Lights, Camera, Action: LA’s Exciting New Rehearsal Space Leave a reply Catering to the Entertainment Community, Solotech Hollywood Studios offer a secure, preeminent location perfectly suited for rehearsals, television shows, photo shoots, and live events. Los Angeles, California, April 17, 2024 – Solotech, the global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its latest venture in Hollywood, California: two premium rehearsal spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of the entertainment industry. Studio A, spanning an impressive 8,500 square feet, and Studio B, offering 3,200 square feet of versatile space, are equipped to facilitate seamless rehearsals and productions. Boasting well-appointed dressing rooms, control rooms, production offices and server rooms, a full kitchen, loading docks, and ample parking in a gated lot, Solotech Hollywood Studios provide the perfect blend of functionality and comfort in the heart of Hollywood. “We’re excited to provide a premier rehearsal destination in Hollywood,” stated Mickey Curbishley, Solotech President, Live Productions Division, USA, UK. “With our extensive experience and dedication to excellence, we aim to support the vibrant entertainment community by offering top-tier facilities for creative endeavors.” Solotech, with 47 years of expertise in AV solutions, handles over 12,000 projects annually, including prestigious festivals and the top music tours worldwide. Renowned for its innovation and commitment to quality, Solotech recently received accolades such as Lighting Company of the Year in 2024 and Video Production Company of the Year in 2023 at the Parnelli Awards. For more information about Solotech Hollywood Studios, including booking inquiries, please contact: studios@solotech.com | (323) 487-6757 | Hollywood Studios Rental (solotech.com) About Solotech Founded over 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, with 20 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in live productions and systems integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture and education. Solotech employs over 2,000 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Southampton, Frankfurt, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau, and Hong Kong. Find out more at www.solotech.com Media Contact: media@solotech.com
Mickey Curbishley on the Geezers of Gear Podcast Leave a reply Mickey Curbishley, Solotech President, Live Productions Division, USA, UK, recently guested on the Geezers of Gear Podcast, where he shared stories from the road, spoke about the spectacle of current global touring, and about a topic he is incredibly passionate about: sustainability in the live production industry. Mickey shared, “I think that we have a duty – there’s so much we are doing. I think one of the big points is that we’ve come so far, but we’ve got to keep going – we’ve got to keep working – we’ve got to work together.” To listen click here: Podcast | Geezers Of Gear Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech wins LAVNCH [CODE]’s 2024 Out of This World Experiences Award for Outernet London Leave a reply Montreal, Quebec, April 11, 2024 – Solotech’s Outernet London installation has been awarded LAVNCH [CODE]’s 2024 Out of This World Experiences Award! The award highlights next-level experiences that use technology in new and creative ways. Named as “London’s most visited tourist attraction” by The Times newspaper in 2023, Outernet has attracted 6.25 million of visitors in its inaugural year. Featuring giant LED screens inside and out, it is the largest digital exhibition space in Europe. Solotech collaborated closely with consultants Hoare Lea to design the immersive audio system that features a QSC Q-Sys network audio system and L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound system sitting at the heart of this installation. We would like to congratulate everyone who worked on this fabulous project! You can learn more about Solotech’s participation in the Outernet London project here. Contact : media@solotech.com
VAI Resort announces partnership with C3 Presents & Live Nation Leave a reply VAI Resort, the new $1B hotel, resort and live entertainment destination in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, has announced a new partnership with C3 Presents and Live Nation to book and promote major music and comedy shows to the $50 million VAI Amphitheater. Solotech has been working with VAI Resort’s team for over a year now. As designer and equipment provider for the performance audio and lighting systems of the VAI Amphitheater, we are proud and excited to be a part of this highly anticipated project that will redefine Arizona’s hotel, entertainment and culinary landscapes. The $1B VAI Resort is set to open in Glendale in late 2024. Learn more about VAI Resort’s association with C3 Presents and Live Nation here. Source: VAI Resort, February 1st, 2024, C3 Presents and Live Nation join forces with VAI Amphitheater at VAI Resort, setting the stage for Arizona’s premier entertainment experience. Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech and Crestron transform Desjardins’ videoconferencing experience Leave a reply Desjardins, North America’s largest financial group credit union, undertook a massive renovation of their offices, including technology upgrades, to create areas and opportunities for their employees and clients. As a long-time partner of Desjardins, Solotech was called upon to handle all technological work: over 1,200 meeting rooms and collaboration spaces, including training and multi-purpose rooms, across Desjardins’ multiple locations. Solotech teamed up with Crestron to implement company-wide consistent technology, including Creston Flex for Microsoft Teams Rooms. “We are proud to work with Desjardins every day. We work seamlessly as a team and wanted to provide them with the best of the best to support their business, which is why we chose Crestron.” – Jean-François Huot, Sales Director, Sales & Systems Integration Division at Solotech To learn all about how Solotech and Crestron teamed up to set new standards of excellence for collaboration at Desjardins, read the full story from Crestron here. Photo Credit : Crestron & 360 Solutions
