showlight

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt3 - the film edit!

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:02:26 GMT

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt3 – the film edit!

Showlight is excited to release the next two Speaker Videos from its Class of 2025 who graced the stage in Dijon, France.

Showlight prides itself on the diversity of its speaker topics, which cover aspects of lighting from a broad spectrum of different disciplines. This month we focus on cinematography, a genre that was well represented in 2025 with presentations from the highest number of film and television LDs to date, including Thierry Goron, Thierry Arbogast AFC, and M. David Mullen ASC, who was recently awarded the ASC Career Achievement in Television Award.

Today we feature Roger Simonsz and Peter Macdonald:

Roger Simonsz BSC: Schrödinger’s dimmer; controlling the uncontrollable

A graduate, and now fellow, of Rose Bruford college, Roger has been part of Showlight since 2005. In a career that has taken him to 30 different countries - sometimes working in languages he didn’t understand, his award-winning work as a lighting designer, cinematographer, writer and director in many different genres has been seen on stage and screens across the world. Of his presentation on working with light outdoors, he says “It’s very difficult in film to do the kind of slow lighting changes we do so easily in theatre. Using examples from Engrenages/Spiral as well as Piper we will explore how to achieve control on location, in daylight, while cueing the sun, with the help of Schrödinger’s dimmer.”

Born in the Netherlands, Roger began his career in the UK and now resides in France. He has recently finished working on a new feature film in the south of France, Les Voix Colorées.

Peter Macdonald BSC, DGA, DGGB: A Life in Cinema with Peter Macdonald

We were privileged to host multi award-winning industry veteran, Peter Macdonald, who brought Showlight 2025 to a close with an informal chat in which he shared memories and anecdotes from his life in cinema spanning more than 70 years.

Peter Macdonald worked with director Sir Laurence Olivier on four films as camera operator and got his break on the 1958 film “A Night to Remember” with cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth, with whom he collaborated for the next 25 years as his camera operator (Cabaret, Superman I & II, A Bridge Too Far, Cromwell, Excalibur, Murder on the Orient Express) and with David Watkin (Yentl). Macdonald evolved into a second unit director, (Batman 1 & 4, Empire Strikes Back, the first four Harry Potters, Guardians of the Galaxy, Wolverine, The Bourne Ultimatum), and then cinematographer, director and producer. Today, Macdonald reads a lot of scripts, works as Advisor and Consultant, Producer and Executive Producer in the U.S., participates on film festival juries in Europe where he mentors young filmmakers. He is President of Le Rex, his local cinema in Veules les Roses, Normandy.

Peter and his wife Madelyn Most have continued to attend numerous international film, photography and photojournalism festivals, including the BUFF Film Festival where Madelyn worked on the Fipresci Jury. They have visited Roger Simonsz in France and David Mullen in the Czech Republic and the UK on the sets of their respective new films. They work with the Art Without Limit Film Festival (https://artwithoutlimit-ks.org) for children and young adults with special needs, physical and mental disabilities/ handicaps and autism, and will head to Vienna in April to work on the First edition - a new edition – of this event.

These videos are part of a series of periodic releases, with more Speaker presentation videos going live as we move towards the next Showlight. You too can get a taste of this perennial lighting networking event by viewing our showreel and some of the Speaker presentation videos from 2025 on the Showlight website: https://www.showlight.org/videos

Want to know what you missed in 2025?

Ever wondered what Showlight is about? Well, here’s what some of the industry’s leading publications say about Showlight 2025 – just pop over to https://www.showlight.org/press to read their reviews and reports.

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt2

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:00:12 GMT

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt2

What better way to start the new year than with the release of two more speaker videos from Showlight 2025? One of the highlights of the industry, with an ongoing commitment to showcasing the work from some of the most inspiring lighting practitioners today, it won’t be long before the next Showlight is on the horizon!

Today we feature Bryan Raven and David Gray:

Bryan Raven: Not the End of the World

Climate change and sustainability are hot topics these days and high on the agenda for our industry. Inspired by Hannah Ritchie’s book of the same name, Bryan Raven presented us with a more positive and optimistic view of the battle against climate change and the wider sustainability topic with examples taken from his experiences with White Light and working with organisers in the live events sector.

Since stepping back from White Light and d&b in early 2024, Bryan has been working as an independent consultant as well as a number of organisations like PLASA, ABTT and Theatre Green Book on sustainability issues and Power of Events on advocacy for the wider events industry.

David Gray: Creating Light without Electricity and an 828m Facelift, 14 years on

David took us on a journey through fictitious worlds where the original IP has no “electricity”, introducing us to custom character fixtures created for Smurfs, HTTYD, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek, and closing with the story of the 1000 exterior strobe Burj Khalifa installation, construction challenges…and watching it still going after 14 years.

A highly experienced Project Director with a career in themed entertainment spanning over 34 years and five continents, David has a unique ability to work across cultures and industries, and brings originality and quality to every project. Notable projects include the large scale systems integration for the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, themed projects including Disneyland Paris, Motiongate (Dubai) and Genting Highlands (Malaysia) balanced with Teatro La Fenice (Venice) and Royal Opera House (London).

Having recently moved to Montreal David is dedicating his time mentoring young people on his area of expertise and supporting his daughter who has launched https://www.instagram.com/thegrayspxce/ creative workshop for artistic play in London.

Want to know what you missed in 2025?

Hot from Dijon, Showlight 2025 releases the first of its Speaker presentation videos

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:17:05 GMT

Hot from Dijon, Showlight 2025 releases the first of its Speaker presentation videos

One of the most successful gatherings to date, Showlight 2025 was welcomed back with open arms as it hosted a record number of delegates in Dijon for three days of lighting, gastronomy and conviviality.

You too can get a taste of what this perennial lighting quadrennial is about with the release of the first two Speaker presentation videos from 2025. These can now be viewed on the Showlight website here: www.showlight.org/videos

This month we feature Brad Schiller and Lucy Carter:

Brad Schiller: Transforming the Industry: The Promises and Potentials of GDTF

Brad Schiller’s presentation on improving workflows using GDTF has been the most requested presentation to date, with Showlight delegates citing it as a brilliant demystifying of the intricacies of General Device Type Format and a fantastic tool for teaching students, technicians and experienced professionals alike.

With almost 40 years of experience, Brad is an author, designer, programmer, and consultant who has also worked for manufacturers including High End Systems, Vari-Lite and Martin. He has recently joined GLP as Director of Lighting Technology Engagement.

Lucy Carter: Rhythm is a Dancer – So is Light!

Award-winning LD, Lucy Carter, by way of contrast, gave us an insight into her creative process when lighting dance, ballet and stand-alone light works, showing stunning illustrations of her work in which she imbues the light with the organic character of another dancer or performer, not just a reactive medium.

Working across many creative mediums, Lucy has worked with some of the top directors, choreographers and creative teams globally, to produce unique, eclectic and critically acclaimed lighting designs, with a vibrant and abstract style.

These are the first in a series of periodic releases, with more Speaker presentation videos going live in the months to come as we move towards Showlight 2029!

Want to know what you missed in 2025?

Ever wondered what Showlight is about? Well here’s what some of the industry’s leading publications say about Showlight 2025 – just pop over to www.showlight.org/press to read their reviews and reports.

What better way to make sure you save a space in your diaries for Showlight 2029!

Showlight 2025 makes a triumphant return

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:03:22 GMT

Showlight 2025 makes a triumphant return

Showlight 2025 made a triumphant return in May, revived and rejuvenated after an 8-year break, visiting the historic city of Dijon - appropriately for Showlight, one of France’s centres of art and gastronomy.

Hailed as the largest and most international Showlight to date, Showlight 2025 marked a welcome, and long-overdue, chance to converge once again and dedicate three whole days to talking about light.

“I sensed an enormous feeling of joy and relief that Showlight was not just back, but had if anything moved on. I am sure it was the most international Showlight I have experienced!” Bernie Davis, Papers Committee and Technical Manager

The event exhibited a greater international presence with participants coming from all over the world, not just Europe but as far afield as America, Brazil and Australia, and, it seems, everywhere in between.

Speakers and lighting designers from every genre of lighting had the opportunity to make new connections and exchange ideas. Papers presentations and the Q&A sessions that followed were available in 5 different languages – although nobody would be picked for a cricket team the way the CATCHBOX microphone was tossed – and missed – around the auditorium, much to everyone’s amusement.

With nearly 30 speakers, the wide range of lighting topics included strong representations from the worlds of film, television, theatre, art installation, themed attractions, public installations, even haute couture. Subjects ranged from Willie Williams’ talk on the Las Vegas Sphere and his lighting of U2, through Tim Lutkin and Adrien Mourey’s lighting a castle at Disneyland Paris, to David Duffy’s take on lighting a puppet festival in a remote village on the edge of the Arctic Circle and Sophya Acosta’s account of the creative challenges of working in a small venue. The conference was rounded off with an ‘in conversation’ with film cameraman and 2nd unit director, Peter Macdonald, who recounted tales from his 70-year career in cinema.

There were more opportunities for students with the introduction of Showlight workshops, held in three locations, which were well attended and laid the grounds for an expanded programme in future Showlights.

