Production 100 print version

TRANSPORTATION CATERING CREW FREIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE LIGHTING RENTAL REHEARSAL SPACES SOUND RENTAL STAGING & RIGGING VIDEO SUPPLY

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Dear Reader

IQ PRODUCTION 100 IQ Magazine Unit 31 Tileyard Road King's Cross London N7 9AH

Editorial EDITOR

Gordon Masson gordon@iq-mag.net

DESIGN Montrose Creative www.montrosecreative.com

SUB EDITOR Michael Muldoon michael@iq-mag.net

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Gina Durante Gina@iq-mag.net

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING Terry McNally Terry@iq-mag.net

PUBLISHER ILMC and Suspicious Marketing

WELCOME TO THE inaugural Production 100. If you have the magazine in your hands, it’s more than likely that you work in the live events industry, so we hope you find our listings guide useful over the coming year.

With no readymade guide for decision makers in the production business to turn to when choosing their suppliers and contractors, the IQ editorial team invited 100 leading production managers and decision makers to nominate the suppliers they trust the most, and would recommend to others. Participants included the likes of Jake Berry, Wob Roberts, Jesse Sandler, Jason Danter, Keith Wood and Live Nation's John Probyn, to name but a few.

With the UK being a hub for production services, and many of our voting panel being Brits themselves, many of the Production 100 are based in the UK. However, showing the extent to which the global touring business now traverses most borders, we recorded a healthy number of international companies as well.

We have split these listings into ten key sectors. Hopefully listings will help inform your decision-making in the year ahead. And for those companies that did not make this year’s list, it won’t be long before voting opens for the 2015 edition… just enough time to buy your production manager client a beer, and have a quiet word in their ear…!

Gordon Masson, Editor

Contents 04/ THE UNSUNG HEROES Why we should celebrate the crews, contractors and suppliers who allow artists to entertain us...

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TRANSPORTATION

Whether by wings or wheels, it's not just about getting from A to B...

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

From sausages to smoothies…who doesn't like hanging in catering when the show's in town?!

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CREW COMPANIES

Many hands make light work, but the best professional crews make it even lighter...

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FREIGHT & TRUCKING

Regardless of weather, borders and timezone, the touring business keeps on truckin' (and flyin')…

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INFRASTRUCTURE

Barriers, fences, power…the mundane elements of a show are as crucial as any other…

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LIGHTING RENTAL

Whether on stage or on the wrist, this high tech sector is more integral than ever...

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REHEARSAL FACILITIES

Testing grounds and safe harbours, rehearsal spaces are where the magic begins…

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SOUND RENTAL

With today's high end sound rentals, making a noise was never quite so much fun...

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STAGING & RIGGING

With today's high end sound rentals, making a noise was never quite so much fun...

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VIDEO RENTAL

From interactive content to full blown HD theatrics, tour and festival video is a unique art form…

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The Unsung Heroes LEGEND HAS IT that when The Beatles played New York’s Shea Stadium in August 1965, the vast majority of the 55,000-plus members of the audience barely heard a note being played. And because of the distance between the fans and the band, many didn’t know who was who on stage.

There are those who would argue that music has never again reached such dizzying heights, but one thing is for sure – the crews and background staff that set up concerts, festivals and other live entertainment events have evolved massively and are delivering shows that the Fab Four and

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their peers could scarcely have dreamt of 50 years ago.

Ironically, it’s one of the Beatles contemporaries, the Rolling Stones (pictured above, in Chicago's Soldier Field stadium, on the set of their A Bigger Bang tour) that have often been at the cutting edge of the live music revolution, with successive world tours pushing the envelope on technology and spectacle alike. The Stones set the bar high when it comes to arena and stadium shows, but investing heavily to create mind-blowing stage sets, spectacular light shows, the very best quality sound available

photo credit: Stufish.com

Celebrating the crews, contractors and suppliers who allow artists to entertain us

Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang set, 2010

and video walls so the ticket buyers at the back feel a connection with the band, has paid off big style for the veteran rockers.

Creating those shows that give fans lifelong memories is a mammoth task, but thankfully there are thousands of dedicated professionals around the world who have made it their life’s work to help transform the vision of the artists into something tangible and workable – not just at the highest level, but from the grass roots pub tour circuit upward.

The Production 100 recognises the expertise that these amazing individuals and companies bring to the table, and although our listings guide is limited in numbers, it’s a tribute to all the specialist suppliers and contractors that such a publication can be put together to applaud those that the top production managers, tour managers and decision makers trust above all else to make sure their shows arrive and leave on time, run smoothly and, perhaps most importantly of all, are kept within budget.

The ten production sectors identified in this publication barely scrape the surface of knowledge and experience that now exists in the live entertainment production world. Our Infrastructure section, for instance, includes the likes of ground protection and power suppliers, as well as safety barriers and fencing – all of which, it could be argued, deserve a separate sector of their own. And also conspicuous by their absence are the likes of the travel agents who coordinate all the transport and accommodation needs for tours, and the specials effects and pyro suppliers, who add polish and sparkle to events. But quite simply we could spend forever trying

The Stones set the bar high when it comes to arena and stadium shows, but investing heavily to create mind-blowing stage sets has paid off big style for the veteran rockers. to include everyone who contributes to what surely is the best industry on the planet, so we let our voters guide us on the ten sectors that they thought were the most important.

No doubt in the year ahead, show designers, production managers, crew and suppliers will once again surprise us with their ingenuity and creativity. The fact that artists the world over are praised for adding that 'wow!' factor to their shows, is purely down to experts like those featured in this publication. We hope you find this information useful in the months ahead when you're preparing your next tour or event.

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IQ PRODUCTION 100 Artist & Crew Transportation

Modern crew buses put the roll in rock 'n' roll...

Artist & Crew Transportation Whether by wings or wheels, it's not just about getting from A to B...

FROM THE SMALLEST acts using their parents’ cars and splitter vans to the biggest global tours involving hundreds of crew, multiple buses and planes – both scheduled and chartered – the need for vehicles to get people from A to B (often via Q) is at the heart of the touring industry.

With some global tours lasting for a full two years, and more, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for artists and crew to travel, and sleep in, is crucial and the levels of luxury that the coach specialists, in particular, are now creating as standard means that the phrase ‘a palace on wheels’ is very accurate.

Of course, there are a lot more journeyman acts and newcomers than there are superstars,

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therefore the tour transportation providers make sure they provide a range of vehicles so that when their clients make a step to the next level, they’ll remain loyal and hopefully need more buses on their next tour.

With speed of the essence, providing crews with a place to sleep as they travel throughout the night not only saves on hotel costs, but can also provide roadies with a place to rest and call home throughout the day, should they be lucky enough to enjoy some down time.

And for those acts really in a hurry to get from one show to another then the air charter business provides a ready made, jet-set solution, often at more reasonable prices than relying on scheduled airlines.

Artist & Crew Transportation

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CONTACT DETAILS Jumbocruiser Ltd PO Box 30 Seaton EX12 3WZ United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1297 24717 E: sales@jumbocruiser. com W: www.jumbocruiser. com

CONTACT DETAILS

Silvergray Unit 7/8 Bedfont Road Feltham London TW14 8EB United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1797 343 900 E: enquiries@silvergray. co.uk W: www.silvergray.co.uk

COACH SERVICE

JUMBOCRUISER

MM BANDSERVICES

ALTHOUGH A RELATIVE newcomer, having only been trading since 1996, Jumbocruiser is one of the more significant operators in the European sleeper coach sector. The company offers new double-deck coaches of the highest quality for big name tours, as well as older coaches for budget conscious tours.

Jumbocruiser was one of the first operators to provide hard drive-based multimedia devices, three-phase air conditioning, memory foam mattresses, bean-to-cup coffee machines, low power diesel heaters, fleet-wide internet access, electronically controlled air door keypads, freshwater RV-style toilets, LED lighting, and Bluetooth HDMI multimedia connectors for personal devices.

The company’s A-grade double-deckers can carry up to 17 people, including driver(s). Its B-grade vehicles carry a maximum of 15 people, while its Megaloaders feature walk-in loading bays for luggage or backline avoiding the need for a trailer, although they can pull trailers with them thus saving the cost of a truck.

MM BANDSERVICES WAS founded in the year 2000 as a specialist transport provider to the live music industry. The company is based in the UK port of Hull, which has fantastic links to Belgium, Denmark, Holland and Norway.

The company’s all-inclusive pricing means that when clients are budgeting for the likes of a European tour, there are no surprises. MM has budget buses for those acts doing smaller gigs on a tight budget, through to a new fleet of extra long crew and band buses, specialising in long distance and European tours. The company even has specialist Star buses with double beds and extra large bunks for the star’s close entourage. A brand new fleet of trailers to carry backline can also help save money in trucking costs.

MM Bandservices have been fortunate enough to have been well supported by the management of such acts as Plan B, Mumford & Sons, The Osmonds, Wiz Khalifa, Sean Paul & Little Wayne, Shakira, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Foo Fighters, to name but a few.

SILVERGRAY

STARCRUISER

SILVERGRAY SUPPLIES HIGH specification sleeper coaches to the music and entertainment industry for road tours. The company has a fleet of ten double-decker sleeper coaches that range in size from 10- to 16-berths.

The company has split its fleet of coaches into two different classes: 14+ metres; and drop floors. Silvergray’s drop floor category consists of five coaches with cleverly designed drop floor areas in the rear lounges. This allows passengers some much needed extra height.

Most of the company’s vehicles coaches also have the ability to tow trailers, thus eliminating the need for additional transport for backline equipment on some tours. Trailers for those tours can also be hired from Silvergray.

The company’s drivers are permitted to work up to 15 hours a day, driving for nine hours in the format of 4.5 hours then a 45 min break.

Drivers may also do one 16-hour spread in the working week, but must take at least one 3-hour break from duty.

STARCRUISER BUSSING AND events is a luxury tour bus company that offers the whole band bus package for any sized tour, or budget, within the music and entertainment industry.

The company has a wealth of experience in giving clients exactly what they want.

The company’s Nightliner sleeper buses offer 8 to 16-berth configurations, featuring three sumptuous lounge areas equipped with LED TVs, Playstation 3/Xbox and DVD, plus all the extras – kitchen with coffee maker, microwave, fridge and WC with shower and toilet – touring acts should expect from a high-class company.

Its services include low-cost (£5 per day) Wi-Fi on all vehicles in the UK and Europe.

The company also offers personal security services, with discrete bodyguards (licensed and registered with the SIA) trained in all defence techniques and personal protection.

With a wealth of experienced in the music, TV and theatre industries, Starcruiser also stocks a variety of trailers to transport backline.

CONTACT DETAILS

Coach Service GmbH Am Busch 6-8 51580 Reichshof – Wehnrath Germany T: +49 2265 99210 E: info@coachservice.com W: www.coachservice.com Operations in other territories: United Kingdom

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FOR MORE THAN 20 years, Coach Service has provided one of the most modern and flexible Nightliner fleets for the entertainment industry in Europe. Its tour buses take artists and their crew to event locations throughout Europe and beyond, ensuring safe and carefree transport.

Coach Service considers the safety, needs and wishes of its passengers to be of the highest priority and its daily incentive to provide a flawless service. The company’s drivers are committed, articulate, discreet and specially trained to deal with VIPs, sharing the company’s mission to offer the best possible service.

CONTACT DETAILS

MM Bandservices Acer Glade Black Tup Lane Arnold Hull East Yorkshire HU11 5JA United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1964 563 464 E: mike@mmbandservices. co.uk W: www.mmbandservices. co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS

Starcruiser Unit 16B Weaver Industrial Estate Blackburn Street Garston Liverpool L19 8JA United Kingdom T: +44 (0)151 427 3644 E: info@starcruiser.biz W: www.starcruiser.biz

The company has been passionate about music since long before its launch in 1992. When bands touring the Federal Republic of Germany faced closed doors when looking for hotel accommodation, the solution was to provide a tour bus with beds.

Today, Coach Service is one of the leading bussing companies in Europe and a treasure trove of exceptional staff who share their philosophy of offering the best possible service: drivers, planners, project managers, carpenters, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, IT specialists, cleaning staff, administration and many more.

Artist & Crew Transportation

Providing crews with a place to sleep as they travel throughout the night not only saves on hotel costs, but can allow roadies with a place to rest and call home

CONTACT DETAILS

Phoenix Bussing 29 Premier Way Abbey Park Romsey SO51 9DQ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1794 511 152 E: Paul.hattin@phoenix-bussing.co.uk W: www.phoenix-bussing. co.uk

PHOENIX BUSSING

AIR PARTNER

PHOENIX BUSSING HAS been supplying sleeper buses to the music industry since 1988, during which time it has grown from its original four converted buses to a fleet of 32 purpose-built vehicles.

The company’s modern fleet of single and double-deckers are all 45ft (14m) in length and the interiors are built and maintained by the company’s skilled carpenters, electricians, mechanics, upholsterers and body shop staff.

Every bus is individually made using top quality materials to provide comfortable lounge areas with top-of-the-range entertainment systems, and large bunks with memory foam mattresses and quality linen.

Phoenix prides itself on staying at the forefront of technology to make it more comfortable for touring personnel on the road. These innovations include trialling a new movie and music streaming system that allows passengers to stream movies anywhere in the vehicle and also to wirelessly push music from their devices to sound systems in the lounge areas.

AIR PARTNER HAS been working in aviation for more than 50 years, giving it the strength of service to provide every type of business, any type of aircraft, for every conceivable mission, in every country in the world.

With 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, the company operates a full 24/7 flight operations centre to give clients instant access to its private air charter services, whenever and wherever they need them.

The company’s team of aviation professionals regularly organise some of the most complex civil aviation operations flown in the world today. New missions are launched at a moment’s notice, and key personnel are flown into, and out of, the most obscure or challenging airports.

In addition to transporting rock stars and their entourages, Air Partner is the first aviation company to hold a Royal Warrant

by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, granted on 1 January 2004.

CONTACT DETAILS Air Partner Plc 2 City Place Beehive Ring Road Gatwick RH6 0PA United Kingdom T: +44 1293 844 800 E: info@airpartner.com W: www.airpartner.com

Operation in other territories: Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, USA

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Premier Aviation's charter aircraft for the Rolling Stoners

CONTACT DETAILS

Premier Aviation The Tower Goffs Park Road Crawley West Sussex RH11 8XX United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1293 558 080 E: operations@premieraviation.com W: www.premieraviation. com Operations in other territories: Australia, USA

BEAT THE STREET

PREMIER AVIATION

FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL

FOUNDED IN 1994 to look after a roster of clients, primarily from the entertainment business, Premier Aviation has grown to become one of the leading worldwide private aircraft charter brokering companies serving many of the leading names in music.

Working with partners in the USA and Australia, providing ad-hoc flights to major tour programmes spanning the globe, their aviation expertise coupled with round-the-clock personal service has resulted in a varied client portfolio.

