE PURSUITS OCCURRING AMIDST FIREFIGHTS ON THE GROUND. IDEX 2019’S OPENING CEREMONY SEES 25,000 VISITORS WITNESS LIVE ACTION OVER THE COURSE OF FIVE DAYS, TPMEA DISCOVERS...

Packed with movie grade special effects, pyrotechnics and working waterfalls, the blockbuster style performance took place in a 60m x 350m custom stage set built over a car park overlooked by a grandstand in Abu Dhabi.

Protec delivered everything from the initial creative concept and narrative to the original set design, graphics, build, complete show delivery and coordination completely transporting the audience to an active ‘war zone’ where the story takes place.

Engaged for the fourth consecutive time to create and produce this grand opening ceremony for IDEX, Protec pulled out all the stops to ensure that the 14th edition of IDEX was one to remember.

With IDEX celebrating its Silver Jubilee year, the stakes were expectedly high and the pressure to deliver this ‘mother of all shows’ proved to be the catalyst for Protec to step up and deliver beyond all expectations. Where else would you see a live piece of drama that involved perfectly synchronised fighter jets and military aircraft all

tying in with explosions and firefights on land and sea?

SETTING THE SCENE The show began with a mix of local heritage performances followed by local and international military parades to welcome the crowd before the main part of the show. The scene was set for an exciting battle enactment of a fictitious scenario where an elite military group representing the Land Forces, Special Forces, Navy and Air Force were deployed in a coordinated and synchronised manner to deal with rebel militia.

Working closely with senior representatives of the Armed Forces, Protec introduced modern and advanced military techniques augmented by VR, AI, robotics and SATCOMS. It also incorporated underground battles and other asymmetric warfare trends with futuristic counter defence systems in a live demonstration like no other in the world. It was a technology demonstration worth the dedicated staging set that Protec built

up for the show for all five days this show was run.

In the fictional scenario conceptualised by Protec, armed militias had seized an abandoned military base near a mine depot, smuggling arms by sea and through a hidden underground network of tunnels connected to a long range missile facility. A combination of ground, naval, air and other specialised units equipped with futuristic counter defence systems were then deployed to deal with the threat.

THE CLIMAX Tanks and armoured patrol vehicles repeatedly roared onto the stage from both sides carefully choreographed to create nail biting suspense.

Apaches, Blackhawks and jets screamed overhead sending vibrations through the crowd while the battle was even taken underground into the mine tunnels taking the audience on a vicarious journey into the future of warfare.

Friendly armed forces used modern and

ME

38

TECH PROFILE

advanced systems and techniques augmented by virtual reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned systems and satellite communications to locate and monitor militia movement. The friendly forces eventually seize control of the situation after fierce firefights on ground, at sea, in the air and underground to bring stability and security to the area.

IMPORTANT GUESTS This year’s live military demonstration was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, senior government representatives from the UAE along with visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries including

ME

TECH PROFILE

the Chechen Republic leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Also in attendance were Crown Princes of all the emirates, defence ministers and senior military officers from over 100 nations, head of delegates (heads of state) and other senior officials. This influential audience were treated to a breathtaking, all-action display that highlighted the capabilities of many divisions of the UAE Armed Forces.

BEHIND THE SCENES Eddie Andradé, the show’s Creative Director explained: “This year, our main challenge was to introduce futuristic elements in a realistic way without going overboard. This meant I had to do some serious research before breaking away

into the creative angle of the show. With the knowledge I managed to gain, we introduced reconnaissance and attack drone and boat swarms, underground warfare and modern robotics. Putting it all together is always quite complex though. This show involves jets and helicopter fly pasts that have to be timed to the precise second to match up with the action sequences on the staging area performed by armoured vehicles, infantry, special effects that include large pyro explosions on land and on the mountains, water explosions and vehicle explosions.”

He continued: “This involves intense coordination between the show caller, action director and stunt choreographer, special effects crew, stage managers, video, audio, cameras, the Navy, the Land Forces, the pilots, the Airport, the

25

25

TECH PROFILE

air bases, air traffic control, road traffic control, the police and civil defence.”

