Event Safety Insights Issue One | Fall 2016 | Page 42

Users in the field have expressed an increase
in comfort and sense of security while operating the new follow spot. This often translates
to improved focus on the job at hand, while
the increased distance from the stage enables
them to hear cues better due to the reduction
in noise level.
Once the team at PRG had solved the original
spec of getting the person out of the air, the
mindset quickly became, “well, what else can
we do with this?”
The onboard HD camera ‘out’ on the unit
make feeds to video possible. Images can
play to I-MAG or the spot can act as a Robocam. A monitor at F.O.H can also receive
video feed. This gives the LD a “birds-eye”
view of the stage. The camera has infrared capabilities, a targeting reticule, and exposure
level control all accessible locally, thus insuring the operator never loses sight of the artist
because camera level remains consistent. Intensity, size, color, and quality of the beam, in
other words, all the standard parameters on a
followspot, are at hand as well.
However, the lighting console can still take
precedence over all these parameters by the
LD. This increases programming efficiency, keeps the designer’s tools unlimited, and
broadens live operation of the show.

The added efficiencies of the PRG
GroundControl System point to the forward thinking The Event Safety Alliance
is seeking to accomplish in bringing
greater awareness to elevating safety
at shows.
Physical safety of the technicians and artist on
stage as well as the audience are enhanced by
removal of the operator from the air. The GC
spot can act as an extra set of “eyes” to pickup
and relay imagery to first responders should
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it be necessary. The infrared illuminators can also
enhance security search of the venue.
“You have to understand,” says Conti, “arriving
where we are today has been very much a crawl,
walk, and run evolution. Board controlled follow
spots go back as far as the early 80’s when moving lights first came out.”
We started out needing to create a “remote” Followspot. We wound up actually, with an entire
system, to accomplish this.”

For more information visit:
www.prg.com