“It was an amazing experience making some amazing personal and professional connections, while also listening to some fantastic talks and workshops from industry professionals.” Tayo Rio Wilson, Undergraduate in Sound, Light and Live Event Engineering. Showlight 2025 Sponsored Student.

The newly-introduced Emerging Professionals scholarship caught those who fell between the gaps of student and established professional and, like the Sponsored Student programme, was over-subscribed with extremely worthy applicants. Those Students and EPs who were fortunate enough to be selected got a lot out of the experience, but also put a huge amount into their time there too, with students helping the organisers in every aspect of Showlight whether backstage, camera operating, assisting exhibitors or front-of-house.

“Showlight was a highlight of my early career and gifted me with connections and memories I will treasure for a long time. I arrived as a damp sponge, and now I’m completely soaked! I’m eager to take all I’ve absorbed and wring it out into my craft and conversations with fellow artists and collaborators.” Dominick Zayne Riches, Lighting Designer, Photographer, Artist and Showlight 2025 Sponsored Student.

A truly global fraternity of lighting designers, manufacturers and speakers mixed with students, Emerging Professionals, exhibitors and delegates over an unprecedented three days of networking, both during the day in the exhibition hall hosting over 40 exhibitors, at lunch and tea breaks, and at the company dinners hosted by those exhibitors on the first evening.

“What I found was a community of incredible and supportive light artists - and I use that term intentionally - gathering to hear from each other about the highest level work that is happening in the world today.” Clifton Taylor, Colour and Light Workshop, Showlight 2025.

A touch of glamour was added at the Conference Dinner when everyone was transported to a champagne reception and elegant dinner at Chateau Vantoux, held in the Orangerie and accompanied by a string quartet playing both classical and contemporary music.

“What a week!! I feel spoilt rotten to have been enveloped in such an amazing environment of shared passion and enjoyment with the added bonus of amazing evenings out too. Merci Showlight 25. This was my first Showlight, I look forward to the next.” Elanor Higgins, Showlight 2025 Speaker

“We have had an overwhelming response to this edition of Showlight,” says Showlight 2025 Chairman, Jim Tetlow. “It’s difficult to choose the highlights as everyone took away something different and had their eyes opened to many alternatives and inspirations. We have definitely seen an evolution with our expanded student programme and the new Emerging Professional programme, which have made Showlight more accessible to the next generation.”

Showlight would like to thank its Headline Sponsor, Robert Juliat, for all their hard work and support in helping us bring about the successful return of Showlight, and for sticking with us through thick and thin!

But a huge thanks goes to all the speakers, exhibitors, students, emerging professionals, lighting designers and delegates who made this edition of Showlight such a great success. It is people - their infectious enthusiasm, willingness and generosity in sharing their experience - that make Showlight what it is.

“I’m so excited. I feel like the future is ahead of me.” Cameron Moore, Showlight 2025 Emerging Professional.

We can safely say that Showlight is back, and Showlight is here to stay! See you in 2029…in an as-yet undisclosed location!

Robert Juliat welcomes you to Showlight 2025 in Dijon

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:31:14 GMT

Robert Juliat welcomes you to Showlight 2025 in Dijon

Robert Juliat is very proud to welcome Showlight 2025 to France for the very first time in its history as it opens its doors in Dijon from 19-22 May.

This global quadrennial networking event for lighting professionals is itinerant by nature, choosing a new country and a new venue at each outing. France has a rich tradition in the arts and lighting which Robert Juliat is thrilled to showcase on an international stage.

“As a company that has been at the heart of the lighting industry for over a century, Robert Juliat is honoured to be the Headline Sponsor of Showlight 2025,” says Robert Juliat’s 3rd generation managing director, François Juliat. “Bringing this prestigious event to France, the home of our heritage, is a moment of immense pride for us. For over 100 years, Robert Juliat has been synonymous with excellence in lighting, and sponsoring Showlight 2025 is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting the next generation of lighting professionals and technologies."

Showlight is more than just a conference; it is a unique gathering where ideas, creativity, and passion for lighting come together. Its eclectic programme of presentations, delivered by specialists across multiple lighting disciplines, is augmented by a supporting exhibition, ample networking opportunities and superb dinner locations, all in a convivial and informal atmosphere. It offers unprecedented opportunities for meeting old friends and colleagues, and making new connections.

"Showlight is renowned for bringing together the brightest minds in the lighting industry, and we are delighted to contribute to this exchange of knowledge and experience,” continues François Juliat. “As a company, we have always been committed to fostering innovation and collaboration, and we are thrilled to support an event that reflects these values. Hosting Showlight 2025 in Dijon is an opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and future of lighting in a truly inspiring setting, and to ensure the future of lighting continues to shine even brighter."

“Robert Juliat has steadfastly maintained its support of Showlight since it originally stepped forward to sponsor Showlight back in 2021,” states Jim Tetlow, Chairman of Showlight 2025. “They have stayed with us faithfully since then, sponsoring our interim Virtual Showlight in May 2023, and now hosting the first in-person event since 2017. We are very grateful to them and to all our generous sponsors which have made Showlight 2025 possible. We are so excited to bring you a splendid line up of speakers, in a beautiful city, which also happens to be a centre of gastronomy. Showlight 2025 is an event you do not want to miss!”

Tickets for Showlight are now nearly at capacity with only a few remaining. After the last Full Delegate tickets are sold, there may be a limited number of Papers & Workshops Only available at a discounted rate. These will allow access to the conference but not the Company and Conference dinners or Welcome Reception.

View your remaining ticket options on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org or contact us on info@showlight.org

We look forward to welcoming you to Showlight 2025!

Sign up to the Whova App for instant Showlight networking

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Fri, 09 May 2025 07:30:05 GMT

Sign up to the Whova App for instant Showlight networking

Showlight 2025 is using Whova to connect all attendees for maximum networking at this year’s event.

Whova is an easy-to-use app that enables Showlight 2025 delegates to set their personal profile, discover who is attending, connect with other delegates and begin networking ahead of the event.

It also gives access to the full programme of events, information on the speakers and their topics, and the exhibitors and sponsors taking part.

You can even keep up to date with developments during Showlight, sign up for workshops or see who you will be dining with at the Company Dinners!

You must be signed up to attend Showlight and have the Whova App downloaded to access these benefits.

To access the Whova App and your profile within it, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Whova app on your phone. A handy link is available on the Showlight website www.showlight.org
Step 2: Search for Showlight in ‘Find Event’ and then sign in using your email, as this is your access for the event
Step 3: Update your personal profile
Step 4: Start using! We recommend doing a ‘Break the Ice’ question to introduce yourself.
You can: view the programme, speakers, exhibitors and other delegates; initiate or join in discussion topics; message people and companies; arrange meet ups, all in the run up to the event.

The excitement starts now! Access the Showlight Event on Whova today and start connecting with people.

Complete Line Up of Speakers Announced

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Fri, 02 May 2025 08:00:10 GMT

Showlight 2025 Completes Line Up as Final Speakers Announced

The fantastic line up for Showlight 2025’s speakers is now complete. We are excited to bring you over 30 speakers covering lighting topics from every discipline and every corner of the globe. Here’s the last group of speakers who’ll be coming to the Parc des Expositions in a couple of weeks. There’s something for everyone, so book your ticket now and join us in glorious Dijon!

Light & Laser for New Year’s Eve at Burj Khalifa

Founder of Concept K, Aldo Fayard has 30 years of global experience working on live tours, large scale events, cinema and permanent installations. He will give us the low-down on his stunning installation for the New Year’s Eve show in Dubai Downtown which encompassed a combination of several permanent technologies mixed with a temporary installation of moving lights and lasers.

Rhythm is a Dancer – So is Light!

Light artist and multi award-winning lighting designer, Lucy Carter , has worked extensively in theatre, ballet, dance, musical theatre and opera, as well as light installations in galleries, site specific venues and exhibitions. As she takes us through her design processes and developments, Lucy will explain how she sees light as another dancer or performer in the productions she lights.

How to reimagine a night-time show at Disneyland Paris

Creative director, TONY and double Olivier award-winning lighting designer, Tim Lutkin , and Disneyland show lighting designer, Adrien Mourey , have recently opened Disney Tales of Magic at Disneyland Paris. They will demonstrate how their design breathes new life into the storytelling across the unique setting of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, without making technology omnipresent.

1950s Period Lighting in a TV Series

Winner of three Emmy Awards and two ASC Awards for his work on Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel , David Mullen will explore when to use – and when not to use - period-correct lighting for a show set in the 1950s.

Illuminating Excellence: Lighting at the 2024 Olympic Games

Olympic Broadcasting Services’ lighting lead, Alba Abad Carretero , and senior broadcast lighting head project manager for the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, Anne Serieges , will delve into the intricate planning and execution of broadcast and show lighting for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 that not only met the rigorous demands of high-paced sports broadcasting but also enhanced the architectural beauty of Paris’s historic Grand Palais.

The Challenges of Complicated Shots

Internationally renowned and multi award-winning French cinematographer, Thierry Arbogast , has worked with top film directors including Luc Besson, Brian De Palma, Jean-Paul Rappeneau and Emir Kusturica. Using examples from internationally known films such as Leon , The Fifth Element and The Horseman on the Roof , Thierry will look at some of the challenges and difficulties involved in bringing stunning images to the big screen.

