Core Productions, a Cape Town based company established in 2015 by Bernard Gramann, has taken ownership of a grandMA3 onPC command wing XT and 8 Claypaky Axcor Beams 300s, all supplied by DWR Distribution.
Business has picked up in the live events industry! “I think all the companies that fought through the pandemic are doing well,” says Bernard Gramann. “The biggest change we have seen is that most live events now have a virtual element. We are doing more hybrid events than just standard meetings or events. In addition, we have had to upgrade our skills in content creating, editing and recording. So thanks to Covid-19, we have had added another skill on top of me losing all my hair, which was not grey before but is now all grey!”
Core Productions is a tight team and it shows in the company’s work ethic and the clients they have. There’s love and respect amongst the staff, which is greatly appreciated in what can be a demanding industry. “Working with great people makes being away from our families during the busy months just that little bit easier,” he says.
The sense of respect extends right down to the care of equipment which seldom goes on dry hires. In 2018 Core Productions purchased a dot2 XL-F and a dot2 F-wing which work very hard. “We still love and use our dot2s and because they have been perfect for us, we wanted to purchase another console,” Bernard explains. “Unfortunately the dot2s are now discontinued and this forced us to go with grandMA3.”
With a real console feel, the grandMA3 onPC command wing XT includes pre-installed onPC software on the built-in MA motherboard. If connecting a touch screen monitor, the user has control of 4 096 parameters. “The grandMA3 onPC command wing XT is a little console with the capabilities of a full-size console,” comments Bernard. “What more do I need to say? For us, it’s definitely the leading brand in the lighting world, can do anything required from a lighting engineer and is extremely stable and well built.”
In addition, Core Productions has taken ownership of their very first Claypaky lighting fixtures, specifically eight Claypaky Axcor Beam 300s. “It’s a really capable fixture with all the features you would expect from a beam light,” Bernard adds. “It’s bright enough to stand next to our other LED fixtures and not see a great difference, and it has awesome gobos. We needed more beam fixtures and wanted to go with a LED light source as it’s the way forward in the industry, and the Axcor is well-priced for what you get. We are very happy with the fixture.”
The equipment was supplied by DWR Distribution. “I absolutely love dealing with the DWR team,” he states. “Marlene Riley is always on it, and yes, we have had import issues but that has not been in our control since the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m not sure if the team take happy pills, but every time I chat to Marlene she makes my day and is always cheerful and helpful. Robert Izzett has a wealth of knowledge and is just cool to discuss ‘what’s what’ on products and to offer great advice. Bruce Riley, again, is a wealth of knowledge, keeps me in the loop on repairs, resolves what needs to be done and is epic to chat to! Then I have to mention the new addition to DWR, Darren Durbach (aka DD). What can I say, we go far back and I can’t really describe how much DD has helped me over the years. He helped me build my business and I will forever be in debt to him. The saying, ‘It’s all about the people’” is the exact description of this company.”
For Marlene Riley, it is always fantastic dealing with Core Productions. “Bernard is very positive, even during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s great to see his business gaining momentum,” she ends. “He has made a wise investment and we hope the gear works really hard for him. We are very grateful for the continuous support.”