Win a Trip to USITT or the Hemsley Portfolio Review

Our good friends at 4Wall Lighting and Stage Directions Magazine have an amazing contest aimed at college students. The contest is simple, program some cues, video record it and submit it by February 26th. Of course there are some additional requirements that you can read through below. The winner has their choice of either attending the Hemsley Portfolio Review in New York in April or getting and all expense paid trip to the USITT show in Salt Lake City in March.

More details from 4Wall and Stage Directions Magazine

Are you a college student majoring in theatre, design, or any other lighting discipline? If so, then this contest is for you! 4Wall & Stage Directions want to see 10 cues from a show you worked on this past season. Submit a video of your cues and you may just win an amazing opportunity to rub shoulders with pros and peers alike at either the Hemsley Portfolio Review or USITT!

You can choose to work solo or team up with someone, one designer and one assistant designer. The show does not have to be real to be elligible for the contest, and you can choose which console and lighting instruments to work with.  The deadline to enter the contest is February 26th, and the winners will be notified shortly after that.  If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to contest@4wall.com. Good luck!

Contest Rules:

– Program 10 playback cues of a real or fictional show on a console of your choice
– Shoot a video going through each playback of your show – Post the video to YouTube
– Submit the video link via email to contest@4wall.com by February 26th
– In the email include details of the show such as the console and lighting equipment used
– Two students can participate in a group – One Designer & One Assistant Designer
– Must be a student currently enrolled in a college or theatre program
– Contestant must currently reside within the continental US

Grand Prizes:

– All expense paid trip to Hemsley Portfolio Review in New York – April 2-3, 2016:

Rub shoulders with leading theater professionals in an intimate setting!  The Portfolio Review is designed to give students the chance to meet first-hand with professional lighting designers so they can get advice from those already working in the industry.  This unique opportunity will allow you to ask questions, network with like minded peers and get feedback on your personal portfolio.

– All expense paid trip to USITT Show in Salt Lake City – March 16-19, 2016:

Generate new ideas while examining the newest products in the industry!  Throughout the week choose between hundreds of workshops, presentations, technical displays and interview opportunities for designers and technicians. The conference gives you the opportunity to increase your knowledge of the industry all while networking with other professionals and students in the stage/theatrical field.

For more information, visit the official contest page.

Breaking News: 4Wall Throwing Industry Party at #LDI2012

Remember two years ago, the last time LDI was in Vegas? With a party like this, how could you forget?! Time to relive it again this year!  Details of the 2012 4Wall Industry Party are out!

When: Friday, October 19th @ 8pm

Where: Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar; 3824 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, 89119

– the building in the back, just one mile south of the LVCC

What: All you need is your show floor badge to get in.

This year is a bit special.  It is also the LDI 25th Anniversary Party sponsored by 4Wall Lighting and UsedLighting.com. What can you expect… showgirls, music from the industry band, The Swingin’ Johnsons and a 4Wall staple, an OPEN BAR… till 11pm.  If you are heading to LDI, clear your calendar Friday night, you will NOT want to miss this one.

4Wall DC Moves Location

Good news DC Metro Area… 4Wall Lighting’s DC office has moved!  Yes, I know, was the DC office really in DC… NO. Even though, we will not hold that against them! ;) Their DC office has moved from their Halethorpe, MD or Baltimore location to their new digs in Columbia, MD.  Still not IN DC, but a bit closer than before!

4Wall DC’s General Manager and awesome bass player Scott Church had this to say about the move:

“In addition hosting our great selection of lighting, rigging, and grip gear, our new location will allow us to expand upon our current inventory while at the same time being closer to the events happening in and around the capital.”

The move was completed without interruption to customer service.  The new 4Wall DC can be found at the address listed below, and visitors are encouraged to stop in and tour the shop at any time. I personally have not had a chance to visit, but am excited to have the office a bit closer. Can anyone say grill time before the summer is officially over???

4Wall DC
9525 Berger Road Suite G
Columbia, MD 21046
Phone: 410-242-3322

Recap: 4Wall New York Vendor Show Case 2012

Where does time go? It has been some time since the 4Wall NY Vendor Show Case and I am just getting around to posting about it.  Back on May 17th, 4Wall held their annual Vendor Show Case in their NY warehouse.  There are a couple of reason why I love this event.