A Life in Cinema with Peter Macdonald

Peter Macdonald needs no introduction as his astonishing cinematic pedigree will attest. From his early days as camera operator on films directed by Sir Laurence Olivier, through his 25-year collaboration with cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth, to his progression to second unit director, cinematographer, director and producer, Peter has many stories to tell. He will close Showlight 2025 with memories and anecdotes from his life in cinema spanning over 70 years.

Contributions will also come from John Dudley promoting The International Day of Light, Eric Wurtz talking about the synergy between the French Union of Lighting Designers, and the Union of Scenographers, and from lighting designer, cinematographer, senior product manager and author Ben Díaz .

Language is no barrier

New for Showlight 2025 is our simultaneous translation of the Papers and Q&A sessions across four languages. Delegates can choose to listen – and ask questions - in English, French, Italian and Spanish via the AI translation system, Interprefy. This instantly translates to both voice and text, which can be listened to on your headphones or read on your smartphone or iPad. (Please remember to bring your own earbuds/headsets!) Q&A sessions will also be translated on demand. Ticket holders to Showlight can request additional languages at time of purchase by contacting info@showlight.org .

The last remaining tickets for Showlight can be purchased from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org .

We look forward to seeing you at Showlight 2025!

Language is no barrier

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:00:04 GMT

Language is no barrier / La langue n'est pas un obstacle!

The Showlight quadrennial is a rare event that you do not want to miss. Three days of lighting professionals networking and exchanging ideas, listening to speakers at the top of their profession, all in the beautiful setting of Dijon, France. This unique gathering only happens once every four years – and it’s for everyone!

Historically, Showlight is conducted solely in English but this year is different. Located in France and supported by French lighting manufacturer and Headline Sponsor, Robert Juliat, we look forward to welcoming many French-speaking delegates as well as international attendees.

New for Showlight 2025

To make sure nobody misses a word, for the first time, we are offering simultaneous translation of the Papers and Q&A sessions across four languages. Delegates can choose to listen – and ask questions - in English, French, Italian and Spanish via the AI translation system, Interprefy. This simultaneously translates to both voice and text, which can be listened to on your headphones or read on your smartphone or iPad. Please remember to bring your own earbuds/headsets!

Similarly, questions posed by the audience during the Q&A sessions can be asked in any of these languages, and will receive the same simultaneous translations across all four languages.

Ticket holders to Showlight can request additional languages at time of purchase by contacting info@showlight.org

Book your place now! Tickets can be purchased direct from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org

A list of discounted hotels can be found at www.showlight.org/hotels-travel . These are available on a first come, first served basis, so be quick to make your booking!

La langue n'est pas un obstacle!

La conférence Showlight est un événement exceptionnel à ne pas manquer. Durant trois jours, les professionnels de l'éclairage se réunissent, partagent leurs idées et assistent à des conférences données par les plus grands noms de la profession, le tout dans le cadre magnifique de la ville de Dijon. Ce rassemblement unique n'a lieu qu'une fois tous les quatre ans - et il s'adresse à tout le monde!

Traditionnellement, Showlight se déroule uniquement en langue anglaise, mais cette année est différente. L’événement aura lieu en France et sera soutenu par le fabricant d'éclairage français et sponsor principal, Robert Juliat. Par consequent, nous sommes impatients d'accueillir de nombreux participants francophones ainsi que des participants internationaux.

Nouveauté pour Showlight 2025

Afin de s'assurer que tout le monde puisse comprendre, nous proposons pour la première fois un service de traduction simultanée des conférences et des sessions de questions-réponses en quatre langues. Les participants peuvent choisir d'écouter - et de poser des questions - en anglais, en français, en italien et en espagnol grâce au système de traduction automatique Interprefy. Ce système traduit simultanément la voix et le texte, qui peuvent être écoutés avec ses écouteurs ou lus sur son smartphone ou iPad.

De même, les questions adressées par le public lors des sessions de questions-réponses peuvent être posées dans n'importe laquelle de ces langues, et recevront les mêmes traductions simultanées dans les quatre langues.

Lors de la reservation, il est possible de demander des langues supplémentaires en contactant info@showlight.org .

Réservez votre place dès maintenant! Les billets peuvent être achetés directement sur www.showlight.org .

Une liste d'hôtels à prix réduit est disponible sur le site www.showlight.org/hotels-travel . Ces hôtels sont disponibles sur la base du premier arrivé, premier servi, alors n’attendez plus!

Treat yourself to a Showlight ticket as more Speakers are announced

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 08:00:01 GMT

Treat yourself to a Showlight ticket as more Speakers are announced

Showlight 2025 has produced a programme full of treats for its delegates with over 30 speakers lined up to bring their expertise to Dijon this May. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay in securing yours today!

Here’s our latest offerings from the worlds of film, live events, large scale art installations and illuminated fashion design!

Schrödinger’s Dimmer; controlling the uncontrollable

Award-winning lighting designer, cinematographer, writer and director, and fellow of Rose Bruford college, Roger Simonsz , will discuss how difficult it is to achieve the kind of slow lighting changes so easily performed in theatre within the film environment. Using examples from “Engrenages/Spiral” as well as the recent “Piper” his paper explores how to achieve control on location, in daylight, while cueing the sun, with the help of Schrödinger’s dimmer.

The Maiden Tower Istanbul - Lighting and Beyond.

The iconic Maiden Tower in Istanbul - a symbol of 2,500 years of history - was brought to life through a large-scale immersive outdoor installation, featuring dynamic lighting, lasers, projections, and audio, by German lighting designer, Martin Kuhn . Kuhn’s extensive experience on a wide range of global projects, from concerts and events to museums and architectural lighting, plays into this captivating experience which reimagines the Tower’s legacy with innovative and inspiring storytelling and cutting-edge technology.

Beyond Illumination: The Experimental Language of Light in Performance and Public Space

Known for his experimental yet assured approach, Jesper Kongshaug has created evocative theatrical landscapes for over 25 years. At Showlight, he will present key examples from his work designing lighting and stage visuals for internationally renowned performance group Hotel Pro Forma , showcasing his innovative approach to theatrical lighting. He will also introduce the Copenhagen Light Festival, which he curates.

Reveal the Invisible

Reveal the Invisible examines the work of fashion designer/artist Clara Daguin through several projects, collections and collaborations. Clara, whose collaborations with artists, researchers and institutions include Google, Baccarat, Nike, will focus on the process behind the creation of her illuminated silhouettes and the evolution of her work over the past few years.

Utilising Local Resources to Benefit Filmmaking

Speaking in his native French (with simultaneous translation available in four languages), director of photography Thierry Goron will share insights on leveraging local knowledge and resources to establish a sustainable film industry in emerging countries. He will explore the "can-do" spirit required on set, especially when working in challenging conditions, such as fixing broken lights, cameras, and essential equipment, becomes part of the process. Over time, this necessity fosters a resourceful approach, leading to the development of locally built equipment using available materials and expertise.

A Solstice Adventure at the End of the Inhabitable World

A welcome return of speaker from 2017, David Duffy will enchant us once again with his lighting of puppetry, this time illustrated by a site-specific adaptation of Kneehigh and Little Angel’s classic production, A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings , which took place on the stroke of midnight on the summer solstice, in an Icelandic abattoir.

Language is no barrier

Historically, Showlight is conducted solely in English but this year, located in Dijon, France and supported by French lighting manufacturer and Headline Sponsor, Robert Juliat, we look forward to welcoming many local delegates as well as international attendees. As a result, we are offering simultaneous translation of the Papers and Q&A sessions across four languages. Delegates can choose to listen – and ask questions - in English, French, Italian and Spanish, via the AI translation system, Interprefy . This instantly translates to both voice and text, which can be listened to on your headphones or read on your smartphone or iPad. Q&A sessions will also be translated on demand. Ticket holders to Showlight can request additional languages at time of purchase by contacting info@showlight.org .

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Showlight yourself! Tickets for Showlight are on sale now and can be purchased from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org.

A list of discounted hotels is also available ( www.showlight.org/hotels-travel ) on a first come, first served basis, so be quick to make your booking!

Finally, don’t forget you can sign up to the Showlight Mailing List to hear the latest news as it breaks.

Showlight Introduces New Workshops for 2025

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:01 GMT

Showlight Introduces New Workshops for 2025

Fresh for 2025, Showlight is introducing a new attraction - an enticing programme of informative, interactive Workshops guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing! These will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 May 2025 and will be open to all delegates on a first come, first served basis, with a strong emphasis on student attendance.

The Workshops will be conducted by leading experts in their field and offer unprecedented insights into subjects from the latest technology to personal development. Numbers are limited so delegates will be encouraged to sign up for their choice of workshop via the Whova App when it goes live closer to the date.

Here’s the low-down on Showlight’s inaugural Workshop presentations:

WORKSHOP 1: Colour and Light

Led by lighting designer, author, and co-founder of Studio School of Design, Clifton Taylor, Colour and Light in the age of LED luminaires will be a practical demonstration exploring design storytelling afforded by today’s high-powered, multi-emitter LED luminaires. Topics will include agreeing on a language of colour, and the limitations and possibilities of working in LED based rigs.

