‘Rave Live’ is the UK’s largest, most successful student run broadcasting event. It returned last month – more ambitious, more accessible and more astounding than ever! On the 19th of May the event exploded into South East London, whilst expanding their repertoire to include all aspects of the broadcasting and design industries. With an industry based exhibition and vibrant student showcase, as well as two broadcast channels, a radio station and a fully developed interactive On Demand service, this proved to be the most exciting incarnation to date after 38 years.
Visitors of the annual celebration of talent were be able to immerse themselves in the cutting edge worlds of both professionals and students with the creative and broadcasting industries of today. Inspirational speaking by industry leaders at our live debate followed by an exhibition with exciting technological displays from the sponsors and contributors that have assisted us in making Rave Live an exhilarating possibility this year. There was something to excite everyone who experienced this exhibition; which sat alongside an impressive showcase of our student's talent from a diverse background of disciplines – these are the professionals of tomorrow.
The events Chief Lighting Director was London based Steffan Jones who lit all the live transmitted programmes consisting of BBC Introducing Unsigned, Talent Showdown, The Rave Live Awards, The Rave Live conferences and Seminars, and a large proportion of the pre recorded programmes.
Richard Martin Lighting generously continues to support the industry’s up-and-coming talent, by regularly donating the required specification to the event.
Talent Showdown is a showcase talent show of the latest up-and-coming talent from London and beyond. Performing acts battled it out over two rounds for the public’s vote, which progressed to the Live Final, broadcasted live from one of Ravensbournes Studios in Kent. Talent Showdown is one of the most ambitious productions in Ravensbourne’s history. The production team spent around six months turning the programme concept into a reality; recruiting over 50 crew members to transform a blank canvas into a fully fetched live entertainment studio. The auditions were recorded back in April with over 30 performers (selected from 100 applicants) in front of a live audience of 100 people, which followed onto selecting the final eight acts to perform live. Richard Martin Lighting also provided Steffan with lighting for the audition round.
The live final consisted of a circular stage set, backed by a vertical 5m truss circle which was dressed with pixel pars and Clay Packy Studio Colour 300’s. Behind the vertical truss stood a wall of 8 panels of Martin LC 2140 plus series (4m by 4m).
Behind the judges sat four sets, which housed 89 Chroma strips. Also dotted around the studio were various Chroma strips secured to scaff bars in order to create an interest and some eye candy in the rear of camera shots.
In total RML provided 8 x LC2140+, 96 x 900mm Chroma Strip, 24 x MR16, 1 x Martin Atomic Strobe, 4 x Mac 250 Spots, 4 x Pixel Par 90. RML also catered a large quantity of Pixel Par 90’s and Chroma Banks also specified by Steffan for the events building as eye candy.
“Without the support of Richard Martin Lighting we couldn't have achieved such a fantastic look. LED fixtures are now almost always used in Light Entertainment, but in an educational setting it's difficult to be able to get access to the latest technology. The generosity of industry has allowed Rave Live to reach its 39th year. We try to make each year more ambitious than the last... the team at RML helped us to achieve our ambitious ideas, despite the lack of budget. We are truly grateful for their support, it's not just improved the look of the programme, it's also helped develop the skills of many students who will later go on to enter the TV industry.” (David Williams, Talent Showdown Producer)
Gemma Jaques
Marketing Coordinator
077 664 66605