SUN CITY, South Africa – A lighting rig dominated by Robe fixtures was used for the recent launch of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo at Sun City Superbowl. Strike Productions provided the fixtures, working on behalf of Blue Moon, the production company. Robert Hoey from Dream Sets served as lighting designer. Hoey used 44 Robe ColorSpot 700E ATs and 24 Robe ColorWash 2500E ATs for the event, which included appearances by Kelly Clarkson, Westlife and South Africa's The Parlotones and Freshly Ground. Hoey worked with a lighting design brief from Kelly Clarkson's LD, Fraser S Mackeen, and Westlife's tour management also sent in a spec, blending live show and corporate presentation styles of lighting.
Most of the Robes were in the overheard rig. Six ColorWash 2500E ATs attached to sections of vertical truss, bolted to the backs of rolling risers used for band changeovers, also provided back lighting effects. Twelve of the ColorSpot 700E ATs were also on these upright trusses.
Hoey used 12 of Robe's ColorBeam 700E ATs for the first time on this show. They "really rocked," he said. They were positioned on the band rises and used as effects floor lights. Hoey says, "I had a great time with the Robes, which were reliable as always."
Other lighting included a large conventional rig, strobes and some LED fixtures, which together with the Robe moving lights, were operated by
Hoey using a Jands Road Hog Full Boar console.
The 48 meter-wide set designed by James MacNamara filled the width of the Superbowl. It was built from scaffolding, material drops and general staging pieces, and really took light well, especially when highlighted from multiple angles, bringing additional depth and dimension.
The launch included three cars flown in from the roof for the finale, joining four cars positioned on the set, all of which needed to be effectively lit.
The show's two technical directors were Strike's Eben Peltz, who was involved from the initial concept to the final event, and Jason Fritz, whose experience with international acts helped him in his role for client liaison and additional support.
For more information, please visit www.robe.cz.
