8 minute read
REGIONAL ROUND-UP
HEIL SOUND NAMES QDT AS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR FOR SOUTH AFRICA
C’ean Dix-Peek, Andre Kruger, Guy Harris and Lucky Lande.
THE APPOINTMENT COMES AS PART OF AN EXPANSION EFFORT IN RESPONSE TO INCREASED SALES AND PRODUCT AWARENESS OUTSIDE OF THE USA.
Heil Sound has named Quantum Dynamic Technologies (QDT) as its exclusive distributor for South Africa. QDT will distribute Heil Sound’s Pro Series microphones and HDK drum mic kits as well as its ProSet headphones.
Located in Johannesburg, Quantum Dynamic Technologies – a subsidiary of Quantum World Technologies – imports and distributes a wide variety of professional sound reinforcement products as well as professional AV video products, including multimedia and stage lighting systems and solutions to the pro audio industry throughout the country.
Guy Harris is Managing Director for QDT and gave considerable thought to finding the Sharp NEC Display Solutions has appointed DWR Distribution as a South African distributor for its well-established professional projectors.
While NEC has a vast product range, including multimedia projectors with the ability to operate in large and small spaces, as well as digital cinema projectors, DWR’s specialty will be the supply of NEC projectors ranging between 7,000K and 35,000K, to rental companies, houses of worship, theatres and auditoriums. “We’ve just sold our first 8K and 20K laser projectors to churches, and that’s exactly where we are aiming at,” confirmed Robert Izzett, Director and Head of Sales at DWR. for Sharp NEC Display Solutions, believes that the South African market presents a good opportunity for professional projection. “We were intent on finding a suitable partner with which to ideal mic company to work with. “We have been searching for some time for the right microphone line to represent and partner within South Africa,” he commented.
“Heil Sound products have an exceptional reputation here and are used by some professionals, but until now the brand has not been formally represented here as it should be.”
He added: “Our goal is to use our distribution expertise to promote Heil Sound microphones in all relevant markets. All of us at QDT are very excited with the distribution partnership between Heil Sound and QDT and we are looking forward to a fantastic and successful future with Heil Sound microphones in South Africa.” Ash Levitt, promote our world-class projection technology and, after meeting Rob and the DWR team, it was clear they are a group of keenly skilled people and an organisation with the necessary infrastructure and focus to help us develop our professional projector portfolio in South Africa,” he commented.
“I am grateful to have met Rob and the DWR team through a mutual friend and colleague and am very excited and confident about the synergy created by our two businesses.”
Izzett concluded: “It’s always about relationships, and we are very glad that our paths have crossed with Jason. We are excited to run with this new product range.” Photo: DWR Distribution www.dwrdistribution.co.za Head of Research and Business Development for Heil Sound, stated: “We’re excited to welcome Quantum Dynamic Technologies as our South African distributor.
“We have had loyal customers in South Africa for some time, but we have not had the opportunity to properly expand there until now. QDT can fill those needs and represent quality Heil Sound products to all corners of the South African market. We look forward to a great relationship with them in servicing the pro audio market in South Africa.” Photo: Heil Sound www.heilsound.com
THE DISTRIBUTOR IS SET TO SUPPLY PROJECTORS RANGING FROM 7,000K TO 35,000K ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA.
Jason Rall, Southern Africa Country Manager
www.quantumdyntech.co.za www.sharpnecdisplays.eu DWR’s Robert Izzett and Sharp NEC Display Solutions’ Jason Rall.
KILOWATT AV DELIVERS AT UBER’S TECH FOR SAFETY SUMMIT
120 DESCEND ON THE TECH FOR SAFETY SUMMIT WITH 2,000 OTHER ATTENDEES JOINING VIA LIVESTREAM.
South African-based Kilowatt AV produced a hybrid event solution, including design, manufacture and full technical support, for the recent Uber Tech for Safety Summit, hosted at Levelthree Premium Venue in Kramerville, Johannesburg, on 22 October.
Attended by 120 people, with some 2,000 others joining via livestream, the annual event tackled Africa’s most pressing safety-related concerns, which are now further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the participation of various leaders, innovators and talent across the spectrum, and journalist and former radio presenter Redi Tlhabi stepping in as the master of ceremonies, the event incorporated numerous speakers and panels, both at the venue with others interacting via the livestream. While social distancing measures were in place, Kilowatt AV created the all-important visual element using an Absen 2.9mm 4.5m by 2.5m D2V LED screen. “The setup for the LED was pretty straightforward, with a 16:9 format,” explained Neil Zaayman, Chief Operating Officer at Kilowatt AV. “We’ve always been very happy with Absen, it’s a solid product.”
