SXS Events Blog - Lighting, Drapes, Sound, Video, Rigging

High-Definition Recording

2010-03-18T08:01:00.001-07:00

We are finding that all clients are asking for high-def video these days. As part of our continuous improvement, we have now invested in HD video recording rig.

This is in the form of a Canon 7D camera, which has proven to be on-par with other professional video cameras.

We hold a full range of lenses, down to aperatures of f1.4, which makes this an ideal setup for videoing darker events.

SXS Offer 3D mapping Projections

2010-03-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

At the SXS team, we have now added 3D projection mapping to our diverse portfolio of services.

Using our new Barco HD projectors and various 3d and 4d mapping programs we can produce fully interactive architectural projections onto buildings and other landmarks.

We have recently recieved instruction on projects for a major telecommunications provider and a national housebuilder - watch this space for more details.

See the video of a test shoot here: Video here on vimeo

New Projection Gear

2010-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

Many of our clients have been asking for outdoor and large-format video projection for the events we are doing over the next few months.

As always, we are guided by our clients needs. As such, we have just invested in a matched pair of Barco R-series projectors. These high-definition (1280x1024) DLP projectors are some of finest around. Their impressive contrast ratio and punchy light output make them perfect for our special projects.

We have recently used these for rear-project screens for film-shoots (see picture).

In addition, we are using these for large-format architectural projections.

As well as the projectors we have impressive screens to match. Consider our 30' rear-project screen for your next event.

See more on our video screens here:

thanks for viewing this post

New Shreyas Site in Development

2009-12-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

Leading Event Design and Decor company Shreyas Decor Ltd are developing a new website. The initial site concept is visible here http://www.hall-decorations.co.uk

After three years of the old site, this new site will bring a more mature, modern and design-led approach to the reputable Shreyas brand.

We hope to fully launch this new site within the month.

The site will feature:
- stunning event photos
- advice and guidance to event organisers on how to improve their event
- plain-english explanations on the different techniques and styles of event design that is used.

Shreyas Decor Managing Director Catherine Shay says: "I am really excited about this new site. I sell an aesthetic service and our website must reflect our focuss on design, accuracy and professionalism."

More Softscene

2009-12-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

MORE SOFTSCENE
Meeting the demands of a busy December period, we have now invested in an additional 50 bays of "Softscene" (Pipe and Drape) pole work to add to our already large stock. This system is ideal for hanging drapes without the need for wall attachments or the hinderance of stand legs. Click here for more details on the product. As we hold one of the UK's largest stocks we can service even the biggest requirements at competitive rates. Call now for a quote on 0870 080 2342 or email.

CLick here for more on Softscene, Drape Rigging, Pipe and Drape and Event Drapes.

Charity Sponsorship

2009-12-14T14:12:00.001-08:00

In the last month we have sponsored numerous charity events in the South West. We believe that we should aim to contribute what we can to the community in which we exist.

This month has seen us as a primary sponsor of two major events:

Princes Trust Awards
We provided full event production and AV for the prestigious awards show

"The team on site were very professional and very helpful
Anyway, that's it! Thanks again for helping to run the whole event so smoothly - we really appreciate it.

Thanks," -Molly, Organiser

Bristol in Minds Fashion Show
Produced by Cathy Shay, this show was one of the main fashion events of the year in Bristol. Cathy designed full catwalk, lighting, drapery and video production for the event. Special thanks goes out to the key crew onsite including Alex, Andy, Stu and Nick for doing a fantastic job.

"The show itself was absolutely fantastic and the feedback that i have received has been amazing...I Will tell you more when i see you.

I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work and especially your support, you have been truly amazing this year. I started this year not knowing anyone, and wanted to put a team together that i felt would be able to push Bristol Mind forward.

Thank you so much again Cathy... SXS truly rock.." Gary, Organiser

More info on Bristol Events and PA Hire Bristol

SXS Director makes number 14 in "42 under 42"

2009-12-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

SXS Managing Director Johnny Palmer recently ranked number 14 in the prestigious "42 under 42" listings in leading South West Business Managzine "Insider"

December's Projects

2009-12-14T13:45:00.001-08:00

Every year we do some of our most exciting and challenging work.