Protec’s founder and CEO, Stephen Lakin, who was in charge of building the entire scenic set along with Project Manager Pieter Smuts said, “Under the temporary venue that Protec built, were the exhibition centre’s utilities and drainage systems which had to be protected by the weight of the military vehicles, some which weighed in excess of 60 tonnes. Therefore it had to be built up to 1m above the existing surface, graded up with sand and road base”, said Lakin.

Protec also built a temporary 60m long x 30m wide x 1m high ‘water inlet’ which held 2million litres of water on which jet boats were run to get involved in the action.

Lakin added: “We added two large working waterfalls that we built into the set along with

artificial greenery to complete the scenic visual of the mine quarry and the jungle. We also used military tracked vehicles and trucks that we own, for the show. I bought these vehicles to be used in theatre shows like this one and also for use in the film industry, so this show was the perfect opportunity to use them with great effect.”

Protec’s staging department built all the supporting features and props. A working replica of a ship that was seen on the video screens during the show as part of a VT was built and was used in the water feature as part of the action. The vessel, built in Protec’s Dubai facility was built with steel frames and timber and had cabin for six crew in it. The department also designed and built some of the futuristic counter defence props, a motorised ‘ballistic missile’, all the scenic structures and entrance features.

39

It was also ably supported by the painting department that made it all look very realistic with extremely detailed finishing.

The hills and quarry rock facades themselves were built out of base scaffold structures with carpet fascia and fibre glass that was painted to resemble rocky and moss/grass covered mountains and finished off with artificial greenery and landscaping for the jungle area.

The structures themselves had to be strong enough to withstand powerful pyro explosions at various heights, soldiers’ zip lining and a lot of personnel movement. Over 400 tonnes of ballast was used to secure the structures which worked well with the high and dangerous wind speeds experienced especially during the build-up.

Two 16m x 9m LED screens were built into the upstage structures with access to work

ME

40

TECH PROFILE

behind them and a 30m x 10m LED screen was built between the two upstage structures. These screens showed a combination of live camera and pre-filled filmed edits and animations to support the show.

Head of Video at Protec, Scott Walker, explained how a live show like this was delivered, “Video content was run from Protec’s disguise (D3) media servers and through our Barco E2 to switch between graphics and live inputs from our cameras. Signal was run with a full redundancy of Neutrik 12 core fibers through our Lightware MX frame 32 x 32 matrix.” He added, “The biggest challenge for the video team on this show was the syncing of pre-filmed content with the live action of the show as everything had to be timed to perfection with the various aircraft fly-bys and military ground vehicle action.”

ME

The SFX team designed and produced all the pyro ‘explosion’ effects as well as one of the highlights of the show where a car was ‘blown up and flipped’ dramatically right in front of the awe struck audience.

The audio package provided by Protec included 40 L-Acoustics K2s in blocks of 4 ground stacked with L-Acoustics SB28 subs positioned between each set of two K2 stacks.

Protec’s Head of Audio, Ed Ross explained: “We ran a dual redundant fibre network using DiGiCo racks running digital outs and Optocore SANE units running analogue outputs to the LA8 amplifiers, this complemented our use of the SD10 mixing desk with SD-RE redundant engine which meant we could lose kit or connections anywhere in the network and not lose audio or control at all.”

Ross continued: “For communications we used a Clearcom matrix and a selection of control panels, helix net belt backs and Motorola digital radios, these were integrated with Riedel RiFace units for seamless communication across platforms.”

When asked about the process of creating a show like this, Andradé said: “I’ve always enjoyed creating live shows. The challenges, the pressure and the unknown quite simply get negated because I love this job and how I somehow manage to get totally immersed in the process. This particular show is unlike any other I’ve worked on and it does entail a lot of research to be able to concoct a theatrical production that is entertaining yet realistic. It’s not as simple as using your imagination to deliver a war movie styled show. It has to be realistic