1. The BBQ! These guys go all out with Jimmy Cannon and Brian Dowd from ACT Lighting manning the Grills, Smokers and cutting boards. There is so much BBQ, hamburgers, and sides that you think you would be easting your last meal!
2. The intimate setting: I love massive trade shows, but the smaller ones are the best! Vendors have 6 feet area on top of road boxes to setup and show their products.
3. Smaller crowds: While I am sure 4Wall would love to pack the warehouse with guest, the smaller crowds mean more one-on-one time with the vendors!

It was a great event with a nice turn out of 4Wall customers and friends from around the NYC metro area.  Everyone showed off their latest products as well as some sneak peaks at what will be coming out later this summer and early fall. 4Wall not only filled up their warehouse with customers, but clients as well!

A.C. Lighting ACT Lighting Altman Lighting Apollo Arri Lighting BriteShot Center Stage Repair Chauvet Chroma-Q Chromlech City Theatrical Clay Paky Coemar USA Color Kinetics Desisti

Elation Enttec ETC Field Template GAM Products German Light Products Hippotizer Indu ElectricLee Filters Leprecon LEX Products Lighting & Electronics Litepanels Lycian Martin Professional Nila

Osram Prism Projection Robert Juliat Rosco SeaChanger Strand Lighting Strong The Black Tank Times Square Lighting TMB Tomcat Ultratec Special Effects UsedAV.com UsedLighting.com Vari*Lite

 

Here is a time lapse of the setup, the show case and a bit of tear down. Gotta love fitting 4 hours into under 3 minutes!

Photos from the 4Wall NY Vendor Show Case 2012

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Breaking News: 4Wall Purchases Assets of TLS, Inc. & Announces Nashville Office

Thanks for 4Wall, I now have to get the windex out and clean my monitor off after spitting my coffee all over after hearing this news! Looks like 4Wall is expanding to 5 walls again with the latest bit of news out of Alabama. 4Wall is set to purchase the assets of TLS, Inc., (Theatrical Lighting Systems).

Here is more information from the Press Release:

4Wall Entertainment is pleased to announce the asset acquisition of TLS, Inc.  Since its inception in 1981, TLS, Inc. has been at the forefront of theatrical lighting in the southern United States.  The company features headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, as well as offices in Nashville, Tennessee and Jackson, Mississippi.

In addition to acquiring a large amount of inventory, 4Wall will also gain members of the TLS, Inc. team who will assume roles within the company.  TLS, Inc. Owner David Milly will assume the role of Executive VP of Business Development while current TLS, Inc. Touring Manager Scott Devoss will become the VP of Concert Touring for the company.

Milly, speaking of the sale of TLS, Inc. to 4Wall, stated:

“This move will allow us to provide our customers with access to 4Wall’s rental inventory, which contains the newest lighting products available.  In addition I feel our customers will receive the same attention to detail we have always provided at TLS, Inc.

Milly, in addition to his role of Executive Vice President within 4Wall, will also be a Co-Owner and Shareholder in the new 4Wall Nashville, which will act as the headquarters for the company’s Southern US operations.  4Wall Nashville will be the fifth 4Wall location joining New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washington DC.

4Wall CEO Michael Cannon spoke of the purchase, saying:

“TLS, Inc. and David Milly have a great reputation throughout the industry.  By combining 4Wall’s inventory with the experienced staff and established presence of TLS, Inc., I feel we can build upon the customer relationships they have created while at the same time forging new ones.”

4Wall’s purchase of TLS, Inc. is expected to be completed as of June 1^st.

UsedLighting.com Begins PAID Intership Search

UsedLighting.com, a division of 4Wall Entertainment, is proud to offer its first ever internship.  The internship will last 90 days and carries the possibility of further employment.

The internship is a great opportunity for anyone looking for quality experience and references in entertainment and theatrical lighting.  The selected intern will work directly with the used sales and marketing team of UsedLighting.com and in turn, 4Wall Entertainment.

Duties will include:

-Gathering, pricing, and posting of equipment on the UsedLighting.com and NewLighting.com websites
-Testing and prep of theatrical lighting equipment for sale
-Event support including customer interaction
-Dealing with used equipment movement between 4Wall locations

Requirements:

-Residency in Las Vegas for the duration of the Internship (not provided by 4Wall)
-At least two (2) years college experience (any related major)
-Working knowledge of entertainment lighting products and manufacturers
-Minor to mid-level repair capabilities for entertainment lighting products
-Above average computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite)
-Social Media Competency
-Some physical capabilities (able to lift 50-60 lbs)
-High level of motivation!
Please submit resumes to wbailey@4wall.com .  Resumes must be received by November 23rd for consideration.

