Gloucestershire

Imperial Gardens – Cheltenham Science Festival 2019

03/07/2019 by petermccrea

Cheltenham’s annual Science Festival arrived in June to explore the weird, wacky and wonderful. In its sixth consecutive year of involvement, Production AV was commissioned to design, supply and operate the high-end screen, projection and sound solutions that formed the foundation of the multiple zones that were created in the specially built Festival Village.

Complete Video and Audio Solution Delivered to Festival Village

Festival organisers asked Production AV to deliver all audiovisual requirements for the growing event. The team oversaw set up and technical checks for all of the zones, including the flagship Cheltenham Town Hall space and adjoining Pillar Room, the Helix, the Crucible and the Cinema Zone.

“We were thrilled to design, set up and run an audio solution for the Town Hall this year, in addition to the visual elements, and we opted for a PA system based around d&b audiotechnik Y-Series speakers, Yamaha QL desks and Sennheiser radio mics,” explains Production AV MD, Pete McCrea. “The Town Hall is notoriously tricky to set up for good sound, and it took the expertise of Production AV’s Project Manager, Olie Goulding, who oversaw the event load-in and operated the Town Hall audio, to scope and plot the venue to design the d&b solution, which perfectly fitted the bill.”

Production AV also supplied the Town Hall’s main room with a 16ft x 9ft screen, 10k lumen Barco HDX Flex Projector, Barco switching solution and a camera package based around Agile ARC 360 Lite PTZ remote cameras and Sony EX3 Camcorders.

In the Pillar Room, the team installed a simple control package to interface with the in-house projection system, along with a d&b Y-Series and E-Series speakers and Yamaha TF series mixing desk. Matt Wadley, Production AV’s Technician, oversaw all audio aspects for the duration of the Festival in the Pillar room, with the Festival’s volunteer staff operating the majority of the video systems.

“One of the highlights of our AV package was the outdoor Cinema Zone, for which we specified a Desay M6 6.25mm pitch LED screen,” McCrea continues. “This displayed 13 hours of continuous footage from the moon landings over the festival, as well as lots of other content. The screen looked fantastic in the exterior garden, giving great high-resolution images over the large areas, with excellent colour reproduction and brightness.”

Hundreds of events took place over the six-day Festival, with more than 280 leading experts imparting knowledge, prompting discussion and provoking thought to thousands of visitors, including more than 9,000 schoolkids.

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Torry Harris Business Solutions – 20 Years of Digital Transformation

21/01/2019 by petermccrea

Production AV were excited to be working with new client, Torry Harris Business Solutions through providing a complete technical event solution that included our new, ultra high resolution Desay x2.6i 2.6mm Indoor LED Screen to celebrate the fantastic 20 years that the company has been innovating the digital experience for clients globally and inspire their increasingly talented team to continue delivering the high-quality solutions THBS are known for.

High Resolution Desay 2.6mm LED Screen Conference Solution

The centrepiece of the solution was a 5m x 2m LED screen using 30 of our new Desay x2.6i 2.6mm Indoor LED Panels that was built upon a ground support system and covered the rear of the stage. Two Novastar MCTRL 4K LED Processors were used to manage the data being fed to the screen with one acting as a fail safe hot back up to the main processor. Content was fed and scaled to the screen using our Barco S3-4K Screen Management System and easily managed when combined with our Barco EC-50 Event Controller. The S3-4K was also used to form a PIP (Picture in Picture) on the LED screen using the video feed from our Sony PMW-EX3 HD Video Camera positioned in FOH. Alongside the video solution, Production AV also provided the audio solution for the conference using our Yamaha TF1 Digital Mixing Console to manage several Sennheiser radio microphones that operated flawlessly throughout the event.

We were really happy with the performance of the Desay x2.6i throughout the day, as all of TBHS great achievements were crisply presented and the colours of the content perfectly reproduced. We’d like to thank TBHS for selecting us as the technical provider for this special event for their company. We look forward to working again with you in the future.