TECH PROFILE

41

“When it comes to putting on an elaborate and eye catching event, we couldn’t have been in more capable hands than those of the Protec Team.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC

because the bottom line is that this is a live military demonstration that has to use correct military methods and procedures and it also has to be practical from an event production standpoint. It was interesting this year though from a creative standpoint to incorporate some futuristic technology into the show including AI, VR and robotics. It was also great to work the pre-filmed video edits and animations into the show content. Pre-filming in itself, as always with IDEX is interesting but fun because we use our own crew and cast of real military personnel as actors. We have to remember that this show is performed entirely by the UAE military personnel with no professional actors or stuntmen or stunt drivers. We find locations; script the films, direct, shoot and edit, all on site. It is guerrilla

filming and editing which is always challenging but the results were fantastic in the end. What really makes it all a lot easier is the support from an extremely skilled team that share the same passion, have the experience and dedication that’s needed and working for Protec for the last eight years I’ve learnt that nothing is impossible at this company that has a never ending supply of resources that makes this process not just easy but enjoyable.”

The complete production for the IDEX 2019 Opening Ceremony was, according to the client and event organisers (IDEX LLC, GHQ and ADNEC), the best they had seen and experienced in the exhibition’s history which didn’t just meet the brief but went well beyond expectations.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of

ADNEC had this to added: “When it comes to putting on an elaborate and eye catching event, we couldn’t have been in more capable hands than those of the Protec Team. We at ADNEC can confirm, that for IDEX’s Silver Jubilee Opening Ceremony, we were not disappointed.

From the professionalism of the team in planning this spectacular event, to execution, they certainly delivered everything they set out to do and more. Everyone who attended the Opening Ceremony was not only wowed by the whole spectacular, but were all sitting on edge waiting on what was coming next. It was an event that will have everyone talking for a long time to come!”

Photos: Protec www.productiontec.com

ME

42

INSIDE LOOK

BACKBONE INTERNATIONAL JORIS JOOSEN, FOUNDER OF BACKBONE INTERNATIONAL, TALKS TO TPMEA’S STEW HUME ABOUT THE COMPANY’S GROWTH IN THE MIDDLE EAST EVENTS MARKET.

Starting as a freelance producer for Dutch entertainment and medium enterprise, ID&T, a young Joris Joosen had the foresight and vision to create a fresh venture. The goal? To provide a service that translated creative plans into feasible productions across the globe.

Over the last nine years, Backbone International has attempted to cultivate this vision while maintaining high standards in efficiency, safety and quality. With a wide variety of services, the company supply production management and technical production along with technical design and overlay management.

Since its creation, Joosen [who currently takes on the role of Managing Director] has

ME

always wanted Backbone to live up to the ‘International’ name it its the title. To this end, the company has bases in New York, Amsterdam, Jakarta and Hong Kong - establishing itself in the world of large-scale dance music, with clients including Sensation and Tomorrowland.

Over the years, one region that has been of serious interest to Backbone International has been the UAE and more recently the KSA. The entry point for Joosen and the wider Backbone family had been via Sensation – the world’s leading dance event. “By 2014, we had produced Sensation shows in over 30 countries in five continents,” began Joosen. “For us it was a great next step to produce a show in Dubai.” The

MD explained how most EDM events across the globe have high production standards, but Sensation “brings that to a whole new level.”

He elaborated. “The level of details in the set, technically and aesthetically are phenomenal.

Bringing Sensation to the UAE meant we had to get involved with local suppliers and their teams. Together we worked on the complex technical production of the first outdoor edition of Sensation.”

Joosen explained how during the first 2014 project, the local Dubai crews who were working on the project showed great interest in the production, especially in the way Backbone International approached dealing with technical

INSIDE LOOK

43

Backbone International’s Joris Joosen.

equipment. “For a Sensation production, it’s not just hanging lights, audio and video - it’s all about how you hang products. It’s a very specific process so as to get the most out of their functionality,” stated the MD. “In the UAE, the suppliers and their teams were very eager to work with us and they really stepped up to deliver to their best ability. In the end it was the welcoming spirit of the UAE and their suppliers that made the difference.”

Moving on from the success of the 2014 event, the Backbone team has continued to return to the region for a selection of events in both the UAE and more recently, the KSA region.