WORKSHOP 2: Lighting Loopholes

Award-winning lighting designer, Sherry Coenen, has extensive experience working on puppetry and new writing. She will bring this knowledge to her examination of how to use non-theatrical lights in theatrical settings, theatrical lights in ways they weren’t designed for, and other lighting loopholes designed to show how giant dreams can be realised on tiny budgets and other restrictions.

WORKSHOP 3: Redefining Success!

Founder of an award-winning, women-owned lighting firm, Traci Klainer has over 30 years of experience and more than 100 lighting designs to her name. This workshop will explore what success in lighting and beyond really looks like – and what happens when you start your career wanting to be a Tony award winning lighting designer and end up as an Executive Producer!

WORKSHOP 4: Developing your own ‘Health & Wellbeing’ workplace strategy

This interactive wellness workshop will be led by the collective skills of Mig Walsh, Brant Thomas Murray, Dr Keili Camille Murray and Grace Halton. Participants will be encouraged to think about their own personal health and wellbeing workplace strategy; learn about emotional intelligence, burnout and the law and policies that can be adopted in the workplace linked to health and wellbeing, and come away with their own action plan to take back into working practice.

WORKSHOP 5: Understand and Quantify the Visual Appearance and Aesthetic Rendering of Scenic "Objects" under LED Lighting

This workshop will introduce the SceALED project, a university project (granted by the French National Research Agency) aimed at understanding and quantifying the visual appearance of scenic objects under LED lighting, with the intention of creating standards and practical tools for performing arts professionals. It explores how light spectra affects aesthetic perception, develops measurement tools, and applies an interdisciplinary methodology combining artists, engineers, and researchers, and offers the audience the opportunity to participate in a psycho-visual experiment. This workshop will be led by Véronique Perruchon, Noël Richard and Ludwig Lepage.

More information on each of the workshop leaders can be found on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/workshops

The new Showlight 2025 Workshops are sponsored by Platinum Sponsor, Claypaky, to whom we extend many thanks for their generosity in supporting this new initiative for Showlight.

Showlight 2025 tickets can be purchased now from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org

Hotels can be booked at special rates at www.showlight.org/hotels-travel

Stop Press: Showlight Bursary/Scholarship deadline extended to 31 March 2025

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:33:41 GMT

STOP PRESS:
Showlight Bursary/Scholarship deadline extended to 31 March 2025

The deadline for Showlight’s new Emerging Professionals Bursary/Scholarship Scheme has been extended to Monday 31 March 2025 .

Aimed at early career freelance professionals to help make attendance more affordable, this is a fantastic opportunity to win a ‘scholarship’ that gives you access to some of the most creative minds in the entertainment lighting industry.

Successful applicants will have free access to Showlight 2025’s full schedule of activities (ticket price normally €580.00) including the Papers Sessions, Workshops, Exhibition, Welcome Reception (in Dijon’s ornate, historic Salle des États), Company Dinners and the grand Conference Dinner in a glamorous, as yet undisclosed, location! A hotel room will also be included with the bursary and we hope to offer some assistance with travel costs too.

“Showlight wants to encourage as many people as possible to be able to attend this unique conference and appreciates that, for those early in their freelance professional career, the cost of attending can be daunting,” says Showlight committee member, lighting designer and President of the ALPD, Rick Fisher.

The Emerging Professional Bursaries is a completely new initiative, made possible by the generous support of Showlight 2025 Diamond Sponsor, Ayrton. It complements Showlight’s already well-established Student Sponsorship scheme to enable an even greater range of delegates to participate and enjoy this unique quadrennial networking event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best! Showlight only comes round once in every 4 years. Submit your application now via the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/bursaries . Just send us your resume/CV and 200-word statement describing your career and interests, and why you would like to attend Showlight 2025 in Dijon this May.

The Headline Sponsor for Showlight 2025 is Robert Juliat, and we would like to acknowledge the amazing support Showlight receives from all its sponsors, a list of whom can be found on the website at ( www.showlight.org/our-sponsors ). Their generosity allows Showlight to maintain the standards education, entertainment and networking expected of this unique lighting quadrennial, and we look forward to delivering another sparkling event in May.

Showlight features its Sponsors and Exhibitors

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:57:52 GMT

Showlight features its Sponsors and Exhibitors

The preparations for the Showlight Quadrennial in Dijon in May are gathering speed with the programme of speakers almost complete and logistics rapidly falling into place.

Key to the spirit of Showlight is the support received from our generous Sponsors and Exhibitors without whose valuable contributions Showlight, as an entirely voluntary organisation, could not take place.

We are excited to welcome no less than 22 Sponsors and 30 Exhibitors to Showlight 2025, with more still to come, bringing their products and their presence to enrich the event over the three exciting days.

The Exhibitor Hall is the centre of the networking space, where all delegates and speakers mix in between Papers Sessions to exchange ideas, meet colleagues and make new contacts. The emphasis is on networking, and talk revolves around shared ideas and innovations: LDs can give direct feedback to manufacturers, students can chat with designers, manufacturers can learn from lighting practitioners - established and upcoming - all in an informal, convivial atmosphere.

New for this year, as an addition to the traditional stands, are sponsored tables amongst which delegates are invited to sit and chat over lunch and tea breaks.

Our current lineup of exhibitors looks like this: AC-ET, ACT, Astera, Avolites, Ayrton, Cameo, Canto USA, CAST Group, Chauvet, Christie Lites, Claypaky, Coemar, Elation, ETC, FACE, Groupe Novelty, Highlite, LSC, Lumen Radio, MA Lighting, Martin Professional, PRG, Prolights, Robe, Robert Juliat, Roxxlight, Schnick Schnack, Starway, Vari*lite and Vectorworks.

A special thanks go to these exhibitors, all of whom also sponsor a student or young professional to attend free of charge, giving them unprecedented access to those at the very heart of our industry, and the profession they have chosen to join.

Exhibitor spaces are now nearly sold out, but there are still a few booths and some table top options available. Contact Matt Hallard on exhibit@showlight.org if you want to be part of this unique lighting forum.

We also want to thank our unprecedented number of Sponsors for Showlight 2025 who currently look like this

Headline Sponsor: Robert Juliat

Diamond Sponsor: Ayrton

Platinum Sponsors: Chauvet, Claypaky, Elation, ETC, MA Lighting, Robe and Starway

Palladium Sponsors: Cameo and FACE

Gold Sponsors: Avolites and PRG

Silver Sponsors: Ambersphere Solutions, 3LR, Christie Lites, Martin Professional, Schnick Schnack, Vari*lite and zactrack.

Bronze Sponsors: AC-ET and LSC

We particularly want to thank our Media Partner, LSi, which does an immense amount of administration, marketing, design and backroom work for us, and to our treasured Media Supporter, Lighting and Sound America, without both of whom, Showlight would be whistling in the dark!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Showlight yourself! Tickets for Showlight are on sale now and can be purchased from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/tickets .

A list of discounted hotels is also available ( www.showlight.org/hotels-travel ) on a first come, first served basis, so be quick to make your booking!

Finally, don’t forget you can sign up to the Showlight Mailing List to hear the latest news as it breaks.

Third Wave of Speakers Announced!

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Third Wave of Speakers Announced!

Showlight is very excited to announce the latest round of international speakers to present Papers at Showlight 2025, as Willie Williams, Dr, Yaron Abulafia, Christina Thanasoula, Saffran Popille and Brad Schiller sign up to share their experiences with audiences in Dijon.

The Visual Future of Live Entertainment: Too much, or not enough?

Willie Williams , best known for his 40-year creative relationship with rock band U2, amongst his many other skills and projects, shares insights gained from his extensive work combining immersive visuals with live performance. Artists now possess the tools to choreograph an entire audience’s perception during a live, shared experience. Williams asks, what does this mean for a performer? Is this the future, or just a distraction? Too much, or not enough?

‘Working Light’: Realising Light-Spaces in the Spectators’ Minds

Visual artist and researcher, Dr. Yaron Abulafia , whose work explores the dynamic intersection of light and space, will share his aesthetic vision of how he creates immersive dances of light to arouse spectators’ bodies and minds. He will present innovative production designs with kinetic and sculptural lighting scenography in some of the world’s leading ballet troupes, using examples from The Dutch National Ballet and The Stuttgart Ballet.

Stage Lighting Design and Live Feed Cameras on the 21st Century Theatre Stage

Christina Thanasoula has designed the lighting for over 250 opera, theatre and dance performances. She will examine how the dramaturgy of light is affected by live feed cameras as the ‘magnifying lens’ of lighting design combines with the camera to focus viewers’ attention on particular areas or actions on stage.

Les Reflets d'Or – Golden Reflections on Dijon’s Architectural Heritage

In a very special feature from our host city of Dijon, lighting designer Saffran Popille will give a presentation of the rue de la Liberté lighting project in Dijon. From the lighting design team and architect working on it from the beginnings of the project, commissioned by the city of Dijon, through the lighting design concept to the technical implementation, with particular emphasis on the dynamic lighting.