TBS Engineering – CEO Broadcast Event

03/10/2018 by petermccrea

Production AV were keen to put our newly purchased Desay X2i 2.6mm Indoor LED Screen to the test and we were delighted to provide TBS Engineering, a company local to Production AV’s headquarters, an LED screen solution at their production facility using the X2i for a broadcast message from the CEO of TBS Engineering.

High Resolution 2.6mm LED Screen Broadcast Solution

With TBS recently constructing this new facility, the CEO wanted to host an event that would explain the direction and goals for this new operation and its employees as well as thank them for the productive and smooth early performance. Production AV were on hand to provide 3.5m x 2m LED screen using 28 Desay X2i 2.6mm Indoor LED Panels which provided a super crisp display for the several hundred in the audience to focus their attention on. The screen was flown from two warehouse cranes using our rapid rigging system which saw the screen built and raised swiftly enabling the production floorspace to be opened back up for TBS use.

Two of our newly purchased Novastar MCTRL 4K LED Processors were used to manage the data being fed to the screen with one acting as a fail safe hot back up to the main processor. Content was scaled to the screen using our industry standard Barco ImagePRO II Dual with all the playback and processing kit located in a single flightcase positioned discreetly to one side of the screen. A 2m x 2m stage was also provided along with a lectern and an Soundcraft EPM 6:2:2 Mixer to manage the single microphone used to welcome the audience and introduce the CEO.

The event was a great success and we were very impressed by the performance of the Desay X2i both in terms of the build design but also the superb image quality displayed. We’d like to thank TBS Engineering for selecting us as the to provide the video solution and we we look forward to working on more events with you in the future.

Tour of Britain – Cheltenham Festival of Cycling

10/10/2017 by petermccrea

Production AV were looking forward to being involved in a project that was hosted… or pedalled through our local area! We were working on behalf of several clients to provide a range of solutions for the Tour of Britain stage which finished in Cheltenham. For APT Marketing, we were responsible for providing the screens and live feed to the hospitality yurt at the finish line as well as the main LED screen site for public viewing constructed in Pittville Park next to the the final stretch of the race. For Mudway Workman, we provided another LED screen in Winchcombe a couple more kilometres away from the finish line which was erected on the back of a curtained trailer. With the race gaining considerable interest amongst the public Production AV were delighted to playing our part in enhancing this special day for the spectators and Gloucestershire as a whole.

Multiple Outdoor 6mm Livestream LED Screens

The hospitality yurt was provided as a space for the sponsors of race and their delegates to gather and enjoy meeting and listening to well known members of the cycling community, eat fantastic food and enjoy the race as it was presented around the edge of the yurt on four of Production AV’s Samsung ME65B 65″ LED Flat Panels. All of our sites were installed with satellite dishes that provided a reliable Freeview feed of the race and our onsite technician Jimmy Flanders was at the yurt to assist and tweak the setup in the event the feed slipped in quality. The PA, microphone systems and playback capabilities for the screens used before and after the race were also provided by Production AV.

Arriving at 5am on the morning of the race at Pitville Park, the team worked into the morning building a goal post truss structure where a 6.4m x 3.6m LED screen was constructed using our stock of Desay 6.25mm Indoor/Outdoor LED Panels. Line array systems were flown either side of the screen which would project the audio clearly to large crowds expected throughout the day. In a gazebo behind the screen, control was set up to protect it from the elements. A pair of Nova MCTRL660 Processors were used to manage the data being fed to the screen with one acting as a fail safe hot back up to the main processor. The sponsorship content that would play during the races advert breaks was switched using our Barco PDS-901 3G 9 in 1 Out Seamless Switcher with all data being comfortably scaled to the screen using our industry standard Barco ImagePRO II Dual. In Winchcombe, the task was similar as we used our Desay 6.25mm Indoor/Outdoor LED Panels to create a smaller screen four panels wide and two panels high constructed on the back of a Mudway Workman trailer using our ground support system. The screen faced outwards into the local Fanzone that was positioned within touching distance of the road where the race would fly through.