“I think for us, the Sensation in Bab al Shams was definitely a highlight,” reflected Joosen. “To build a show in the middle of the desert, in the midst of a sandstorms was a challenge that ultimately turned out to be a huge high point from our time in the region.”

Recently, the company has expanded its middle eastern portfolio, worked on last year’s Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix in Saudi Arabia along with 2018 biggest EDM event, BAO Festival. For BAO, Backbone assisted promoter Envie Events with the technical production and design with its company’s technical producer dealing with quite a selection of challenges. With the festivaltaking place next to a racehorse track, meant the stage couldn’t be built higher than the first

15m because of the lighting needed on the track.

The upper part of the stage had to be built in just six days. Although Backbone was brought on later than usual for this scale of project, its technical producer and his team of local workers nevertheless made this large dance festival a great success.

With over five years experience working in the region, Joosen listed some of the lessons he and his team had learned working in the Middle East. “What we have learned is that you need to be connected to the locals,” he mused.

According to the MD, this not only included surrounding themselves with Arabic speakers but also being mindful of cultural conventions.

“Being flexible and able to adapt to local cultures is a very interesting and important part of our work,” he stated.

Being involved in such a selection of events across the globe, TPMEA quizzed the MD about any commonalities between any Backbone International productions. “We are very straightforward and ‘tell it how it is’ no matter who we are talking to,” he enthused.

“It’s the easiest way to communicate and bring information across and accomplish a project. Of course we need to adapt and adjust to the local culture but our work ethic and methodology is the same anywhere else in the world. People are very much open to our opinion and the

knowledge we trying to share. For us it’s important to always be straightforward and proactive.”

To close Joosen discussed his thoughts on the development within the region. “Last year was the first time for us to work in KSA. The market is opening up in Saudi Arabia, with last year’s Formula E marking one of the first ever-mixed audience events. At the end of the year we will be back at the Formula E in a bigger presence than last year and working on another couple of requests later in the season. We are also try to get involved in the Abu Dhabi sustainability week and we hope that BAO, the great event from Envie, will return in 2019.”

With an ever growing roster of events, Backbone International seems to be considering new ways to increase its presents in the region.

Perhaps even with a permanent base? “Its certainly a possibility,” admitted Joosen. “With the right local partner we are very open for this and we believe it would be very good to share our network and knowledge here permanently with a local team, instead of doing this on project base. Its fits into our idea; think global by acting local!”

We look forward to witnessing the company’s next larger-than-life project.

Photos: Backbone International www.backbone-international.com

ME

44

COMPANY PROFILE

PROTEC GROUP THIS MONTH, TPMEA DISCOVERS THE INNERWORKINGS OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST TECHNICAL AND STAGING SOLUTIONS COMPANY IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

With the establishment of its European operation, the Protec Group has fielded a home run of successes recently, which includes additional investment and increased opportunities across the board. The company’s services to the live event industry include technical expertise, state of the art equipment and a highly skilled crew of live event design and technology professionals.

Priding itself on consistency in exceeding expectations and delivering slick and unforgettable event experiences across the Middle East, UK and Europe, the company has detailed exciting times ahead, as TPMEA finds out...

SAUDI SUCCESS STORY Protec has been a cornerstone of the events industry in the Middle East since 1999.

Established by industry leader Stephen Lakin, Protec has grown into the region’s most committed and consistently reliable event equipment rental company, producing live events that are truly spectacular, leading edge,

ME

and globally acclaimed projects.

With additional purchases especially for its new warehouse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Protec KSA now offer the same preferred, trusted, reliable brands and service that it is revered for in Dubai. This professional service made available from within Saudi Arabia has seen Protec land some very impressive events this past year.

Saudi Arabia is making giant leaps to diversify and progress its economy and its vision of the future. Formula E, which Protec was an integral part of, was a historic event for the region. Not only was it the first Formula E event held in the region it was also the first major international sports event to take place in Saudi Arabia - with the whole world was watching in real time.

This required technical support that was second to none. Protec’s audio team chose an varied range of L-Acoustics pro audio equipment to cover an extensive area across six grandstand viewing areas, two hospitality areas, a podium, a gaming area and an e-village stage.

