Harry the Hirer Productions, a leading technical and event production company in Australia, recently utilized their new Robe iFORTES moving lights at the Telstra Leadership Conference, held in the Grand Pavilion of the Melbourne Showgrounds. This dynamic and flexible production lighting design aimed to illuminate a large plenary area accommodating approximately 3,000 people, transforming into a cocktail party space with live music for the evening session. The other half of the space featured a lounge, mingling, and networking area, along with some outdoor areas.
The iFORTES were strategically deployed on 11 main trusses inside the Grand Pavilion, serving multiple purposes in the lighting scheme created by Oliver Pool. These fixtures, part of a recent investment by Harry the Hirer Productions, showcased their versatility and power, being used for general lighting, key lighting for presenters and performers, gobo work on the roof skins, and creating mood and atmosphere in the lounge areas.
Brad Johnson, the production and site manager, coordinated over 100 crew and oversaw technical departments, ensuring a smooth and timely execution of the event. LD Oliver, a senior lighting technician, expressed his excitement about using iFORTES for the first time, praising their adaptability and power. He found them perfect for this scenario, as they matched and worked well with existing stock, both from Robe and other brands.
Oliver's lighting scheme, imaginative and vibrant, utilized the iFORTES as the backbone, taking advantage of their zoom capabilities to slice through daylight and haze. He was particularly impressed with how the fixtures projected gobos and texturing onto the tented roof, enveloping the entire event space. Oliver's experience with Robe products dates back to his early career, working with classic fixtures like the ColorSpot and ColorWash 1200 series, which helped establish Robe as a global leader.
The Telstra event demanded a hybrid approach to lighting, and Oliver maximized the effects and speed of 40 x Robe MegaPointes rigged on the main room trusses, working harmoniously with the iFORTES. He enjoyed lighting 'Phonehenge', a series of large scenic monoliths, using the iFORTES' zoom and shutters to light the set pieces accurately from various distances.
Adam Leelasorn, a regular freelancer, also used iFORTES for the first time, appreciating their power and punch, even with color changes and two layers of gobos. He utilized them for spots onstage, break-up effects, and fluid ceiling projections in Telstra's corporate colors during the party mode. Adam has worked with Robe products for years, starting with the 2500 E AT ranges and still favoring the MegaPointes, particularly the linear prism.
From a project perspective, Brad Johnson highlighted the iFORTES' brilliance in handling multiple lighting tasks at the event. He praised their lightness, versatility, and all-round workhorse nature, making them ideal for conventions, expos, events, touring artists, and concerts. This comprehensive review underscores the iFORTES' versatility, power, and reliability, solidifying their position as a valuable asset in Harry the Hirer Productions' lighting arsenal.