Desjardins transforms its videoconferencing experience with Solotech and Crestron Leave a reply Solotech partnered with Crestron to transform Desjardins’ videoconferencing experience and strengthen client relationships. In the spring edition of Crestron’s Smarter Spaces magazine, Desjardins, a leading Canadian banking, investment, and insurance group, shares its transformative journey toward enhancing employee collaboration and client relationships through standardized video conferencing solutions. Partnering with Solotech and its trusted systems integration expertise, Desjardins took the decision to standardize on Crestron Flex for Microsoft Teams Rooms. There are now 2,000 rooms either completed or in progress for Desjardins across Canada. “We were already using Crestron as a control system, but when we saw Crestron Flex for Microsoft Teams Rooms, we really liked it for a number of reasons. It was scalable, versatile, easy to use, and worked perfectly with Desjardins’ security network, ensuring all meetings are completely confidential — a critical consideration for any financial institution,” commented Solotech’s Jean-François Huot, Sales Director, Systems Integration. The intuitive nature of the Crestron system generated widespread employee acceptance, with a clear shift in mindset towards embracing video conferencing as a preferred mode of communication. Desjardins has also leveraged the enhanced capabilities of this new meeting room technology to strengthen connections with external clients. To learn more about Solotech’s solutions for Desjardins utilizing Crestron’s equipment, read the full article on Crestron’s Smarter Spaces Magazine here (p.36-39). Source: CRESTRON’s Smarter Spaces magazine | Spring 2024 (March) Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech Live Productions’ Mickey Curbishley talks at the ILMC Leave a reply A few weeks ago, we were proud to continue our partnership with the International Live Music Conference (ILMC) at their Futures Forum in London. This one-day discussion and networking event has one eye very much on the future and looks to discuss, understand, and address topics that the live music industry face in the coming years. Among the discussions was the green agenda. Specifically, what we as an industry, can do to help mitigate our impact on climate change. As an industry luminary with more than forty years’ experience, Mickey Curbishley, President of Solotech’s Global Live Production Division, was asked to lend his own thoughts on the topic. He kicked off by talking about a particular tour, one that really helped to move the needle in the industry. “One of the earliest projects I remember impacting sustainability was the Jonas Brothers “Happiness Begins” tour back in 2019.” “They designed a show which used around 600 moving lights. Initially this was designed using a traditional incandescent lamp, and when we calculated the power requirements we realised we needed 4 x 300 amp supplies.” “Most of the venues could supply 2 x 300-amp feeds, which meant that we would be bringing in generators for a great deal of the shows. Over a 6-month period the financial and environmental cost was staggering!” “Working with Baz Halpin and the team at Silent House Productions, we came up with an idea to use a new range of LED lights, instead of the incandescent lamps. It didn’t take much time to persuade everyone of the benefits.” “Unknowingly, the Jonas Brothers had a really positive impact on the touring industry. As for Solotech, we have continued along the path of migrating as many of our lighting fixtures as possible to LED.” But Mickey acknowledges that there’s a long way to go. Working closer, smarter, and more efficiently is how the industry can help to deliver a real impact. “We all have our part to play” “The longer the lead time we have to plan, organise, and prepare to get ready for that first show, the less of an impact we, as a business, will have on the environment.” “The show will always go on, we will make sure of that, but shorter turnarounds create more pressure on the supply chain. We have to keep working closely with our clients and promoters and educate them where we can.” “We’ve come a long way, and there is a lot of new, fresh energy coming into the industry, and that’s great, but we have a long way still to go. We’re all on a journey. Through product innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence, Solotech are determined to help make a difference.” International Live Music Conference
La Peni Merida Leave a reply In the vibrant city of Merida, Mexico, a visionary project named “La Peni“ emerged at the end of 2023. Its mission was not only to breathe new life into the former Juárez Penitentiary and Parque de la Paz, but to create a cultural hub for the city. La Peni was born from a collaboration between the government of the city of Merida in Yucatan, Jorge Contreras, a producer in television and theater, and Siete Media, a multimedia production company based in Montreal and Mexico City. Giving New Life at the Heart of Merida The project aimed to reclaim these abandoned spaces and turn them into dynamic hubs where visitors could actively participate in the creation of a daily show. Its goal was to redefine Merida as a leading city in cultural tourism, offering a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge technology. A seven-minute video mapping show kicks off every night, followed by interactive moments allowing people to play with the content. Citizens and tourists alike are welcome to admire the show or to be a part of it. Using QR codes and phones, visitors can alter the visual content, engaging with native animals and plants projected on the facade of the former Juárez Penitentiary. AN IDEA NEEDING A DREAM TEAM Once the city embraced this transformative project, the task was to assemble a dream team. Siete Media turned to Solotech, recognizing their role as the technology powerhouse. Roberto Lopez, CEO at Siete