Prolyte @ Plasa 2011

PROLYTE AT PLASA

PROLYTE AT PLASA CREATE. CONSTRUCT. CONNECT.

PROLYTE GROUP NETWORK

Exactly a year after the merger with Litestructures, Prolyte Group is on full steam ahead. We’ve expanded our product portfolio, knowledge and experience relevant to the entertainment sector; and four distinctive brands have emerged, each dedicated to providing the best solutions in their specific field: Litestructures, Prolyte Structures, StageDex and ProLyft. At the show, members of the Prolyte Group team will be on hand to discuss plans and product lines, and impart technical advice.

Prolyte Group has an extensive network of specialists across the globe incorporating i-line partners, distributors, dealers, rental partners and ProLyft Service Points; all of which are true ambassadors of our brands and products, maintaining Prolyte Group standards and philosophies. This network brings Prolyte Group to you, wherever you are.

2

Prolyte Group i-line partners hold substantial stocks of our most popular products, instantly available at

PLASA RIGGING CONFERENCE competitive prices, offering unrivalled support for the end user. The i-line range encompasses standard X30, X40, H30 and H40 truss, stagedex and Litedeck staging systems, and even MPT towers.

For details of the complete network, visit our website: www.prolyte.com/network

Prolyte Group i-line

The PLASA Rigging Conference is a must-attend for all rigging technicians and features some well known specialists from within our organisation. Marc Hendriks will participate in an international panel on fall arrest systems and hoist safety and Rinus Bakker will lecture on slinging practices and working at height. The full Conference Programme and line-up of speakers can be viewed at: www.plasariggingconference.com

PLASA NEWSLETTER

PRODUCT NEWS H40R TRUSS: THE PERFECT MARRIAGE Brand Manager Eric Laanstra frequently received enquiries for a smaller truss with a higher loading capacity and has masterminded the perfect solution. With his team of engineers he has designed the H40R truss, a rectangular standard H40 truss with a very clever programme of specifications based on the H30V, H40V and S36R truss.

The H40R has three-sided webbing. The thicker braces on the bottom side allow easy mounting of automated luminaires/ moving heads and central loading, reducing the torsion effect resulting from one-sided loading in

SNEAK PREVIEW: NEW LITEDECK LEG FITTING. standard trusses.

The spigot orientation follows that of the S series truss, allowing easy assembly while the truss is still on the floor.

The H40R measures 387mm high by 287mm wide. The diagonals are placed to allow room for a 30D truss to rest on the bottom chords. Its compact design makes the H40R easier and more cost effective to transport. The loading rate is comparable to the H40V, although lateral forces are limited due to the three-sided webbing. The H40R is available in all standard lengths as well as a box-corner.

H40R-L200

One of the benefits of a merger is the ability to combine existing products to create something even better. Prolyte Group strives for continuous product development; and the adaptation of the standard LiteDeck to incorporate the StageDex leg fitting is a perfect

example of this. We expect this deck to go into production by spring 2012; in the meantime you can see the prototype on our stand at the PLASA Show.

Litedeck prototype

3

PRODUCT NEWS PRERIGTRUSS PreRigTruss Fixed type - S36PRF The S36PRF has measurements of 360 mm height and 610 mm width and is available in different lengths. The truss has fixed cross and linear braces on the topside; the diameter is 50x4 mm for the main chords and 25x3 mm for the diagonals and cross brace. The truss can be stacked with or without the additional dolly. The pin-fork connection can rotate to create vertical and horizontal corners, making it possible to build spans as well as goalpost or grid configurations.

Dolly - S36PRD2 A sturdy dolly that can easily be handled by one person; stacking and tipping is easy. One person can connect the legs, due to the easy lowering and alignment of the truss in the dolly. The dolly has foldable bumpers to improve side protection. The storage volume is 15% less than comparable types on the market.

4

All dollies are stackable.

PreRigTruss Flexible type - S36PRA This truss has the same specifications as the fixed type, but has the extra possibility to mount the fixtures or bars at any required place, due to the flexible cross braces in the top side.

These braces are equipped with M12 sliding slots to facilitate placing.

PreRigTruss Fixed type - S36PRF + Dolly - S36PRD2

WingDolly - S36PRD1 The dolly consists of a framework which folds upwards when the truss is in use, to create a railing and convert the truss into a catwalk style truss. This double function of the railing makes storing the dolly when the truss is in use unnecessary. The dolly is fully adjustable in height and has no loose components, making it easy to handle and mount.

PreRigTruss Flexible type - S36PRA + WingDolly - S36PRD1

PLASA NEWSLETTER

PROJECT NEWS ENERGY DRINKS FIRM MONSTER ENERGY, well-recognised for its close allegiance to extreme sporting events, recently commissioned trussing and staging specialists Prolyte Group to provide a presence enhancing outdoor structure based around a pair of Stageline Promobile mobile marketing units.

