AVS light up Nelspruit

photo 3 photo 4

The first recorded pioneers to settle in Nelspruit – around 25 kilometers of the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga – were the three Nel brothers. It is documented that they migrated to this tropical climate with their livestock in the cold winter months around the 1860s, and during those drawn-out travels became friends with the king of Swaziland.

photo 1 photo 4.JPG

Today in Nelspruit, Kyle Nel of AVS, coincidently with the same name as the Nel brothers, is making his own mark in history using modern technology in a city where the main industry is forestry, citrus and tropical farming and of course the tourist attraction of the game reserve. He recently took ownership of two Robe Pointes and Prolyte Dex and Trussing, purchased from DWR Distribution.

“I’ve always had a keen interest in sound and music, and while I have no musical talent whatsoever, I have a natural ability with anything remotely technical,” said Kyle.

Along with his methodological demeanor, Kyle has determination in abundance and when AVS was established in 2002 he nagged the owners to give him the opportunity to work for them. Eventually in 2005 he joined as the young apprentice.

At the expense of personal relationships and a social life, he climbed the ladder and by 2011 owned fifty percent of the company.

In January 2014 Kyle became the sole owner of AVS. He and his team are taking the company to a new level which has included rebranding, streamlining of operations and just recently, purchasing new equipment. AVS is a small business with a healthy dose of top quality gear.

photo 5.JPG

While Nelspruit has its fair share of competition, there is enough work to keep everyone busy. “Nelspruit is growing fast and people are realising the power technology has to promote andliven up brands,” explained Kyle. “It’s great! There are vehicle and product launches and with every event, we take the standard up another notch.

For AVS it’s all about efficiency, quality of work and end results. “This, along with a direct ‘one-on-one approach’, solidifies the client relationship. Each event tends to be bigger and better, as well as more demanding than the ones prior, and that’s where you either make it happen or buckle and under-deliver,” said Kyle. “The latter is never an option.”

photo 1.JPG photo 2[1]

As AVS Hire is moderately small it means that even small additions to their lighting warehouse make a big difference. Kyle was looking for something that on its own could create the ‘wow’ effect and the two new Robe Pointes have certainly delivered. “In short, bring whatever lights you think can match them, somebody’s going home and it isn’t these boys!” he said.

“The Pointes have an amazing amount of built in effects and are easily programmable, they move as quickly as small LED beam fixtures and the beam effects are way stronger than expected from a small fixture. They are real power!”

The Pointes have already been used on over 20 gigs, ranging from comedy shows, school socials, a events inside Sudwala caves, vehicle launches, a glow run and probably the most exclusive 50th birthday party in town.

“The gobos are crisp, the beams cut through heavy haze with a laugh and the wash is so easily focused without evident hotspots. Colours are vivid and lets not forget the prisms! Now Robe just need to build a smaller LED fixture please,” laughs Kyle. “The DLS/X/F are overkill for smaller applications but oh so nice!”

photo 5 photo 2

Staging

Part of Kyle’s vision for AVS was to purchase professional trussing and staging. “Everybody has different tastes, but again, I did loads of shopping and the Prolyte Dex came out tops,” he said. “They’re light, super strong and easily manageable, the range is also incredible, and the fact that DWR can supply me with whatever I need to add or bolt on is a bonus.”

AVS also chose the H30 Prolyte series particularly for ease of use and tine saving. “Nobody wants a rigger whacking away, even with the DWR Thor Hammer, at a stubborn pin for 5 minutes. Never mind the damage caused to the gear,” said Kyle. “The Prolyte truss, being as popular as it is, makes it easy for me to expand/ rehire (from MGG because I like them) when the need arises, making rigs neater and more uniform in general.”

He says the new banana base plates take up a third of the space, are a third of the weight and stack up more easily than conventional 50kg 1m round plates.

A variable step staircase, manufactured by Keith Pugin and Sidney Koen from DWR, has also been well received. “It’s a very clever design and was worth the extra pennies.”

photo 4[2] photo 1[3]

The Cabling Department

Lastly, AVS bought cabling from DWR. “You guys are machines!” said Kyle. “The cable quality is superb, the joints and stripped ends are cut properly, the extra effort put in to ensure the cables are labeled with our company name and description, heat-shrinked and Velcro tagged stuns me,” said Kyle, who was also pleased with the turn around time. “The cable innovations like PowerCon with 5p DMX or the plug/Janus with 3p DMX for LEDl cans, that is pure passion to solve what every rigger knows is a pain when setting up 72 fixtures on trussing with DMX.”

He ends, “The entire DWR team surprises me every time I deal with them with a special mention to Robert Izzett, Nicolette Britz, Keith Pugin and Duncan Riley. “Thank you for accommodating my little business and its specific requirements.You won’t regret it.”

photo 3[2] photo 3[1]

photo 2[3]