Media, emphasized, “Solotech has been there since the beginning. Their offer was: Focus on creativity and we’ll take care of technology.” This partnership allowed for a seamless exchange of ideas, plans, and expertise, ensuring that the creative vision met technological excellence. From planning to execution, Solotech’s team worked closely with Siete Media and Jorge Contreras to achieve their vision. “While handling so many different parts at once for this ambitious project, it was good to have a reliable partner like Solotech. It meant we could rely completely on their expertise.” – Roberto Lopez, CEO at Siete Media MAXIMIZING THE TECHNOLOGY BUDGET In turning the ambitious vision of La Peni Merida into a reality, Siete Media faced the challenge of realizing a grand project with a limited budget. Solotech emerged as a key partner, showcasing its adaptability by introducing a strategic mix of refurbished LED fixtures and sound systems. This ingenious solution not only delivered impressive quality but also proved to be a cost-effective approach, allowing La Peni Merida to become a technological marvel while maximizing its allocated budget. Guillaume Gervais, Used Equipment Manager at Solotech, emphasized the adaptability of Solotech, stating, “Our offer of new and used equipment is a big differentiator for Solotech. It ensures that we meet the technological requirements of our clients without compromising their budgetary constraints.” Solotech’s contribution extended beyond budget considerations to the actual implementation of cutting-edge technology. The installation included a variety of LED screens strategically positioned throughout Parque de la Paz, as well as a comprehensive ambient sound system that covered the entire park. The screens contributed to the visual richness, while daytime sounds inspired by the region and nighttime audio enhanced the auditory experience, immersing visitors of La Peni in a multisensory journey. Solotech’s expertise extended to transforming the exterior of the former penitentiary through facade mapping and visually stunning shows, implementing interactive installations. Its role in shaping La Peni Merida went beyond providing equipment and a seamless installation; it was about elevating the entire sensory experience, turning a limited budget into an expansive canvas of technological brilliance. “We’re truly grateful for the incredible teamwork with Siete Media on this project and the steadfast support from the Délégation générale du Québec à Mexico. The results speak for themselves”, shared Pierre Vendé, Business Development Representative at Solotech. BEYOND THE INSTALLATION La Peni Merida opened its doors in December 2023, marking the beginning of a new era. Roberto Lopez envisions endless possibilities, stating, “While the project is already up and running, there is a possibility to really innovate further and add to it.” The project is not static; it’s a canvas waiting for young artists to make their mark. Roberto envisions the cultural impact this project will make, saying, “Ultimately, the goal is to inspire the citizens of Merida to also lean into the art and culture that La Peni inspires, to have a creative vision of their own city. It is a giant Lego to play with.” “We took an abandoned space and offered the city a place to be safe at night, to offer memorable experiences all while introducing them to digital art and new technology. It is a big deal for us.” – Roberto Lopez, CEO at Siete Media What Roberto and the team are most proud of is the positive impact on the community. Merida, predominantly nocturnal due to its hot temperatures, now has a vibrant gathering place at La Peni. Pierre Vendé expresses his satisfaction with the project’s outcomes: “It goes beyond being an installation; it signifies the revitalization of a public space. During a recent visit, witnessing the gathering of people at Parque de la Paz to celebrate the end of the year was truly gratifying. These are the impactful results we consistently strive to achieve.” In the words of Roberto Lopez, La Peni Merida isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a transformative experience, a testament to the harmonious fusion of art, technology, and community engagement. Photo: Siete Media
AtkinsRéalis Brand Identity Launch Leave a reply SNC Lavalin, a global engineering and construction company, recently unveiled its new brand identity, AtkinsRéalis, to enhance its capabilities and extend its international reach. The new identity underlines the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions across a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, energy, and more. Such an important milestone for a major company required a simply spectacular brand launch. Commissioned to organize the event, OPC Événements called on Solotech to help make the experience a success at the Palais, Montreal’s convention centre. “Our team was particularly efficient, producing a 3D plan of the event in just three days” – François Paradis, Sales Representative, Live Productions Division, at Solotech In less than a week, Solotech’s experts worked hard to submit a comprehensive proposal to the customer, which included a 360-degree audiovisual solution (audio, lighting, video, rigging, and staging), in addition to our LiveSphere webcasting solution, which enabled employees at AtkinsRéalis’ 309 offices around the world to experience this unique evening live. “Solotech was an invaluable contributor to the successful global launch of AtkinsRéalis’ new identity,” said Martichou Plamondon, President, CEO and Partner at OPC Événements. “The team’s extensive scenography and technical expertise, their understanding of specific needs, and, above all, their active participation in the project enabled us to deliver a world-class event.” “I’m proud of all the members of our team who contributed to the delivery of this project,” adds François Paradis. “We developed custom solutions, notably to allow the main screen to move above the stage. We delivered a spectacular project with the professionalism and efficiency for which Solotech is renowned.”