For video, the team turned to Barco’s S3 and

Luminex networking to livestream to 140 screens across the venue which required 19km of fibre to ensure 4K video with less than one frame of delay.

Lighting for the event was provided using the company’s range of new SGM P-10 and Claypaky lights for the E-Motion club and hospitality village.

Another mega event in Saudi Arabia that Protec provided a complete package for was the ground breaking of the new tourism destination, Al Qiddiya. It is planned to be 334 sq km in area, dwarfing Walt Disney World in Florida (110sq km) to become the world’s largest entertainment destination. Based in the desert with no infrastructure in place, Protec was invited to supply the temporary structure - its 36m x 88m Supa Dome with full technical support inside the auditorium including audio, lighting, 3D video projection mapping, and rigging as well as scenic, staging and automation for this lavish, and extraordinarily complex ceremony attended by royalty and VVIPs to celebrate the beginning of an estimated two year build project.

COMPANY PROFILE

At the time of writing, Protec are currently shortlisted for three Middle East Event Awards in recognition of its contribution to the event industry across the region including Best Technical Support for BAO Festival in Dubai and the Al Qiddiya Ground-Breaking Ceremony in Saudi Arabia, and Best Event Technology for its robotics stand at GITEX 2018.

Protec was called upon by its clients Envie Events to provide full AV support for Bao: The Final Frontier EDM festival at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai. Working with Envie before on Sensation and Unite with Tomorrowland, Protec was delighted to continue this partnership and rise to the challenge on what, according to baofestival. com, promised to be a “two-day extravaganza of unrivalled entertainment and music,” and “a production of unparalleled show-stopping grandeur.”

Marked as one of the biggest EDM music festival from a production standpoint ever put on in Dubai, many of the world’s top ranked DJs made up the Bao Festival lineup.

Protec got the opportunity to provide a full-size MA Lighting grandMA3 and grandMA2 console along with over 200 moving Claypaky

and Robe fixtures. This was complemented by L-Acoustics K1, V-Dosc and Kara PA operated via a DiGiCo SD5. Video used its Barco E2 along with 12 30k projectors and a large amount of LED. It required some impressive processing power to supply the 4k feeds.

These high-profile live events speak volumes of the trust Protec’s clients have in its service.

Instilling even more confidence in the upward trajectory of the Protec Group is the return of several key staff members who have rejoined the company bringing a renewed energy and invigorating the team with its ambition and creativity. Well known in the events industry with decades of experience Protec welcome back Rick Wade, Nick Groves, Simon Travis, Abi Bates, Andy Cooper, Nina Badr, André Opperman and Jason Strange.

Fulfilling roles from project management to business development these high calibre staff signify a strong confidence in the Protec brand and have people excited about what’s to come. Investment in these strong, experienced professionals tells us that founder and CEO Stephen Lakin has no plans on slowing down and if anything, bigger things are on the horizon.

45

A GROWING EUROPEAN OFFICE The Protec Group ramped up its expansion in early 2018 and has certainly put its foot on the throttle since. Its growth in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East region has been especially successful. Furthermore, the company’s European branch, based in the UK, has been impressing the industry by scooping awards, aligning itself a major player capable of competing for large scale events and shaking up the industry. The group’s expansion and investments has placed them as one of the largest companies of its kind in the world - showing no signs of slowing down.

As a reflection of the company’s ethos of pioneering the latest technologies, Protec have significantly added to an already enviable inventory of brands including L-Acoustics, DiGiCo, Claypaky, Robe, MA lighting, SGM, disguise, Christie, Barco, Blacktrax, Notch and Watchout, to name but a few of its regular suppliers. Not to mention that the company was also the first in the Middle East region to get its hands on a full suite of new MA Lighting grandMA3 consoles.

Protec, it seems, are not afraid to take the leap when it comes to new technologies and in doing so, push the industry as a whole to evolve

ME

46

COMPANY PROFILE

and offer exciting new solutions in the world of events. Especially having introduced its advanced technologies which include robotics, drones and automation to all of its new locations.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES Following Saudi’s successful expansion, focus is moving to the UK based Protec European Events.

