News Blog

An inspiring event designed to bring together all our regions from around the world in one location, to share and develop our unique global offering.

PRG Unite has been devised with the specific intention of gathering all of our international teams together, to discuss our global offering for the future. PRG globally is the leading technical solution provider for the event industry and is constantly looking at how to best assist our clients across the world, helping them grow and develop exciting activations. The PRG Unite event enables us to discuss future challenges and strategies while combining our resources and expertise as one team.

The event will enable each of our regions (United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Japan, China, UAE and United States) to showcase their very best corporate projects, detailing to our clients the processes from strategic planning to event delivery, allowing our clients the unique opportunity to share our knowledge and best practice which enable us to hold such a world-renowned standing within the industry.

This insider view is sure to be a unique and inspiring insight into the future of how PRG will work with its clients on a global scale. Speaking about the upcoming PRG Unite event Richard Williams - PRG UK Chief Executive Officer commented:
“We felt this would be a fantastic opportunity for our UK customers to meet and talk directly to all our global PRG colleagues in one place. Allowing them to understand how PRG can help support and work together to provide global solutions.”

End of press release.

About Production Resource Group:
Production Resource Group UK Ltd.
(PRG) is the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology to a wide range
of markets, including corporate and automotive events, concerts, special events, theatre,
television and film, trade shows and installations, such as theme parks, museums, retail stores
and performing arts centres. PRG provides integrated services and equipment, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging and scenery and automation systems, for these markets from more than 40 offices in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

EDM meets technology. For Etienne de Crécy’s new tour, Space Echo, PRG Projects integrated their unique highly transparent PURE10 screens within the SpinIt, a custom developed rotating frame solution to meet the design needs for this specific tour.

SpinIt

Stage designer Alexandre Lebrun and artist Etienne de Crécy had a creative idea in mind where transparent screens would surround the artist in a moveable and transparent “cage-setting”. After successful collaborations in other concert tours (Maître GIMS ea.), Production Director Julien Bedane contacted PRG to turn this into a workable solution, overcoming restrictions imposed by a concert touring reality.

Ysabel Vangrudenberg, Global Business Development Director of PRG Projects explains how they translated the idea into a technical solution: “On the one hand, we have the PURE10, the screen with 70% transparency, which was initially developed by us for the U2 tour. On the other hand, we have today developed a custom solution, namely the SpinIt, for the specific needs of Etienne de Crécy's production.”

SpinIt consists of a + 180° and -180° rotating, DMX-controlled motorization, mounted on rolling carts. Whereas SpinIt is used here with PURE10, we can envision other lighting and video products being combined with the rotating base.

PRG Projects

PRG France has ample experience in collaborating with PRG Projects. Thanks to their vast experience in concert touring, they know all the ins and outs this specific industry requires. The development of SpinIt is optimized for a concert touring reality, where set-up and load-out times are very limited, logistical and transportation constraints apply and durability is required. Some ingenious details, such as the foldable system on the high PURE10 panels, a spacing structure to maintain the exact distance between the screens, without the need of measurement in each set-up and the installation of the motorisation on rolling carts make it a state-of-the-art product for festivals and the concert touring sector.

Julien Bedane, production director, reflects on the collaboration: “I have given a requirement list with many constraints to PRG Projects to make this set-up possible. I had the guarantee that with PRG Projects, that would be well executed. Frederic Opsomer in particular has followed-up on this project and was available directly for the artist, who participated at all these meetings. What is interesting is that the PRG team is really an integral part of the development of the product, but also an integral part of the launch.”

Once again, the scale advantages of PRG Group are demonstrated. PRG France contacted their colleagues of PRG Projects and from the conceptualization to the full execution, close contact between the client, the artist, PRG France and PRG Projects were maintained to guarantee the desired result and a successful launch of the concert tour.

PRG wants to thank Lightlab, Alexandre Lebrun, Julien Bedane, Etienne de Crécy and the whole PRG France and PRG Projects teams and is looking forward to the further course of this magnificent concert tour.

At the end of March 2019, there was a new arrival in PRG's Hamburg warehouse: state-of-the-art, high-performance and high-quality audio technology! The equipment was first used at this year's LEA Awards and went on to be used at Prolight+Sound 2019 in Frankfurt's Festhalle — and the difference could be heard! Not only did the Highlight Show impress audiences with a magnificent light show and spectacular special effects, thanks to the new technology, the sound quality was also excellent.

In the USA, PRG has been a pioneer in world concert touring for several years already, equipping large concert tours with its high-quality audio technology. It is not only the quantity and variety of the technology that is impressive, above all it is the performance! PRG in Nashville has developed a special process which is used to put the equipment through its paces before and after each use.

