29 April 2013
The seventh annual South African Film and Television (SAFTA) Awards took place at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg on 15 and 16 March, with the second evening aired live by the national broadcaster on SABC 3. The full technical and set was provided by Dream Sets. Robert Hoey, set designer from Dream Sets, did six or seven renderings before the final version was approved by his client, VL Productions. “The rendering was a process,” said Hoey. “The decisions makers were very creative and it took me a while to get it right.” The end result was a very pretty stage with a rather whimsical quality about it.
Hoey created a beautiful steel structure, influenced by the old deco style, which formed a frame around an 18m x 5m screen. Other eye catching aspects included a multi-level stage and large white star shape set pieces which proved to be great to light.
Lighting designer, Mauritz Jacobs from Dream Sets programmed on a grandMA. With little time available, the bulk of the programing was done on site. “The MA is beautiful and I will never look back,” he commented.
Jacobs rigged most of the lighting fixtures, primarily Robe moving heads, from three diamond shaped trusses. Clay Paky Sharpys were placed on stage, near the back, for beamwork.
The annual SAFTAS honours and promotes the accomplishments of the South African film and television talent and productions throughout the past year. The glitzy event was well attended and even included surprise guest presenter US movie star Samuel L Jackson.
Lighting Equipment List:
36 x Robin 600 LEDWash
16 x Robe 2500 Wash
16 x Robe 700 Spots
12 x Robe CitySkape 48
48 x Philips Selecon SPX
18 x 2ks
