CPL orchestrated an immersive and high-energy production design for Tropic Skincare’s grand event, ‘Sparkle at the Glammies,’ held at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena. This annual gathering drew 4,200 prominent Tropic ‘Glambassadors’ and combined product launches with inspirational speeches, recognition ceremonies, an evening gala awards event, and live entertainment featuring performances by Heather Small and Queenz, and a DJ set by Gok Wan.
An extensive production package was provided, including lighting, audio, video, LED screens, rigging, and staging, working closely with the event producers, Pandora Events. This endeavour involved two days of setup and two days of rehearsals preceding the one-day event, all expertly coordinated by CPL’s project manager, Lee Gruszeckyj, leading a team of approximately 40 crew during peak times.
The production concept, from initial sketches and immersive 3D visualizations to full supply and delivery, adhered to the theme of ‘Sparkle at The Disco.’ The primary goal was to create a spectacle radiating glitz, glamour, vibrancy, positivity, and boundless energy within the venue.
The LED screen design set the stage with two large portrait-oriented Roe 5mm CB5 volumes, each measuring 7.2 x 9.6 metres situated upstage. An engaging and aesthetically pleasing LED ceiling was also integrated into the structure. The use of custom designed and manufactured brackets indicated our attention to detail and a fully tailored approach to the project. The custom brackets not only gave structural support for the LED panels, but also allowed for precise alignment and enabled the installation of creative LED shapes. 100 panels of Roe Ruby 2.6mm were installed for the upstage rear screen.
The ability to install innovative LED shapes added a unique and artistic dimension to the space.
Over 120 points of rigging were utilized to achieve this grand setup. All screens were powered by Brompton SX40 processors over a full redundant fibre network.
A 19-metre-long, 5-foot-high runway extended from the stage, allowing award recipients to access the stage easily.
Bespoke video content was crafted by CPL and synchronized with live action, providing a polished and engaging element that captivated the audience throughout the daytime product launch sessions. A five-camera IMAG package, including various camera sources and technologies, ensured the event’s visual dynamism.
All media content was carefully organized and scheduled using disguise media servers, with a focus on ensuring smooth and reliable playback during the live event. Additionally, there was an emphasis on previsualization to confirm the concept’s viability before the event’s execution. This step was important for ensuring that the concept and execution met the intended goals before the actual event took place.
At the heart of the venue, a 2.8-metre diameter motorized mirror ball was suspended, creating a captivating centre piece for the ‘sparkle’ theme. Over 200 lighting fixtures, including Ayrton Perseos, Ayrton Cobras, Robe 150 Beams, Robe Spyder fixtures, Gemmini Lite Panels, and ETC Coloursource Spots were artfully incorporated to craft a dynamic and immersive lighting experience. These fixtures delivered a wide array of effects, colours, and movement, enhancing the event’s overall ambiance.
The audio experience was just as meticulously designed, with a robust L-Acoustics K2 sound system featuring left and right main hangs, subs, and delay speakers. The room’s acoustics were fine-tuned using Sound Vision, ensuring top-quality audio coverage for all attendees. Shure Axient microphones and DPA headset mics were available for presenters and speakers.
The show opener, a special 10-minute megamix ignited the event with an explosion of pyrotechnics, including Sparkulas, CO2 jets, smoke effects, and more, all supplied by Reach Lasers.
In summary, CPL’s production for Tropic’s ‘Sparkle at the Disco’ was a grand spectacle that seamlessly combined technology, creativity, and entertainment to provide an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
(Photos courtesy of Luke Dyson)