With access to the group’s massive inventory of industry preferred equipment already at hand, Lakin has now acquired a new premises more than doubling the warehouse space and offering a huge 68,000sq ft of storage which he is planning on dedicating to a new, comprehensive staging and scenic department and storage for his growing inventory. This new department will be led by the best in the industry.

New recruit to the UK operations André Opperman brings his impressive background in film, theatrical set building, and fabrication to the department joining Jason Strange – also with decades of experience in scenic and staging – to

ME

make Protec European Events a very desirable option capableof supplying large scale events with creative and state of the art options. Protec veteran and creative, Eddie Andradé will join the team from Dubai where he currently holds the position of marketing director but goes beyond that role to offer clients the benefit of his diverse events background.

This expanded space also means job opportunities. Protec have brought in some new employees already to help the UK branch make the transition but are opening up some exciting opportunities for project managers, senior riggers and senior audio, lighting and video technicians.

It will be looking for experienced and ambitious people who share the vision of the Protec group.

Protec European Events have already made impressive strides in its first year having won an AV award for ‘AV Production, Staging & Rental Company of the Year’ and made the shortlist for ‘Event Tech of the Year’ at the EN Awards.

The company turned heads at this year’s Event

Production Show with its stands showcasing advanced technologies. Offering drones and robots, the company certainly has its finger on the pulse of the current event trends.

Its technology had the desired effect on attendees with many taking out their phones to share images and video of the robot playing darts or were delighted to be able to engage in a hands-on way with the technology. It was also a great opportunity to find out about the many ways drones are gripping the event world immersing audiences and enabling brands and event professionals to tell their story in more creative and unique ways.

These are exciting times for the Protec Group.

Already a trusted name in the Middle East, it is now ready to take the next step in the European market. Expect big things in the coming months as it increase its capabilities and bring on board new staff - its certainly be one to watch.

Photos courtesy of Protec. www.productiontec.com

REGIONAL ROUND UP

47

Director of Bilateral Cooperation, John Mogashoa; Marketing & PR, Bongi Ramalepe; Backstage Academy Founder & Chairman, Adrian Brooks; The Director General of the Department of Arts and Culture, Vusumuzi Mkhize; Backstage Academy Vice Principal, Rachel Nicholson; President of the South African Roadies Association’s Freddie Nyathela; Backstage Academy Marketing & Commercial Director, Jack Scarr.

SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS BACKSTAGE ACADEMY STYLE TRAINING INITIATIVE For over a decade, Backstage Academy has been working with the South African Roadies Association (SARA) to explore the creation of a training initiative for the live events industry in South Africa. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to establish a live events training institution based on the Backstage Academy model to provide the young people of South Africa with the skills and opportunities needed for the successful and continuing growth of the live events sector on the African continent.

In March 2019, this journey took a major step forward as Backstage Academy welcomed a VIP delegation of South African dignitaries from the Department of Culture and Arts to their campus at Production Park in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Led by Vusumuzi Mkhize, The Director General of the Department of Arts and Culture, the delegation spent 4 days in the UK visiting Production Park and meeting with key

stakeholders to gain an understanding of how Backstage Academy was formed and developed into the institution it is today.

The visit marked a huge milestone on this ambitious journey and secured the agreement of the South African government to throw their support behind SARA and Backstage Academy.

This resulted in an agreement to create a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations to drive the creation of a training initiative throughout South Africa focused on the live events industry.

Mkhize commented: “The Department of Arts and Culture in South Africa is excited that Backstage Academy and SARA have come on board to journey with us. This project to drive live events training is of enormous importance to our country to bridge the skills gap in the sector.

The Public Private Partnership will help the south African Government to achieve this objective and

create job opportunities for the youth.”

Adrian Brooks, Founder and Chairman of Backstage Academy, commented: “We are delighted to be in this position at long last.

Mkhize has confirmed that the government of South Africa will give their backing to the establishment of a Backstage Academy style inclusive training initiative to benefit aspiring live events professionals across South Africa and the wider African continent.

“The initiative will be delivered by the industry, for the industry, and is a proud example of the use of the 3C’s - collaboration cooperation and competition - to drive up the skills levels and opportunities for all of the people in Africa.