The brief was to increase both the size and visual impact of the existing units while retaining some flexibility to enable different configurations for the wide variety of events where the structure would be used. To realise this, Prolyte Group worked closely with both Monster Energy and Stageline to create a custom solution incorporating various viewing platforms and brand experience areas.

The design comprised two 4.4-by-10metre stage extensions using Prolyte Group’s industry-leading LiteDeck staging, supplementing the 150 square

metres of space already available with each unit. In addition to this, Prolyte added roof canopies constructed primarily from their standard ProlyteStructures H30V trussing, along with a bridge linking the second floors of the units. These custom add-ons mean the units can now accommodate

“...I look forward to working with Prolyte Group again in the future.”

Matt Kowal, Monster Energy’s EMEA Events Marketing Manager more than 500 people for the full Monster Energy brand experience that includes product sampling, autograph signing events, V.I.P. guest receptions and live shows.

an innovative design solution giving us the flexibility we need for a variety of live events. It was a real benefit to be able to do a full pre-build in the on-site Studio adjacent to the workshop, and to be able to make last minute adjustments prior to the first event. I look forward to working with Prolyte Group again in the future.”

Prolyte Group Account Manager Paul Hadfield added: “It was a pleasure to work with a team who have the same vision and energy that we have at Prolyte. This project is a great example of how we can create something quite special from primarily standard products.”

Matt Kowal, Monster Energy’s EMEA Events Marketing Manager, said of the project: “The Prolyte team came up with

5

PROJECT NEWS M-SPORT, THE ORGANISATION CHOSEN BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY to mastermind the assault on the World Rally Championship, recently commissioned Litestructures (Prolyte Group’s brand team dedicated to custom projects) to design and manufacture a modular touring infrastructure centre.

The Litestructures team fully designed, built and kitted out the structure, which includes a full size, fully fitted catering kitchen, toilets, air-conditioning and an integrated AV system. The structure had to be portable to allow transportation between events, but equally, as a key part of the company’s branding, it had to be unique and have outstanding visual impact. A clear requisite was that every area had a solid quality, giving an almost permanent feel, whilst the deployment should be restricted to 3 days for a crew of no more than 8 operatives.

6

When fully assembled, the structure measures sixteen metres in length on two storeys, comprising six demountable pods consisting of steel unitary frames clad in glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), offering an ideal surface for Ford’s branding.

Naturally, the interior had to match

“...it had to be unique and have outstanding visual impact...” the aesthetic appeal of the exterior and so the finishes are high gloss white composite and natural stainless steel, giving a sleek technical finish, contrasting with a dark composite floor throughout. Lengths of Prolyte S36R truss support the upper floor and a complete custom staircase, including handrails, with a wood finish to the treads, links the two levels. Another unique aspect is the integration of all

lighting and AV transmissions within integrated truss rails, leading to an environment that is effectively cable free.

The ground floor has been designed to host catered receptions for up to 100 guests; while the upper floor includes a VIP area, two meeting rooms, a physiotherapy room, an engineering pod with management office, as well as a specific sponsor oriented suite.

The structure was delivered in early July, in readiness for the Neste Oil Rally Finland. The structure will continue to provide a home from home for the Ford World Rally Team throughout Europe in 2011 and beyond.

PLASA NEWSLETTER

7

PROJECT NEWS JASON BRUGES STUDIO, in conjunction with Prolyte Group, have designed the world’s first digital water feature for the new Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, east London. The innovative design of Westfield Stratford City ensures that the scheme is much more than just a shopping mall and demonstrates a real commitment to public space and a connection to the Olympic Park. Renowned installation artists, Jason Bruges Studio, were commissioned to create a groundbreaking ‘public art’ design to be a key feature in Chestnut Plaza, the central public square leading to the Stadium.

And they turned to Prolyte Group’s creative brand division, Litestructures, to help them realise their vision.

The brief was to create a design that would be ‘both engaging and sensorial’ and was shaped by Westfield’s collaboration with the Discover children’s charity, which took children

8

around London and asked them what they wanted to see in public art. They expressed an interest in an interactive piece using water. This centrepiece public art commission is a digital water feature, dubbed ‘Digital Fall’, and uses light to represent water in an illusory waterfall effect installation.

“We were commissioned to create a ground-breaking ‘public art’ design...”

elevations. The main tower stands at an impressive 12 metres tall, is triangular in plan and contains 2856 LCD panels and their associated controls and cables. Angled panels surround the top of the tower with a more tapered design towards the base of the structure to mitigate ‘climbability’. Granite benches, known as ‘rills’, incorporating 4156 smaller LCD panels, surround the base of the tower giving the impression of water dissipating along channels as it reaches ground level.