Key projects this year were:
- Image projection for Coca Cola
- Image projection on various buildings in the blistering colour in Scotland - including some large-format outdoor video
- Several visually stunning Corporate Christmas Parties
- Military events

FEATURED EVENT

2009-12-14T13:44:00.001-08:00

For the third year in a row SXS Project Manager Cathy Shay was invited to provide event design and production services for a major London advertising agency. Held at London's One Marylebone Road, Cathy used the space creatively to optimise the excitement of the event throughout the night. Guests walked through a false draped corridor which was later swept away to reveal an exciting indian chillout area with palm tree leaf projections playing on layers of voile tented hideaways. The main room featured a backlit circular bar and the fantastic domed ceiling was awash with colours to suit the theme. Scented candles and crushed curry leaves helped delight all the senses for this event.

NEW OUTDOOR STAGES

2009-12-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

After a record number of outdoor stage hires over summer, SXS has invested in three new arched roof stage systems. These stages give the impression of larger "orbit" style stages, but are quickly erected on any surface and present good value for money. Full details here.

The three sizes allows us to tailor the stage to suit our clients individual needs.

Whether you just want a stage, or require full technical production and site services, please call us on 0870 080 2342 for a chat or email us.

Click here for more on our outdoor stages

Click here for more on festival stages

2009-10-30T03:25:00.000-07:00

After months of sporadic building work, the directors studio is now complete!

SXS Managing Director Johnny Palmer felt that the existing office space needed to be expanded to allow for more seperated areas for creative work spaces, as well as a space where full-concentration work can be done.

A "loft conversion" of a corner of the warehouse was constructed into a custom office. This was done by constructing a mezzanine floor over the top of some existing warehouse storage. To turn this into an attractive space it was then plastered, a skylight added and painted.

See build shots to the right of this text. A video of the SXS office complex is below.

To ensure it presents the best possible techncial flexibility the space was then kitted out with:
- Power media server PC with Autocad, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash and Premiere
- RAID-enabled NAS storage backup to ensure absolute data integrity
- 4-way TFT monitor system including portrait layout for design work
- Cisco optical network system
- 50" high-definition plasma TV
- bi-amped monitoring sound system

"The space is great. We previously had a pleasant and spacious 5-desk office and a more formal meeting room. This new space is a casual area that allows for more relaxed meetings and creative collaborations. I look forward to discussing technical challenges and designs in this space" Says Johnny.

3D Video Gallery

2009-10-30T03:13:00.000-07:00

The SXS website now has a 3D gallery.

Thanks to the talent of our new photographer Andre, we can offer clients a new level of inspiration by seeing the detail and quality of our finest work.

Please see here for interactive video on the SXS site: http://www.sxsevents.co.uk/other_files/pano_gallery.php

Embassy Parties

2009-10-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

This season has began for embassy parties.

The first of the run for this year was for the Turkish Embassy in London.

Following the succesful production of a VIP drinks reception last year, we were invited back again to provide:
- Considerate architectural lighting in national colours
- Six of our gas flambeaux effects
- Red carpet entrance up stairs around the foyer area to a standard that looks like it is permanently installed.

Fashion Show Season is in

2009-10-30T02:19:00.000-07:00

The last two months have been an exciting one for the SXS team in fashion show production and design.

As ever the demands and expectations of clients have been high. In particular clients are looking for ways of making the overall aesthetic of their shows better. Afterall, they are selling an aesthetic product to design-conscious customers.

This year has seen the SXS team develop new ways of making our shows look immaculate. Our philiosophy is that clients want the effect of the equipment, not to be able to see the equipment.

In particular, we have been using innovative cable-management techniques that ensure that all cables are completely inivisible.

Further, this season has seen the manufacture of much custom set to hide lighting and rigging.

When working in flagship retail units on Regent Street and Old Bond street these new techniques have satisfied clients visual requirements.

We have used these techniques in environments including Swaovski's and Ermenegildo Zegna's flagship stores in London

We look forward to developing many new techniques to deliver a better service to our clients.

Please take a look at our fashion show lighting website here.

Outdoor Stage Hire Brand

2009-02-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Heading into the festival season, it was time for the SXS team to shout loudly about our outdoor staging services.