Overall the stage was a massive success with thousands of people lining the streets to support the riders. Mick Bennett the Race Director of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain mentions the overwhelming warmth and unprecedented support shown during Stage 7 and we’d like to thank APT Marketing and Mudway Workman for allowing us to be apart of that support. It was a pleasure having you both as clients and we look forward to continuing our relationship with you in the future.

Montpellier Gardens – Cheltenham Literature Festival 2016

19/12/2016 by petermccrea

Having worked with Cheltenham Festivals on the annual Literature Festival for the last five years, Production AV were looking forward to being back for a sixth year providing the video solution to all the venues at the festival. From the 7th – 16th of October, Cheltenham Literature Festival promised to continue delivering an inspiring mix of debate and discussion by welcoming over 600 of the world’s greatest writers, poets, politicians, thinkers and stars to Cheltenham.

In Forum, the main venue of the festival, Production AV provided a full video solution using a our Barco S3-4K Screen Management System coupled with its Barco EC-50 Controller which enabled us to manage numerous signals and outputting them to our Christie LHD700 Full HD Projector via a fibre system. Situated in front of house, three Sony PMW-EX3 HD Video Cameras provided numerous angles for the technical director to select during each event and one camera operator worked back stage controlling the two close up cameras using a pan tilt remote head system which enabled less intrusive production and greater communication between the technical team. The Barco S3-4K, also accommodated two laptops and was able to seamlessly switch between keynote and powerpoint presentations as well as raising the production quality by providing PIP’s of the camera feed when desired over presentations. The last output required from the Barco S3 was to the LG BD370 Blu-ray Player that recorded certain events for later use. Also provided for the guests was the Interspace MasterCue V6 Cueing System and comfort monitors leaving guests with the peace of mind that they can easily manage their presentation.

In The Pillar Rooms, the venue was more intimate and required a smaller technical setup. The main operating hardware was a Barco PDS-901 3G 9 in 1 Out Seamless Switcher that took feeds from two ASUS X555LA 15 Inch Laptops and outputted to an in-house projector as well as another LG BD370 Blu-ray Player for recording purposes. Comfort monitors and another MasterCue System was also set up in this venue to improve the presenting experience.

Working with Adrian Hensley and the team at Cheltenham Festivals is always a pleasure and getting to play our part in providing this yearly gathering of people with fantastic intellect as well as fascinating stories is always near the top of yearly event experiences! We would like to thank Adrian and the team for continuing this relationship between our companies into it’s sixth year and we hope it continues as it is such a rewarding and enjoyable event to be apart of each year.

Superdry Fashion Show – Sportswear Launch

12/08/2016 by petermccrea

Production AV were appreciative to once again work for long term client Tarren Production Ltd by providing a complete video solution using LED screens, flat panel displays, HD camera feeds and screen management systems. It was an honour to be apart of Superdry’s exciting businesses developments namely the launch of their sportswear line.

3mm High Resolution LED Screen with Barco S3-4K Switching

The main centerpiece of the event were our DigiLED 3.9mm LED Panels. We built two 4.5m x 2.5m LED walls on either side of the stage. These screens were used to showcase content that expressed the evolution of Superdry’s aspirational design story, offering essential items for everyday fitness as well as capsule collections for Athleisure, Yoga, Gym, Running and Cycle.

Positioned to capture the catwalk was a Sony PMW-EX3 Video Camera which fed live video to a Samsung ME65B 65″ Flat Panel Display which the models used as reference for their cues throughout the show. Playback of Powerpoints and keynotes were also displayed on screen for numerous talks by members of the Superdry team and brand ambassadors. All content was managed and switched by pairing the Barco EC-50 Event Controller with the Barco S3-4K Screen Management System which functioned flawlessly throughout the event.

Again we’d like to thank Tarren Production Ltd and Superdry for choosing us to provide the screen and video management for this event. We look forward to working on more successful events in the future.