Breaking News: 4Wall Purchases JR Lighitng Inc.

Big news out of Burbank California, 4Wall purchases JR Lighting Inc. and names Jim Riendeau as 4Wall LA General Manager.  Here is more about the breaking news from 4Wall.

In a move that adds rental inventory as well as experienced staff members, 4Wall has announced the acquisition of JR Lighting Inc. of California. In addition to adding all inventory assets of the company, the move will also bring all of JR Lighting’s employees to 4Wall’s Los Angeles location.

JR Lighting Inc. opened in 2005 and has provided rentals, systems, and sales in the Los Angeles area to clients such as the Tonight Show, Access Hollywood, Days of our Lives, and more.  Their staff includes a number of well-known industry veterans who will join the 4Wall LA team.

Amongst the new 4Wall employees is the previous owner of JR Lighting, Jim Riendeau, who will assume the role of General Manager at 4Wall LA.  Riendeau has long carried a respected name in the California lighting industry, having spent a majority of his career with NBC TV Burbank; where he was responsible for six major studios.  His other stops included PLS and PRG prior to the founding of JR Lighting Inc.

4Wall CEO Michael Cannon spoke of adding Riendeau to 4Wall LA:

“Very few people in this industry are as well liked as Jim Riendeau.  The success that JR Lighting experienced during its six years is a testament to that.  It is an honor and a privilege to add his management skills and expertise to 4Wall LA.”

Another JR Lighting veteran, Kevin McElroy, comes to 4Wall LA assuming the mantle of VP of Business Development.  McElroy started his career in the late nineties with PLS before eventually assuming the role of Rental Coordinator at JR Lighting.

The acquisition is estimated to be completed by October 1^st.

4Wall New York Vendor Showcase

On Thursday, May 12th, 4Wall Lighting New York held their annual Vendor Showcase in their New Jersey warehouse.  This is my second vendor showcase that 4Wall Lighting has invited me to and it was just like the DC Open House… Excellent!  4Wall turned part of their massive New Jersey warehouse in to a mini trade show, minus all of the fancy trade show decorations, carpeting and drapery. Instead, they wheeled out road cases from the rental department, one for each manufacture that will be exhibiting and place a sheet of plywood over it and a table cloth, done. We are lighting people, we are use to being in shops and backstage, we don’t need the glitz and glamor, just show us the lights! 4Wall understands this and gives us attendees what we want, time to look, play, ask questions and grab a burger and beer. It is that KISS philosophy that I love.

The New York Vendor Showcase was well attended.  Al Ridella, VP of Business Development in the New York office guesstimated about 150 to 175 people came to the showcase between 3pm and 7pm with a couple of stranglers hanging on past 7pm to make sure they hit all the exhibitors… including me.  Jim Cannon, VP of Rental Operations for New York and his crew were busy manning the grills as well as still prepping rentals all during the showcase.  I have to hand it to Jim, he grills a bad ass burger!

It was great to see familiar faces, like the smiling face of JC More from City Theatrical, and Mr. Chad Rosco Tiller.  It was also wonderful to meet many new people from around the industry. It always happens, you talk or email with someone for months and months and then finally you get to meet them in person at an event like this.  Had that happen just a couple of times on Thursday.

What about new products! 4Wall invited over 45 manufacturers to exhibit at their showcase and boy did they turn out.  The list is pretty extensive!  Rather then listing everyone AGAIN, check out the list on 4Wall’s event page. Looking back over the list, I don’t remember seeing a couple of manufacturers there like my good friends at SeaChanger, Mr. Field Template himself, Steve Shelly or the guys from Wybron.  I expected to see the Wybron truck there as Martin Professional had there truck. I am sure everyone is off working and keeping pretty busy. We’ll catch them soon some where I am sure.

One of the neatest things on display was TMB’s latest product form Schinick Schnack Systems out of Germany. TMB is now distributing the Schnick Schnack LED panels in the US market. The panels are pretty neat, at least from the 6″ demo model at their table.  You can create a low res video display with a diffuse acrylic panel in front of it for 60’s style mood panels and trippy effects.  There is a wide range of panels and options available.  To learn more about the panels, visit their website at www.schnickschnacksystems.com. You will have to contact TMB or your local TMB dealer for pricing as it is a POA system.