After every tour, the equipment is subjected to quality control checks, tested, serviced and cleaned. In the specially developed "Boom Room" the loudspeakers undergo various frequency and sound tests. These are used to ascertain that every loudspeaker corresponds to the specifications of the original manufacturer. In addition, the functionality of all cables is systematically tested by trained staff. With the help of unique, web-based software the quality control processes are standardized for each piece of equipment, so that all PRG locations across the world can have access to this data, ensuring uniformity among quality control testing. Packing is also an important issue: PRG guarantees packing and storage that is "tour-ready", since, above all for tours with changing locations, it is important that the technology is competently and protectively packed to ensure that the audio equipment can be loaded and unloaded quickly, without becoming damaged in the process.

Through all the standardized processes and checks, PRG ensures that the technology it uses functions without any problems, the sound is delivered in the best quality and an efficient workflow is made possible.

And the best part: as of now PRG can also offer the same service to its customers in Europe, the same quality standards and the same high-performance, modern audio products, which are suitable for every production size. Alongside Meyer Sound LEO and Meyer Sound LYON loudspeakers, PRG now has the LFC 1100 in its inventory. In addition, the console inventory has been expanded to include the digital SD10 and SD12 models. More equipment will follow. In addition to these new products, customers will also benefit of specialist knowledge and support.

With this know-how, the large pool of technology, knowledgeable personnel, and the specially developed processes, every concert, every tour and every event can be supported. The goal is to develop a first class touring and audio event division in Europe. With this extra division, PRG can now offer full 360-degree audio service in Europe too.

PRG brings fresh impetus to their moving lights range and invests in Clay Paky Scenius Unico and Scenius Profile fixtures.

Clay Paky, part of the OSRAM group, is a world level reference brand in the sector of professional lighting systems. Over the course of its history the Company has been awarded a total of 45 prestige international prizes, recognitions of the innovation and quality of its products and manufacturing processes. Clay Paky's headquarters are located in central-northern Italy, in one of the nerve centers of the European industrial system.

Scenius Unico

This fixture is renowned for its multifunctionality and quality of light. It can be used as a powerful spotlight as well as a beautifully performing wash light, and therefore is a top choice for lighting designers and clients in a wide range of professional sectors of the event industry. It is a highly appealing fixture for its light quality, which has a very high CRI and 6500 K output color temperature, generating a powerful beam of concentrated light with a minimum beam angle of only 5°.

Scenius Profile

The Scenius Profile is the top of the range beam shaper. Its optical reflector was especially designed to make the beam uniform avoiding herewith the typical hotspot and its focus tracking system will concentrate the light efficiency that you wish to project, including the focus that can be set to fully automatic.
With 6 rotating gobos and 8 fixed, this CMY fixture is perfect for any set, be it theatrical, tv studios or large events.

These products are now available for our clients in our PRG equipment pool.

To round up this acquisition, Clay Paky and PRG have reached a collaboration agreement testifying the evidence of the mutual respect that binds both companies, after so many years of constant relationship articulated in different forms and having supplied PRG & VER with their fixtures and know-how.
Through this agreement, PRG will benefit of direct access to Clay Paky & ADB products, dedicated technical support and technical trainings to PRG staff to optimize lighting fixture usage, maintenance and priority spare part delivery.

Pio Nahum CEO of Clay Paky states: ‘“Our Global Account Agreement, in addition to being an opportunity to strengthen the reciprocal position on the market, where both Companies already operate globally and with success, represents a unique occasion to improve our skills and offer our customers innovative solutions with higher added value”

Gary Boyd, Executive Vice President & COO EMEA of PRG adds: ‘Clay Paky has developed professional lighting fixtures since 1976. The lighting designers were increasingly wishing for the Scenius Unico and the Scenius Profile fixtures and we are convinced that this will perfectly serve our customers’ needs and add an extra dimension into the PRG fleet!”

Production Resource Group, L.L.C. (PRG), the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology headquartered in New York, is acquiring the Middle East division of Delta Sound, Delta Sound L.L.C. UAE, a specialist provider of live audio and event communications technology based in Dubai and operating across the Middle East. Peter McCann, CEO for PRG in the Middle East and Andy Jackson, the Managing Director of Delta Sound, jointly announced the acquisition today.

Delta Sound LLC, founded in 2006, is the leading specialist audio and communication company in the Gulf Region and will join forces with PRG’s operation in Dubai, forming a welcomed union between the two companies who have collaborated successfully for many years across a broad range of corporate, government and large-scale special events. Like PRG, Delta Sound provides technical design and technology support to both local and international production houses who benefit from the high standard of service and delivery offered.

For PRG’s worldwide clients, this acquisition means that they will have access to additional expertise and technology when working with PRG in the Middle East and beyond. They can continue to be confident in the quality of product, experience, and professionalism whilst enjoying the addition of world-class event communications through the provision of fully scalable wired and wireless solutions.

“By acquiring Delta Sound LLC, we have bolstered our existing offering for our many customers who produce events and shows internationally”, said PRG’s McCann. “I’m also delighted that this acquisition integrates comprehensive event communications into our product offering thus ensuring that we can present a truly turnkey solution to our customers and partners. With events such as Expo 2020 on the horizon these are certainly exciting opportunities for a company that can operate at scale and this acquisition demonstrates both a significant level of commitment to the region and a continued appetite for growth.”