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

Based in Wales, Elanor Higgins has been lighting productions for theatre, opera, dance, musicals and children’s theatre for over 25 years. Reflecting on her role as Lead Lighting Designer for Galwad (2022), a transmedia, multi-platform and site-specific performance, Elanor will show how she worked in close collaboration with the Director of Photography and the Installation Light Artist, blending theatre lighting, single-shot cinematography and a water projection installation to create a unique visual experience.

Transforming the Industry: The Promises and Potentials of GDTF

Self-proclaimed ‘lighting geek’ Brad Schiller returns to Showlight, this time with a look into the wonderful world of GDTF (aka General Device Type Format). This standardized system is a godsend in the entertainment industry, allowing us to describe easily the properties of lighting fixtures and other devices. But beware, there are also some pitfalls in the current implementations. Learn how to improve your workflow with GDTF and Brad!

Visit the Showlight 2025 website (www.showlight.org/speakers) to see the growing list of speakers, with more being added in the coming weeks. Better still, join the Showlight Mailing List (www.showlight.org) and social media sites to be the first to hear new additions as they are announced!

Photo Caption: Speakers, t op row, L-R: Willie Williams, Dr. Yaron Abulafia, Christina Thanasoula. Bottom row L-R: Saffran Popille, Elanor Higgins, Brad Schiller

Showlight Bursaries available for early career delegates!

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Showlight Bursaries available for early career delegates!

Showlight Bursaries are now available for early career delegates!

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Diamond Sponsor, Ayrton, Showlight has a limited number of reduced priced conference places available to early career freelance professionals.

To apply for these places please submit a resume/CV, portfolio or website, along with a maximum 200-word (1200 character) statement describing your career and interests, and why you would like to attend Showlight 2025 in Dijon this May.

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2025.

Showlight wants to encourage as many people as possible to be able to attend this unique conference and appreciates that, for those early in their freelance professional career, the cost of attending can be daunting.

Showlight already has a well-established Student Sponsorship scheme in place for which applications are already open.

The Emerging Professional Bursaries form a completely new initiative, made possible by Ayrton’s generous support, that complements this scheme, enabling an even greater range of delegates to participate and enjoy Showlight.

“Ayrton is proud to support emerging professionals at Showlight,” says Ayrton CEO, Chris Ferrante. “Access to industry events is crucial for early-career freelancers, yet often financially challenging. By sponsoring these bursaries, we’re helping remove barriers, ensuring emerging talent can connect, learn, and contribute to the future of lighting design. Investing in the next generation benefits the entire industry, and we’re delighted to play a part in shaping its future.”

Applications and 200-word statements can be submitted directly via the Showlight website here

Showlight would like to acknowledge the amazing support it receives from all its sponsors, a list of whom can be found on the Showlight website ( www.showlight.org/our-sponsors ). Their generosity allows Showlight to maintain the standards education, entertainment and networking expected of this unique lighting quadrennial, and we look forward to delivering another sparkling event in May.

More announcements will be made in the lead up to Showlight 2025. Join the Showlight Mailing List ( www.showlight.org ) to be amongst the first to know all the breaking news as it happens.

More Speakers Announced!

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:02:47 GMT

More Speakers Announced!

The countdown to Showlight 2025 is upon us and it’s time to announce the next round of speakers engaged to share their experiences over three glorious days in Dijon this May.

With topics drawing from innovations in mixed and multimedia lighting, the illumination of spaces from the smallest venue to the wide open sky, and the subject of climate change and sustainability initiatives, here’s the next selection to tantalise and titivate your technical tastebuds!

Lighting ‘Cine-Theatre’

Nick Schlieper , one of Australia’s most highly awarded designers, will examine the considerable challenges posed by lighting Cine-Theatre, a style of production which utilises live feed video combined with pre-recorded footage with which the performers constantly interact. The term was coined by a critic, writing about a ground-breaking production of The Picture Of Dorian Gray in Sydney, in 2020 and applied to subsequent productions of Jekyll and Hyde and Dracula .

Small Venues, Gigantic Ideas

Argentinian lighting designers, Sophya Acosta and Luciana Suppicich from Sophya Acosta Lighting Design Studio, specialise in creating unique magical moments within the spacial and technical constraints of small venues. Together they will disclose how these restrictions can inspire the most extraordinary and ingenious ideas.

Embracing the Blue Hour – lighting design under an open sky

Phil Supple has created outdoor lighting designs for large scale performances, artworks, public and private commissions for over 25 years. Celebrating the rewards of an outdoor lighting design practice, he will explore the delivery of landscape lighting and lighting artworks under transitional, dynamic, and sometimes unruly conditions in both urban and rural contexts.

Not the End of the World

Inspired by Hannah Ritchie’s book of the same name, Bryan Raven , erstwhile MD of White Light and champion of sustainability, takes a more positive and optimistic view of the battle against climate change and the wider sustainability topic with examples taken from his experiences with White Light and working with various organisations in the live events sector.

The musical 40-45 brings 360 Degrees of Emotion

With over 30 years of experience in creating immersive visual experiences, founder and creative director of Painting with Light, Luc Peumans , will use the new-style immersive musical experience of the musical, 40-45, to show how he blended emotional storytelling with high-tech motion technology, innovative lighting and multimedia design to maintaining the fluidity and intensity of the narrative.

More speakers will be added to the website in the coming weeks and months – keep checking in here www.showlight.org/speakers to find out more, or better still, join the Showlight Mailing List ( www.showlight.org ) to be amongst the first to know!

Student Sponsorship Application Deadline

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:34:09 GMT

Deadline for Showlight Sponsored Student Scheme Applications - 31 January 2025

Calling All Students! The Showlight Student Sponsorship deadline is near! Don’t delay! Get your application in today! Applications close on Friday 31 January 2025.

Tutors – please make sure your students are aware of this fantastic opportunity!

Showlight’s sponsorship scheme is open to students and recent graduates of lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

Successful applicants enjoy free-of-charge entry to Showlight 2025, with access to the full Programme of Papers, admission to the exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers, networking opportunities during the daily breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening and the Conference Dinner on Wednesday evening.

Around 30 places are available but spaces are filling up fast.

Here’s what former Showlight student participant and presenter of Sweeney Todd – A Site Specific Experience , Amy Mae Smith, had to say about Showlight 2017: “Showlight is an inspiring few days where you can meet and learn from lighting designers, programmers and video designers that you would never normally be able to meet, from all over the world. People from Theatre, TV, live events and more. It is a great chance to meet a mix of people with different views, approaches and styles to design. A brilliant event with the right mix of talks, exhibitors and tours.” Amy Mae Smith

You can see a snippet of her presentation here – just after Durham Marenghi’s paper about lighting the Olympics!

Amy Mae Smith at Showlight 2017

Students - don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique lighting quadrennial networking event.

Each successful applicant is sponsored by one of the Showlight exhibitors and will receive a £500.00 stipend to put towards their travel and accommodation. In return, each student will be expected to help their sponsor with the exhibition stand fit up on Monday 19 May and the de-rig on Thursday 22 May and will benefit from being part of the team during the exhibition opening times. Stands are small so this is an easy set up and a chance to build a relationship with your sponsor, get to know key people from their team and what it is to take part in a bespoke exhibition.

Showlight is an invaluable environment for those just starting their careers in lighting to network with and learn from established professionals and potential future employees within the industry. It also enables you to make new friends from other educational establishments who will be going into the same industry as you.

If you are attending – or have recently graduated from – a lighting course and want to be involved, submit your application via the link on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/students no later than 31 January 2025 . Please answer all questions and provide a link to your portfolio and/or LinkedIN profile, or other professional social media site, as part of the selection process.

Showlight only comes round every four years, so don’t delay in getting your application in today!

First Speakers Announced!

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:30:00 GMT

First Speakers Announced!

Showlight is extremely excited to announce the first of its speakers who will present Papers in May.

The selection draws from a mixture of lighting disciplines covering site specific installations, mixed lighting challenges, product innovation and circus spectaculars with speakers, new and familiar, travelling to Dijon to be part of at this exceptional networking quadrennial.

Here’s the first of what the Showlight 2025 line-up has to offer:

The Magic of Cirque du Soleil

Mikki Kunttu will explain how he turns magic into reality as the lighting & set designer and programmer for a number of spectacular Cirque du Soleil shows.

The Power of Light – From Myth to Science to Control

Anne Militello will examine how lighting techniques used today to stir emotional reactions, date back centuries to when man first incorporated light into ritual. From narratives based in mythology and science, these techniques were later adapted with technology to induce awe, ecstasy and fear as a more efficient way to exert power and control.

Though Dusk into Darkness

Simon Corder will present some musings on design practice, working with daylight becoming night, the natural marriage of set and lighting design, long-throw follow spots, and not being fully in control…using his work at the Hedeland Arena in Denmark as an example.

MAYRIT. Light and Vibration

Ezequiel Nobili , from the Spanish lighting association (AAI) will engage us with a site-specific work for the LuzMadrid 2023 Festival which used olfactory, tactile, visual and auditory devices to create a multisensory experience to leave a lasting mark in the memory of the audience.

The Role of Dynamic Lighting in Two Iconic Milanese Sites: The Cathedral and the Shoah Memorial.

Marco Miglioli examines how lighting in architecture transcends the mere function of illuminating spaces, changing and guiding visitors through their journey. Much like in theatre, it creates different scenes evoking emotions and memory.

