Lumatronic Solutions’ new grandMA3 light console.
Film technical supplier, Cape Town-based Lumatronic Solutions, has invested in a grandMA3 light ‘workhorse’ from DWR Distribution. Lumatronic primarily focuses on control solutions when working alongside filmmakers and the time was right for Willie Botha, company owner, to upgrade to a more powerful control platform.
Willie remembers tinkering with audio and lighting, sometimes helping with the sound at church, whilst growing up in the Free State (Province). “When I moved to Cape Town in 2001, I realized that you could actually choose this industry to make a living and I started freelancing.”
Willie Botha with an MA console, earlier in his career.
He joined rental company C&S and stayed there for five years, working his way up to Head of Lighting. “Funnily enough, I originally called C&S to apply for an audio engineering position, but they offered me something in lighting instead. I had always been a big Avo guy, but when they purchased the grandMA 1 full size, my love affair with MA Lighting International began. We did some really nice shows with the console.” Willie fondly remembers the original, spaceship-like console’s rude character with a big yellow ‘PUSH TO ERECT’ button to lift the screens! Thereafter his career led him back to freelancing for a couple of years before joining technical supplier, CCPP as the Technical Manager. “I guess much like the grandMA2, I cut my hair and put on my ‘please’ button… I mean corporate clothes,” he smiles. Then in 2016, Lumatronic Solutions was born.
They say all good things come to those who wait! Willie Botha pictured seen here with his wife Alison.
Lumatronic Solutions is a company geared towards the film industry that keeps stock of items such as consoles, dimmers, artnet nodes and wireless DMX. “I liked Avolites, in fact, I bought my first console, a Titan Mobile, from DWR ten years ago, but I wanted macros and the ability to do more intricate things. We’ve since grown and purchased a range of MA Lighting equipment like MA onPC command wings, an ultra-light console and NPU.”
When the grandMA3 was first launched, Willie recalls chatting to Robert Izzett from DWR Distribution to discuss the development of the new console. “At that point, MA’s software was still a work in progress. When Lumatronic Solutions finally reached a point where we had to upgrade to a larger console, it was just the right time,” Willie explains. “There are many great upgrades to the hardware and while we are still running the desk in mode 2, we are hoping to move across soon. The effects engine is really fantastic, finally enabling the operator to create “3D” effects across the whole rig, whereas it’s more of a 2D layer when working on a grandMA2. It just makes more sense as a lighting rig is a three-dimensional creature.”
The grandMA3 light console provides the ideal combination of power and physical size and is suitable for all but the most demanding productions, making it one of the most versatile lighting consoles available. Featuring 60 physical playbacks, 16 assignable x-keys, and a dedicated master playback section the grandMA3 light console provides plenty of playback options.
While the film industry stood still for months during the Covid-19 pandemic, Willie is grateful to have been able to push through. “In this unique time with all the crazy, we know it’s only by grace that we are able to keep moving forward.”
