Live Production Veteran Launches New Initiative to Support Techs in Need
Anthony Crea , a veteran of the Canadian live events industry , has launched a new initiative called Techs in Need ( T . I . N .) to support live event professionals currently out of work due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic . T . I . N . will be hosting an ongoing busking concert series and other events to raise funds that will then be distributed to applicants . Additionally , donations are being accepted via a GoFundMe page . Technicians can apply to receive support , and at the end of each fundraising event , a name will be drawn and a recipient will get the proceeds , no questions asked .
For more information , go to www . techsinneed . com .
Show Distribution & Scapin Staging Re-Emerge as SHOWSDT ; CEO Acquires Artotech Integration & Joel Theatrical
In June 2020 , Show Distribution and Scapin Staging formally joined forces to become SHOWSDT – Scene Design & Technology . Drawing on the two companies ’ decades of combined experience , SHOWSDT offers staging , rigging , and automation solutions for the international entertainment industry . A couple of months later , on Sept . 17 th , Denis Lefrançois , the CEO and majority shareholder of SHOWSDT , announced his acquisition of Artotech Integration and Joel Theatrical .
“ In order to better serve our clients , develop new technologies , and DENIS LEFRANÇOIS accomplish more ambitious projects at home and abroad while continuing to champion talent from Quebec , we present SHOWSDT – Scene Design & Technology ,” says Lefrançois about the SHOWSDT re-brand . “ Our range of services can support the most complex needs of any project through the sale and rental of staging equipment , fireproofing services , automated solutions , technical motion control , and more .”
Based in Montreal , SHOWSDT supports hundreds of live events around the world every year in addition to providing custom designs for permanent installations and film and broadcast productions . High-profile clients include the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles , National Arts Centre in Ottawa , the Quebec City Summer Festival , and others .
Regarding his acquisition of Artotech Integration and Joel Theatrical , Lefrançois says it will bring together major players of the show business industry , protect Canadian talents , and add resilience to all three organizations while providing them with the necessary momentum to achieve success abroad . Marc Bonin , who was previously the CEO of the two companies , will now act as GM for Artotech Integration and VP for Joel Theatrical Rigging .
“ This acquisition is geared towards continuity . I want us to combine our industry strengths to help local talent shine and secure a desirable position on the global scene . I wish to welcome my partners and thank them for their precious collaboration ,” adds Lefrançois .
For more information , contact SHOWSDT : 800-567-8245 , info @ showsdt . com , www . showsdt . com .
ETC ’ s Anne Valentino Retiring ; Nick Gonsman Steps into Role as Senior Product Manager for Entertainment Controls
Anne Valentino , senior product manager for entertainment controls at ETC , has announced her plans for retirement , effective mid-October 2020 . Taking her place will be ETC veteran Nick Gonsman .
Valentino has been associated with ETC for nearly 30 years ETC ’ S ANNE VALENTINO & NICK GONSMAN and in her current role since development began on the Eos console platform . “ Anne has been more than a product manager or developer ; she has been a force , constantly pushing lighting control forward since its infancy . We are all proud to have her call ETC her main home over these years and wish her well as she takes more time for herself in retirement ,” says David Lincecum , VP of marketing at ETC .
Over the next several months , Gonsman will transition into the role that Valentino is vacating . For the last 13 years , Gonsman worked for ETC in New York City , where he developed infrastructures for some of the most notable venues in the world as a field project coordinator . He has also been a specialist in entertainment control .
For more information , contact ETC : 608-831-4116 , www . etcconnect . com .
10 | Fall
2020