Some of the other neat things seen at the Vendor Showcase was the New Impression Spot One LED Profile Moving Head available from GLP Lighting. Robe Lighting was on hand with their new ROBIN 600 LEDWash moving head and the ROBIN MMX Spot Moving Head. The Blank Tank company was showing off their full line up of 4″ cube LED wash fixtures. They are gearing up to release a couple of new products such as a variable white wash fixture and another “option” that I cannot mention yet… just know that I want one!

Overall, I had a blast at the 4Wall New York Vendor Showcase.  A huge thanks to 4Wall Lighting for inviting me up to the party… I mean showcase! ;) Learned a lot, got to meet new and old friends and had some great food. It’s funny, four hours seems like a long time for an event, but it always happens, it is over so quick and I never get around to everyone! Still, great times!

4Wall posted a bunch of photos to their Facebook page already.  I didn’t get a chance to snap to many photos, but I did see 4Wall guys running around snapping pictures every where and doing interviews with exhibitors through out the day.  Keep a look out for more photos and videos from 4Wall… Who know, you might see me in one!

Thanks for having me up, see you in LA? ;)

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4Wall New York Vendor Showcase May 12th

This Thursday. 4Wall New York will be holding their annual Vendor Show case is their New York location in Moonachie, New Jersey. It takes place on Thursday, May 12th from 3pm to 7pm. As with all of 4Wall’s Vendor Showcases, it will feature the latest products from around the industry with more then 45 manufacturers showing off their products.

4Wall is providing food and drinks as well as a great opportunity to meet industry professionals and peers. The New York office is under 10 miles outside of Manhattan. For directions to the office, visit 4Wall’s website. The office is located at 2 Empire Blvd., Moonachie, NY 07074.

See you there!

#LDI2010: 4Wall Industry Party – HUGE Thanks!

I have got to give it up for 4Wall Lighting.  Like I mentioned earlier, this was my second 4Wall Party and they are truly living up to the reputation of throwing an awesome party!  I showed up fashionably late like the rest of the Parnelli Award attendees, but we didn’t miss a thing! The party was in full swing within the old Cinelease Warehouse in you guessed it, the warehouse district of Las Vegas.  I’ll never forget my cabbies comment on the way out, “What the hell is out there, some sort of new ultra hip club? I thought I knew where they all are.”

On stage was our industry’s own Swining Johnson’s pumping out some great music!.  I took over 500 photos of those guys last night and it was so much fun!  The rig, the music, the people, just so much fun!  I also took some video of some of their the sets.  I love those guys!

So ANOTHER super huge thank you to the 4Wall gang for the invite to a great party!  I had a blast!

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Thank You 4Wall – Awesome Grand Opening Party!

Wow, what a night! Down pouring rain, heavy winds and a great time at 4Wall DC’s Grand Opening.  First, a huge thank you to 4Wall for inviting me up to the Grand Opening Party in “DC”. ;)  I have heard from other people that your party’s and events like this are not something to miss and I am so glad I didn’t.

4Wall brought in over 20 manufactures to one of their brand new shops, 4Wall DC.  I got a chance to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones while seeing some pretty neat stuff.  I took another memory card full of photos from the night of all the great new stuff that was on display.  I’ll be putting the rest of the photos up over the next couple of days along with write ups about the new stuff that was previewed here before LDI.

One thing that was announced tonight was 4Wall is bringing back their LDI Party at the Las Vegas Shop. Not to many details were mentioned tonight, but sources say it’s going to be a great time, just like the ones before it.  You can count me in, they had me at party!

Thanks again 4Wall for the great party and welcome to DC! Here are some photos from tonight. I’m sure John has even more.

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4Wall Rumors True – Purchased Cinelease Event Lighting in LA

Late last week I heard that 4Wall might be opening up yet another location here in the states.  Looks like those rumors are confirmed by 4Wall today. More from 4Wall’s press release.

In a move that adds inventory as well as a new location, 4Wall Entertainment has purchased the assets of Cinelease’s Event Lighting Division. The new 4 wall Los Angles or 4Wall-LA, will occupy a 23,000 sq. ft. facility next door to the Cinelease Motion Picture division.  The site will become 4Wall’s fifth location, following Las Vegas, New York, Phoenix and Washington, DC. The sixteen employees of Cineleasse Event Lighting will be joining the 4Wall Family in LA.

To read more about the purchase, visit 4Wall’s web site at www.4wall.com.