In 2011 the company became a wholly-owned division of the Hunt & Palmer group and whilst still operating under the familiar brand, the dedicated Premier Aviation team look after artists and clients that have remained loyal throughout the 20 years. The company continues to build strong relationships with new clients and upcoming artists within many genres of the industry, providing their services to many of the top grossing world tours.

FOUR SEASONS TRAVEL is a family-run business, established in 1982, and is wholly owned by Malcolm and Maureen Farrey. The company is proud to offer more than 30 years of experience in working with some of the top entertainers in the industry, providing sleeper buses and tour coaches.

Excellence has always been the company’s hallmark, in every aspect of its business, which is evident in the presentation of Four Seasons Travel’s high specification sleeper coaches for its clients. The use of ash wood; chrome and leather finishes; and state-of-the-art entertainment systems gives its fleet of tour buses a very comfortable environment in which a band or crew can relax during a tour.

Friendly and skilled drivers add to the experience. It is the company’s goal to ensure that everyone of its customers can enjoy that elusive concept of quality. It prides itself on the service it promotes and guarantees that level of attention, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CONTACT DETAILS

Beat The Street Austrasse 49 6122 Fritzens Austria T: +43 (0)522 455 300 E: joerg@beatthestreet.net W: www.beatthestreet.net Operations in other territories: United Kingdom

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AS ONE OF the best-known transport companies in the business, Beat The Street operates an extensive fleet of single, super high and double-decker purpose-built sleeper coaches, exclusively for the entertainment industry.

Bus interiors are individually designed by the company, encompassing top line luxury features and offering the quality and comfort expected by touring artists from around the world. The entire fleet is also finished to the highest standard on the exterior, as Beat The Street believes the presentation of its vehicles is important to support the profile of a touring artist.

CONTACT DETAILS

Four Seasons Travel Langtonlees Farm Duns TD11 3NS United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1361 884714 E: info@fourseasonstravel. co.uk W: www. fourseasonstravel. co.uk

The company aims to make any band or crew member feel as comfortable as possible whilst touring. It uses the highest quality materials, fits state-of-the-art entertainment systems and uses top quality bed linen. The company’s drivers are of the highest calibre, as it knows the importance of them fitting in with the touring party, and helping to make sure everything runs smoothly and problem free.

In 2011, Beat The Street launched a ground transport department offering cars, passenger vans, splitter buses and 12- to 70-seat coaches, to augment its existing services.

Artist & Crew Transportation

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Event catering can rival some of the finest restaurants

Catering Services

From sausages to smoothies…who doesn't like hanging in catering when the show's in town...

IT MIGHT BE close to 200 years since Napoleon Bonaparte uttered the phrase “an army marches on its stomach”, but ask the opinion of any of the legions of road warriors who help set up and run concerts and festivals every year, and there won’t be many who disagree with those sentiments.

The importance of food to the crews who do the grunt work cannot be overstated. But it’s not just about bacon sarnies and vats of pasta to fill stomachs… these days caterers present carefully balanced diets, healthy options and a range of crafted options to suit all tastes and preferences.

For international tours, a catering team’s job can be further complicated by the task of sourcing fresh local produce, whatever the

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season. Such challenges often mean chefs are awake long before the rest of the tour party, visiting markets and stores to purchase the day’s provisions. And, of course, it’s often the caterers that are last to pack up their gear – feeding the crews who work so hard to load-out in the small hours after a show.

And tougher challenges sometimes exist in even finding a suitable space to set up a temporary kitchen, such is the caterer’s life.

But with menu quality – and presentation – up there with some of the finest restaurants in the world, what better testament to the skills of the chefs that many superstar acts now forego food on their riders to enjoy the same sustenance as their crew and contractors.

Catering services

CENTRAL CATERING SERVICES LTD

CONTACT DETAILS

Central Catering Services Fourmarts Road Martland Park Wigan WN5 OLR United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1942 621 800 E: general@centralcatering.com W: www.centralcatering. com

CONTACT DETAILS

Flying Saucers P.O. Box 4 Halesworth Suffolk IP19 9AL United Kingdom T: +44(0)1986 784 298 E: val@flyingsaucerscatering.com W: flyingsaucerscatering. com

UPBEAT

CRUNCHTIME CATERING

WHAT MAKES AN event a festival, rather than just a gig in a field? According to CCS, it is the variety of food outlets, market stalls, bars, and alternative activities that capture the imaginations of the festival goers and make each event that bit different and memorable – and that is where Central Catering Services excels.

The company has been working in the live event arena for over 25 years and has one of the largest databases of food and market concessions in the United Kingdom. In addition, it claims to be the only concession company in the UK that owns and operate its own multiple dispensing pumping facilities which gives CCS the capacity to cover multiple large-scale events running on the same date anywhere in the country.

The company also supplies cash machine facilities to all the events it operates and has recently completed the purchase of ultra-modern ‘hole-in-the-wall’ ATM facilities.

CRUNCHTIME CATERING IS a family-run business providing homemade, delicious and nutritious food to event staff, stewards, volunteers, artists and production crew at a wide variety of events and festivals across the United Kingdom.

With a growing list of clients including some of the UK’s largest festivals, Crunchtime is becoming one of the leading caterers within the industry. The company prides itself on using fresh and ethically sourced ingredients to create meals that are prepared daily on-site by its professional team of staff.

Crunchtime menus are designed to be tasty, filling and healthy, offering a huge choice of dishes, from simple and delicious to the more extravagant. The company can cater for huge numbers of staff from its outdoor kitchen.

The company can also offer an extensive range of hot and cold buffet menus. From simple sandwiches and salads, to lavish platters of seafood and gourmet delights, its buffets are always freshly prepared and beautifully presented.

FLYING SAUCERS

HELL’S KITCHEN

ESTABLISHED IN 1980, Flying Saucers is this year celebrating 34 years catering for the entertainment industry. The company’s teams create their menus on a day-to-day basis, according to the preferences of the entourage, the seasons, what fresh ingredients are available in the location and the chefs’ specialities.

However, while anyone can create appealing menus on paper, the reality can be rather different and Flying Saucers believes that the secret lies in having a team of experienced, happy, hard-working people who enjoy working together, and who can consistently produce food and service of the highest quality, despite often working under intense pressure in difficult circumstances.

Since 1980, the company has provided a catering service of the highest quality for event and tour catering, all over the world. Flying Saucers prides itself on offering a top quality service in a family atmosphere, right down to flowers on the tables and daily newspapers.

HELL’S KITCHEN IS a Berlin-based catering company working with artists, crews, concerts and events, both locally and on-the-road all over Europe. The company serves up round-theclock delicious, freshly prepared food, and often takes care of the after-show party. Alongside rock n roll, Hell’s Kitchen is equipped to cater for diverse events; from small parties to events for several hundred people – weddings, barbecues, company events, finger food buffets, motto buffets – you name it, they’ve done it!

With its love for detail and the belief that life is too short to eat bad food, the company creates all delicacies itself. Whether preparing local specialities or international dishes, its chefs approach their work with creativity and passion to make clients’ wishes come true.

Hell’s Kitchen has a vast amount of experience with its list of clients including Rammstein, Pearl Jam, Prince, Nancy Sinatra, AC/DC, Neil Young, Bon Jovi, Kiss, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joe Jackson and more.

CONTACT DETAILS

Upbeat Food 16 Chart Road Folkestone Kent CT19 4EN United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1303 270 787 E: info@upbeatfood.com W: www.upbeatfood.com

UPBEAT FOOD IS a professional tour catering company with many years’ experience and numerous satisfied clients. Owners Toni Leen and Hugh Macfarlane started the company in 2006 having worked previously with a large established catering company, but felt they could have more fun running their own operation.Originally from New Zealand, the business partners decided that a more hands-on, less corporate approach would enable them to deliver a better result when it came to the live music industry’s catering needs. Both Leen and Macfarlane are professional chefs with a

CONTACT DETAILS

Crunchtime Catering 192a Haslemere Road Portsmouth Hants PO4 9AS United Kingdom T: +44 (0)2392 837 370 E: lucy@crunctimecatering. co.uk W: www.crunchtimecatering.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS

Hellskitchen Catering Corinthstraße 46 10245 Berlin Germany Tel: +49 (0)306 150 7297 E: mail@hellskitchen-catering.de W: www.hellskitchen-catering.de

background that incorporates comfort food and the latest diets including raw food, macrobiotic, wholefood, artisan bread baking and high protein and low carb diets. Balanced nutrition is all part and parcel of the Upbeat service.

Upbeat’s founders have found themselves cooking on the sidewalk outside Madison Square Gardens, a tent in Moscow’s Red Square, the Coliseum in Rome, and even an erratically powered portacabin in the Lebanese city of Beirut, meeting all such challenges, successfully and safely.

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EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT

FEATURED COMPANY

EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT was formed by two school-leavers from Melbourne, Australia – Kim Davenport and Debbie Sharpe – who backpacked to England for what they thought would be three months, got work and stayed. Sharpe has since moved on to Chicago, where she has established the company’s first base in the United States, while Davenport remains in London, running the UK and European end of the operation.

Among the company’s extensive client list have been Luciano Pavarotti, the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart and Michael Jackson, as well as Paul McCartney whose insistence on vegetarian food opened a number of doors for EYHO as they met the challenge of ca-

CONTACT DETAILS

Eat Your Hearts Out The Basement 108a Elgin Avenue London W9 2HD United Kingdom T: +44 (0)207 289 9446 E: eyho@bleedingheartukltd.com Operations in other territories: USA

Among the company’s extensive client list have been Luciano Pavarotti, the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney tering for hundreds of people on Macca’s 1989 world tour, with a strictly veggie diet.

Eat Your Hearts Out’s chefs are used to improvising, no matter what the venue, with chefs inventing recipes due to the limited fresh ingredients they can source in remote locations.

CONTACT DETAILS

Peppermint Bars & Events 7 College Fields Business Centre 19 Prince George’s Road London SW19 2PT United Kingdom T: +44 (0)845 226 7845 E: info@peppermintbars. co.uk W: www.peppermintbars. co.uk

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Creating a comfortable and friendly environment is as important as the stunning menus

PEPPERMINT BARS

POPCORN CATERING

IN 2003, PEPPERMINT Bars was formed as a joint venture with the Mint Group to deliver fresh event concepts and high quality bars at outdoor events. The partners also produced the first ever Lovebox Festival on London’s Clapham Common.

In 2004, Peppermint targeted the boutique festivals market, identifying a gap in the festival bars market to deliver quality and choice. Four years later, Peppermint and the Mint Group parted amicably, with Mint focussing on its venue businesses.

Pouring more than three million pints every summer, Peppermint now services more than 40 events annually, primarily providing bars and catering services to outdoor events. Longstanding clients include Bestival, Secret Garden Party and Field Day, while both AEG Live and Live Nation are customers.

Peppermint offers a range of services providing everything from corporate canapés to backstage BBQ’s at large events.

2014 CELEBRATES THE 25th anniversary of Popcorn, which has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Popcorn's core business comprises of many festival clients, as well as outdoor and stadium tours.

Popcorn is a small family-run operation that appreciates that its success is attributed to its amazing staff, some of whom have been with the company for many years, and have been great mentors for the younger ones coming through the ranks.

The company’s ethos centres around its excellent staff who work well together, are great to be around, and create a warm and friendly atmosphere within the catering room. Popcorn’s mission is to commit to providing a professional and high quality of service to fulfil the requirements of all of its varied clients and ensure their complete satisfaction.

Bespoke to suit each tour, Popcorn strives to offer a premium service, yet provide excellent value for money.

CONTACT DETAILS

Popcorn Catering Linden Grange Hutton Ridby North Yorkshire TS15 OHW United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1642 700 388 E: info@popcorncatering. com W: www.popcorncatering. com

Catering services

CONTACT DETAILS

Eat To The Beat Global Infusion Court Nashleigh Hill Chesham Bucks HP5 3HE United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1494 790 700 E: hello@eattothebeat.com W: www.eattothebeat.com Operations in other territories: China, Qatar, USA

EAT TO THE BEAT

SNAKATAK

WITH THEIR ROOTS in the music and events industry, Eat To The Beat also has a globally respected film and TV division. The company creates a haven for artists, crew and production alike to relax in, creating a home from home – taking the corporate out of hospitality and working as an extension to production teams.

Eat To The Beat celebrated its 25th year of catering Reading Festival last year, while other long term customers include Coldplay, whom it has been involved with since the year 2000, and Cirque du Soleil, which has been a client across Europe, the UK and Asia, since 2003.

Having worked around the world providing catering services for the past 30 years, Eat To The Beat have fulfilled every imaginable request.

Whether it’s an American band seeking some home comforts, or a UK band hoping to take their favourite food on the road, the company has it covered, aspiring to meet the needs of every artist and ensure their rider details are kept on a strictly need to know basis.

WITH A PEDIGREE that dates back to 1985, when the company was first launched, Snakatak provides a highly professional, yet caring and personal, service for touring bands and festivals.

Based in the Yorkshire city of Sheffield, Snakatak’s team of highly trained chefs provide top quality, freshly prepared food and, as with all world-class cuisine, it’s the food that is at the heart of the business. The company creates menus that cater for the wide variety of culinary needs that each tour requires for the diverse tastes of its hard-working crew.

But Snakatak also understands that its clients need more than just food. The company takes pride in providing those personal touches that help create a friendly, comfortable and relaxed environment to help ease the pressures of being away from home.

Some of Snakatak’s recent and longstanding clients include Sting, the Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, Westlife, Kelly Clarkson, Girls Aloud, Keane, Kasabian and Celine Dion.

CONTACT DETAILS

Snakatak Catering The Hollies 51 Westbourne Road Sheffield Yorkshire S10 2QT United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1142 680 860 E: lisa@snakatakcatering. com W: www.snakatakcatering. com

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Showforce crew prepare for V Festival

Crew Companies Many hands make light work, but the best professional crews make it even lighter...

THE RELIANCE OF the live entertainment industry on personnel has grown immensely in recent years. As the majority of artists now rely more heavily on the revenues that they make from live performance, thanks to the decline in the sales of recorded music, the number of concerts, tours and festivals has increased markedly, meaning many more staff are needed to load-in, load-out and run events. In nearly every country around the world‌ As promoters and event organisers always have an eye on costs, the need for efficient crew specialists is paramount, hence the fact that there are now numerous agencies and operations with databases of experienced crew personnel to tap into. The degree of trust that event organisers need to place in crew companies is more crucial than ever, given the litigious

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society that now prevails. As a result, the value of reliable partners that can provide trained and passionate roadies, riggers, and all manner of production specialists, from simple runners right up to experienced production managers, is now key to most international tours.

In addition to the experts mentioned on the following pages, however, there’s a need for local crewing teams in nearly every city around the world that hosts live music and other forms of live entertainment. But the companies identified in the Production 100, by our voting panel of production and tour managers, by and large have networks of contacts around the world that they can call upon to arrange local crewing, to ensure the smooth transition of tours, no matter where they visit, or the size of the show.