An agreement was made that a joint statement should be made between the parties to broadcast this terrific news.” www.backstage-academy.co.uk www.saroadies.co.za

Af

48

REGIONAL ROUND UP

GEARHOUSE RAISES ITS GAME GEARHOUSE BECOMES L-ACOUSTICS LARGEST SUPPLIER IN SOUTH AFRICA FOLLOWING RECENT INVESTMENT

Live events supplier Gearhouse has invested in additional L-Acoustics K2 and KS28 L-Acoustics cabinets, 36 LA12x amplified controllers in LARAKII and 8 P1 AVB audio processors, making it the largest L-Acoustics certified provider in the region.

The move boosts the company’s ability to service even the most ambitious national events - making it the first company on the continent to meet the new KX Standard for its large format systems. In December 2018, this new capability was put into service at the massive Global Citizen Festival in the 90,000 capacity FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Gearhouse South Africa has been growing rapidly for a number of years, taking an increasingly dominant role in major South African live events. The Global Citizen Festival is part of the Global Citizen organisation which aims to end extreme poverty, and Gearhouse’s participation in the event marked a significant shift for the company. Gearhouse took on overall management of the audio side, including liaising with artist management for a raft of mostly local talent supporting some of the world’s biggest acts, including Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Ed Sheeran, and Pharrell Williams.

Gearhouse divides its L-Acoustics stock between its three main offices - Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. With the most recent investment, that stock now consists of 48 K1 and 48 K2, 24 Kara, 12 ARCS II, 66 dV-DOSC, 48 V-DOSC, and 36 Kudo. The stock of subwoofers now runs to 16 K1SB, 24 dV-SUB, 24 KS28, 64 SB28, and 16 SB18. There are also 52 115XT HiQ stage monitors, plus LA8 and LA12X amplified controllers, and 8 of the latest P1 AVB audio processors.

The Global Citizen Festival required a substantial proportion of those resources and made full use of Gearhouse’s additional inventory, as delay tower deployment had to be limited to protect the irrigation and drainage systems under the FNB stadium’s playing surface. Gearhouse Head of Audio, Lewellyn Reinecke explained: “We would really prefer to have four delay towers but, because of the restrictions, it’s two hangs plus one on a V tower. At the front we’ve previously

Af

used 14 K1 main hangs and then 15 or 16 V-DOSC for the out-hangs, but our increased stock means that we can now use K1 across the board.”

The FNB Stadium has five distinct seating levels, and level five, which starts at around 40 metres from the ground and goes up to about 60m, is normally treated by Gearhouse as a completely separate venue “that gets its own transportation, logistics, and crew,” explained Reinecke. “Up there, you walk about a kilometre just to go around it once.”

Gearhouse uses between 16 and 19 hangs of 6 elements for level 5. “We prefer to use Kara for that, because they are lighter and are very powerefficient, taking just one LA8 or LA12X for a hang of 6,” said Reinecke. “That’s important because the venue doesn’t allow us to use its power in the roof, so we have to run power all the way from the generators.”

Reinecke noted that the company has benefited by using the new L-Acoustics P1 AVB

audio processors, which incorporate an EQ station with delay and dynamics processing, and AVB, AES/EBU and analogue audio bridging: “The feedback that I have received from the crew has been phenomenal. The AVB works with all the LA12X amplified controllers and we are able to monitor the whole system. It is quite an amazing thing to see.”

Overall, Reinecke says that the new K Series stock has brought new opportunity to Gearhouse and has made a big difference in the field. “The new stock and the improved coverage has helped us a lot,” he said. “It means we can get on with our main jobs, without having to worry about how we reach every part of the biggest venues and the KS28 is a lot lower and louder...

“Having such a complete system makes a big difference. It’s given us a lot of headroom to play around with, which is to the benefit of the audience, and the engineers.” www.gearhouse.co.za

REGIONAL ROUND UP

49

SSL APPOINTS SURGESOUND FOR LIVE SOUND IN SOUTH AFRICA RESPECTED SOUTH AFRICAN LIVE SOUND DISTRIBUTOR TAKES ON THE SSL LIVE SERIES. Solid State Logic have announced Surgesound as its new live market partner in South Africa. With a roster of impressive projects and clients, the team at Surgesound have been providing high-end live solutions for tours, concerts, churches and venues across the region.