Creating Light Without Electricity…and an 828m facelift

David Gray will take us on a journey through fictitious worlds where the original IP has no ‘electricity’, bring us custom character fixtures created for the Smurfs, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek, and finish with the construction challenges and recent control upgrade of the 1000 exterior strobe installation on the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

The Showlight Papers Committee continues to work its way through an entertaining swathe of submissions but is always looking for more! If you have an idea or a project to present, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a brief outline here: papers@showlight.org

Tickets On Sale Now!

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:00:03 GMT

Tickets On Sale Now!

Exciting News! Showlight Delegate Tickets are on sale now! Don’t miss your chance to be at the first in-person Showlight since 2017.

The much-anticipated quadrennial networking event for lighting practitioners takes place at Le Parc des Expositions et Congrès de Dijon in France from 19-22 May 2025 with Robert Juliat as its headline sponsor. Tickets for this unique networking event are now on sale and can be booked direct from the website at www.showlight.org/tickets

Register for Showlight 2025 here: www.showlight.org/tickets

Delegates have a choice of three ticket options: Full Delegate, Day Delegate (Papers Only) or Student .

Full Delegate ticket holders enjoy the whole event which, in addition to the Papers Sessions on all days, includes daily lunch and coffee/tea breaks, Monday evening’s Welcome Reception, Tuesday evening’s Company-Sponsored Dinners, the new Wednesday afternoon Workshops and the grand Showlight Conference Dinner.

Day Delegate (Papers Only) tickets give delegates access for one day to attend the Papers Sessions on either Tuesday, Wednesday (including workshops) or Thursday - with, of course, lunch, tea and coffee breaks included.

Student ticket holders, like Full Delegates, will have access on all days to the Papers Presentations, Workshops, Welcome Reception, Company Dinners, Conference Dinner and daily tea & coffee breaks and lunch.

All ticket holders will have full admission to the Exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers and service providers which is open between Papers Sessions.

Tickets will sell out fast, so secure your place now by visiting the Showlight website at www.showlight.org to purchase yours.

Sponsored Student Scheme

Showlight offers the opportunity for a number of students and recent graduates of lighting courses to attend Showlight 2025 free of charge, with places sponsored by the exhibitors. In return for sponsored attendance, each student is required to make themselves available to help their exhibitor with their stand fit-up on Monday 19 May and the de-rig on Thursday 22 May. For more information and to submit your application for one of these free tickets, fill in the selection form on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/students.

Book your hotel here: www.showlight.org/hotels-travel

Dijon is a busy destination (especially with Showlight descending on it!) so book your accommodation as soon as possible to ensure you have the room you want. Headline sponsor Robert Juliat has worked hard with Showlight to secure a number of preferential rates with hotels in the Accor group, a list of which can be found on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/hotels-travel . Be sure to tick the ‘Special Rates/Tarifs Spéciaux’ box showing SHOWLIGHT 2025 to secure this rate. Rooms are on a first come, first served basis after which the prices will revert to the standard rate.

More information on all aspects of Showlight 2025 will be released over the coming months. Look out for news on speakers and their papers topics, and the new programme of workshops. Details of new exhibitors and sponsors are continually being updated on the Showlight website and social media sites. There are lots of ways to keep in touch: sign up to the Mailing List, follow us on all the usual social media sites and check out the Showlight website www.showlight.org .

We look forward to seeing you all in Dijon next May!

Register for Showlight 2025 here: www.showlight.org/tickets

Book your Dijon hotel here: www.showlight.org/hotels-travel

Showlight Student Scheme Applications Open

sonja.walker@plasa.org (Sonja Walker) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:59:45 GMT

Showlight Student Scheme Applications Open

Showlight is proud to offer a sponsorship scheme for a number of students and recent graduates of university, college or school courses related to lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

We are now inviting international students to apply for placements which allow free of charge entry to Showlight 2025 in Dijon, France from 19-22 May 2025. At least 30 places are up for grabs, and you’ll need to be available for the entire four days as they will be packed with special events you won’t want to miss!

All students get to enjoy the full Programme of Papers, admission to the accompanying exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers between Papers Sessions, the networking opportunities of the daily morning and afternoon tea breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening and the Conference Dinner on Wednesday evening.

Also included is participation in the new Showlight workshops on the Wednesday afternoon, and inclusion in a series of creative tasks Showlight has planned for students to design, build and pitch to the rest of the conference. Student coordinator, James Simpson, will also be running some introductory workshops for students to get to know each other and to help them get the most out of the conference, including networking both online and offline.

Each successful applicant is sponsored by one of the Showlight exhibitors and will receive a £500.00 stipend to put towards their travel and accommodation. In return, each student is requested to make themselves available to their sponsor to help with their stand fit up on Monday 19 May and the de-rig on Thursday 22 May and will benefit from being part of the team during the exhibition opening times. Stands are small so this is an easy set up and a chance to build a relationship with your sponsor, get to know key people from their team and what it is to take part in a bespoke exhibition.

If you are attending – or have recently graduated from - one of these courses and want to be involved, submit your application via the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/students . Please answer all questions and provide a link to your portfolio and/or LinkedIN profile, or other professional social media site, as part of the selection process.

Tutors! If you are a tutor running one of these courses, please be sure to make your students aware of this fantastic opportunity!

Showlight only comes round every four years, so don’t delay in getting your application in!

The Call for Papers is Hotting Up!

julie@joolzharper.co.uk (Julie Harper) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:11:38 GMT

Showlight 2025 is Inviting Exhibitors.

Showlight 2025 has sparked huge excitement from the get go. The Papers Committee are meeting to discuss the first raft of Papers submissions for the central programme, the first Sponsors are already signed up and visible on the Showlight website (https://www.showlight.org/our-sponsors), and 60% of the exhibition spaces have already been sold.

If you want to become part of Showlight 2025 as an Exhibitor, don’t delay in contacting us to secure your space.

Remember, the exhibition area is the place to meet lighting designers, directors and delegates across all disciplines, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, at morning, afternoon and lunchtime breaks. These breaks are a key part of Showlight’s unique networking opportunities and allow much closer contact with entertainment lighting users and specifiers than any of the large-scale trade shows. The exhibition area is also our break and dining area, so you can expect speakers and delegates to spend time on your stand or table – and with an anticipated attendance of 350-400, that gives everyone three days of quality time for great conversations and discussions.

In 2025, as part of the new look Showlight, exhibitors are offered a choice of two exhibitor options: the traditional 3m x 3m shell scheme complete with table and 6 chairs on which to welcome delegates, or a trestle table and six chairs located in the centre of the exhibition space where delegates can sit with you and chat during the breaks. The latter has been introduced as an economic way for smaller exhibitors to have a presence at the conference.

Either option is manned by two nominated members of your staff and exhibitors will also be allocated a lighting student or young professional – who will have expressed an interest in your company - to help with the fit up and break down and throughout the event.

And don’t forget, during the Papers Sessions all exhibitors can enjoy the presentations too, providing more thought-provoking fuel to those valuable break time discussions.

Exhibitors also have the option to host a table at a pre-selected restaurant for the traditional Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening.

For more information and to book your space, contact Matt Hallard on exhibit@showlight.org

Not up for exhibiting? You can still be come a Showlight sponsor. We rely upon our sponsors to make Showlight happen. Plenty of opportunities exist to become a Showlight 2025 sponsor, including sponsoring a student or a speaker. Contact Matt Hallard on sponsorship@showlight.org for more details.

Showlight 2025 to exhibit at PLASA London

julie@joolzharper.co.uk (Julie Harper) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:59:45 GMT

Come and meet the Committee - Stand A34

If you want to know more about Showlight, what it is and how to attend, members of the Showlight Committee will be waiting to meet you on Stand A34 to answer all your questions!

Whether you want information on becoming a Showlight Exhibitor, Sponsor, Speaker or Student, or what to expect when attending as a Delegate, here’s your chance to find out more.

Organised once every four years, Showlight is a unique event with a rich history, and a wanderlust that takes it to a different location every time. Aimed at anyone involved in the many disciplines of lighting design, each Showlight is organised entirely by volunteers, literally from the ground up – a new country, a new venue, every time.

Showlight 2025 will be heading to Dijon in France where lighting practitioners from across the world will gather to hear a wide variety of exciting talks and exchange ideas in four days of unrivalled networking. This will be the first face-to-face Showlight since 2017 and will be held from 19 – 22 May 2025 at Le Parc des Expositions et Congrès de Dijon.

With the Papers Committee in the process of selecting topics for the eclectic Papers Programme and exhibitors already signing up, keep your eyes open for news of Delegate Registration which will open later this year, or join the Mailing List to be the first to hear when you can secure your place.

In the meantime, visit us at PLASA Show London (Stand A34) to discover how to become involved. Register here for a free PLASA visitor pass before 30 August 2024 (NB Price increases to £15.00 on 30 August 2024)

We look forward to seeing you there.

Showlight 2025 is Inviting Exhibitors

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 08:00:01 GMT

Showlight 2025 is Inviting Exhibitors.

If you want to become part of Showlight 2025 as an Exhibitor, don’t delay in contacting us to secure your space.