Crew Companies

CONTACT DETAILS

All Access Crewing Unit 1/8 Finsbury St Newmarket Queensland 4051 Australia T: +61 (0)7 3352 7622 E: dee@allaccess.com.au W: www.allaccess.com.au

CONTACT DETAILS

Rock City Stage Crew Langsford House 8 Darklake View Estover Plymouth PL6 7TL United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1752 255933 E: office@rockcitycrew.co.uk W: www.rockcitycrew.co.uk

ALL ACCESS CREWING

ALPHA CREW

AUSTRALIA-BASED ALL ACCESS Crewing has been operating since 1995, working with local, national and international promoters, productions and events. The company’s mission is to continue to be recognised as one of Australia’s leading service providers to the creative industries, with a reputation that extends to the international market.

All Access Crewing's years of expertise enable a seamless presentation of any sized event, whether it is a small display or a very large production. Subsequently, All Access can provide a complete array of personnel, ranging from a 250-man crew, to a single wardrobe assistant.

Among the roles that the production industry relies on the company to fulfil, are production services; crewing; stagehands; riggers and scaffolders; stage managers and assistant stage managers; lighting technicians and operators; sound technicians and engineers; set mechanics; props and scenic artists; wardrobe and makeup; audiovisual technicians; followspot operators; tour managers; forklift operators; and runners.

ALPHA CREW IS one of the most recognisable names in the crew personnel business and earlier this year it added to its expertise when it merged with veteran operators Crewco. Alpha’s clients depend on the company to supply a firstclass level of event crew, with an emphasis on people who are passionate about their work and have the tolerance required for the demanding aspects that are associated with it.

Alpha Crew supplies a complete crewing support service to all event orientated businesses, providing the backbone to festivals, production companies, event management firms, brand agencies, theatres, film studios, event facilities and event suppliers.

The company’s logo, the Alpha Shield, signifies the level of quality the company, its officers, directors and personnel stand for. The base shield represents support, safety, reliance and, of course, respect for its staff and everyone it works with. The A in the Shield is for Alpha, while the three stars acknowledge the passion the company holds for people and their progression.

ROCK CITY STAGE CREW

STAGE MIRACLES

ROCK CITY STAGE CREW has been supplying stage, corporate, site and rigging crew throughout the United Kingdom to the live events industry for more than 20 years. It has built up a network of casual and full-time staff as part of its team, some of whom have moved up to fill management positions in the company, while others have moved into more technical roles.

Rock City Stage Crew was founded in November 1990 in Plymouth, and has since risen up the ladder to become one of the foremost suppliers of event personnel throughout South Wales, the Midlands and the South West with branches in Cardiff, Birmingham, London, Bristol, Exeter, Bournemouth and Plymouth.

The company provides a complete range of services to the conference and event industry.

Its strengths lie in its knowledge and experience of the special events industry, gained over the last two decades.

SHOWSTARS CONTACT DETAILS

Showstars Bridge House 3 Mills Studios Three Mill Lane London E3 3DU United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 8215 3333 E: info@showstars.co.uk W: www.showstars.co.uk

ESTABLISHED IN 1977, Stage Miracles is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of event personnel. The company provides a complete range of services to the entertainment and corporate presentation industries using a diverse group of highly skilled staff. With more than 30 years of experience in this field Stage Miracles has worked in probably every major UK venue and with almost every major artist imaginable.

Stage Miracles offers its clients a 24/7, dedicated service with experienced operations managers that can organise crews of any size, and who can help customers overcome any problems that they may encounter on site.

The company’s stage managers have worked with the biggest acts and the largest shows in the world. The company has a wide and extensive database with the country’s best crew. That database of crew contacts, including an extensive network of international staff, meaning the company can supply crew for shows of any size anywhere in the world.

SINCE ITS FORMATION in 1983, Showstars has remained one of the leading suppliers of experienced staging and production crew for high profile concert touring, festivals, TV, major sports ceremonies, corporate productions, film premieres, awards shows and other live events in the UK and abroad.

From Live Aid to London 2012 and beyond, the company has gone from strength to strength as the preferred crew resource for the most discerning production managers, promoters and event organisers.

Located within the creative hub of 3 Mills

CONTACT DETAILS

Alpha Crew Ltd Suite 36 88-90 Hatton Garden Holborn London EC1N 8PG United Kingdom T: +44 (0)203 691 9683 E: info@alphacrew.co.uk W: www.alphacrew.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS

Stage Miracles Ltd Woodlands School Road Little Heath Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 1JW United Kingdom T: +44(0)1707 662 500 E: mail@stagemiracles. co.uk W: www.stagemiracles.co.uk

Studios in East London, Showstars prides itself on hiring and developing multi-skilled crew for production and site work; general duties and specialist deployment such as plant operators, stage builders, drivers, steel hands, riggers, stage managers and spotlight operators.

Showstars is also heavily committed to safety, and this year has seen the company launch a modular working-at-height training course, specifically designed for the event industry. That module, which has been accepted by the SPA, has recently been used to train suppliers to the Commonwealth Games.

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Many more staff are needed to load-in, load-out and run events. In nearly every country around the world…

CATO MUSIC

Crew are trusted to make sure every nail, screw and bolt are in place at an event

CONTACT DETAILS

Crew Solutions Goeseelsstraat 20 4817 MV Breda Netherlands T: +31 (0)76 52 07 407 E: administratie@crewsolutions.nl W: www.crewsolutions.nl

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CATO MUSIC IS an energetic, well-established, solid and highly experienced tour production company based in southwest London.

The company’s extensive compound has become an artistic hub and, as a result, Cato boasts a huge range of clients including major and independent labels, management companies, promoters, booking agents and independent tour/production managers. As part of its swathe of services, Cato holds a database of hundreds of qualified and experienced crew, covering every conceivable role.

Cato Music can provide clients with one main contact and one invoice from one company, with the goal of saving time, hassle and, of course, money. The company’s experienced staff are able to provide assistance in every part of the live campaign, leaving customers to focus on the bigger picture.

Now established in the consciousness of international artists and their production crews, the company is in the midst of expanding and has recently opened Cato USA.

CREW SOLUTIONS

SHOWFORCE

CREW SOLUTIONS IS an internationally operating company, specialising in the assignment of workers in the world of events.

Whenever the need for temporary staff arises, Crew Solutions is there to resolve difficulties, relieve concerns and to offer advice. The company provides flexible and skilled workers who can be deployed in many different disciplines.

The company leans on many years of experience, enhanced by a realistic approach towards its field of work. It provides 24/7 support; the company’s professional back office is always available to work hand-in-hand with customers in order to provide creative, pragmatic solutions.

Whenever clients require extra support, for short- or long-term projects, Crew Solutions can offer tailormade solutions with beneficial conditions and clear, all-in rates. The company also offers comprehensive project calculations, providing a clear picture of the labour costs of each project in advance, so that customers do not exceed their budgets.

SHOWFORCE IS A leading global provider of event crew, event staff, production HR, and event support. Its turnkey solutions are consistent the world over, so whether an event is in London or Taiwan, its high standards of service, multi-faceted skill sets and adherence to health and safety will be exactly the same.

The company’s event, entertainment and production projects rely on experience, expertise and continuity. Many of its temporary event crew and event staff regularly work with the same clients, ensuring they build and maintain strong relationships and trust, which is a key part of the business.

As a global company with operational offices in the UAE, UK and Qatar, Showforce’s team is among the most experienced and professional available in the industry today.

With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Showforce is ISO 9001 certified, has won a number of awards for quality of service and delivery, and offers dedicated 24-hour support, 365 days a year.

CONTACT DETAILS

Cato Music The Arc 35 Armoury Way Wandsworth London SW18 1BF United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 8877 3700 E: info@catomusic.co.uk W: www.catomusic.com Operations in other territories: USA

CONTACT DETAILS Showforce 1304 Concord Tower Dubai Media City PO Box 215996 Dubai United Arab Emirates T: +971 4 431 3007 E: me@showforce.com W: www.showforce.com

Operations in other territories: Qatar, United Kingdom

Crew Companies

GALLOWGLASS CREW

CONTACT DETAILS

Gallowglass Crew 199 The Vale London W3 7QS United Kingdom T: +44 845 600 8966 E: events@gallowglass.com W: www.gallowgroup.com Operations in other territories: France, Spain

NOW IN ITS seventeenth year of operations, Gallowglass has a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the live events industry.

Collectively its senior management and crew chiefs have hundreds of years of event crewing experience to call upon, enabling Gallowglass to provide structured, high quality, cost effective crews. As one of the largest events crewing companies in Europe, it provides a complete crewing support service for corporate events, exhibitions, festivals and ceremonies.

The company has an abundance know-how that it is happy to share with its clients. From helping to create the world’s biggest stage, to enhancing the smooth running of a local garden party, Gallowglass is able to supply the experienced crew to handle every event.

All good businesses can be measured by their current client lists, and many Gallowglass clients have been with the company since it started. The company works with event management agencies, event producers, lighting companies and rigging firms.

TJ PRODUCTION SERVICES TJ PRODUCTION SERVICES was launched in 2008 by Trigger and Jeff Singh to provide local crew operatives to the music and entertainment industry. Trigger has worked on a worldwide basis as a production manager and tour manager, while Jeff started out at Sound + Light Productions in 1994 as an audio and lighting engineer, working his way up to stage manager.

An exclusive service deal with the London Astoria and LA2 venues formed the foundation for recruitment and offered TJ Production Services a credible introduction to a wider client base. The company since supplied crew for events at venues from the London Scala up to The O2 arena.

TJ Production supplies punctual, professional and sharp-witted crew. All operatives are covered by employer’s liability insurance with an indemnity of £10 million and public liability insurance with and indemnity of £5 million per occurrence.

CONTACT DETAILS

TJ Production Services 48 Avalon Road Ealing London W13 0BN United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 519 0238 E: trigger@tjproductionservices.co.uk W: www.tjproductionservices.co.uk

The need for crew specialists is paramount… and the degree of trust that event organisers need to place in crew companies is more crucial than ever

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Getting gear from venue to venue has become a highly specialised art

Freight & Trucking

Regardless of weather, borders and timezone, the touring business keeps on truckin' (and flyin')…

THE ROLE OF the freight and trucking sector has always been crucial to the success of international tour productions. Although there are numerous hauliers competing for a slice of the pie, it’s testament to the knowledge and expertise of the specialist live music firms on the following pages that our panel of production manager voters opts to remain loyal customers, rather than be tempted by the cheaper quotes offered by rock n roll wannabe truckers.

Strict driving regulations already state that many vehicles have to operate with double drivers to service their touring clients, but the reams of red tape that logistics professionals are having to process to allow production equipment to smoothly traverse borders, by land, sea

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and air, is one reason why the live music industry sticks with the contractors it knows.

As the cost of touring spirals upward, pressure on freight firms and trucking outfits to keep quotes low is growing. But the logistics experts have an armoury of ingenious solutions to make sure sets, stages, sound, lights, video, etc, are delivered on time and in budget.

But it’s not just the mega tours that rely on the transportation gurus to get their gear from venue to venue. Artists operating at lower levels in the food chain have started turning to freight experts to reverse engineer tours by working out the volume and weight of production they can take on the road, or in the air, to maximise efficiency.

Freight & Trucking

CONTACT DETAILS

EFM Management Limited Unit 3 Alpha Way Thorpe Industrial Park Egham Surrey TW20 8RZ United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1784 223 960 E: info@efm-worldwide.com W: www.efm-worldwide.com Operations in other territories: Australia, Germany, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, USA

CONTACT DETAILS

Global Motion Ltd c/o DHL WAM Dept Danzas House Kestrel Way Dawley Park Hayes Middlesex UB3 1HJ United Kingdom T: +44 (0)845 450 3135 E: adam@globalmotion. co.uk W: www.globalmotion.co.uk Operations in other territories: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA

CONTACT DETAILS

Rock-It Cargo Unit 6 X2 Hatton Cross Centre, Eastern Perimeter Road, London Heathrow Airport, Hounslow TW6 2GE United Kingdom T: +44 (0)2088 977 977 E: info@rock-it.co.uk W: www.rockitcargo.com Operations in other territories: Canada, China, Germany, Japan, South Africa, USA

EFM

FLY BY NITE

NOW IN ITS 15th year of business, EFM specialises in international freight, logistics and transportation for the entertainment, live events and sport sectors. Whether via air, sea or road, passenger and cargo charters, ATA carnets and customs brokerage worldwide, the company can provide a door-to-door service for equipment going on tour and for one-off shows.

EFM works with a wide range of international recording artists such as The Eagles, Rihanna, Paloma Faith, The 1975, Linkin Park, Jay-Z and Beyoncé amongst many others, as well as numerous well-recognised industry suppliers.

Logistics experts at the company’s headquarters in the UK are backed up by experienced colleagues around the world, in operations located across four continents. That geographical spread and commitment to customer satisfaction, ensures that no matter where EFM clients need to be, the EFM team can be there to deliver, 24/7, 365 days of the year, guaranteeing reliable services.

FLY BY NITE’S specialised vehicles and dedicated drivers are trusted to deliver by some of the biggest names in the music, entertainment, corporate and exhibition industries. The company boasts one of the largest fleets of Megacube trailers and 26 tonners in the business, allowing its operations to span Europe from west to east and into the Russian Federations, Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya and North Africa.

Every Fly By Nite driver has detailed knowledge of routes, customs procedures, loading and securing of equipment, and understands the importance of delivering equipment on time, every time.

The company’s headquarters are located on an eight-acre site in the West Midlands, offering state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled warehouse facilities of up to 4,100 square metres (43,500 sq ft) for storage of set and theatre props. Fly By Nite recently invested in a brand new storage area comprising individually secured cages for backline equipment, giving clients a dedicated preparation area.

GLOBAL MOTION

HORIZON ENTERTAINMENT CARGO

GLOBAL MOTION WAS established in 2003 by Dino Williams and Adam Hatton, originally to cater to the music and entertainment industries.

In the past decade, the company has handled projects of all sizes from a one woman film shoot in Afghanistan, to world tours for customers such as Coldplay, Gorillaz, Rod Stewart, The Klaxons and Morcheeba.

In recent years, other industries have identified Global Motion’s skills as being key to their development and the likes of Etihad Airways, Digico and Panavision rely on the company to handle their critical jobs.

The company’s staff work closely with each production team to make their projects come to life. Global Motion’s senior personnel have spent the last two decades travelling the world, looking after their clients’ international freight needs in places as remote as Tahiti, Tonga, Tashkent and New Caledonia, while the company took the first ever rock band to Syria when Gorillaz visited Damascus.