Meet Our Team: Diana Silva Leave a reply Solotech showcases the talent that underpins its unmatched expertise. We spoke to Diana Silva, Bid Manager. In this episode of Meet Our Team, we introduce you to a member of Solotech’s exceptional team: Bid Manager, Diana Silva. During our conversation, we delved into the professional journey of Diana as she shared the path that brought her to Solotech. Diana provided insights into her role, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of managing bids and what she finds most fulfilling about her work at Solotech. Watch the interview now: Adding a twist to the conversation, Diana wanted to showcase her trilingual skills by conducting the interview in Spanish as well! Watch the interview in Spanish here:
Burtynsky: Extraction/Abstraction at the Saatchi Gallery Leave a reply Solotech supplied an audio and video solution in support of the new Burtynsky exhibition at Saatchi Gallery on the King’s Road in London, UK. Canadian born photographer Edward Burtynsky is recognised as one of the world’s most accomplished contemporary photographers. His large scale industrial images portray how modern civilisation has dramatically transformed the planet. BURTYNSKY: Extraction/Abstraction marks the largest exhibition ever mounted in the 40+ year career of this world-renowned photographic artist. A centrepiece of the exhibition is the immersive presentation of In the Wake of Progress (2022). Co-produced by Canadian music legend Bob Ezrin (known for his work with Pink Floyd, Andrea Bocelli, Peter Gabriel, Taylor Swift and many others), In the Wake of Progress is a 22-minute piece combining video and photographs from throughout Burtynsky’s career, fully choreographed to an award-winning original score composed by Phil Strong. It was for In the Wake of Progress that Solotech provided support, with the company supplying audio, video and rigging for the project. Three Barco UDX projectors delivered the images onto three separate screens while a Yamaha QL1 was deployed for audio signal distribution. d&b Y10 loudspeakers were mounted above and to the sides of the screens, with a pair of d&b B6 subwoofers providing the low frequency reinforcement. d&b E6 speakers were used for infill with the system powered off four d&b D20 amplifiers. A complementary experience to the Saatchi Gallery exhibition, Burtynsky’s images were also displayed at Outernet London’s The Now Building, a venue Solotech worked extensively on. The giant screens of the main building brought the iconic images of industrial pollution to a much wider audience. Solotech Senior Project Manager Dave Shepherd looked after the project for Solotech: “It was a pleasure to get involved with the Burtynsky exhibition, particularly as it highlights the dramatic effect industrialisation has had on our planet. Indeed the ‘green’ issue is something we as a Live Production company are having to take extremely seriously. Moving forward we are committed to significantly reducing the carbon footprint of global touring. If you’re interested in catching this ‘must-see’ thought-provoking exhibition, head over to saatchigallery.com for further details. edwardburtynsky.com Solotech Delivers L-Acoustics L-ISA for Outernet
Audiovisual solutions for tourism and business events Leave a reply This Les Affaires article outlines how people’s expectations have evolved regarding more dynamic and engaging experiences. Two major trends are emerging: immersive experiences and hybrid broadcasting, with demand for online broadcasts persisting. As a leader in audiovisual and entertainment technologies, Solotech is positioning itself as a key player in this transformation. Martin Carrier, President of Live Productions at Solotech, stresses the importance of meeting the expectations of audiences accustomed to top-of-the-range content, even at business events. He points out that making audiovisual content and production consistent with an organizing company’s identity is essential. For instance, Solotech provided audiovisual services for Lightspeed’s annual general meeting, designing an immersive 360-degree experience that reflected Lightspeed’s commitment to innovation and technology. For Sophie Dupras, Head of Global Corporate Events at Lightspeed, this approach was crucial to bringing together employees from around the world and conveying the company’s values. For further details, read the full article here (in French) Source: Les Affaires, February 21, 2024, Tourisme: l’audiovisuel justifie le déplacement. Contact: media@solotech.com
