Dancing with Robins
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: Callum Sutherland utilised six Robe Robin 300 LEDWash fixtures as he sought to create a moonlit ambiance when lighting the recent matric dance at Brescia House School in Johannesburg, having purchased the lights from DWR Distribution.
A student at the nearby St Stithians Boys College, Mr Sutherland also deployed three Robin 300 Spot Classic as well as Chauvet fixtures alongside Martin M-PC lighting software as part of his rig to complement the dance’s theme: ‘A night under the stars’. ‘I used the spots with a prism to create stars and the Robin 300LED Wash units to wash the room evenly,’ he explained. ‘A hazer created a misty fill in the room and par cans were used for simple mood up-lighting.’
The student’s interest in lighting began when he joined his school’s technical crew at age 13, and the first challenge he faced was to program the cues for his first event, a school talent show, in just 15 minutes. ‘I have made my fair share of mistakes, however I learn very quickly, and I have tried to perfect and improve my skills and knowledge in the industry wherever I might be lacking.’ said Mr Sutherland. ‘Kenneth Mali, head of technical at St Stithians, was my very first mentor and he was the one who encouraged me to buy my first set of lights. Recently I met Mark Gaylard, owner of MGG Productions, and after speaking to him and listening to his story, I am definitely following his advice and insight in the hope of reaching the same level one day.’
While Mr Sutherland has purchased lighting fixtures previously, he states that the Robe Robins are his favourite, noting that ‘the Robe 300 LEDWashes have proven to have perfect colour mixing over an even field of wash. Their zoom makes them versatile as both a beam and a wash light, and the ability to control the three zones of LEDs individually make it easy to create eye candy effects, especially with short range events such as dance and school productions. They are incredibly bright and fast in their movement when they need to be.
‘Robe is a trustworthy and quality brand and the purchase was made easier through Duncan Riley of DWR’s incredible support and faith in me,’ he added. ‘I would like to thank Duncan for all his help and support in my pursuit of this business and I am looking forward to some Robe Vivas!’