ROCK-IT CARGO

WITH ITS HEADQUARTERS situated close to London’s Heathrow Airport, Horizon Entertainment Cargo is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary in business. Founded in 1994 by veteran road warrior Phil McDonnell, the company now boasts a network spanning the globe, with offices spread strategically across five continents. Its founder believes teamwork is key to HE, and its success is similar to that enjoyed by a tour production manager – it's dependent on the professionalism and experience of the experienced crew he has assembled around him.

The company employs a number of ex touring personnel, who know how vital it is to deliver on schedule and on budget. Horizon’s services include everything from a single transatlantic move, or maybe just moving a single flight case from London to Scotland, to arranging private aircraft charter for tour parties or tour production equipment.

ROCK-IT CARGO HAS been providing freight services to the entertainment industry since 1978. The company logo is known as the marque of market leaders. From its beginning, Rock-it has been instrumental in transporting some of most interesting and varied rock n roll shows globally – by air, land and sea. The important factor toward the company’s success is that it gives every client the same attention to detail; no matter the size.

Rock-it has its own offices, as well as dedicated agents, in all major cities of the world.

Wherever there is an international air or sea

CONTACT DETAILS

The FBN Complex Shawbank Road Lakeside Redditch Worcestershire B98 8YN United Kingdom T: +44(0)1527 520 720 E: enquiries@flybynite. co.uk W: www.flybynite.co.uk Operations in other territories: Australia, USA

CONTACT DETAILS

Horizon Entertainment Cargo Companies House 88 Priory Road Hampton TW12 2PN United Kingdom T: + 44 (0)208 941 0100 E: phil@hecargo.net W: www.hecargoworld.com Operations in other territories: France, Germany, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, USA

port, the company’s expert staff can provide the right solution.

Working closely with clients, Rock-it’s highly experienced personnel will assist with the planning and budgeting of tours until completion. Using the same skills, the company also provides solutions to other industries requiring “out of the box” thinking.

With more than 200 employees in 17 offices across the United States and around the world, Rock-It is prepared to handle all international, time-sensitive, fragile and complicated freight moves.

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Freight forwarders will use the most efficient means - by land, sea or air - to transport gear

CONTACT DETAILS

Sound Moves Abbeygate House Challenge Road Ashford Middlesex TW15 1AX United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1784 424 470 E: london@soundmoves. com W: www.soundmoves.com Operations in other territories: Australia, Belgium, France, Japan, Sweden, USA

TRANSAM TRUCKING

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SOUND MOVES

STAGETRUCK

IN 1995 A team of some of the most experienced and respected logistics experts in the business came together to create something new. Fuelled by the demand of the growing live entertainment world market and the desire to create a specialist logistics provider with an ethos of excellence and originality; Sound Moves was born.

Today the company is one of the world’s leading providers of bespoke freight solutions for the creative industries. With specialist staff based in key global destinations, each member of the Sound Moves team is driven by a strong customer service ethic and an understanding of the unique demands of the entertainment industry. The company provides globally recognised, multimodal transportation services across a range of industries to clients around the world.

Sound Moves’ core services use air freight, ocean freight, dedicated and groupage trucking, and charter aircraft.

STAGETRUCK IS A true success story. Company founder Robert Hewett left school at 15 with no qualifications, but became a sound engineer. He became interested in the transport side of things after getting increasingly frustrated at trucks turning up late to transport his gear. As a result, he started Stagetruck in 1980 and has since built it up into one of Europe’s top rock and roll trucking companies.

The company now has dozens of trucks and drivers and can boast a client list that includes the likes of Robbie Williams, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Il Divo, Muse, Guns N' Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Diana Krall and Take That.

Now in its 35th year of operations, Stageruck excels in ensuring equipment gets from one venue to the next, regardless of location throughout Eastern and Western Europe.

The operation has built its reputation on its ability to handle the transportation of stage sets and equipment with the utmost efficiency.

CONTACT DETAILS

Transam Trucking 7 Trinity Street Bungay Suffolk NR35 1EH United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1986 894 545 E: olliek@est-uk.com

TRANSAM TRUCKING HAS provided high quality specialist services for the European Entertainment industry since 1978. Company directors Mark Guterres and Sandie Flatt, and most of the senior staff, have been with the company since its inception, while, keeping it in the family, it also employs several offspring of members of staff.

Transam started modestly, operating just five vehicles, but grew steadily to its current size of 130 trucks. In 2011, after years of close cooperation, Transam acquired Edwin Shirley Trucking.

CONTACT DETAILS

Stagetruck Ltd Larkwhistle Farm Works Larkwhistle Farm Road Micheldever Hampshire SO21 3BG United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 569 4444 E: info@stagetruck.com W: www.stagetruck.com

The combined venture is one of the biggest and most experienced in the entertainment industry and has been involved in most of the major tours and events staged in Europe over the past five decades. Its customer list contains most of the top names in the live music industry, many of whom have continued to use Transam’s services since the 70s.

Recent Tours for both Transam/EST identities are Rolling Stones, Elton John, Status Quo, Linkin Park, Metallica/Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Bruce Springsteen, to name but a few.

Freight & Trucking

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Artists operating at lower levels in the food chain have started turning to freight experts to reverse engineer tours

CONTACT DETAILS

KB Event Ltd Plymouth Avenue Brookhill Industrial Estate Pinxton Nottinghamshire NG16 6NS United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1773 811 136 E: stuartm@kbevent.com W: www.kbevent.com

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KB EVENT

REDBURN TRANSFER

KB EVENT PROVIDES reliable, cost-effective logistics solutions worldwide, from its two UK locations in Nottingham and London. The company specialises in transport, documentation and project management for the entertainment, conference, and exhibition industries.

Established in 1992 by the existing management team, KB Event has made a reputation for itself by offering total reliability in support of any size of event, anywhere in the world. The company’s global road, sea and air freight services are co-ordinated by a dedicated operations team, supported by a comprehensive in-house documentation facility to organise and process the likes of ATA Carnets, import/export documents and international driving permits.

The company’s modern, extensive fleet of vehicles includes some of the greenest and largest low ride height Scania trucks in the industry, backed up by an in-house vehicle maintenance facility, alongside a Europe-wide network of emergency call-out specialists.

REDBURN TRANSFER HAS a heritage that reaches back to 1870 when horses and carts were the favoured mode of transport. Chairman and managing director Chris Redburn is not only the fourth generation Redburn to steer the business, but also the founder of the modern company, which he established in 1982 to service the rock n roll trucking market. Based in north London, the company can supply everything from small panel vans to 45-feet megacube tractor/trailers.

Whilst it is not the biggest company in the industry, Redburn Transfer offers its clients a very personal boutique service, whether the job involves one bobtail truck or 25 tractors and trailers. Indeed, with more than 32 years experience in the industry (and having sent trucks to just about every country on the European continent and beyond), Redburn can tackle almost any project. The company also operates a storage warehouse in north London, providing backline and set storage facilities.

CONTACT DETAILS

Redburn Transfer Limited Redburn House Stockingswater Lane Enfield Middlesex EN3 7PH United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 804 0027 E: chris@redburn.co.uk W: www.redburn.co.uk

Infrastructure

Modern events could not function without the likes of access control and safety barriers

Infrastructure

Barriers, fences, power…the mundane elements of a show are as crucial as any other…

THE AVERAGE AUDIENCE member might recognise that the show put on by their favourite act relies on quality sound, lights and video, but few realise the scores of other elements that go into giving them the entertainment fix that they crave, while keeping them safe and secure.

However, the work that suppliers and contractors carry out to make sure turf is protected, kilometres of cabling is installed and covered, and even that toilets are in place for the fans to use, is now an industry in itself.

While live music still dominates the live entertainment market, the needs of other events, such as sports, are very similar when it comes to basic infrastructure, providing work for small armies of specialists to install power generators,

security fencing, safety barriers, access control and the likes, everywhere from huge green field sites and arenas, to small marquees, theatres and clubs.

Visit any major festival site in the weeks before it opens its gate to the public and there they are – the multitude of infrastructure providers and their hard working crews, doing the grunt work to ensure that the people who have paid for their tickets get to enjoy the experience in a safe environment, no matter what the weather gods might have in store for their weekend of escapism. Such responsibility falls on the heads of some of the industry’s most experienced operators – the most trusted of whom you’ll find in the following pages.

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MOJO BARRIERS

FEATURED COMPANY

MOJO BARRIERS IS the original international supplier of aluminium stage barrier systems, providing an extensive range of products and services to live events including festivals, tours, corporate events, sporting and cultural occasions. The company’s continual investment in research and development results in proprietary event barriers and related products which are adaptable, reliable and proven to improve safety.

Mojo works closely with clients to design and build bespoke event barrier configurations and layouts for each event to ensure optimum safety for guests, performers and crew. The company’s headquarters opened in 1988 and has been the hub of the business ever since, housing a large

CONTACT DETAILS

Mojo Barriers Veldzigt 3 3454 PW De Meern Netherlands T: +31 (30) 242 82 00 E: info.nl@mojobarriers.com W: www.mojobarriers.com Operations in other territories: Australia, United Kingdom, USA

Mojo works closely with clients to design and build bespoke event barrier configurations and layouts for each event to ensure optimum safety for guests, performers and crew stock to service events across Europe. An extensive in-house team of crew, project managers and admin staff support the company’s ever-growing network of offices and distributors in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and Spain.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Powershop Vaartdijk 22 3150 Tildonk Belgium T: +32 (0)16 60 81 82 E: info@thepowershop.eu W: www.thepowershop.eu/ Operations in other territories: France, the Netherlands

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The work that suppliers and contractors carry out to make sure turf is protected, kilometres of cabling is installed and covered, and even that toilets are in place for the fans to use, is now an industry in itself SHOWTIME SHOWTIME’S VERY FIRST job was to meet Red Hot Chili Peppers at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in 1999 for the band’s first Russian show in Red Square. Since then the company has been involved on numerous tours with international acts in Russia, as well as expanding into Ukraine and Belarus, helping tour trucks to cross borders, handling air and sea freight shipments, loading charters, etc.

In addition to live music, ShowTime provides logistical support to orchestras, circuses, special events, filming, fashion and sports.

The company’s goal is not only to provide a range of freight forwarding services, but also to find logistical solutions which allow any show to begin on time.

ShowTime has more than ten years’ experience in live event and concert touring logistics.

The company provides services to individuals and artists visiting Russia, Ukraine and Belarus for concerts, exhibitions and corporate events, sports, TV and film.

THE POWERSHOP

ENTERTEE

THE POWERSHOP WAS started in 1990 by friends Jokke Verschueren, Patrik Dams and Jan De Meyer, and was born out of Rock Werchter festival as a solution to the event’s power challenges.

The company’s Belgian headquarters complex has an immense fleet of generators, a massive amount of distribution boxes and hundreds of kilometres of cabling. The company offers temporary power services for all kinds of events, supplying approximately 2,000 events each year.

Transport, maintenance, design and construction of equipment are all done in-house by The Powershop’s expert team of specialists.

The Powershop is an established specialist for the production and construction of temporary power grids on festivals, world tours, sporting events, television and film recordings and fashion shows. Now one of the largest suppliers of “mobile” electricity in Europe, the company provides power for events such as Rock Werchter, Pinkpop, Pukkelpop and many more.

AS ONE OF the most trusted specialists in the live music business, UK-based entertee is split into three distinct divisions – hire, production and select. Launched in 2004, entertee Hire’s aim is to provide high quality, safe temporary fence and barrier hire. The company’s in-house design team continually improves and develops its fencing solutions, meeting the increasing demands of clients across the industry. For more than ten years, the company has supplied perimeter and internal fencing, as well as stage barriers, at major festivals, as well as helping many smaller local events with their fencing requirements.

Entertee Productions specialises in full production management for live outdoor events and festivals, either from concept through to completion, or by providing specific areas of expertise for clients. Entertee Select, meanwhile, provides similar bespoke event design, production and project management for a range of private, corporate and charitable clients.

CONTACT DETAILS Showtime 32 A Khoroshevskoye shosse, Business center SOLID-KAMA Entrance 3, Office 406 Moscow 123007 Russia T: +7 495 626 5124 E: info@st-log.com W: www.showtime.ru

Operations in other territories: Belarus, Ukraine

CONTACT DETAILS

entertee Longpond Works Wrotham Road Borough Green Kent TN15 8DE United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1732 781 137 E: hire@entertee.com W: www.entertee.com

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STAR EVENTS GROUP

FEATURED COMPANY

STAR EVENTS GROUP has been supplying equipment and services to the events industry for more than 37 years. The company has delivered stages, structures, seating and rigging for some of the world’s most high profile events.

Irrespective of the audience size, the company carefully consider each particular situation to deliver equipment and services clients can rely on.

The company embraces the challenges its clients pose by placing engineering at the heart of entertainment, delivering imaginative quality products and solutions, safely and efficiently. Its services all have one principle in common; utilising the best technology and engineering to create environments that are versatile, safe and stunning.

CONTACT DETAILS

Star Events Group Milton Road Thurleigh MK44 2DF United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1234 772 233 E: info@stareventsgroup. com W: www.stareventsgroup. com Operations in other territories: China, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain

Its services all have one principle in common; utilising the best technology and engineering to create environments that are versatile, safe and stunning.

Star Events’ innovative designs are based on its depth of experience in understanding and solving industry problems.

Unlike many suppliers, the company has a full-time engineering and design office with a range of mechanical and structural engineers.

Without power, no events would be able to proceed

CONTACT DETAILS

Wight Fencing 4th Floor Chester House Fulham Green 81-83 Fulham High Street London SW6 3JW United Kingdom T: +44 (0)191 397 3115 E: info@wightfencing.com W: www.wightfencing.com

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WIGHT FENCING

BLACKOUT

THE WIGHT FENCING team has been using its expertise to deliver high quality, cost effective crowd control to events throughout the UK since 2008, and the company has flourished in that time, primarily because its staff understands events and its kit is top quality.

Wight Fencing was created by the management of the Isle of Wight Festival as a solution to the unique requirements of that event. It now provides fencing for some of the largest festivals around the United Kingdom. The company believes the high standard of its equipment, along with its knowledge of the industry, and a constant search for new products make it an ideal choice when event organisers are seeking a fencing contractor.

The company’s clients have included the likes of Creamfields, Victorious 2014, Middlehaven Festival, the Rewind Festivals, Penn Festival, Bloodstock, British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Sonisphere, Shindig, Belladrum, T in the Park, Bestival, Camp Bestival, Royal Ascot and various Trafalgar Square contracts.

BLACKOUT WAS FOUNDED in 1990 as a supplier of drapes, rigging and starcloth.

Nearly 25 years later, the company has an extensive product range, high levels of service and industry expertise to create bespoke event environments that meet and exceed any client brief.

Blackout prides itself on the close working relationships it has established with long term and new clients alike across a range of sectors, from events, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions to theatre, film and television.

The company has an experienced team and a range of the latest products that ensure its customers are able to create stunning and innovative environments on time and within budget.

