Tag Archive: Tom Cass

1. It’s Game On for White Light at Gfinity Esports Arena

   13 February 2018 11:41 Comments Off on It’s Game On for White Light at Gfinity Esports Arena

   White Light has helped to create the ultimate interactive and dynamic gaming experience with the Gfinity Esports Arena in London.

   Gfinity is a world-leading esports entertainment group with a reputation for delivering the best live experiences with the highest production values. The organisation recently created the Gfinity Esports Arena at Vue Cinema in Fulham to allow fans to watch head-to-head competition as gamers battle in the Gfinity Elite Series before their very eyes.

   WL worked closely with Production Designer Paul Sudlow and Stage Builder Scott Fleary to create an unforgettable gaming experience. WL’s Project Manager Tom Cass comments: “We needed to turn an empty space into an immersive gaming environment that featured three custom-built stages and would house a sold-out arena of gaming fanatics. We saw the 3D model so were aware of how Paul envisaged the space. We then had to supply the technical equipment and expertise to make this a reality”.

   The turn-key solutions that WL supplied included the lighting, video and truss structure. Tom states: “When the players enter the gaming arena, they walk through a hexagon tunnel. We lined the walls with LED video tubes and positioned LED tape on the exterior. Similarly, as the players walked to their gaming booths, we installed pixel flex on the staircase in order to perpetuate the mesmerising effect created by the tunnel”.

   The gaming action is live-streamed on two LED video walls which are situated behind the presenter desks. The content is run using disguise 4x4pro media server. Tom states: “We used the disguise 4x4pro as it is one of the few servers powerful enough for a project like this. The gamers are positioned in ten individual units on the stage above and, for each booth, WL supplied Philips ePar 180 LED lights”.

   With the Gfinity Elite Series shown on linear TV and streamed online, WL had to draw on lighting that would be suitable for broadcast. The Phoenix Profile was used to light both the gamers and broadcasters whereas the Galaxia LED Soft Lights were used for studio lighting. Tom adds: “Having worked on high-profile broadcasts such as the Rugby World Cup, Euro 2016 and the ITV Racing season, we were able to draw on our experience and offer a suitable solution”.

   

   The main lighting rig within the arena consisted of ROBE 300s and Spikies to provide even coverage. This was controlled by a LX300 LSC lighting console.

   For the build itself, WL had two weeks to work with the designers and acquire the necessary equipment. The company then had just over a week on site to install all of the technology; ensuring the arena was ready for the launch.

   Tom adds: “Gfinity is a great example of us working on a high-profile project with a very tight deadline. We were able to enter a space, work closely with the creative team and deliver the exact technical solutions required”.

   Photos courtesy of Joe Brady Photography.

2. White Light Supports Stonewall Equality Dinner

   6 April 2017 13:20 Comments Off on White Light Supports Stonewall Equality Dinner

   Every year, the Stonewall Equality Dinner raises money that contributes towards supporting the charity’s vital work in improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Britain and abroad. This year’s Dinner, supported by Aviva, was held at London Hilton on Park Lane. It was produced by events company Creventive who approached White Light to provide the complete technical solutions.

   Stonewall exists to achieve real change for LGBT people and works towards a world in which all people are free to be themselves. Their annual Equality Dinner took place on Friday 24th March and was the second time that WL had provided the production support. It was overseen by WL’s Project Manager Tom Cass and Creative Producer Richard Stirzaker.

   Richard states: “This is probably the biggest event in Stonewall’s calendar. While the main objective of the evening is to raise vital funds for Stonewall, it’s important to ensure that all of those in attendance have a memorable evening. Working with Creventive, we wanted to supply the technical solutions to achieve just this”.

   When guests arrived on the evening, they were treated to a drinks reception in the Harvest Suite. They were then guided into the Grand Ballroom, which is one of the largest hotel ballrooms in Europe, where the main dinner took place.

   Richard adds: “We supplied everything within the main space, from the latest lighting fixtures, to haze machines to a mirror ball! We wanted the evening to be as glitzy and glamorous as possible and our extensive range of equipment allowed us to achieve this”.

   Following the dinner there was a silent auction which was held to raise funds for the charity. To support this, WL provided a PA system, microphones, loudspeakers along with projection screens on which the auctioned items were displayed.

   With the Hilton Park Lane being one of the busiest event spaces in London, this meant WL had less than 24 hours in the space. Richard comments: “We got in at 6am on the Friday morning and completed the installation by 1pm. We then spent the entire afternoon testing the equipment and ensuring everything was ready for the evening. Once the Dinner finished and the space was cleared (at around 2am) we began derigging and finished by 4am, meaning the space could be used for the next event on the Saturday evening”.

   The event was a huge success, with guests such as Sir Ian McKellen in attendance, and ensured that vital funds were once again raised for the UK’s largest LGBT charity.

   Jason Collins-Down, Creative Director at Creventive, comments: “WL were an absolute privilege to work with once again, delivering on time and on budget on what was a very high-profile event. We appreciate their fantastic support”.

   The Stonewall Equality Dinner is one of the many charity events that WL has worked on this year alone, with the technical solution specialist having sponsored last month’s Teenage Cancer Trust SF Ball.

   Photos courtesy of Andy Tyler Photography.