We have two outdoor stage systems which are ideal for small to medium events. Us having these systems allows us to offer a complete production service for outdoor events and festivals at a fraction of the cost of using multiple providers.

Please see the new site here www.outdoor-stage-hire.co.uk

Expect to see this site all over the web!

Event Magazine Article

2009-02-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

Event Magazine Article.

We are pleased to see that Event Magazine are taking an interest in our innovative marketting strategies and have done a write-up on our latest brand - Fashion Show Lighting.

Please see the site www.fashionshowlighting.co.uk here

and take a look at the event magazine article: http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/news/884349/SXS-Events-launches-fashion-show-arm/

fashion show lighting

2009-02-21T01:02:00.000-08:00

SXS Launch our new fashion show website.

Having recently produced various sattelite shows around London Fashion Week with enormous success, we felt that it was time to develop a specific site for fashion shows.

While the sound, set and lighting has been crucial, we have found that it is our flooring skills that have won over the clients. We have refined the use of studiotak, marley and carpetting on both raised catwalks and normal floors.

Please take a look at fashion show lighting, also look at the fashion show sound, and fashion show catwalk pages on the new site.

What's a discharge light?

2009-01-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

We have you booked to wash our [product] in a white light and your account manager says you are using discharge fixtures. What does this mean and how much power do they draw?

The fixtures we will use are a 400watt discharge unit. These work by creating an "arc" (like a spark) within the lamp. This is different from standard "Incandescent" lamps (standard light bulbs) as the latter have a filament and produce a lot more heat, meaning they are less efficient on power consumption.

There are various different types of lamps for our discharge fixtures ranging from the "sodium" type (as used in street lighting, creating an orange light), to coloured lamps to pure white. For your event we will be using a "metal halide" lamp for your event. These produce a very white light - much like that of sun light.

They can also be gelled, so we can create different colours to match your specification.

In terms of power, these discharge fixtures all run on standard 240 volts. As for current they draw a lot of current on the initial strike and then the draw a lower current for nominal usage. The nominal current draw for a 400watt fixture should be assumed to be around 2amps.

Additional notes:

One important thing to remember with metal hallide fixtures is, while they appear white, the mixture of different colours that makes the white appearance is NOT even. This can mean that when we put, say a blue gel, in front of them, they may not produce a blue, but a soft purple."

Establish your intended colour and then do tests.

More info: SXS Event Lighting Page or SXS Hire Lighting Page

Event Advice Page

2009-01-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

Johnny here again.

It's that time of year again when we are tendering on various festivals, student balls, graduation events and conferences.

In this process I find myself answering a lot of questions to lay-people about their events and the services we provide, which results in many pages of explanations.

I thought that, as I was writing these, I might as well publish them online. I very much hope that these technical explanations will bridge gap between people loosely knowing what the kit is and them having a good technical understanding.

These questions and answers will be posted on the SXS Events site here
I will also be posting them on this blog.

UWE Bristol Fast Forward Magazine

2009-01-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

SXS Managing Director Johnny Palmer is to have a full-page feature about his business success in UWE Alumni magazine Fast:Forward.

Johnny has done numerous events for the university including graduations balls, fashion shows, awards dinners and charity dinners. In addition he has given guest lectures on marketting and entrepreneurship.

"It is an honour to have such a prominant feature in the magazine that represents all my peers at university" Johnny says. "I really want to pass on the message to people studying that while you are at university is the best time to setup in business".

Watch this space for a link for a copy of the article.

The magazine will be released in early 2009.

A graduate profile of Johnny can be found here: Johnny Palmer Graduate Profile

www.johnnypalmer.co.uk

Johnny Palmer's Business CV Includes:
2001-present - Managing Director - SXS Events Ltd - www.sxsevents.co.uk
2007-present - Marketting Director - Shreyas Decor Ltd - www.shreyasdecor.co.uk
2007-present - Brand Manager - Plug AV - www.plugav.co.uk
2008-present - Brand Manager - Bay Event Drapery - www.bayeventdrapery.co.uk
2008-present - Web Master - SXS Hire - www.sxshire.co.uk

Official Launch of Bay Drapes

2008-12-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

Cathy and I are pleased to announce the launch of her new brand.

Bay Event Drapery

This brands is targeted to users and installers of drapery to the corporate and concert market.