Superdry Sport SS17 ?????????????? #superdry #fashionshow #potd #catwalk #fashion #clothing #cheltenham #designer #fashiondesigner #ss17 #springsummer #work #lovemyjob @sd.stylist @superdryglobal #superdrysport

A photo posted by Victoria Bramwell (@vee.beee) on Jun 21, 2016 at 11:42am PDT

Hartpury Equine Centre – Festival of Dressage 2016

01/08/2016 by petermccrea

Production AV were excited to be given the opportunity to be a part of Hartpury’s Festival of Dressage by providing an LED screen solution but also being allowed to trial PanelScore – a product we as a company are involved in developing and feel passionate about seeing succeed in the dressage world and beyond.

6mm Outdoor Festival LED Screen Solution

Hartpury is a local venue which was helpful as it allowed us to turn up the day before the event started and build the screen and set up the hardware needed for PanelScore to function. The screen was 3.2m x 1.8m and built using our Desay 6.25mm LED Panels as they are waterproof which was essential as the screen was outdoors for the week. Using a Barco ScreenPRO II EOC and it’s controller, the laptop running the webpage that had the live scoring was resized to fit the LED screen. Using ground anchors, ratchet straps and weights we secured the screen so that it would remain rigid no matter what the weather conditions were like.

The PanelScore system had five scorers using iPads positioned around the arena and information was sent using a wifi kit set up in the control box to a master laptop that would process and feed data to the webpage. With PanelScore being in its first version there were issues that needed to be ironed out but with riders such as Charlotte Dujardin who’s the most successful British dressage rider of all time and a competitor in the Rio Olympics the crowds were big and when it came to the big stage, PanelScore excelled and provided a new, exciting viewing experience for spectators.

A big thank you again to Hartpury Equine Centre for selecting us for the screen solution but for also being willing to allow us to trial PanelScore with the aims of developing the engagement and excitement for spectators. We hope to be back again next year with an ever improving version and a screen! We also look forward to expanding to other Dressage events in the near future.

Science Festival 2016 – Space World

23/06/2016 by petermccrea

Production AV were appreciative to be welcomed back to the Science Festival for the fourth year running to supply an immersive, audiovisual solution for the event space named Space World. Being asked to provide a complete solution, from collecting and editing content to programming the show, was a challenging yet enjoyable experience and we are proud to be involved in the education of the next generation in the topic of space travel.

Complete Mission Control Video Solution

Using four Samsung ME65B 65″ LED Flat Panels as the centre piece for the mission control experience, Production AV were instructed to find realistic and suitable content to put into a 10 minute video sequence that would show a rocket preparing for launch as well as taking off. To greater enhance the experience, QLab was used to program lighting and smoke effects at numerous points throughout the video sequence as well as syncing the timing screen to match the rockets take off. Once this was set up, control could be handed over to the mission control presenters who only needed to click the play button and the entire sequence would run unaided.

Numerous other screens such at 50″ and 42″ plasmas were also installed around the venue and a Christie LHD700 Projector was positioned in the space dome tent as used along with other AV equipment to communicate with Tim Peake on his last ever interview on the ISS before he returned to earth. A massive thank you from Production AV to Adrian Hensley and the whole of Cheltenham Festivals for having us provide such a unique and creative solution. Below is a short clip from Tim Peake’s direct interview with the Science Festival.

Tim Peake doing a direct QnA with Cheltenham Science Festival in his last ever interview before he returns back to earth from the ISS. #timpeake #astronaut ????

A video posted by Sam (@sam_mcconnochie) on Jun 8, 2016 at 11:12am PDT

Ecclesiastical Group Leadership Conference 2016

14/03/2016 by petermccrea

Production AV were pleased to once again be chosen as the sole supplier to Ecclesiastical’s annual Group Leadership Conference. With previous years conference’s utilising a simple screen and projector with drape surround, the decision was taken to undertake a massive step up in the visual impact of the event and enhance the narrative of the numerous speakers throughout the day.

3.9mm LED Video Wall Conference Solution

Using our stock of DigiLED 3.9mm LED Panels, Production AV created a 7m x 2.5m LED Video Wall as the focal point of the conference. The 3.9mm LED Wall sat on it’s own ground support; raising it above the presenters stage for improved viewing. Throughout the event it worked seamlessly for numerous speakers with their own unique content requirements. The high brightness of the screen meant that the room could be well lit and the curtains remain open allowing the views out over the lakes to remain and be enjoyed by the delegates.