And don’t forget, during the Papers Sessions all exhibitors can enjoy the presentations too, providing more thought-provoking fuel to those valuable break time discussions.

Exhibitors also have the option to host a table at a pre-selected restaurant for the traditional Company Dinners on the Tuesday evening.

For more information and to book your space, contact Matt Hallard on exhibit@showlight.org

Calling all Speakers!

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:00:01 GMT

Calling all Speakers!

Showlight 2025 is Calling for Speakers to present Papers at the next Showlight, slated for 19-22 May 2025 at Le Parc des Expositions et Congrès de Dijon, France.

The Papers Programme is the heart and soul of Showlight and we want to present our delegates with a wide variety of interesting subjects to educate and entertain. This will be the first in-person Showlight since 2017 and we are looking for exciting new projects from all disciplines of lighting and lighting to include in the 2025 Papers Programme.

Have you worked on a fabulous new project recently?
Have you tried out some new technology and got something to share?
Does your design really cut the mustard?
We want to hear from you in Dijon!

The Papers Committee has already begun the process of selecting Papers for the programme. If you have an idea, a story or an experience you’re burning to share, tell us about it!

Contact the Papers Committee on papers@showlight.org All we need now is an outline. You can fill us in on the tasty details later!

Spread the word! We want you!

Become a Showlight Sponsor or Exhibitor

Showlight could not take place without its generous sponsors and we thank Robert Juliat for remaining as our Headline Sponsor for 2025. We also want to extend our thanks to our new sponsors: Diamond Sponsor Ayrton; Platinum Sponsors Robe, MA Lighting, ETC, Chauvet, Starway, Elation and Claypaky, Palladium Sponsor FACE, Gold Sponsors Avolites and PRG, Silver Sponsors Martin Pro and Ambersphere Solutions, and Bronze Sponsors AC ET and LSC.

Plenty more opportunities exist to become a Showlight 2025 sponsor, including sponsoring a student or a speaker.
Contact Matt Hallard on sponsorship@showlight.org for more details.

We are also inviting Exhibitors to participate. If you’d like to support Showlight 2025 by taking a space, contact us on exhibit@showlight.org

Showlight is BACK! Save the Date!

Wed, 29 May 2024 07:23:14 GMT

Showlight is BACK! Save the Date!

Date: 19 - 22 May 2025

Location: Dijon, France

Venue: Le Parc des Expositions et Congrès de Dijon

Exciting News! Showlight, the much-loved quadrennial networking event for lighting professionals, will return in May 2025 . The host city for the 12th Showlight will be the delightful city of Dijon in France.

Ranked as a must-visit destination, Dijon is one of France’s most beautiful cities with an historic centre, a fine arts museum, and many cultural and gastronomic delights for you to discover. Located at the centre of France’s Burgundy region – the vineyards of which were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Dijon city centre – Dijon promises to be the perfect setting for this popular industry networking event.

Showlight cannot wait to present a brand-new programme of Papers: be prepared to share the wealth of knowledge from lighting practitioners across theatre, television, concert touring, themed attractions, events and architecture on a diverse range of topics, in a relaxed and convivial environment. There’s plenty of time to network and socialise in between Papers, enjoy face-to-face discussions with lighting designers and manufacturers alike, and browse the supporting exhibition that runs alongside the Papers presentations. Students are actively encouraged to attend for an unprecedented opportunity to learn from those already working in the industry.

Please note the new dates for Showlight 2025 which, by popular demand, have moved from their traditional weekend and will take place from Monday 19th May 2025 to Thursday 22nd May 2025 , commencing with the Welcome Reception on the Monday evening.

Details of the programme, Speakers and Papers, will be revealed in the coming months but, right now, save the date in your diaries.

Interested in becoming a Showlight Speaker?

Our search for Showlight 2025 Speakers to present Papers in Dijon is about to begin! Got an idea or a recent project you want to share? Contact the Papers Committee at papers@showlight.org with an outline of your idea. We want to hear from you!

Become a Showlight Sponsor or Exhibitor

Showlight could not take place without its generous sponsors and we thank Robert Juliat for remaining as our Headline Sponsor for 2025. Plenty more opportunities exist to become a sponsor, including sponsoring a student or a speaker. Contact Matt Hallard on sponsorship@showlight.org for more details.

We will be looking for Exhibitors in the near future. If you’d like to support Showlight 2025 by taking a space, contact us on exhibit@showlight.org

Exciting News! Showlight to Return… SOON!

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 12:28:10 GMT

Showlight to return... SOON!

Showlight is delighted to announce that it is back and will return soon! Following the enforced postponement of Showlight 2023 and a bumpy ride during the pandemic, the committee has reassembled, invigorated and forging forward to the next in the series of this unique industry-favourite networking event.

The Showlight committee is currently exploring new locations and actively seeking sponsorship for the next Showlight, the date and location of which will be confirmed in the new year.

Many experienced committee members are joined by a flush of new members in organising what promises to be one of the most exciting issues of this unique quadrennial to date.

Incoming Showlight Chairman, Jim Tetlow, who has moved from his previous position as Papers Chairman, says “We are truly excited that Showlight is back with such energy and cannot wait to bring our delegates a fantastic programme of papers and networking opportunities. This has been a much loved event since 1981 and there will be many in the industry who are very happy to hear that we will return!”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the recently retired members of the committee for their years of hard work and dedicated service.” Retiring committee members are John Allen (Chairman), Mark White (Finance Director), Petra Sefton (Catering & Food), Rob Dyer (Student Coordinator), Ed Jackson (Exhibition Coordinator) and Rudiger Benz (Techinical Support/Stage Manager).

“The spirit of Showlight has been kept truly alive by their work and we are excited to carry it forward to the next event. We have been joined by several new committee members, namely Simon Barrett, Alan Luxford and Peter Marshall, and are still looking for new members to fill the roles left vacant by our outgoing committee members.”

To get involved with the organisation of Showlight as a sponsor or in any other capacity, contact Jim Tetlow on chairman@showlight.org

More information can be found on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org where you can also sign up to the Mailing List to be the first to hear all the news as it breaks!

Showlight 2023 Postponed

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:27:27 GMT

Showlight 2023 Postponed

It is with great sadness that the Showlight Committee announces the postponement of Showlight 2023. The popular quadrennial networking event was due to take place in Fontainebleau, France from 20th – 23rd May 2023.

In a statement from Showlight, Chairman John Allen explains the reasons behind this decision:

“It is after lengthy consideration and with much deliberation that we have decided to postpone Showlight 2023. The plans and preparations for Showlight in Fontainebleau have been underway since 2018 and although the Covid lockdown took two years out of our work, it was always our intention to hold Showlight in 2023 following the lifting of Covid restrictions.

Fontainebleau is a beautiful town with an intimate theatre and a wonderful chateau as well and it is an ideal place for our quadrennial event. Plans progressed with this aim in mind. However, developments over recent weeks have raised concerns about the viability of holding Showlight next year. The major problem is that of costs for the event which have risen considerably at a time when inflation in the UK and across Europe is rising.

When we first budgeted for Showlight in Fontainebleau, in 2018, the future looked good, but the combination of Covid, the current political and economic state in Europe, and more recently, uncertain final costs for the event, have put Showlight in severe jeopardy of failure, both with the standard of our unique event and also in its cost.

As a result, the directors of Showlight Ltd have decided that we need to postpone next May’s event. I know that this will come as a shock to many, I am also very disappointed and quite despondent that we have had to reach this decision but there is no alternative at present.

I would like to thank all those who have wholeheartedly supported us in our work so far and the delegates who so faithfully return to Showlight on each occasion. In the early part of 2023 we will be holding a committee meeting to determine where Showlight goes from here and will keep you updated with all future plans.

Thank you for your support and understanding.”

There’s still time to submit your Papers ideas!

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 08:00:07 GMT

Renewed Call for Papers

Showlight reminds you that there is still time to submit your suggestions for Papers for the Showlight quadrennial next May.

Showlight takes place from 20-23 May 2023 in Fontainebleau, France, and our Papers Committee is still in the process of considering and selecting topics for the famed Papers Programme.

We are looking for the latest news on lighting projects and technology. Have you worked on an incredible installation or a fantastic festival this summer? Has your project achieved its peak? Did your event engage the latest technology? Did your broadcast bowl its audience over?

We want to hear from you!

We aim for variety across topics relevant to all aspects of the lighting industry today. We want to hear about your experiences, your ambitions, your inspirations, your concerns, your successes and failures. We are not looking for simple product promotion.

Please send a brief summary of the Paper you are proposing, along with a description of the visuals available to papers@showlight.org

You have until 30 November to submit your ideas for consideration. This will allow the Showlight Papers Committee to finalise the programme in good time.

2023 will be the first return of Showlight in 6 years after the enforced postponement due to the pandemic, and it promises to be an exceptional event. Become part of this latest gathering as a speaker, a sponsor or exhibitor, or by attending as a student or delegate. Whichever way you choose, it’s going to be too good to miss!

Ticket sales are due to open in October . Watch the press for further updates or join our Mailing List to be the first to hear.