We have been doing drapes for over four years now and have learnt that this really is an artform that takes experience and some often-unusual techniques.

While we will always be developing techniques, we feel that we have mastered event drapery. Our experience and resources will be able to offer new clients exceptional drape solutions through this new brand.

SXS Buy Out Production Power Ltd

2008-12-06T06:11:00.001-08:00

Production Power Buy-out

In October 2008 SXS Events Ltd bought out leading event power provider Production Power Ltd.

SXS Managing Director Johnny Palmer says "SXS has always been quite good on power distro, but the purchase of Production Power's stock makes us one of the larger providers of event power services in the UK."

SXS acquired many kilometres of 63-amp three-phase, 32-amp three-phase, 125-amp three-phase, Powelok, 16amp cable. Over 30 additional distribution boards have now been added to the SXS power stock.

"We look forward to the opportunity of working with Production Power's past clients and are confident that our diversity of services will provide them with a more stream-lined and comprehensive service"

More details on SXS' power distro services can be found on the website www.sxsevents.co.uk

SXS purchased Production Power Ltd on an "asset and goodwill" basis. The legal entity of Production Power Ltd is neither the property, responsibility, or liability of SXS Events Ltd or any of its subsidaries or directors.

Large Lighting Investment

2008-12-06T06:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008 will be the most heavily resourced period for SXS yet.

To cope with this, the company has purchased a large quantity of kit including
- 72-way Avolites FD Dimmer Rack
- 400amp power-lok cable
- 400amp powerlok distro board
- 2000 metres of socapex
- An additional 40 Source-4 profile fixtures
- a total of 16 Thunder Ridge double8"+1" mid-top cabs
- an additional 120 pinspots
- 36 IP-rated flourescent lights
- 36 non-maintained fixtures for emergency flood
- and masses of rigging hoists, slings, and shackles.

All this kit will be available to our clients from January 2009 onwards.

New Link Section

2008-11-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

SXS Release a new link set. To give full details to people about what we do, we have put in a new set of links
As follows:

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Conference Lighting
Conference Video
Drape Hire London
Event Drape Hire ,
Corporate Event Sound ,
Event Drapes ,
Drape Hire ,
Event Organisation London ,
Event Producers ,
Event Organiser in Bristol ,
Event Producer London ,
Event Rigging ,
Event Production Services ,
Exhibition Sound ,
Event Staging ,
Festival Stage ,
Event Power ,
Funktion 1 Hire ,
Funktion one Hire ,
Gobo Light ,
Hippodrome Bristol ,
Lighting Hire Bristol ,
Lighting Desks ,
Litec Truss Italy ,
London Event Decor ,
London Stage Lighting ,
London Event Services ,
London Venue Drapes ,
Outdoor Lighting Hire ,
Outdoor Event Lighting ,
Outdoor Events ,
Soound Equipment Hire ,
Soound Equipment Hire in Bristol ,
Sound Equipment Hire in Bristol ,
Event Power ,
Event Power ,
Event Power ,
Event Power Electrics,
Production Power in Oxford ,
Radio Microphone Hire ,
PAR Lighting Hire ,
Bristol Party Planning Services ,
Black Tie Balls ,
Concert Lighting ,
Concert Sound Services ,
Audio Visual in Birmingham,
Audio Visual Birmingham,
Audio Visual London ,
Avolites Pearl ,
Outdoor Stage Bristol ,
Outdoor Video ,
Mover Hire ,
Music Festival Sound ,
Music Festivals ,

2008-11-17T11:45:00.001-08:00

Bay Event Drapery

2008-11-09T16:44:00.002-08:00

The UKs leading drape provider here

Plug AV

2008-11-09T16:44:00.001-08:00

Please see our AV brand here

Shreyas Decor

2008-11-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

Please see our sister brand Shreyas here

new website

2008-11-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Please visit the recently-updated website here SXS site

SXS Starts blogging

2008-11-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

I have just started to write this blog.

Our industry is fast changing and this means big benefits to clients and other event organisers.

With the industry changing, we want to express these benefits to people in hope that this will up the game in the industry and help to improve the professional and reputation of our industry.

Watch this space for some intuitive thoughts on new technical innovations, marketting ideas, and news on SXS.