“Surgesound represents some of the world’s leading professional audio equipment, so when we wanted to add mixing consoles to our portfolio, there was no question as to which brand we wanted,” commented Andrew Rowan, Managing Director of Surgesound. “Apart from SSL’s outstanding reputation on product and sonic quality, they also have excellent support and service and that was extremely important to us. We pride ourselves on our reputation for training and service, so this makes an excellent fit.”

Jonathan Attard, SSL Area Sales Manage, is convinced the company has now found the ideal partner to develop new business in the region. “Our live range fits perfectly with the other brands managed by Surgesound,” he added.

“Moreover, they have the field experience and technical know how to make any client feel at ease. This is why Surgesound was clearly the right partner for us in South Africa.” www.surgesound.co.za

Brand Ambassador, Jacques Mostert; Managing Director, Andrew Rowan; Technical Director, Ruan Joubert.

Show Laser and Special FX Solu ons

www.matrix-laser.com m.hilgemann@matrix-laser.com

@matrixlaseruae Af

50

REGIONAL ROUND UP

Lawrence Sefojane, Lebogang Phahlamohlaka, Kagiso Moima Wa Masimini and Sipho Nkosi.

KARA ALL THE WAY FOR BLACKMOTION PRODUCTION BLACKMOTION PRODUCTIONS, INVESTS IN BRAND NEW L-ACOUSTICS KARA, VIA DWR DISTRIBUTION.

The modular line source array system was initially used by Blackmotion Production in the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s event, Is’thunzi Sabafazi - translated to Dignity of a Woman - hosted at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus. The event celebrated women and spoke out against the systemic injustices that many women face, featuring key speeches by several high profile women, including Oprah Winfrey.

The system was further used again at the Nelson Mandela Tribute to honour the former president and his legacy, five years after his passing. The event was headlined by the internationally acclaimed author and activist Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi.

L-Acoustics Kara also proved to be spectacular at a festival in Limpopo, the Florence Palms Beach Party, where the audience was close to 20,000 people, and were also used in the corporate environment for the Nedbank Retail Leadership Conference event hosted at MAD GIANT at 1 Fox.

Af

Kagiso Moima Wa Masimini, President and founder of Blackmotion Production, fondly recalled his days as a student at the Tshwane University of Technology. “Interestingly, I wanted to be a sound guy, but lighting always underpinned my interest in the industry. I’ve bought different audio brands over the years, but I now realise that I’ve shot myself in the foot by not investing in a proper audio system from the word go.”

Of course, it takes a while for an upand-coming company to make a calculated investment into professional gear, and it’s with great excitement that Kagiso now has 18 L-Acoustics Kara and 12 SB18 subwoofers, purchased from DWR Distribution.

“This is a definite leap of faith right here, and a huge jump from what we have been doing!” said Kagiso. “It places us on a new playing field.

There is a network of five technical suppliers who I’ve been talking to already, all of whom are passionate users. This has been a long time coming and proves the fact that hard work,

consistency and continuously investing in the business can reap results. Most importantly, it’s about having great relationships with suppliers.

I am very grateful that there is a great affinity between DWR and Blackmotion.”

Having used the L-Acoustics Kara, Kagiso said: “The system is beyond amazing, its ability to throw the distance and keep the audio clarity. For me the system’s precision, articulation and clarity are reassuringly too dope!”

For the team at DWR, it has been phenomenal to watch Blackmotion Production continually deliver excellent service over the years. “The Kara, a well-balanced box capable of doing both large and small events, is perfectly suited for Kagiso’s current market and for Blackmotion Production’s continuous growth,” said Jaco Beukes of DWR. “L-Acoustics is a worldclass product, and a good financial decision. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this vibrant and dynamic company!” www.dwrdistribution.co.za

Protec Audio TMEA Apr 2019 FAW 210x297x.pdf 1 28/03/2019 9:05:08 AM