While Kilowatt AV has worked numerous virtual and hybrid events since the pandemic, this was the company’s seventh event so far with a live audience.
“Everyone in our industry knows exactly what we are going through, but we are tenacious people and the Kilowatt AV team have kept a positive outlook right from the start,” commented Zaayman. “It’s important to keep the momentum going, so we have focussed our energy towards offering various services for our clients.”
In Cape Town, Kilowatt AV has created a new purpose-built venue at the Avenue Studio, Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, which has played host to various corporate events and awards. During the South African lockdown, the company also started manufacturing contemporary flat-pack furniture, which has turned out to be an exciting journey into a completely new industry.
Zaayman concluded: “As an industry, we’ve been presented a golden opportunity to change our behaviour and re-assess how we engage with clients, suppliers, staff and freelancers.” Photos: Kilowatt AV www.kilowatt.co.za
NEW PARTNERSHIPS FORGED AT SOLID STUDIOS
THE TEMPORARY RECORDING SPACE SERVES AS A HUB FOR HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTIONS DURING TOUGH TIMES FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN EVENTS INDUSTRY.
When the South African lockdown was first implemented, Alex Van Dyk, owner of technical supply company Solid Group, and Lighting Designer, Alan Muller, started chatting over the phone, initially about PPE, hoping to generate an alternative income. The conversation soon turned to how many people were now streaming, and it dawned on them that there was a gap in the market for a broadcast-quality solution that would stand out from the crowd.
As well as having the space to facilitate a studio, Van Dyk also owned the necessary quality gear, including a Green Hippo Amba+ media server. Muller meanwhile would be able to bring his 30 years’ worth of experience working on a range of EDM festivals, as well as his expert knowledge and skill for both TV lighting and set design, having cut his teeth in the TV market.
“Alex and I met in person for the very first time over the COVID-19 period,” Muller began. “We looked at the Solid Group warehouse and decided to design a 10m by 10m studio. As a television studio, we didn’t need a stage.”
Based on the studio’s LED design, the Hippotizer was critical in how they expanded the set. With content playing a major role, they were also able to create abstract shapes and designs. AV Technician, James Rogers ran and programmed the Hippotizer, while Muller controlled the content. “I love the Hippotizer and it can do everything I need and more,” Muller commented. “Even when we had clients who were unsure of what they wanted; we could remap without issues.”
While various directors stepped in to assist at the studio, like Henré Pretorius and Di Rosen, the crew were “superstars”. Muller explained: “With very little television experience, previously working at corporates, they really came to the party! They were eager to learn and blossomed. I would also like pay tribute to Dylan James Edwards, who played an essential role in the live streaming component.”
With an emphasis on producing quality, the shows at Solid Studios ranged from DVD recordings, where artists launched their new albums and music videos, to corporate events.
The studio hosted, amongst many others, the Shiraz 2020 Decanter World Wine Awards, The Leapfrog Property Group Awards, Heinz Winckler’s new music video Our Nation, and the new music video Fall by Matthew Mole and Francois van Coke. A highlight for the team was creating content for the Ladles of Love’s Africa in Action documentary, which was created for the DSTV Channel and based on a charity campaign that provides 300,000 meals to people in need every week living in Cape Town, Hermanus and Port Elizabeth.
Solid Studios was also the Cape Town studio for the #LightSAred live broadcast. “We decided to put in an actual set and make a proper show out of the events happening on the day,” said Muller. “We didn’t have the money, but we had the skill and the time. For me, it’s all about the people and with the amazing people who came on board, like Dino Moran, it felt like old times.”
While the changing economic situation has meant that Solid Studios has now closed, Muller was grateful for the opportunity to work on a project that helped everyone to put bread on the table, form new relationships and allow work and creative juices to ease their minds.
“I’m sure we will be seeing more hybrid events, and I hope as an industry, we will continue to move forward with safety in mind,” he concluded. “I’m so glad we had this opportunity. It was fun, to say the least, and what a team. Thank you!” Photo: Solid Group www.solidgroup.co.za