The company’s vast stock is housed in its 50,000 square feet and 8,000 square feet warehouses in London and Paris respectively, allowing it to deliver great service, high-quality supplies and reliable, expert, guidance to clients across the UK and Europe.

CONTACT DETAILS

Blackout 280 Western Road London SW19 2QA United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 8687 8400 E: sales@blackout-ltd.com W: www.blackout-ltd.com Operations in other territories: France

Infrastructure

EPS

FEATURED COMPANY

SINCE 1982, EPS has made a name for itself. From ground protection systems to seating, eps is regarded by event organisers and construction site managers as a solid and reliable partner in the field of equipment rental.

Over the years, the company’s range of equipment and areas of expertise has been continually expanded and enhanced.

New products such as turf protection systems, grandstands, barriers, security gates, flagpoles and portable structures enables eps to outfit an entire festival or tour with the infrastructure its clients require. And improvements to existing product lines ensure that its customers have the best equipment available for their project.

Among the services and products eps can provide are barrier systems, seating, grandstands, turf protection, ground

CONTACT DETAILS

eps gmbh Zum Frenser Feld 1 50127 Bergheim Germany T: +49 2271 995 44 00 E: info@eps.net W: www.eps.net Operations in other territories: Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, USA

From ground protection systems to seating, eps is regarded by event organisers and construction site managers as a solid and reliable partner in the field of equipment rental protection, room systems and interiors, sanitary systems and site material such as flagpoles, cable protectors and even production vehicles, such as golf carts to transport staff and artists around large venues or festival sites.

CONTACT DETAILS

Eve Trakway Bramley Vale Chesterfield Derbyshire S44 5GA United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1246 858 600 E: mail@evetrakway.co.uk W: www.evetrakway.co.uk

EVE TRAKWAY

PRG

EVE IS ONE of the UK’s biggest suppliers of temporary access products, boasting an excellent customer service record, attention to detail and meticulous project management.

By building great relationships with its customers, Eve has thrived since developing its pioneering trakway system in the 1960s, developing new products, entering new markets and being at the forefront of driving innovation.

With an established customer base in both the events and industrial sectors, Eve has continued to grow and offer a wide range of products including trakway systems, barriers, fencing, mobile lighting and security.

Part of the A-Plant group, Eve access a UK depot network, enabling a more responsive and cost-effective service. Recent investment of £14 million has enabled the company to service more customers during 2014, with a versatile product range ensuring that clients’ requirements are met, with the ability to deliver a complete on-site package.

PRG SERVES A range of markets, including concert touring, corporate events, trade shows, special events, theatre, television and film. The company can provide the resources and services customers need at any and all sites, efficiently and cost effectively.

Founded in 1982 as Jeremiah J. Harris Associates, the company became Production Resource Group in 1995 in response to customer requests for a one-stop production solution.

PRG staff offer years of experience serving the specialised needs of each of the company’s markets. For a given territory, PRG can provide a single discipline, such as lighting, audio or video, or can bundle disciplines for an integrated solution that meets the needs of an entire project.

One of the world’s leading suppliers of event technology, PRG provides integrated services and equipment, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and scenery and automation systems, from more than 40 international offices.

CONTACT DETAILS

PRG 200 Business Park Drive Suite 109 Armonk NY 10504 USA T: +1 212 589 5400 E: info@prg.com W: www.prg.com Operations in other territories: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

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Lighting the show has become increasingly important as the industry has evolved

Lighting Rental

Whether on stage or on the wrist, this high tech sector is more integral than ever...

ONE OF THE sectors that has evolved the most in the presentation of live entertainment is that of lighting. It wasn’t too many decades ago that one or two spotlights picking out the act on stage was the most sophisticated that artists could offer their audiences. But as the business of show has grown up, so have the expectations of the people who pay for it – the fans – and even the most low rent gigs in pubs and clubs now pay as much attention to lighting as they do sound.

Technology is constantly offering lighting directors new and exciting washes and effects to use, and the use of colour and cued lights to sync with the music can set the very mood and ambience for shows. LED technology is just the latest evolution to hit the business, and with

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lighting units and equipment becoming lighter in weight, LDs now have the opportunity to travel with greater armouries than would have been imaginable even ten years ago. And now, boffins are devising programmes to activate mobile phones, or special wristbands, to make audiences a living part of the light show.

However, with the vast array of venues that might be included on a headline tour – everything from clubs, theatres, arenas and outdoor shows – the challenges for LDs and technicians have arguably never been greater, and the fact that our tour and production manager jury chose the companies in our Production 100 top ten is testament to the expertise and experience they can offer their clients.

Lighting Rental

CONTACT DETAILS

PRG 200 Business Park Drive Suite 109 Armonk NY 10504 USA T: +1 212 589 5400 E: info@prg.com W: www.prg.com Operations in other territories: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

CONTACT DETAILS Upstaging 821 Park Avenue Sycamore Illinois 60178 USA T: +1 310 859 9800 E: info@upstaging.com W: www.upstaging.com

VER

PRG

COLOUR SOUND

PRG SERVES A range of markets, including concert touring, corporate events, trade shows, special events, theatre, television and film. The company can provide the resources and services customers need at any and all sites, efficiently and cost effectively.

Founded in 1982 as Jeremiah J. Harris Associates, the company became Production Resource Group in 1995 in response to customer requests for a one-stop production solution.

PRG staff offer years of experience serving the specialised needs of each of the company’s markets. For a given territory, PRG can provide a single discipline, such as lighting, audio or video, or can bundle disciplines for an integrated solution that meets the needs of an entire project.

One of the world’s leading suppliers of event technology, PRG provides integrated services and equipment, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and scenery and automation systems, from more than 40 international offices.

COLOUR SOUND EXPERIMENT was founded

by Underworld lighting director Haydn Cruickshank in 1989, with the popularity of legal (and illegal) dance parties generating spectacular growth for the company from day one.

In 1991, Cruickshank made his first investment into intelligent lighting (Golden Scan II) at a time when there were only about five other companies using intelligent lights in the United Kingdom. This gave Colour Sound the opportunity to bring these new types of lighting to people that had never seen them, and to be part of setting a new standard in the look of a lightshow, which can still be seen today at events all over the world.

Raves continued with brands like Megadog, Return to the Source, Gatecrasher, Tribal Gathering, Tribal Energy, Desire and on the back of that success, dance bands began to tour, again opening doors for Colour Sound, which lit shows for most of them – Underworld, Leftfield, Orbital, System 7 and Aphex Twin, to name a few.

UPSTAGING

NITELITES

SINCE 1972, UPSTAGING has been a pioneer in the production industry, helping to set the standard for theatrical lighting and equipment trucking.

Located just outside of the Chicago metropolitan area, Upstaging’s headquarters facility covers an area of almost 50 acres and offers 100,000 square feet of indoor pre- or post-production storage and more than 24,000 square feet of technical rehearsal space, enabling the company to accommodate multiple systems simultaneously. The production space offers 40-foot (12metre) ceilings, scissor lifts and five loading docks allowing the preparation planning to ensure productions are road-ready before a tour or event starts, as well as giving clients the chance to test new equipment..

Upstaging’s programming suite features leading edge technology and offers recording quality sound and computer playback. In addition, the company offers virtual programming via 60-inch plasma monitors.

NITELITES LTD. IS a rapidly evolving provider of lighting and audio production services to the entertainment industry. Based in the North East of England, the company is an active operator in the provision of tour support to developing and established artists both in the UK and internationally.

Though music is the company’s primary focus, with its 30-year history it covers a broad landscape that includes theatre, sporting events, local authority activity, large-scale one-off events and event support for live broadcast.

2014 has seen the company take on a hugely successful arena tour for Frank Turner and the current Ben Howard world tour.

The latter part of this year, and early 2015, looks likely to further the Nitelites company growth with more large-scale tours and some exceptionally exciting equipment and logistical acquisitions. Inextricably linked to this is the thriving dry hire and sales departments, which are busier than ever.

CONTACT DETAILS VER 912 Ruberta Avenue Glendale CA 91201 USA T: +1 818 956 1444 E: info@verrents.com W: www.verrents.com

Operations in other territories: Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, United Kingdom

VIDEO EQUIPMENT RENTALS (VER) is one of the world’s largest audio/visual, broadcast, audio, computer and creative LED equipment rental companies. Based in Los Angeles, the company has no fewer than 23 locations across the United States, two in Canada and three in Europe and rumour has it that expansion into more international markets is on the horizon.

The company operates on a 24/7 basis for clients and has an extraordinarily large inventory of equipment to service the events industry: audio, AV presentation equipment, cameras, computers, LED, lighting/rigging/trusses, mon-

CONTACT DETAILS

Colour Sound Experiment St Leonards Rd London NW10 6ST United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 965 9119 E: info@coloursound.com W: www.coloursound.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS

Nitelites Unit G17 Tromso Close Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate North Shields NE29 7XH United Kingdom T: +44 (0)191 296 0100 E: info@nitelites.co.uk W: www.nitelites.co.uk

itors, projectors and video. Among artists the company has recently worked with are Keith Urban and Beyonce.

As a technology dependent company, VER strives to keep its customers informed and hosts training sessions, open houses and other events to allow production crew to stay up to date with using new equipment. Indeed, the company’s e-marketing team is dedicated to sharing useful information in a timely manner, and provides RSS updates for new products, videos and news, offering clients the option to add VER information to their RSS feeds.

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It wasn’t too many decades ago that one or two spotlights picking out the act on stage was the most sophisticated that artists could offer their audiences ENTEC

CONTACT DETAILS

Entec 517 Yeading Lane Northolt Middlesex UB5 6LN United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 842 4004 E: sales@entec-soundandlight.com W: www.entec-soundandlight.com

SPECIALISING IN RENTAL, sales and installation, London-based Entec Sound & Light is among the UK’s most experienced and professional entertainment industry suppliers.

Established in the early 70s, Entec supplies sound, lighting and visual design services, equipment rental and skilled technical crews, together with staging, sets and complete project/production management, as required. Such projects can include concert touring, special events, festivals, corporate presentations, fashion shows, branding events, launch parties, TV, theatre and a wide variety of religious gatherings, sporting and music events.

Entec also runs a thriving sales division which trades in new and pre-owned equipment.

The company has a long-established reputation for its standards of excellence, friendly and accessible approach, talented and knowledgeable sales team and commitment to delivering the best results to clients whatever the project, large or small, wherever in the world.

Technology is transforming the way lighting is designed and programmed

PRODUCTION SERVICES HSL GROUP IRELAND HSL GROUP IS one of the fastest growing CONTACT DETAILS

Production Services Ireland 18A Duncrue Crescent Belfast BT3 9BW United Kingdom T: +44 (0)28 9081 4858 E: info@productionireland. com W: www.productionireland. com Operations in other territories: Ireland

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PRODUCTION SERVICES IRELAND is a lighting and sound production company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a newly opened branch in Dublin, Ireland. PSI holds a large, permanent sales stock at its premises, including colour filter, lamps, scenic paint, specialist tapes, batteries and much more.

PSI was established in 1996 to raise and develop the standard of production in Ireland's performing arts and entertainment sector – both north and south of the border. The company provides the solution to the growing need within the corporate and entertainment industries to produce a range of quality events.

With a combined technical experience of over 40 years, clients can rely on PSI’s core team of knowledgeable staff to deliver a service that will exceed expectations. As Northern Ireland’s leading technical production company, customers can be assured of top quality products and service at highly competitive prices.

companies in Europe in the supply of design, equipment, crew and technical services to the professional lighting and sound industry.

Established 20 years ago, the company is a major supplier for live music, entertainment and events across Europe. HSL’s team of staff continues to grow and operates from one of the largest warehouse facilities in the UK, while the company’s founders are still actively involved in its day-to-day running, offering an extensive pre-production and training area.

HSL is streamlined into three divisions – HSL Rental, HSL Sales & Distribution and HSL Rigging – each of which is dedicated to a specific area of the industry. The company is run by an energetic team of individuals, focused on providing the best and most efficient service and technical support. Accessibility and having the right people on board to oversee client needs and all elements of the production business is central to HSL's philosophy and a key reason for its success.

CONTACT DETAILS

HSL Group Units E & F Glenfield Park Philips Road Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5PF United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1254 698 808 E: info@hslgroup.com W: www.hslgroup.com

Lighting Rental

CONTACT DETAILS

Lite-Alternative Unit 4 Shadsworth Business Park Duttons Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 2QR United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1254 279 654 E: anyone@lite-alternative. com W: www.lite-alternative.com

LITE-ALTERNATIVE

NEG EARTH

SINCE STARTING OUT working with acts like the Cocteau Twins and Björk, Lite-Alternative principal Paul Normandale’s list of projects reads like a who’s who of modern contemporary music. Established in 1990, Lite Alternative Limited provides a design-based provisional of the very latest equipment to a diverse range of clients in the concert, theatre, TV and corporate sectors. As a veteran of numerous European and world tours, Normandale and his Lite-Alt team have a cumulative experience of decades on the road.

Among the company’s current customers are some of the biggest touring acts on the planet, including Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, Elbow, One Direction and the aforementioned Björk. Already working on lighting design for events in 2015 and beyond, Lite-Alternative are currently busying themselves on projects such as Lord of the Dance, Sunday Night at the London Palladium, One Direction, James Blunt and Kings of Leon, to name but a few.

IN MORE THAN 30 years of trading, Neg Earth has established itself as one of the leading independent entertainment lighting and rigging hire companies in the industry. The company has consistantly provided exceptionally high quality services for a variety of well-known clients across a variety of media sectors.

Neg Earth’s core philosophy is to deliver a one-stop shop for entertainment lighting and rigging services. The company offers skills and advice in project management, design, fabrication and maintenance, together with the supply of crew for large-scale music festivals, tours, ceremonies, sporting events, theatrical production and corporate events. It stays at the forefront of technology and innovation through its relationships with key suppliers and spares no expense in either the acquisition of the latest lighting equipment or staff development.

Neg Earth provides a comprehensive project management service to clients, including the co-ordination of technical teams, support resource teams and transport.

CONTACT DETAILS

Neg Earth Lights Light House Western Road Park Royal London NW10 7LT United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 963 0327 E: info@negearth.co.uk W: www.negearth.co.uk

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Rehearsals allow all aspects of the performance to be checked

Rehearsal Facilities

Testing grounds and safe harbours, rehearsal spaces are where the magic begins…

AS ARTISTS AND bands look to the live business to earn the majority of their income these days, the attention that is being paid to ensuring their production is the very best possible means that more and more efforts are being made at the research and development stage, aka rehearsals. And the investment that rehearsal space operators are making in their building to attract clients – and provide them with comfortable, luxurious facilities – has seen a plethora of state-of-the-art complexes being introduced to the market.

In addition to the artists, musicians and other performers practising their art and getting all the cues spot on, there are a host of production specialists who rely on rehearsal time to finesse each component. The advent of the arena and

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stadium tour has seen the construction of a (limited) number of mega spaces, so that some of the largest productions ever to hit the road can be put through their paces, and at the lower level of the market, the need for inspiring, creative rooms has never been greater.

