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MGG’s FOLLOWSPOTS SHINE AT THE SAMA AWARDS
MGG Productions supplies technical
services and equipment in the sound,
lighting and video fields for events and
productions.
Mark Gaylard (left) satisfied with the arrival of his followspots
MGG specialises in integrated and comprehensive
technical solutions. They deliver efficient, low
cost and high quality combinations of various
technology sectors, such as lighting, sound, and
video and multimedia technology. Although
they provide comprehensive technical solutions,
meeting the needs of individual jobs is also a
significant part of their daily business.
Owner Mark Gaylard and Renier Smit (Technical
Sales and Support from Electrosonic SA’s Lighting
team) had been discussing the usefulness of
followspots for some time, and this year Mark
decided to employ them at the presentation of
the South African Music Awards (SAMAS) held
annually at Sun City.
MGG purchased the following Units:
• 2 x Robert Juliat Aramis 2.5k followspots plus
Stands
• 2 x Robert Juliat Super Korrigan followspots
plus Stands
Since designing the first HMI followspot, Pixie,
in 1975, Robert Juliat has become the preferred
manufacturer for lighting designers and operators
alike. To produce a powerful followspot is not
a difficult task, but to make a followspot with
exceptional quality of beam, dimming ability,
gobo projection, AND an outstanding light
output, all wrapped in an ergonomically pleasing
package, is the real challenge. Fortunately it is a
challenge to which Robert Juliat has risen, and
has emerged as market leader in the followspot
industry.
Opera houses love them for their superb dimming
capabilities, while rental houses benefit from a fast
return on their investment. Equipment-sensitive
studio environments appreciate the beam’s flatfield with no hotspot.
Robert Juliat followspots are available in short or
long throw versions and with different wattages
and lamp types to suit every application.
Condenser optics give a flat, even beam with
optimum light output, and variable zoom optics
maintain sharp focus at every beam angle.
Each Robert Juliat followspot comes with a full
range of accessories and a wealth of ergonomic
features for comfortable and efficient operation.
“When the followspots arrived they where
shipped straight to the SAMAS in the original
Packaging and have been working ever since,”
commented Mark.
“I am very pleased to have been able to assist MGG
and Mark, at Electrosonic SA we always try our
best for all our clients,” said Renier. “Because large
format followspot sales are rare, it’s very exciting
when they do occur. Having Robert Juliat spots in
MGG inventory has always been a goal of ours”.
KEARSNEY COLLEGE GETS THE MARTIN MAGIC TOUCH
Kearsney College, situated on the edge of the
Valley of a Thousand Hills in KwaZulu-Natal has an
award-winning choir. Since 2000 the choir, which
was founded in 1994, has picked up twelve gold
medals at the World Choir Games. The College
is renowned for its arts and culture programs, as
well as for numerous sporting accolades. When
an opportunity arose to upgrade the school hall’s
stage lighting system, this prestigious reputation
and history was kept in mind and only worldclass equipment was sourced to enhance the
performance venue.
Nik Fairclough from Northwind received the brief
to supply a world class lighting system that could
control events ranging from a weekly assembly,
all the way up to a major school production.
Virtually the entire old system was replaced.
Electrosonic KZN, in conjunction with Bruce
Schwartz from the JHB branch opted to
integrate as many of the advances in LED based
technology as possible. Apart from their energysaving benefits, the LED fixtures are small and
unobtrusive. The client did not want large fixtures
cluttering the decor. Brand new cable-ways and
new Electrosonic Pre-wired bars were installed. An
Electron dimmer and a complete DMX network
were also installed. The award-winning Martin
Professional MAC Aura LED Wash was used as the
10 PROMAG – third quarter 2013
workhorse fixture, along with MAC 350 Entour
LED Profiles. Versa-Light LED Parcans in both
RGB and Amber White Versions were also used.
Atmosphere was created with a JEM Compact
Hazer Pro. All this was controlled by the versatile
and popular Martin M1 control desk. Northwind
was appointed as the consultant by Kearsney, and
project managed the complete installation. Evan
Lyle from KZN Electrosonic branch handled the
training and was also on hand for their first show,
a school play festival which was a resounding
success, much to the delight of a very happy
Kearsney College.