20 June 2008
Story courtesy Louise Stickland
FX Unlimited is a busy lighting rental and production facility based in Cape Town, and also a prolific user of Avolites control.
They work on shows and events covering all areas of the industry – from fashion shows and exhibitions to live concerts and tours.
FX unlimited bought their first Avolites console back in 1993 explains founder Alan Muller, who has worked with the brand ever since. The inventory includes Pearls and Sapphires, and they have just taken delivery of their first of the new Tiger consoles. The company also has a stock of FD and ART 2K dimmers.
Muller thinks the direct access features of the Avo desks are unbeatable, especially for events like conferences and gala dinners which often feature performances by high profile artists, and “Where you really need the flexibility to be able to change and re-programme at the last minute”.
“That’s what I love about Avo … Whatever I have programmed, without disturbing anything I can be completely hands-on,” he continues.
FX Unlimited shows tend to be very moving light orientated – they own Robe, Clay Paky and Martin fixtures.
They seized the opportunity to purchase the new Avolites Pearl Tiger from Avolites’ South African distributor DWR Distribution, FX Unlimited feels that the Pearl Tiger is an ideal console for smaller conferences with simple set ups of up to 20 moving lights.
FX Unlimited shows utilizing Avo have included the International Design Conference in Cape Town International Convention Centre, a highly theatrical fashion and design event, with lighting designed by Muller and run from a Sapphire – his personal Avolites favourite – in Theatre Stack mode. The rig was an ETC Source Four profile and PAR rig, and also featured Avo dimming.
Other Avo controlled events have included the World Congress of Anesthesiology, the 30th Anniversary of Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko’s death, and the 75th anniversary of the Football Association, plus the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, where they used 3 Avo consoles on various stages.
Many shows they undertake are broadcast on international TV, and they recently lit the BBC Radio Awards in Nairobi, Kenya…. “in fact ‘From Rock to Opera’ is a very good description of exactly what we do,” says Muller.
FX Unlimited is also the in-house technical supplier for the Cape Town International Convention Centre, so Avo products are consistently used throughout the venue.
“I’ve found Avo totally dependable,” says Muller, recalling a worst case scenario story where a Pearl accidentally crashed about a metre onto a hard surface ….. and they only had to replace 2 faders. He adds that the service from DWR Distribution is “Second to none”.
