Copperbox Arena

For the second year running SXS were appointed by Everybody Engage to work on this internal awards show and party for a UK media company. SXS were the official technical partner and provided all lighting, rigging, video, audio equipment, cameras, staging, set build, event drapery, technical event production, power distribution and special effects.

In the first year the event was held in two spaces at The O2, London. For the 2015 show the Copperbox Arena was used as it allowed the entire awards show to take place in one area with an after party in an adjacent space. "Copper Box Arena is a great event venue" says SXS CEO Johnny Palmer "It is a fully-fitted arena space but without being cavernous like the other arenas in London, this makes it ideal for an awards show like this one" SXS provided 3d CAD services to ensure that the sightlines and visual aspects to the event worked well. This also formed the information needed for rigging plots, lighting plots, stage design, drape allowances and carpentry.

Three 45' articulated lorries were loaded with equipment at SXS' Bristol warehouses to deliver this project.

The event space was split down the middle in order to allow one area for an awards show and the other side for the after party. SXS installed a thick acoustic drape to provide some sound separation between the areas as well as give some aesthetic treatment to the space. The drapery was provided from SXS' in-house stocks and was also used to cover unused seating in the arena.

The erected stage was a large flowing area with a strong design that made it a key visual feature. A stepped thrust allowed for smooth connection with the audience. The fascia of the stage was clad in a white material with inbuilt LED lighting - this meant that the stage itself integrated with the overall lighting design. Various rolling risers, drop-stages and backstage areas were also provided in order to facilitate the technical needs of the international touring acts that performed at the event. All staging and set for the awards show was provided from SXS stock and all fabrication was done in the SXS set build workshop based in Bristol.

Possibly the most obvious production feature was the vast screen. A 16m x 9m screen was constructed. The size was determined by the maximum that could fit in the venue. A cinema projection surface was used within a truss frame structure which itself became a set piece using the 'truss toning' technique. The projection was done using four Panasonic 22k projectors. Video control was from SXS stock with BlackMagic Design Atem switch gear, Kramer scalers, Mac Pro playback and Qlab media control.

Lighting played a key role in the overall aesthetic design. Over 40 moving lights were used for beam and mid-air effects in addition to over 100 LED fixtures that were used for truss tone effects which was a key design feature.

Timelapse of the build of this event:

The audio was a critical part of the show. Alex Thompson, head of audio at SXS says "The main challenge faced from a sonic point of view on this show was flying a line array system that would cover the audience area at the same time as keeping sight lines clear for viewing the very large central screen. To achieve this we used Martin Audio's small format W8LM line array with 11 boxes per side flown at a grid height of 12m. This coupled with six Martin Audio DD6's along the front of the stage as infill which worked extremely well. In order to reduce unwanted low frequency noise being introduced into the boomy sports hall environment we used three end fire cardioid sub stacks left right and centre to give even front coverage and limit sound being emitted behind and up into the roof of the venue. This definitely improved the overall clarity of the system within this environment.

It is always a pleasure to work with repeat clients on events and this job was no exception. Having worked on a similar event the previous year with Everybody Engage, we understood their needs and expectations form the outset which made the whole event from the planning stage through to the final show run smoothly. All key members from all departments had an input into the final design and look of the show and this helped immensely in making sure all aspects of the event were covered in detail and the client's expectations were fulfilled.

Performances were from artists including Olly Murs, Carly Rae Jepsen and Jess Glynne. SXS were tasked with rider fulfilment of backline, audio control, specialist microphones and risers. Special effects used included Co2 jets, confetti cannons and haze effects.

"We love doing shows like this", says Palmer "it is a great chance to flex the resources of SXS and we are so proud to see projects like this run smoothly with happy clients who come back again and again,  this is what it is all about for us".

Credits

• Production Agency / Client - Everybody Engage
• Creative Director & Producer, Steven Moffett, Everybody Engage
• Production Designer - Johnny Palmer, SXS
• Production Manager - James Mc Donough, SXS
• Show Caller - Phil Whetter, SXS
• Audio Director - Alex Thompson, SXS
• Lighting Designer- Dan Giddings, SXS
• Rigging Design / Chief Rigger - Steve Payne, SXS

Equipment

Audio

• Martin Audio W8LM line array for front of house
• Martin Audio DD6 for fill
• Martin WX218x subs
• Amps from Lab Gruppen and Yamaha
• Processing XTA
• Desks: Digidesign and Allen & Heath
• Wireless systems from Sennneisher G3
• Corded mics from AKG, Shure, Rode, Shoeps
• DJ gear: 4 x Pioneer CDJ2000Nexus, 1 x DJM900, 1 x Allen & Heath Xone92

Lighting

• Robe 1200ATs moving lights
• Robe 600 LED wash
• Elation Vizibeam platinum beam effects
• Selecon Ramas and ETC Source 4 for stage light
• Various LED battens and pars for effect and set lighting
• Lighting control and dimming from Avolites

Rigging

• Liftec Motors
• Litec QX30s and QD40SA truss
• Stage - Litestructures Litedeck
• Base plates for towers - SXS proprietary design

Video

• 4 x Panasonic 22k HD projectors
• Black Magic Atem vision mixing system and distro
• Samsung UE55a screens for backstage feed and comfort monitors
• GoPros for CCTV feeds and backstage feed
• Sony PMW400 cameras