Rehearsals, of course, allow sound technicians, lighting directors and video crews to experiment with new equipment, as well as providing show designers with the opportunity to test out any production gags, as well as integrating pyro and special effects into the show.

Moreover, the operators of rehearsal spaces provide production crews with a chance to calculate equipment weight, while the rehearsal rooms are the best place to trial new technology to assess if its use suits the needs of a tour.

Rehearsal Facilities

CONTACT DETAILS Music Bank Building D Tower Bridge Business Complex 100 Clements Rd London SE16 4DG United Kingdom T: +44 (0)207 252 0001 E: studios@musicbank. org W: www.musicbank.org

CONTACT DETAILS

Bakehouse Rehearsal & Pre-Production 27-29 Hoddle Street Richmond Victoria 3121 Australia T: +613 9417 1271 E: bakehousestudio@ optusnet.com.au W: www.bakehousestudios. com.au

THE JOINT

MUSIC BANK

BLACK BOX MUSIC

MUSIC BANK HAS one of the most well-respected and well-appointed suites of rehearsal studios in the United Kingdom, with a client list that can testify to everything from the joys of natural light to the operation’s famous roof terrace.

Established in 1994, Music Bank’s facilities and staff provide backline hire, a choice of rehearsal studios, full air conditioning and an on-site tour supplies shop. The organisation claims to have possibly the largest backline rental resource in Europe, and has a reputation not only for its extensive inventory, but also for the knowledge, experience and preparation that comes with every single piece of equipment.

Running in tandem, Music Bank has one of the largest and most popular rehearsal studios in London.

Music Bank is an integral part of record producer Trevor Horn’s SPZ Group. Open seven days a week, it is a member of both the London Chamber of Commerce and the Production Services Association.

SINCE 1992, BERLIN-BASED Black Box Music has led in the field of event technology.

Amongst other things, the company’s activities include complete solutions for tour and concert events, theatre productions, corporate events and trade shows.

Offering end to end solutions, Black Box endeavours to develop events or tours from initial ideas to the successful premiere. As such, some time ago it decided to extend its infrastructure to include in-house rehearsal halls, enabling productions to hold test runs, and not be dependent on possibly sold-out event halls.

At Black Box, production managers, crew and artists can put the finishing touches to their show or gig and the facilities are available for shooting videos, movie premieres, presentations and other events.

Both a bar and an excellently equipped catering services are available on site, while the direct connection to the company’s warehouses and offices make short-term planning arrangements and changes quick and easy.

BAKEHOUSE

CATO MUSIC

BAKEHOUSE HAS BECOME an Australian institution and today about 400 musicians, local and international, pass through the studios every week. One of Melbourne’s great secret locations, Bakehouse is where the music is created, musicians meet, form bands, write songs, rehearse, record, shoot film clips and photos and generally prepare the presence that the general public finally witness.

Bakehouse owners, Quincy McLean and Helen Marcou, fell in love with Melbourne’s live music scene during the city’s punk explosion in the late 70s. In 1991 the pair set up recording studios in Bakehouse Lane and the rehearsal space on the site of the old Stable Sound Studios. In the early days, Bakehouse helped incubate classic artists like The Avalanches, The Dirty Three, David McComb, Cosmic Psychos, and Spiderbait.

The studios feature communal kitchen facilities for much-needed breaks and Bakehouse offers students a 10% daytime and weekend discount on standard room rates.

CATO MUSIC IS an energetic, well-established, solid and highly experienced tour production company based in southwest London. The company’s extensive compound has become an artistic hub and, as a result, Cato boasts a huge range of clients including management companies, promoters, booking agents and independent tour/production managers. As part of its mission to offer musicians a complete service, the Cato complex also includes rehearsal spaces and storage facilities.

The company can provide clients with one main contact and one invoice from one company with the goal of saving time, hassle and, of course, money. Cato’s experienced staff are able to provide assistance in every part of the live campaign, leaving customers to focus on the bigger picture.

Now established in the consciousness of international artists and their production crews, the company is in the midst of expanding and has recently opened Cato USA in Los Angeles - a small boutique service aimed at UK artists

CONTACT DETAILS

The Joint 1-6 Field Street London WC1X 9DG United Kingdom T: +44 (0)207 833 3375 E: info@thejoint.org.uk W: www.thejoint.org.uk

LOCATED IN CENTRAL London, The Joint boasts ten rehearsal areas and two waiting areas/dressing rooms/green rooms. In order to make the most of the space, The Joint commissioned Recording Architecture to design its rehearsal studios. Built from scratch, they are designed in unusual shape figurations to maximise the building’s acoustic qualities.

The architects made sure that none of The Joint’s studios have pillars, meaning that they are all ideal for showcases and for filming. The facilities in the complex include Soundcraft

CONTACT DETAILS

Black Box Music Veranstaltungstechnik Hertzstraße 73 D-13158 Berlin Germany T: +49 (0) 30 42 02 77 0 E: bbm@black-box-music.de W: www.black-box-music. de/en/

CONTACT DETAILS

Cato Music The Arc 35 Armoury Way Wandsworth London SW18 1BF United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 8877 3700 E: info@catomusic.co.uk W: www.catomusic.com Operations in other territories: USA

desks and Turbosound monitors in the three largest rehearsal spaces. All the studios feature air conditioning, natural light and high ceilings.

Smack in the heart of the vibrant Kings Cross area of the capital, and literally two minutes’ walk from the railway and underground station, The Joint is nevertheless located outside of London’s congestion charge zone for vehicles. The building’s load-in is step free and the upstairs studios can be accessed via elevator. In addition to providing rehearsal rooms, The Joint offers storage facilities for equipment.

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JOHN HENRY’S

FEATURED COMPANY

JOHN HENRY’S IS ONE of the leading multidisciplinary service organisations for the entertainment industry in the UK and Europe. Over the years, it has seen the radical growth and development of the live entertainment business and, accordingly, John Henry’s has evolved and diversified by responding to industry needs, developing new business opportunities along the way.

In 1976, John Henry began by developing a (then unique) portable stage riser system for touring artists. Henry also produced some of the very first touring mains distribution systems along with the famous JHL 230v to 115volt transformer that has proved to be a mainstay, internationally over the decades.

When its clients required a place to rehearse, John Henry’s created the

CONTACT DETAILS

John Henry’s 16-24 Brewery Road London N7 9NH United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 7609 9181 E: info@johnhenrys.com W: www.johnhenrys.com

Henry produced some of the very first touring mains distribution systems along with the famous JHL 230v to 115volt transformer that has proved to be a mainstay facilities to make that possible in Market Road, Islington. Moreover, since the company relocated to its Brewery Road premesis, nearby in 1982, it has been developing its site into a base for the provision of a much more comprehensive range of specialist services.

CONTACT DETAILS

Sensible Music Ltd 90-96 Brewery Road London N7 9NT United Kingdom T: +44 (0)207 700 9900 E: hire@sensible-music. co.uk W: www.sensible-music. co.uk

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The use of rehearsal space has exploded as the live music business has grown

SENSIBLE MUSIC

TERMINAL STUDIOS

SENSIBLE MUSIC GROUP has been supplying entertainment industry support and facilities for more than 35 years. The company has a reputation as a world-class, multi-purpose recording studio and rehearsal facility, with clients including record labels, management companies, film makers, advertising agencies and, of course, musicians.

Studio 4 at Sensible’s London complex is a rehearsal, recording and general production space suitable for band and orchestral rehearsals, choreography, video shoots and showcases.

One wall of the building is mirrored (behind acoustic drapes) and the carpeted floor surface can be removed to reveal a marmoleum floor.

The main floor space is 10m x 9m x 6m high, with natural light, plus a mezzanine floor and an adjacent TV lounge/production office. Kitchen, toilets and drink facilities are available.

With tie lines to Sensible’s main studio control room, the acoustic properties of Studio 4 is also ideally set up to handle any recording requests.

TERMINAL STUDIOS OFFERS a relaxed, comfortable and unpretentious environment where artists can work on their next album or forthcoming tour, safe in the knowledge they won’t be bothered by anyone – unless they want to be.

With a track record of more than 30 years standing, Terminal Studios is one of the UK music industry’s most enduring success stories.

As a business, it has survived the vagaries of the industry by being adaptable while, as a rehearsal complex, it has succeeded because it insists on defining its own style.

Terminal’s ability to deliver great facilities in a friendly, cost effective way continues to make it a popular choice – not just with established bands and their managers, but with new bands who often use the complex for showcasing to record companies.

From its humble roots under railway arches, Terminal has mushroomed into a five-studio 20,000 square foot complex that is seen by many as a music industry sanctuary.

CONTACT DETAILS

Terminal Studios Unit 19, Bermondsey Trading Estate Rotherhithe New Road London SE16 3LL United Kingdom T: +44 (0)207 231 4356 E: info@terminal.co.uk W: www.terminal.co.uk

Rehearsal Facilities

CONTACT DETAILS LS-Live Unit 53 Langthwaite Business Park South Kirkby Wakefield West Yorkshire WF9 3NR United Kingdom T: +44 (0) 1977 659 888 E: sales@ls-live.com W: www.ls-live.com

LS-LIVE

LH2

LS-LIVE UNIFIES FOUR areas of operation: Europe’s largest rehearsal facility; staging structures; set construction; and equipment rental. Add into the mix on-site custom design, manufacture and technical expertise, and the company quite rightly boasts of having one of the most capable, flexible, experienced and user-friendly operations in the event production; TV and film; concert and touring markets.

For more than 30 years, LS-Live has pioneered structural innovation and design. Its staff can take any idea for a festival stage, concert set or semi-permanent building, and see it through from the initial concept design stages to the final delivery, on time and in budget.

The company’s inventory gives it one of the largest provision of stages and staging equipment in the UK, supplying everything from rolling risers, scissor lifts and turntables, to small outdoor stages for local events and large outdoor stages for festivals and concerts, all health and safety laws, and new EN windspeed guidelines.

LH2 OFFERS CLIENTS a blank canvas. With a ground floor area of 1,668.8sqm (17,693sqft) and a height clearance of 18.1m (60ft), there's room for even the most outlandish productions.

The facilities make use of an intelligently designed rigging grid, which is capable of holding in excess of 60 tonnes, designed to ensure clients have the versatility to use the studio to its maximum potential. LH2 is also able to arrange catering, local crew, runners and riggers, along with hotel accommodation, and any transport requirements.

There is also access to a fully equipped workshop and on-site technician to aid with any fabrication requirements that arise during rehearsals. The facility is also within easy reach of many major suppliers for those last minute additions or changes that occur during production preparation.

The LH2 loading dock can accommodate up to six trucks with parking for an additional four trucks on site, parking for 18 cars, and space for at least three tour buses, if required.

CONTACT DETAILS

LH2 Concord Road London W3 0SE United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 752 0440 E: Fred.Collins@lh2studios. co.uk W: www.lh2studios.co.uk

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Getting the sound right across diverse venues requires expert knowledge

Sound Rental With today's high end sound rentals, making a noise was never quite so much fun...

IT’S STILL AMAZING that in the 21st century one of the biggest complaints that fans have after seeing their favourite artist is that the acoustics were a let-down. Thankfully, such grumbles are nowhere near as prevalent as they might have been in the past, but with today’s more demanding ticket buyers expecting nothing but the best, the task for the sound desk engineers and their crews has arguably never been harder.

Fortunately, technology has made huge advances when it comes to acoustics, with equipment getting more sophisticated than ever, yet more compact and lighter. Indeed, such is the speed of development now in the audio sector that barely a week goes by without one of the major manufacturers launching their latest

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product solutions for the live music business.

All of which means that the sound system suppliers named in the following pages have to continually invest funds in new equipment to offer clients state-of-the-art solutions.

Whether it be setting up a lone microphone in a community hall, or flying speakers from the existing roofs in stadiums, the audio experts that supply both equipment and crew work tirelessly to make sure the quality of sound they are delivering to audiences is as good as humanly possible. And with more and more people around the world attending outdoor festivals, the challenge to find solutions for delivering a top quality aural experience has never been greater, thanks to elements such as wind and rain.

Sound Rental

CONTACT DETAILS Wigwam Acoustics Unit 402 Phoenix Close Industrial Estate Green Lane, Heywood Lancashire OL10 2JG United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1706 363 800 E: sales@wigwam.co.uk W: www.wigwamacoustics.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS Clair Audio One Ellen Avenue Lititz PA 17543 USA T: +1 717 626 4000 E: info@clairglobal.com W: www.clairglobal.com

Operations in other territories: Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, United Kingdom

WIGWAM ACOUSTICS

CAPITAL SOUND

ESTABLISHED IN 1979, Wigwam Acoustics Ltd is one of the world’s leading sound companies for the hire, sales and installation of professional audio equipment.

Wigwam Hire has established itself over a 30-year period as one of the industry’s foremost specialist suppliers of sound systems, equipment for touring applications and dry hire. The department has a purpose-built warehouse and workshops in excess of 32,000 sq ft allowing meticulous preparation and maintenance of equipment prior to shipping around the world.

The company’s portfolio of high profile touring artists has assisted in building its reputation on a global basis for the provision of high quality sound systems. In addition to equipment, Wigwam supplies a skilled workforce which can take concert and event sound to new levels of quality and coverage.

The rental division can also supply the latest equipment on a dry hire basis and can guarantee delivery throughout Europe and to many parts of the world.

BASED IN CENTRAL London, Capital Sound has a 30-year-plus history in supplying sound equipment and service to a wide range of applications. Its range of equipment is carefully chosen to offer all the tools needed for the smallest of intimate presentations right through to stadium applications.

The company’s range of equipment includes the leading loudspeaker brands Martin Audio, Meyer sound and d&b with all recognised console brands such as Digico, Midas, Soundcraft, Avid and Yamaha. A team of experienced project managers will advise and design a solution for any venue, no matter how tricky.

Capital’s leading technology Martin Audio MLA loudspeaker systems give it the ability to give higher sound levels where required for outdoor sites and also for indoor venues with reflective acoustics. The company’s central London location is advantageous for proximity for meetings and project support, as most London-based projects are less than 60 minutes away.

CLAIR AUDIO

EIGHTH DAY SOUND

ESTABLISHED IN 1966, Clair’s mission is to “strive every day, at any hour, to exceed our clients’ expectations through integrity, innovation, attention to detail, and unyielding customer service worldwide.”

The company has eight centres across the continental United States, as well as key regional centres around the rest of the world that its globetrotting clientele can depend on.

With close to 50 years of operations, the reputation of Clair, and the success of its business, is built upon the principles of fair dealing and ethical conduct. The company culture of integrity and excellence requires careful observance of the spirit and letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Clair Audio are expected to treat its clients, fellow employees and all others in a respectful and courteous manner and to incorporate and exhibit the following core values in everything they do: integrity, innovation, attention to detail and unyielding customer service.