“As Delta Sound LLC, we have worked on some of the region’s largest and highest profile productions,” commented Andy Jackson. “We have established a loyal client base that has become more appreciative of the standard of audio production and event communications being delivered today by Delta. Having worked closely with PRG for several years across many of these events, our partnership has naturally evolved into a trading relationship and today we solidify this to the benefit of both our clients and teams.” It will be business as usual and Delta Sound will retain its existing operational format and be officially titled ‘PRG deltasound” during the transition process. 

Stephan Paridaen, PRG’s Global President and Chief Operating Officer, concluded, “PRG and Delta Sound are extremely well positioned to provide a multi-disciplined, integrated solution. Making the UAE Delta Sound team part of the global PRG family will be extremely valuable to our clients and this has been our top priority from the start.”

Paul Keating, MD of Delta Sound UK commented, “Myself, Mark & Andy go back 40 years together and Andy has been involved with Delta since our humble beginnings back in 1988. He has done an amazing job in building and managing the business over the past 12 years. We have always had a very good working relationship with PRG both here in the UK and in the Middle East and this is a great fit for Delta UAE becoming part of the extended PRG family. We very much look forward to continuing this relationship together in the future.”

A great symbiosis of video and lighting

Year after year, Night of the Proms surprises by its unique combination of classical and contemporary music. The show is eye candy, strongly innovating in the visual aspect, that has become “as important, or even more important than the music”, says Jan Vereecke, producer of Night of the Proms

Belgian premiere for PURE10

This year, the absolute highlight of the show is the PURE10, in a set-up of 4 rows and moving up and down on a custom-created steel suspension system, it changes the scenery time after time and does great justice to the choir.

The unprecedented transparency level of the screen, allows for the optical effect where at one time the choir is hidden and then revealed. Also semi-transparent creations provide surprising effects of visuals and live artists on stage.

The PURE10 has its premiere in Belgium, following right on the global premiere during the U2-Tour. Product expert Maarten Deschacht trained the Belgian team during the first week of load-in, guaranteeing smooth construction, handling and operations.

The PURE10 is ten times lighter than a regular screen, PRG’s Project Manager Jo Vaes testifies on how its fragility made the crew reluctant at first, but its performances convinced everybody and gained well-deserved confidence: “

Icon EDGE

“The Icon EDGE is a really nice effect-spot, unbelievably bright” says Ignace D’Haese, lighting designer of the show. The predominant role for the PURE10 in the show, is perfectly supported by the Icon EDGEs to make a fully PRG provided light show.

PRG GroundControl

The PRG Best Boys are controlled by 4 PRG GroundControl™ which are located backstage. The greatest advantage is safety, but they also contribute in weight restrictions, according to Jo Vaes, PRG’s Project Manager for Night of the Proms.

We look back on a great 34th edition of Night of the Proms, and want to thank the organization and Arf&Yes. We are especially delighted with the general praise for our PRG crew, as Jan Vereecke puts it: “the involvement has grown over the years, it is hard to image not having the PRG gear and especially their people, working at our show”.

PRG invests in Movecat motion hoists — VMK S 500 and VMK S 1250 — innovative and notable for their unusual flexible handling, whilst satisfying the highest safety level on the market.

MOVECAT

With their remarkable features, VMK-S hoists represent the elite class on the world market and are recommended for all state-of-the-art applications in locations such as in TV studios, theatres and event venues demanding maximum performance and safety combined with the widest possible bandwidth of uses.

VMK-S hoists have the possibility to move both horizontally and vertically and can move live artists; they can be controlled at variable speeds for way- and time-synchronous runs. These high-speed hoists (from 10 m/min) in combination with a V-Motion Powerpack are capable of speeds ranging from 0 to 40 m / min. In addition, its control desks are optimized visually, which significantly facilitates programming.

Gary Boyd, Executive Vice President & COO PRG EMEA comments: “Working with Movecat over the last six months we have established a great partnership in variable speed and safety technology. We have been able to create new products at a PRG specific working with Movecat here in Stuttgart and these new products and developments will lead to a great partnership across both companies!”

Movecat fulfilled PRG’s needs going forward and proved that it was a future proof product and the safest most compliant product in all markets at this time.
They are currently the only kinetic solutions on the market to have received the Safety Integration Level (SIL3), meeting the highest safety standards.
Oliver Nachbauer, CFO Movecat stipulates “Both PRG and Movecat are looking for solutions for their clients and their requirements, working together on our products and their specifications to service these unique requirements clients have. I am very much looking forward to the partnership with PRG and the challenges we might get.”

By adding these products to the portfolio, PRG can offer an even wider range of fully integrated solutions, serving clients more creatively given the wide range of possibilities as well as the most recent and safest solutions on the market!
Motion signals can now be synchronized with video and lighting cues, which will positively reflect on the cooperation between the motion operator, the lighting operator and the video operator.

A first batch is available as from November 2018 and will further be supplemented during the month of March and June 2019. The Movecats will be featured for the first time during Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of the Worlds’ in the UK, operated by our trained PRG crew.