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| Some exotic lighting effects being created. |
In fact, it involved manufacturers of some of the latest theatre lighting products putting their wares up for direct comparison against other manufacturers. Of particular interest on the day was the comparison of the industry leading ETC Source 4, with the new challenger - the Selecon SPX, from two of the leading manufacturers in the field of theatre lighting. Also represented were Martin Professional, GLP, Arri, and (courtesy of White Light) I-Pix, Robert Juliat, Coemar and Look Solutions. The purpose of the event was to inform opinion as we consider replacing some of our lighting stock. This was a big significant event which attracted quite a bit of industry interest as well as the two companies sending their top executives from as far afield as Texas, USA and Denmark.
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| A display of colour from the wings of the stage. |
Generally, lighting is demonstrated at trade shows in individual stands or by reps at theatres. One of the two companies at Hall for Cornwall last week was ETC. Their Source 4 lights are considered the industry standard with over 2.5 million sold. Phillips Entertainment, however, have recently launched the Selecon SPX in direct competition. Their literature claims their product is superior - so we decided to find out and offered both companies the chance to trial their products at HfC side by side. This was the first test of its kind in the UK.
These lights are the workhorses of our theatre. Our current stock is aging; some is beyond repair, and it doesn’t perform to the expectations of the quality shows coming to Hall for Cornwall. Replacement also gives us the opportunity to make energy efficiency improvements - For example the lights we tested last week offer the same light output as our current lanterns and do so at 600 watts (as opposed to 1.2kw). There is a 50% reduction in energy use which obviously offers financial savings and a reduced carbon footprint. LED technology has made huge advancements in the world of entertainment lighting and it was a fantastic opportunity to see these products on our stage with their huge potential for energy saving as well as creative advantages.
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| Other lights being demonstrated. |
Ian, one of our stage technical team, explained that with touring companies there is a need to recreate the same show at every venue - and ideally the lighting approach and kit at each theatre needs to be as similar as the venue allows. It is therefore important for Hall for Cornwall to keep its stock up to date and in line with other presenting theatres.
Whilst the technical teams from each company eagerly looked at the competing products in a very scientific way (white light is never "true" white but may be bluish or yellow in tint, for example) Ian explained that Hall for Cornwall needs to balance that aspect with more practical concerns, such as the durability and life expectancy of the equipment and how flexible it is in application.
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| Some of the other lighting products at the shoot out in action. |
Hall for Cornwall were not alone in taking an interest. We had representatives from Lane Theatre as well as Theatre Royal, Plymoth in attendance as well as several other lighting companies. Matthew Pitman, from Martin Professional, explained that this was interesting for him as this was his first chance to see the two competitors side by side.
"Hall for Cornwall is taking a very thorough approach" he told me. "It's very unusual for companies to directly test their equipment side by side like this - there is a lot of professional pride at stake." He also commented on the very gentlemanly conduct evident throughout the day.
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| The two lights side by side on stage. |
The shoot out was a very successful event that left our technical team with plenty to think about as they weigh the options for the future. They can now make their decision based on having seen the products for themselves in action, in the theatre.
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| Two products shooting it out! |