EIGHTH DAY SOUND Systems, Inc. has long standing touring relationships with some of the most renowned artists in the entertainment industry. Madonna, The Who, Lady Gaga, The Black Keys, Neil Young, Eminem, Swedish House Mafia, Tom Jones, Jay-Z, Björk, A Perfect Circle, Roxy Music, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Barry Manilow…the list goes on and on.

Since 1980, Eighth Day Sound has been contributing to the success of live performances by artists of every genre, using leading technology from manufacturers including, d&b audiotechnik, Digico, Midas, Yamaha, Dolby Lake and TC Electronics.

The company’s equipment is ruggedly packaged with transportation efficiencies in mind, while its in-house inventory of 120V/240V transformers allows it to provide seamless service to artists from around the world.

Eighth Day Sound maintains a vast inventory of state-of-the-art equipment, thus providing clients with more options for live sound solutions.

BRITANNIA ROW CONTACT DETAILS

Britannia Row Productions 104 The Green Twickenham TW2 5AG United Kingdom T: +44(0)208 893 4997 E: info@britanniarow.com W: www.britanniarow.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1975, Britannia Row believes its success in becoming one of the world’s leading audio rental companies is because, for more than 38 years, it has been listening to what its customers want, while keeping one ear close to the ground for the very latest developments in audio technology – and another ear out for the finest technical talent in the business.

The company prides itself in helping to produce sound that’s the best it can be to make sure that its customers’ audiences keep coming back for more. That commitment to push the

CONTACT DETAILS

Capital Sound Hire Limited Abacus House 60 Weir Road London SW19 8UG United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 944 6777 E: info@capital-sound.co.uk W: www.capital-sound.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS

Eighth Day Sound Systems 5450 Avion Park Drive Highland Heights Ohio 44143 USA T: +1 440 995 5900 E: rolyo@8thdaysound.com W: www.8thdaysound.com Operations in other territories: United Kingdom

boundaries of sound, setting new, higher standards for the industry at large, has won Britannia Row the loyalty of global acts over a period of decades. Peter Gabriel, David Gilmour and The Cure, have all been regular clients of Britannia Row Productions since the 70s; Depeche Mode, Mick Hucknall and Jamiroquai since the 80s.

The company’s highly experienced workforce has now clocked up more than 100,000 productions – from major events, global sporting events, concert tours, corporate events and theatre shows to live radio and worldwide television broadcasts.

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The audio experts that supply both equipment and crew work tirelessly to make sure the quality of sound they are delivering to audiences is as good as possible PRG

CONTACT DETAILS

PRG 200 Business Park Drive Suite 109 Armonk NY 10504 USA T: +1 212 589 5400 E: info@prg.com W: www.prg.com Operations in other territories: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

CONTACT DETAILS

SSE Audio Group Burnt Meadow House North Moons Moat Redditch B98 9PA United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1527 528822 E: enquiries@sseaudio.com W: www.sseaudiogroup.com Operations in other territories: France

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PRG SERVES A range of markets, including concert touring, corporate events, trade shows, special events, theatre, television and film. The company can provide the resources and services customers need at any and all sites, efficiently and cost effectively.

Founded in 1982 as Jeremiah J. Harris Associates, the company became Production Resource Group in 1995 in response to customer requests for a one-stop production solution.

PRG staff offer years of experience serving the specialised needs of each of the company’s markets. For a given territory, PRG can provide a single discipline, such as lighting, audio or video, or can bundle disciplines for an integrated solution that meets the needs of an entire project.

One of the world’s leading suppliers of event technology, PRG provides integrated services and equipment, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and scenery and automation systems, from more than 40 international offices.

Using trained technicians to work with audio is as important as the equipment itself

SSE AUDIO GROUP

SATIS&FY

SSE AUDIO GROUP, established in 1976, provides professional audio services to the live events industry, including PA hire, pro audio equipment sales and sound, lighting and video installations for all kinds of venues. Its services include sound design for shows, tours and permanent installations; audio equipment servicing and repair; and equipment and case fabrication.

SSE Hire supplies audio systems worldwide, with systems ranging from small dry hire conference packages to complex line array systems for major events. SSE Sales offers new and used audio equipment from leading manufacturers, including speaker systems, analogue and digital consoles, amplifiers and outboard. The company can supply everything from a single microphone to a complete and comprehensive PA system.

SSE Installations provides a full service to venues throughout the UK. In addition to the design, installation and maintenance of sound, lighting and vision facilities in entertainment venues, SSE can supplement venue audio requirements with dry hire services.

HEADQUARTERED IN KARBEN, Germany, satis&fy AG is a leading European full-service company for event equipment and event architecture. Launched in 1993, the company now has more than 400 employees and one of the industry’s largest and most modern motor and equipment pools.

The company’s speciality is the one-stopsolution, an integrated technical consulting, planning and implementation package for professional events and fairs. This offering encompasses classic technical services, such as lighting, audio and video support, and extends to scenic and interior decoration, furniture, graphics and signage, exhibit construction and custom builds. satis&fy also provides design, logistics and inventory management services and operates its own workshops and programming studios. The company’s approach to business is to view its clients’ events as a satis&fy challenge. Therefore, it focuses all of its energy on ensuring that everything is under control at all times.

CONTACT DETAILS

satis&fy Industriegebiet Dögelmühle 61184 Karben Germany T: +49 (0)603 991 200 E: info@satis-fy.com W: www.satis-fy.com Operations in other territories: Brazil, Netherlands, USA

Sound Rental

CONTACT DETAILS

Nitelites Unit G17 Tromso Close Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate North Shields NE29 7XH United Kingdom T: +44 (0)191 296 0100 E: info@nitelites.co.uk W: www.nitelites.co.uk

NITELITES

SKAN PA

NITELITES LTD IS a rapidly evolving provider of lighting and audio production services to the entertainment industry. Based in the North East of England, the company is an active operator in the provision of tour support to developing and established artists worldwide.

Though music is the company’s primary focus, with its 30-year history it covers a broad landscape that includes theatre, sporting events, local authority activity, large-scale one-off events and event support for live broadcast.

2014 has seen the company take on a hugely successful arena tour for Frank Turner and the current Ben Howard world tour.

The latter part of this year, and early 2015, looks likely to further the Nitelites company growth with more large-scale tours and some exceptionally exciting equipment and logistical acquisitions. Inextricably linked to this is the thriving dry hire and sales departments.

Since it launched in 1983, Nitelites has become one of the best-known companies in the UK entertainment industry.

SKAN WAS ESTABLISHED by the late Peter Howard in the 1970s and has been controlled by the current owners, Chris Fitch and Abby Llewellyn, for 20 years. With a focus on largescale touring, Skan has established itself as a company with a global reputation.

Since the mid-90s, the company has grown into a supplier focused on the international touring market, providing sound for major tours, festivals and conferences, while also undertaking design consultancy and sales.

Once the company starts working with a great product, part of the Skan difference is to improve it. For example, unitised packaging for odd-shaped products; carts to improve load-in and -out speed and safety; ensuring equipment is not just truck-smart but will also fit in sea containers and lower-deck air cargo, etc.

Skan’s strong back-office and in-house technical services are complemented by employed system technicians – experienced professionals with the skills to represent Skan as the client liaison and crew chief on tour.

STAGECO

Skan PA Hire Ltd The Meridian Building 1 Brookway Hambridge Lane Newbury Berkshire RG14 5RY United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1635 521 010 E: enquiries@skanpa.co.uk W: www.skanpa.co.uk

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Stageco's Claw stage was the spectacular centrepiece of U2's 360 tour

Staging & Rigging What goes up should stay up, thanks to these vertigo-free specialists…

AS WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE famously wrote, all the world’s a stage. While that might not be literally true, some of the mega stages that are now being created for international tours are not far off having their own gravity fields, such is their size and weight.

While a stage was once an elevated platform for the audience to see the star turn, today’s constructions can be the centrepiece of the entire production, featuring all manner of trap doors, hydraulic lifts, built-in vehicles to carry B-stages and even zip lines.

The companies behind today’s groundbreaking stages are finding themselves at the sharp end of the industry’s growth, with demand outstripping supply, forcing many event organisers to turn to inferior suppliers just to make sure their events have the required number of stages.

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The fierce competition among the staging community meant that when asked to name the suppliers they trust most, the Production 100’s eligible voting respondents named a swathe of companies as their favoured partners. However, the ten specialists in the pages that follow were far and away the most nominated, underlining the faith that production decision makers place in the staging and rigging sector.

As the live entertainment industry continues to evolve, the fact that a number of leading staging operators have decided to work together to improve safety by agreeing best practice procedures and setting the standards high for self regulation, is helping to secure a healthy future for the staging business and all the associated production sectors who benefit from its wellbeing.

Staging & Rigging

ACORN EVENTS STRUCTURES

CONTACT DETAILS Acorn Event Structures Moxon Way Moor Lane Trading Estate Sherburn In Elmet Leeds LS25 6ES United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1977 686 490 E: info@acorn-events. com W: www.acorn-events. com

CONTACT DETAILS

Brilliant Stages 2 Hillgate Hitchin SG4 0RY United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1462 455 366 E: info@bstages.com W: www.brilliantstages.com

ALL ACCESS

THE ACORN GROUP of companies was originally founded by Andrew and Rebecca Nutter in 1996 to provide system scaffold solutions to the construction industry. From its inception, however, Acorn received enquiries from event companies to supply temporary scaffolding solutions and in 2006 the decision was made to launch a standalone event-oriented company to service this activity. Since then, the new operation has grown from strength to strength and now has sub-divisions dedicated to scaffold, staging and bespoke structures and continually invests in developing and refining products for the event industry.

Acorn’s aims are to provide a world-class service to all projects and deliver excellent value for money. These virtues have attracted a number of prestigious clients across all facets of the live event industry including blue-chip companies, marketing agencies, local councils, production companies and organising committees.

FOR OVER 20 years All Access has been a force in the industry as a one stop shop for live event production and staging with offices in the heart of the US entertainment industry.

All Access has continued its global presence with offices in the United Kingdom and Australia, since 2009, to make the propriety Versa Stage system accessible to clients worldwide.

With its propriety Versa Stage system it can design and build staging better faster and safer. The company’s latest Versa rolling stage is one of the strongest and safest fully modular touring stages available for hire worldwide, and while the company's prominent focus remains that load capacity should meet strict global constraints, under-stage areas have been increased in size for quick costume changes and technician pathways.

All Access Staging & Productions also provides Kabukis, lifts, mobilators, toasters, turntables, snifters, and other electromechanical stage effects to help clients make the most of their shows.

BRILLIANT STAGES

LITESTRUCTURES

BRILLIANT STAGES IS a company that has its origins in a business that was formed over 30 years ago. The company has a manufacturing facility based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, roughly 40 minutes north of London.

Brilliant Stages has established a reputation for delivering complex, custom set design and fabrication projects within the touring and cruise ship industry. Its client list includes prestige acts such as the Rolling Stones, U2, Muse, Take That, Lady Gaga, ACDC, Simply Red and Pink, and the company has also been supplying stages and sets to the cruise industry since 1997, along the way gaining a vast knowledge of the theatres and venues aboard ships.

Brilliant Stages has also expanded into other markets, working on complex fabrication projects outside of the touring arena and within the public domain. From custom video walls through to extreme engineering, the company takes extraordinary concepts through to creative solutions.

LITESTRUCTURES WAS FOUNDED in Wakefield, England, in 1991 and quickly grew to become a world leader in the design and manufacture of aluminium trussing, staging and structural systems. Driven by client demand, the business has constantly evolved, solving even more creative design challenges.

With growth fuelled by trademark innovation, the Litestructures brand specialises in the design and manufacture of complex aluminium fabrications, and that remains its focus today.

The Litestructures team prides itself on acute attention to detail, expertise, knowledge and understanding, to provide close, amiable relationships with its client base.

Its versatile design team offers a wealth and breadth of knowledge and experience to answer even the most challenging of creative and technical briefs. Each client is assigned a dedicated account manager to act as an extension of their own team; committed to making every project a success.

MEGAFORCE CONTACT DETAILS

Magaforce Jöhlinger Straße 118 D - 76356 Weingarten Germany T: +49 (0)7244 720 20 E: info@megaforce.de W: www.megaforce.de

FOUNDED IN 1992, Megaforce quickly came to be known as one of the most competent, reliable and innovative companies in the business.

From small beginnings, constructing stages from used trussing, scaffolding and rented podiums, the company quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in south-west Germany, supplying open air events and tours.

The creation of a podium workshop, later accompanied by a metal workshop and an inhouse trucking company, marked the start of Megaforce’s successful “all in one” philosophy.

In 1999, Megaforce designed, engineered, and

CONTACT DETAILS

All Access 1320 Storm Parkway Torrance CA 90501 USA T: +1 310 784 2464 E: usinfo@allaccessinc.com W: www.allaccessinc.com Operations in other territories: Australia, UK

CONTACT DETAILS

Litestructures Langthwaite Business Park South Kirkby Wakefield West Yorkshire WF9 3NR United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1977 659 800 E: enquiries@litestructures. co.uk W: www.litestructures.co.uk

produced its first own stage, the RBB, which became an instant hit. Designing an arched roof stage helped the company’s reputation grow and established the Megaforce name as an industry pioneer as the company’s structures were chosen for international tours and events.

The year 2004 marked a decisive point in the history of Megaforce when it introduced the TVG truss stage line, making a stage stronger and safer, yet better priced than some rival operators. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Megaforce is one of the leading staging companies worldwide.

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STAR EVENTS GROUP

FEATURED COMPANY

STAR EVENTS GROUP has been supplying equipment and services to the events industry for more than 37 years.

The company has delivered stages, structures, seating and rigging for some of the world’s most high-profile events.

Irrespective of the audience size, the company carefully consider each particular situation to deliver equipment and services clients can rely on.

The company embraces the challenges its clients pose by placing engineering at the heart of entertainment. Its stages, structures, seats and rigging services all have one principle in common; utilising the best technology and engineering to create environments that are versatile, safe and stunning.

Star Events’ innovative designs are based on its depth of experience in under-

CONTACT DETAILS

Star Events Group Milton Road Thurleigh MK44 2DF United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1234 772 233 E: info@stareventsgroup. com W: www.stareventsgroup. com Operations in other territories: China, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain

Unlike many suppliers, the company has a full-time engineering and design office with a range of mechanical and structural engineers. standing and solving industry problems.

Unlike many suppliers, the company has a full-time engineering and design office with a range of mechanical and structural engineers.

SERIOUS STAGES

CONTACT DETAILS

Serious Stages Tor Hill Works Dulcote Wells BA53NT United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1749 899 188 E: info@stages.co.uk W: www.stages.co.uk

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BASED NEAR BRISTOL, Serious Stages’ sales, design and production divisions are integrated in a suite of offices to ensure production continuity, while equipment operations are handled from an adjacent industrial unit and stockyard.

