AI is going to be a big game changer in the global economy, and much of the value potential is up for grabs. A PwC 2018 report estimated that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030, more than the current output of China and India combined. Of this, $6.6 trillion is likely to come from increased productivity and $9.1 trillion is likely to come from benefits to consumers. The annual growth in the contribution of AI is expected to range between 20-34% per year across the Middle East, with the fastest growth in Saudi…
Author: Jacob Waite
Use your legs for a good cause and ride for the SOS at this year’s 947 Telkom Cycle Challenge to be held on 17 November at Riversands Commercial Park in Fourways. Everyone is invited to participate, especially riders in the entertainment industry. DWR’s cycling enthusiasts, Marlene Riley and Chris Pugh, are heading the cycling team and have already recruited friends and colleagues to join them. The team so far includes Robert Izzett, Eazy Moeketsi, Shannon and JP de Vernon, Victor Vermaak, Marlene and Bruce Riley Dylan Jones, Jaco Beukes, Tyler Pugin and Chris Pugh. Those who are brave enough can…
Gulf Crewing Company Managing Director Nigel Beaton confirmed the move to officially open a branch office of GCC events in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “GCC Arabia is a natural progression within the Middle East market. Saudi Arabia will play a pivotal role in the entertainment portfolio and it is imperative that we are at the forefront of these exciting changes as the country progresses towards their 2030 vision,” Beaton commented. The landscape of the industry is changing in the region and with the emergence of Entertainment City, the first ever Formula E event in the Middle East as well…
Robe lighting’s CEO, Josef Valchar presented demonstrations at a successful South African Robe Roadshow at the start of November 2018. Organised by local distributor DWR and also attended by Robe’s sales director Harry von den Stemmen, the roadshow was an opportunity for the entertainment industry to experience first-hand the new T1 Profile, iParfect, RoboSpot and SuperSpikie products. The team was very busy from 10am to 5pm each day and gave five to six demos at each venue. “The response was impressive! We had close to 50 people in Cape Town, 40 in Durban and over a hundred in Johannesburg!” commented…
GITEX Technology Week 2018, which was held from 14-18 October at Dubai World Trade Centre, saw Absen LED technology deployed on the booths of two top global technology companies – Huawei and Etisalat – to highlight their innovations. The Etisalat booth in particular blew visitors away with its 3D robotic video walls, which added a completely new dimension to the content on display. This striking display was employed to showcase Etisalat’s efforts towards the development of autonomous transportation and connected car technologies in UAE, which form an integral part of Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy. The booth’s theme was focussed on…
DWR Distribution took hands with UJ Arts & Culture to offer practical training to students interested in working backstage on productions. “UJ Arts & Culture’s partnership with DWR grants us access to valuable professional skills and knowledge we would otherwise not be able to make available to our crew and students interested in developing these niche skills,” said Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Cultural. “The results speak for itself with some students now being able to work on our productions as junior technicians, which in the long-term will also benefit the industry.” The aim of the course was…
In Die Kollig (In the Spotlight) is a brand-new TV music show in South Africa produced by Johan Stemmet, recently broadcast on SABC 2. The show was creatively lit by Ryan Lombard, HOD of Lighting at Blond Productions using around 100 Robe moving lights and other fixtures. All the lighting and video equipment were supplied by Blond Productions. The initial set design was a collaboration with Dream Sets, after which Ryan and Christiaan Ballot – owner and founder of Blond Productions, now one of the leading South African TV lighting and production specialists – were asked for their input. They…
A new James Thomas Engineering website created exclusively for the EMEA region has been launched. An optimised layout and navigation structure allow you to quickly and easily find the products you require for a wide range of needs. Browse through JTE’s new conical truss series, as well as their legendary plated and fork series’. Learn more about JTE towers, multi cubes, book corners, circles, clamps and accessories in the easy to navigate and colourful online presentation. Their wide range of products provides the safety and support customers have relied on for more than 40 years. www.jthomaseng.eu
The Sun International’s Carnival City Casino recently upgraded its Big Top audio system and console in time for the Mardi Gras; investing in L-Acoustics as well as a new DiGiCo console to ensure its patrons savour a quality experience. “The Big Top Arena’s in-house audio system was becoming dated,” described Alix van der Walt from INHOUSE Venue Technical Management (IVTM). IVTM manages the venues and existing equipment at Carnival City. They provide technical assistance to ensure shows run effortlessly. “My colleague, Bafana Dube, and I met with Carnival’s management team to suggest a way forward to bring the equipment in…
Cape Town’s first Green Hippo Amba+ was put through its paces at the Shoprite Super Service Awards held in the massive 2400sqm ExecuJet Hangar at Cape Town International Airport, with a third of the space used for a jet parked inside the exclusive location. Solid Group were appointed by Venturescapes Events to supply the full technical at the awards, attended by 600 guests. They took ownership of the Hippotizer Amba+ a few days before the event. “We initially came up to visit DWR Distribution purely to attend the L-Acoustics KIVA demo with Richard Smith,” Alex van Dyk, owner of the…
DWR is pleased to announce the Robe Roadshow, the easiest way for the entertainment industry to meet up with the new T1 Profile, iParfect, RoboSpot and SuperSpikie. Join Robe’s Josef Valchar and Harry von den Stemmen, who will be in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg in November, to introduce the stars that have turned heads at international expos this year. The Robe Roadshow will be hosted in Cape Town on 5 November at the Roxy Revue Bar at the GrandWest Casino from 10am to 5pm. In Durban, the event will take place on the 7 November at the Grace Family Church, Umgeni…
NAPIT’s City & Guilds approved Temporary Electrical Systems Programme (NA 7909) was taken overseas to Dubai to train and qualify staff from audio-visual and technical event production company the Eclipse Group. James Eade, a consultant Charted Engineer, works alongside NAPIT to design and deliver the programme and was invited to Dubai to train more than 20 candidates at the Eclipse Headquarters. The Eclipse Group ensure that their crew are up-to-date with current practices and are aware of UK legislation. This ensures that all tours and productions heading for the United Arab Emirates follow the best technical and safety standards. Eade…
