Tucked away in a suburb in Randburg are the studios of Stark Films, an independent television production company where the popular series Binneland and many other longstanding dramas are filmed. Stark Films have purchased a Philips Strand Lighting 250 ML Control Console, which is an ideal desk for their daily requirements.
Stepping inside the Stark Film studios can be compared to an architect environment as enormous windows overlook an entire eco garden. While Stark Films was established in 1985 by Friedrich and Elsje Stark it was only four years ago that they left the inner city of Johannesburg to their new quarters which has become an oasis for those working day in and day out on soap operas and morning shows. It’s a setting that allows for creativity and serves as a home away from home.
Chris Gardner and his young apprentice… watch this space
Chris Gardner has been with Stark Films for the past nine years and is the lighting designer for Binneland and a few other productions in Studio 2 including Ontbytsake, Kwela, Jukebox and Robertson Regstreeks. “It’s family orientated,” Gardner comments. “Everyone knows each other and we spend a lot of time together.”
When Gardner had failure on his old console, he was recommended by freelancer Travis Yeatman to contact DWR Distribution. “The Philips Strand Lighting 250 ML Control Console was put into the studio straight away and we started using it within minutes of delivery,” explained Gardner, who was pleased to have a solid system with the necessary back-up from DWR. “Considering that we did not know the system at all, we ran with no delay to the show and without any glitches.”
Dave Whitehouse from DWR was there to assist. “This desk is very simple and straightforward to use,” said Whitehouse. “It’s hands on and is quick to programme and quick to set up. While it has the capacity to add moving lights, it is still basic and ideally suited for daily use where you are running the same show.”