Many specialised steel and aluminium components are manufactured in the company’s workshops by coded welders. Equipment and production facilities are also maintained in Australia, the Caribbean, Italy and Spain, while Serious also has construction partners in Germany and North America.

Serious Stages’ continuous investment in equipment, personnel and operational technology ensures that structures are tailored to the requirements of each event and meet all relevant safety standards, no matter which territory they are in.

A team of full-time staff are employed in all the key areas of the design, production and construction process and the experience of the crew used to erect structures on-site ensures that the work is completed safely and efficiently.

Today’s constructions can be the centrepiece of the entire production, featuring all manner of trap doors, hydraulic lifts, built-in vehicles to carry B-stages and even zip lines STAGECO HEADQUARTERED IN BELGIUM with offices around the world, the multiple award-winning Stageco Staging Group continues to deliver imaginative solutions for concert touring, festivals, sport ceremonies, corporate presentations and many other live events, indoors and outdoors.

Supported by unrivalled engineering experience, the company’s staging systems range from 12m x 8m to 54m x 27m (able to handle 70 tonnes of rigging) and can be configured and reinforced to meet precise requirements.

Stageco’s temporary structures also include mix and delay towers, camera risers, seating platforms and many types of scaffold constructions, as seen on the main stages of major dance festivals such as the Electric Daisy Carnival, Sensation, Tomorrowland and TomorrowWorld.

Remaining at the cutting edge of live production since forming in 1985, Stageco’s touring clients include U2, Roger Waters, One Direction, The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Robbie Williams and Muse.

CONTACT DETAILS Stageco Kapelleweg 6 3150 Tildonk Belgium T: +32 16 60 84 71 E: info@stageco.com W: www.stageco.com

Operations in other territories: Austria, France, Germany, The Netherlands, USA

SHOW GROUP PRODUCTION SERVICES SGPS HAS OVER 30 years of experience providing innovative concepts and creative problem-solving to the live entertainment, touring music industry, special events, industrial trade show, convention, and motion picture production businesses.

With today’s increased demands on technicians and designers, SGPS created ShowRig to specifically service the rigging needs of the production industry, apply all the engineering, design and fabrication experience it has amassed in these markets.

At ShowRig, the company carefully analyses each project’s requirements, allowing it to design systems either using components from the SGPS extensive off-the-shelf inventory, or to fabricate specific equipment to meet these needs. The company’s design philosophy enables its systems to adapt to the inevitable changes that occur in the creative environment of production.

CONTACT DETAILS

Show Group Production Services 15823 South Main Street Los Angeles CA 90248 USA Tel: +1 310 538 4175 E: brian@sgps.net W: www.sgps.net

Staging & Rigging

TAIT TOWERS

CONTACT DETAILS Tait Towers 9 Wynfield Drive Lititz, PA 17543 USA T: +1 717 626 9571 E: sales@taittowers.com W: www.taittowers.com

Operations in other territories: China, Japan, United Kingdom

TAIT TOWERS DESIGNS and constructs some of the finest live equipment in the world, with the company employing a passionate team of experts that understands set and stage creation in its entirety.

Founded in Latitz, Pennsylvania, in 1972, Tait works from a number of bases around the world and claims to be the only organisation that specialises in staging, scenic design, LED integration, show control and automated rigging.

Boasting a workforce of more than 600 employees across six locations around the world, Tait approaches projects with a philosophy that the spectacle of the opening night is equally important as a quick, efficient load-out.

Among its claims to fame, Tait was the supplier of the stage sets for the top ten grossing shows of all time. It was also the creator of the world’s largest landscape video screen and was the production specialist that partnered with US space agency, NASA, to put the lyrics of U2’s Beautiful Day into orbit.

Strength is key to safety, given the tonnes of equipment stages have to carry

Agreeing best practice procedures is helping to secure a healthy future for the staging business and all the associated production sectors

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XL Video put its experience to the test for Robbie Williams

Video Services

From interactive content to full blown HD theatrics, tour and festival video is a unique art form…

A COMMON MISCONCEPTION about video seems to be that you can gauge the popularity and success of an act by the number and/or size of video screens they take with them on tour.

However, as any video director worth his salt will tell you, it’s not the size of the screen that matters, it’s what you do with it that counts.

Giant leaps in technology have allowed many artists to claim ‘firsts’ in the use of video at their shows, whether that be for the biggest or highest screens, spherical and 3D screens, or the spectacular motorised screens that can be exploited as an integral part of the show. But the video content itself is where the highest levels

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of creativity come into play, with the visuals for many tours being one of the key ‘wow’ factors that an audience returns home talking about.

Those developing and supplying video technology are increasingly also providing camera operators and directors to their clients, or at the very least, recommending which experts to use to make the most of their equipment. And with the introduction of mapping of images onto buildings and landscapes, it seems the canvas for artists and their video directors to utilise every conceivable object in their productions is only limited by their imagination. We could be in for a few more ‘firsts’…

Video services

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XL VIDEO

FEATURED COMPANY

FOUNDED IN 1996, XL Video is a multi award winning provider of creative video solutions for concert touring, corporate and special events, exhibitions and trade shows, television, sports, theatre and the arts.

The company guarantees the creativity and full technical support to put together cutting-edge video solutions for some of the most innovative and aesthetically daring shows in the world.

With 14 locations worldwide, each operation is staffed by experienced teams that are ready to work with clients’ ideas, add XL Video’s creativity, and combine that with the company’s broad inventory of equipment to create innovative rental solutions each tailored to the specific event’s requirements.

From mapped projections on buildings

CONTACT DETAILS XL Video Holding NV John Cordierlaan 11 8400 Oostende Belgium T: +32 (0)5933 9850 E: enquiries@xlvideo.tv W: www.xlvideo.com

Operations in other territories: China, France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, USA

The company guarantees the creativity and full technical support to put together cutting-edge video solutions for some of the most innovative and aesthetically daring shows in the world and other objects, to the latest media server technology, XL Video’s network of international offices and staff provide the creativity and full technical support to ensure any event, concert or festival – large or small – is visually excellent.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Screen Works 2201 W. Fulton Street Chicago IL 60612 USA T: +1 312 243 8265 E: screens@thescreenworks. com W: www.thescreenworks. com

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Camera operators are now an integral part of the video supply business

THE SCREEN WORKS

VER

ESTABLISHED 55 YEARS ago, The Screen Works is one of the world’s leading specialists in the manufacture, rental, and service of front and rear projection screens to fit any event, be it a small community affair or a stadium show.

Since 1959, the company has manufactured quality projection screens for a diverse client base. Custom screen designs and speciality fabrication are a familiar part of its day-to-day business. The company has the experience to deliver product solutions that fit the requirements of specific and unique projects, and has inventory to handle all manner of challenges - curved screens, geometric shapes, speciality sizes, multi-sided configurations, expert consultation and quality fabrication, ensuring it can meet the expectations of every client.

The Screen Works has designed and manufactured screens of various sizes and shapes, including arcs, waves, circles, ovals, triangles, and 3D theatre in-the-round, and is renowned for its acclaimed line of E-Z Fold portable projection screens.

VIDEO EQUIPMENT RENTALS (VER) is one of the world’s largest audio/visual, broadcast, audio, computer and creative LED equipment rental companies. The company has no fewer than 23 locations across the United States, two in Canada and three in Europe.

The company operates on a 24/7 basis for clients and has an extraordinarily large inventory of equipment to service the events industry: audio, AV presentation equipment, cameras, computers, LED, lighting/rigging/trusses, monitors, projectors and video.

As a technology dependent company, VER strives to keep its customers informed and hosts demonstrations, training sessions, open houses and other events to allow production crew to stay up to date with using new equipment.

Indeed, the company’s e-marketing team is dedicated to sharing useful information in a timely manner, and provides RSS updates for new products, videos and news, offering clients the option to add VER information to their RSS feeds.

CONTACT DETAILS VER 912 Ruberta Avenue Glendale CA 91201 USA T: +1 818 956 1444 E: info@verrents.com W: www.verrents.com

Operations in other territories: Canada, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Video services

CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY PRG

CONTACT DETAILS Creative Technology Ltd Unit E2 Sussex Manor Business Park Gatwick Road Crawley RH10 9NH United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)1293 582 000 E: info@ctlondon.com W: www.uk.ct-group.com Operations in other territories: China, Germany, Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, United Arab Emirates, USA

CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY IS one of the world’s leading suppliers of Audio Visual and technical staging services to a range of markets.

Since its inception over 27 years ago, it has evolved to operate in locations around the world, providing the highest quality AV, staging, multimedia and video display services.

Constantly investing in new innovative applications of the latest technology, CT’s products include indoor and outdoor LED, plasma and LCD displays, High Definition multi-imaging, high power video projection, LED scenic video, LED lighting effects, combined with digital camera systems, media processing systems and interactive show control.

The CT team includes many of the industry’s best project managers, engineers and operators with cumulative experience running in to hundreds of years. As suppliers to some of the world’s most exciting sports events such as The Olympics, Tour de France and the Rugby World Cup, the company is well placed to support events of any size, in any location.

PRG SERVES A range of markets, including concert touring, corporate events, trade shows, special events, theatre, TV and film. It provides the resources and services customers need at any and all sites, efficiently and cost effectively.

Founded in 1982 as Jeremiah J. Harris Associates, the company became Production Resource Group in 1995 in response to customer requests for a one-stop production solution.

PRG staff offer years of experience serving the specialised needs of each of the company’s markets. For a given territory, PRG can provide a single discipline, such as lighting, audio or video, or can bundle disciplines for an integrated solution that meets the needs of an entire project.

One of the world’s leading suppliers of event technology, PRG provides integrated services and equipment, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and scenery and automation systems, from more than 40 international offices.

CONTACT DETAILS

PRG 200 Business Park Drive Suite 109 Armonk NY 10504 USA T: +1 212 589 5400 E: info@prg.com W: www.prg.com Operations in other territories: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

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IQ PRODUCTION 100 Video Services

CONTACT DETAILS

The Picture Works Llwyndryssi Ty Mawr Carmarthenshire SA40 9RB United Kingdom T: +44 (0)203 757 1097 E: enquiry@pictureworks. com W: www.pictureworks. com

CONTACT DETAILS

Chaos Visual Productions 2333 N. Valley Street Burbank CA 91505 USA T: +1 818 748 2200 E: info@chaosvisual.com W: www.chaosvisual.com Operations in other territories: Germany, United Kingdom

BIG PICTURE

THE PICTURE WORKS

BLUMAN ASSOCIATES

THE PICTURE WORKS has operated since 1996 and is still independently owned. From its base in London, the company holds an inventory of cutting-edge video equipment and has worked with international clients in more than 50 countries. However, the company is more than just a rental facility, as it can claim in-depth knowledge of equipment and its use, as well as full video production services and a history of providing stunning AV at major events all over the world.

Music and festivals are a big part of what The Picture Works does. The company has toured extensively with major acts, and was involved in the last ever show for Michael Jackson, as well as the remarkable Pink Floyd comeback.

The company excels on special projects. It helped to present the London 2012 Olympic bid and installed the largest screen ever on The Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival for Jay-Z. It has projected onto ships, cliffs and castles and built huge LED screens in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

BLUMAN ASSOCIATES IS an independent consultancy specialising in large-scale projections and video sequencing to engage event audiences. From outdoor projection and building mapping to the takeover of video networks, the company brings messages to life in a big way.

Bluman can provide full event production from content creation and capture to technical delivery, or can work with other agencies as the technical gurus, always ensuring the projects run smoothly from initial client consultations to final load outs.

The business has a network of the best technical and creative people in the industry, so no challenge is either too difficult or too niche. The company has worked on some of the most exciting and ground breaking projects, including: taking over the screens in Times Square, New York, for Nokia and Nicki Minaj campaigns; facilitating the UK’s first completely off-the-grid concert for Imogen Heap; and music events involving the likes of Beyonce, Portishead, Imelda May and Live from Jodrell Bank.

CHAOS VISUAL PRODUCTIONS

SATIS&FY

CHAOS VISUAL PRODUCTIONS strives to provide the international production industry with the latest in cutting-edge technology, matched with the highest quality personnel.

Whether the client is a musician, designer, production designer or director, the company’s goal is to work with those customers to make their creative vision come to life.

Along with delivering the best possible service for live concert touring, corporate events, and live 3D video presentation, Chaos has become one of the “go-to” expert companies for speciality lighting, LED special effects, video projection, show programming execution, and effects lighting for feature films and television.

Chaos consists of an international team of industry professionals that understand the value of customer service and relationships and work hard to deliver the artists’ and designers’ vision within each project’s desired budget.

CONTACT DETAILS Big Picture 40 Lord Street Botany NSW 2019 Australia T: +61 2 9316 6771 E: oz@bigpicture.com W: www.bigpicture.com

Operations in other territories: New Zealand

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SATIS&FY IS A leading European full-service company for event equipment and event architecture. Launched in 1993, the company now has more than 400 employees and one of the industry’s largest and most modern motor and equipment pools.

The company’s speciality is the one-stopsolution, an integrated technical consulting, planning and implementation package for professional events and fairs. This offering encompasses classic technical services, such as lighting, audio and video support, and extends to scenic and interior decoration, furniture, graphics and signage, exhibit construction and custom builds.

Satis&fy also provides design, logistics and inventory management services and operates its own workshops and programming studios. The company’s approach to business is to view its clients’ events as a satis&fy challenge. Therefore, it focuses all of its energy on ensuring that everything is under control at all times.

BIG PICTURE IS a video production and video equipment rental company specialising in the supply of state-of-the-art video technology and services for the live entertainment, television and corporate business theatre markets.

Combining its worldwide production experience with partners like Sony, Barco, Grass Valley, Tait Towers, Folsom, Panasonic and various cutting-edge Asian LED technology manufacturers, Big Picture can provide concepts, design, R&D and creative solutions for any scale of show.

The company utilises LED screens, video

CONTACT DETAILS

Bluman Associates 304 Screenworks 22 Highbury Grove London N5 2EF United Kingdom T: +44 (0)208 368 7766 E: info@blumanassociates. com W: www.blumanassociates. com

CONTACT DETAILS

satis&fy Industriegebiet Dögelmühle 61184 Karben Germany T: +49 (0)603 991 200 E: info@satis-fy.com W: www.satis-fy.com Operations in other territories: Brazil, Netherlands, USA

projection, high-definition multiple camera vision systems and content integration, as its core technologies and boasts an impressive range of equipment in its inventory.

Big Picture was established in 1992, when Arena Technical Services divested its lights, sound and video operations. The video division was acquired by current managing director, Joe Bonanno, who co-founded Big Picture Australia with Dennis Murphy. In 2007, Bonnano acquired Big Picture Australia and subsequently expanded the business and brand into New Zealand.