Jason Bruges Studio The Litestructures team undertook comprehensive 3D solid modelling allowing virtual engineering of both the structural integrity and complex assembly of the structure. Advanced profiling, forming and fabrication techniques at its Wakefield facility, combined with in-house powder coating, made it possible to create the stunning faceted black aluminium

To bring this ‘waterfall’ to life, Jason Bruges Studio created generative software that schedules animations to play across the pixel surface of the rills and the nodes of the Fall. The system, which is also accompanied by audio, has been designed so that it can be animated as a holistic canvas or individual elements can be controlled independently.

Prior to installation, the complete unit was pre-built by the Litestructures team, including all electrical assembly, at LS-Live Studios adjacent to Prolyte’s UK facility.

The piece is designed to ‘provide a synergy between sections’ of Westfield, and aims to have a presence both during the day and at night.

Bruges says, ‘This ground-breaking sculpture will contribute to Westfield’s ambitious plans for combining art and culture with world-class public spaces at the new development.’

The installation is set in view of the main site lines approaching one of the centre’s public squares. Westfield estimates that this will be overlooked by 70 per cent of the footfall from Olympic spectators, travelling across the town centre link bridge to 2012 games venues.

PLASA NEWSLETTER

9

PARTNER NEWS IPS SUPPLIES MAMMOTH NEW PROLYTE CLT STAGE FOR THE GRAND SCOTTISH PROM Milton Keynes based Impact Production Services (IPS) has added a customised Prolyte Roof System to its range of outdoor stages. Following a first build at the LS-Live Studio in Wakefield, the 16m by 14m structure has already been used at the Grand Scottish Prom at Glamis Castle, and as the main stage at Standon Calling, Hertfordshire.

Manufactured by Prolyte Group, this variation of a CLT Roof System is constructed from S52V grid truss

IPS CLT, Photo by: Impact Production Services

10

supported by seven S40T truss towers from the ProlyteStructures range. A Layher Allround Scaffolding system base structure supports EV100 Event Decks that form the 16m x 14m stage platform. Adjustable Layher base adaptors support the truss towers, and tie the structure into the base platform.

The roof has a clear stage height of 9m, and a roof loading of 10000kg, plus 4000kg on optional PA wings. IPS MD James Mason is very happy with the new structure, saying “The CLT takes our range of stages to the next level”.

The CLT stage adds to the existing IPS

staging range of 12m x 10m Prolyte MPT stages, 8m x 6m Prolyte ARC stages, 6.7m Hexagonal Litestructures Bandstands, and a 4.8m x 4.8m Litestructures Mini Roof.

The Grand Scottish Prom at Glamis Castle took place on Saturday 30th July, and was a huge success. Alan Hillary Event Management took over the event for 2011 and, as the 70-strong Royal Scottish National Orchestra had already been confirmed, they needed a substantial amount of stage space. The CLT provided all the space required and as explained by Tony Walton, the event director, in the local press “We also had a mammoth stage and that paid dividends in helping project the view right to the back of the crowd.”

IPS has strong links with the Prolyte Group, as a hire partner and rental stockist of many of its product lines including one of the UK’s largest rental stocks of the now ubiquitous LiteDeck aluminium framed staging system.

UNUSUAL SUPPLIES PROLYTE TRUSS FOR GHOST & DR DEE Prolyte Group recently announced that Unusual Group Ltd has signed up to be a dealer for the full range of Prolyte Group theatre products in the UK. Unusual is one of the most experienced providers of rigging and stage engineering solutions in the UK and has recently been involved in two high profile entertainment projects – GHOST and Dr Dee - where Prolyte truss was specified as part of the rigging packages.

GHOST: THE MUSICAL As a movie, Ghost won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Bruce Joel Rubin’s original screenplay, and was one of the biggest grossing films in the UK. For the stage production, which opened in London on 19 July 2011 to great acclaim, Unusual Rigging was contracted by Production Rigger Kenny Mehmed to

PLASA NEWSLETTER

help realise the designers’ set. As well as supplying the full crew, Unusual designed, manufactured and installed all the rigging including Prolyte S52V and H30V truss.

DR DEE: AN ENGLISH OPERA The world premiere of Dr Dee: An English Opera took place at the Manchester International Festival 2011. Written by Damon Albarn, Blur and Gorillaz frontman, and directed

by Rufus Norris, it will premiere in London on 25 June 2012 at the London Coliseum as part of the London 2012 Festival to mark the capital’s hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Unusual Rigging designed, manufactured and installed numerous elements including Prolyte trusses for lighting, sound and projection.

DrDee, Photos by: Howard Barlow

Ghost the musical, Photo by: Sean Ebsworth Barnes

11

Prolyte Group HQ Leek, Netherlands info@prolyte.com

Prolyte Products UK LTD Wakefield, England info@prolyte.co.uk

Prolyte Products GmbH Emsdetten, Germany info@prolyte.eu

Prolyte Products Romania Slatina, Romania info@prolyte.ro