Using Keynote and Powerpoint, content was fed from various laptops provided by Production AV. Live video was also run directly onto screen coming from a Sony EX3 HD Video Camera positioned at stage right. All the source switching was handled by a Barco S3-4K switching system set up backstage with the Barco EC-50 controller allowing for easy recall of previously stored scenes.

Relay Flatscreens and Breakout Rooms

Alongside the large 3.9mm LED video screen, two pairs of Samsung 65″ Flat Panels were provided to ensure the delegates could clearly see the content in the long thin room. The four screens were set out on Unicol Parabella Stands along the length of the room in order to stop any loss of clarity for those sat further back.

In addition to the main session space, multiple breakout spaces were also provided with a mix of 50″ and 42″ Panasonic Plasma Screens to enable clear communications.

Sound and Lighting for Complete Conference Solution

As Production AV were providing the full conference solution, audio requirements were also covered in full. Sound was projected using a combination d&b E3 and QSub Loudspeakers driven by d&b D12 Amplifers. All the sources were mixed on the QU-32 Digital Mixer utilising the onboard dynamics and feeds to the various speaker sends. Sennheiser EW300 G3 Wireless Handheld and Lapel microphones were provided for the presenters during the day and also during the evening quiz. ETC Source 4 Junior Lanterns and Miltec LED Batten 2’s were also used to great effect throughout the event in creating the relaxed atmosphere aimed to be achieved throughout the conference.

All the equipment was rigged during the load in on the afternoon before the event, with a fairly typical schedule of rehearsals in the morning then moving through the conference sessions and into the evening dinner and quiz, to a post event load out handled by our experienced team of event professionals and led by our in house project manager.

A big thank you to Ecclesiastical for choosing to work with us on the show and we look forward to working together in the future.

Superdry Autumn/Winter16 for Tarren Production Ltd

20/01/2016 by petermccrea

Complete Conference AV Solution

Production AV had the pleasure of working for our long term client Tarren Production Ltd on several parts on the Autumn/Winter 2016 launch held by Superdry in Cheltenham in early January 2016. SuperGroup used a disused warehouse near their HQ in Cheltenham, which was used for a catwalk show and after show party, as well as running a series of presentations in their new staff canteen adjacent to the new site.

In the Cafe space, Tarren Production contracted Production AV to supply a simple but complete production package of sound lighting, video and staging. Utilising d&B Audio Q7 and QSUB speakers, D12 amplifiers and Allen and Heath QU32 mixing desk to provide a full range sound system for the spoken word and presentations, video was taken based around a 12,000 Lumen projector and 16’x9′ screen for the brightly lit space, with a Barco PDS901 switcher for allowing a clean fade between laptops and video playback handled by PlayBackPro+ running on Apple Mac Mini computers. Simple lighting highlighted the presenters on the 3m x 2m stage that was set up in the venue. Olie Goulding was onsite to oversee the running of the event and ensure that the presenters could focus on their presentations.

Fashion Show Catwalk Monitoring

Over in the launch area, Production AV provided several small but key bits of infrastructure. For the catwalk, a pair of Sony PMW-EX3 cameras were rigged in fixed positions, then fed their Full HD signals back to 3 pairs of Panasonic flatscreen displays positioned to allow the show caller and dressing teams to clearly monitor the action on the catwalk, and ensure they timed the model entrances correctly. Whilst not an overly glamorous part of the show, quality of the image and reliability were critical to ensure models were able to time the show correctly.

Presentation Flatscreen Hire

In a temporary structure located beside the catwalk space, members of the Superdry team briefed different groups on the new Sports and Snow product lines. Within this space Production AV provided a large 65″ Samsung LCD flatscreen display to enable the presentation to be seen clearly by the delegates. Another small d&b sound system with a wireless microphone allowed the presenter to be heard over the background noise of the busy site.

Our thanks go to Tarren Production Ltd for asking us work for them on this event.