Want to become an Exhibitor or Sponsor? If you want to be part of the welcome return of this top networking event as a sponsor or exhibitor, contact John Allen at sponsorship@showlight.org

Join our Mailing List

Showlight 2023 to exhibit and present seminar at PLASA Show 2022

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 17:42:08 GMT

PLASA Show Stand Number: A46

Date: 4-6 September 2022

Venue: Kensington Olympia, London

Showlight will be exhibiting at PLASA Show 2022 on Stand A46 giving visitors the chance to meet some of the Committee that organise this unique quadrennial event and discover more about what the event has to offer.

Showlight Chairman, John Allen, and Showlight Technical Director and past-Chairman of the Papers Committee, Bernie Davis, will also present a seminar “Discover Showlight 2023” as part of the PLASA Educational & Seminar programme, on Sunday 4 September at 12.45pm – 13.15pm in Seminar Theatre 1.

John and Bernie will outline what you can expect – in form and content - at Showlight 2023 which takes place in Fontainebleau, near Paris, from 20-23 May 2023. This seminar is your chance to learn more about how Showlight works, and how you can participate as a delegate, sponsor, exhibitor, student, or speaker at Fontainebleau.

You can sign up for the “Discover Showlight 2023” seminar using this link:

https://www.plasashow.com/plasa-show-2022-seminar-programme/discover-showlight-2023

https://registration.gesevent.com/survey/1ibtbcj5j6f10?actioncode=NTWO000269SSS

* * *

After a postponement of 2 years, Showlight returns in all its glory to host a global audience of delegates from all realms of lighting professions who gather to hear the experiences of their peers, and celebrate all things lighting. The venue is the Théâtre Municipal in Fontainebleau and our headline sponsor for 2023 is French lighting manufacturer, Robert Juliat, whose representative, Séverine Zucchiatti, will also be at the seminar.

Showlight is a unique colloquium, organised for lighting professionals by lighting professionals, which takes place every four years in a different location. It presents a unique opportunity for lighting designers, technicians, cinematographers, equipment manufacturers and lighting practitioners from across the globe to network during 3 enjoyable days of papers, panels, social events and an exhibition, all focused around a love of lighting.

Papers are being selected as we speak and exhibitor places are limited and filling up fast. Showlight only happens every four years - don’t miss it!

To book your space as an exhibitor or become a Showlight sponsor, contact John Allen on sponsorship@showlight.org .

To submit a paper, contact Papers Chairman Jim Tetlow on papers@showlight.org

We are grateful to the following sponsors who are continuing to support Showlight despite the pandemic-enforced hiatus: our headline sponsor, Robert Juliat, Platinum sponsor, Ayrton, Gold sponsors Eyetidy, Robe, SFL, Silver sponsors ABTT, ACT Entertainment, Altman, CAST, Christie Lites, White Light and Bronze sponsor, PRG. We are proud to have LSI as our Media Partner and LSA as our Media Supporter once more, and the support of PLASA.

Calling all Showlight Exhibitors and Sponsors – it’s time!

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 07:07:03 GMT

Calling all Showlight Exhibitors and Sponsors – it’s time!

It’s less than ten months until Showlight 2023 and preparations are gathering pace for this premier networking event. This will be the first in-person Showlight for 6 years and excitement is building rapidly as plans are made and diaries blocked out.

Exhibitors

Exhibitor stand bookings are underway with many confirmations already in place. The first exhibitors will be announced in the coming weeks. Those who wish to exhibit should contact John Allen at the soonest opportunity as places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Don’t miss your chance to be an integral part of Showlight 2023!

Sponsors

There are plenty of opportunities to become a Showlight sponsor – whether you choose to exhibit or not. Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorships exist alongside specific sponsorship for aspects such as hospitality, transport, welcome drinks, speakers or students, and many more to suit all budgets – you could even suggest your own idea! Again, these sponsorship roles will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and all enquiries should be made to John Allen who will furnish the full details.

With Fontainebleau the location for Showlight 2023, it is especially fitting that our headline sponsor for this year is French lighting manufacturer, Robert Juliat. We are also grateful to the following sponsors who are already in place: Platinum sponsor, Ayrton, Gold sponsors Eyetidy, Robe, SFL, Silver sponsors ABTT, ACT Entertainment, Altman, CAST, Christie Lites, White Light and Bronze sponsor, PRG. We are proud to have LSi as our Media Partner and LSA as our Media Supporter once more, and the support of PLASA.

Showlight only happens every 4 years, and is the most popular networking event for the lighting industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with lighting designers, manufacturers, students, technicians and lighting practitioners from all over the world, for three days in a single, beautiful setting. We would love you to join us, so be sure to book your stand space or sponsorship soon. Contact John Allen on chairman@showlight.org .

Showlight to exhibit at ABTT – stand E32

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 11:19:05 GMT

Showlight to exhibit at ABTT – stand E32

Date: 22-23 June 2022

Venue: Alexandra Palace, London

Showlight is only a year away and we are getting excited already!

As part of the build up, Showlight will be exhibiting at ABTT (#ABTTTheatreShow) next month at Alexandra Palace (22-23 June 2022). Our first trade show since 2019 and a chance to meet with our future delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers face-to-face.

Come and find us on stand E32, which is situated conveniently close to Education Alley, the Associations Area…and the refreshment area! You can find out more about Showlight quadrennial and why it is such a popular and unique networking event.

Showlight is the only international event organised for lighting professionals, by lighting professionals and gives you 4 fantastic days (20-23 May 2023) focused around a fascinating presentations delivered by lighting designers from all disciplines, and plenty of opportunity to network at a range of social events, workshops and dinners, not forgetting the glamorous Grand Conference Dinner of course! The Papers Committee has started work on the programme of speakers and is already spoilt for choice, but will continue to invite participants until closer to the date to ensure the most current projects are considered.

Showlight has always been well-supported by its exhibitors and 2023 will see around 25 exhibitors join the fun. Showlight offers unprecedented access to designers, students, venues and technicians in an informal atmosphere where knowledge sharing is paramount. Not sure if you want to be an exhibitor? Check out our website for some good reasons why, ( www.showlight/why-exhibit? ) or better still, visit us at ABTT next month to discuss some options. We currently have places left, but they will go quickly as costs continue to represent excellent value for money. Don’t miss out on this once-in-four-year opportunity!

ABTT is a Silver Sponsor of Showlight and we are continuing to invite more sponsors to come on board. As well as the standard sponsorship opportunities, we are also looking for mini-sponsors – companies or individuals or those with smaller budgets who can opt to sponsor the small but vital things that help make Showlight so enjoyable. Past mini-sponsors have supported Showlight by sponsoring welcome drinks on the first night, a student or speaker, or even tea, coffee or lunch refreshments.

To find out more about becoming an Exhibitor or a Sponsor, contact Showlight Chairman, John Allen, on chairman@showlight.org

We are grateful to the following sponsors who are continuing to support Showlight despite the pandemic-enforced hiatus of two years: our headline sponsor, Robert Juliat, Platinum sponsor, Ayrton, Gold sponsors Eyetidy, Robe, SFL, Silver sponsors ABTT, ACT Entertainment, Altman, CAST, Christie Lites, White Light and Bronze sponsor, PRG. We are proud to have LSI as our Media Partner and LSA as our Media Supporter once more, and the support of PLASA.

Submissions for Papers will continue to be accepted up until 30 November 2022. Contact the Papers Committee Chairman, Jim Tetlow, for more information on papers@showlight.org

Or Join our Mailing List ( www.showlight.org ) to keep abreast of all new developments as they happen and follow us on:

Facebook: @showlightevent

Twitter: @Showlight2023

LinkedIn: @showlightevent

Follow ABTT on #ABTTTheatreShow.

Showlight 2023 - Call for Papers

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 11:00:05 GMT

Call for Papers – we want to hear from you!

With less than 18 months to go until the next IN PERSON gathering, Showlight is putting out a Call for Papers. Now is your chance to share your exciting lighting or terrific technology by presenting a paper at this unique and much-loved quadrennial networking event.

The heart of Showlight has always been its eclectic mix of papers showcasing different disciplines and specialities of lighting. These are delivered by international lighting designers, lighting directors, directors of photography and architectural lighting designers, or associated crafts like programmers and manufacturers. Past subjects have covered designs and achievements in the fields of lighting for ballet, rock ‘n’ roll, opera, theatre, the largest tv spectacular and the smallest student projects, as well as lighting for landscapes, new and fascinating architecture, puppet theatre, animated films, and innovations in new equipment and solutions to lighting problems as well as lighting with candles!

One thing is universal – the variety of papers never cease to interest and entertain.

***

“Showlight was so inspiring and fun, the networking and catching up with friends were a major plus...Congratulations on organizing this rewarding program, and thank you for the honour to present some thoughts to this amazing group of people. I’m pleased to have been part of the event.” Jeff Ravitz, US lighting designer and Showlight 2017 speaker - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

***

2023 sees the return of Showlight to Fontainebleau after a two-year delay and momentum is already gathering. Help us bring it back in style by presenting a paper on your own hot topic. Talks are to be 20 minutes in length to enable as many papers as possible to be presented over the three-day period.

We aim for variety, across all aspects of the lighting industry today. We want to hear about your experiences, your ambitions, your inspirations, your concerns, your successes and your failures. We are not looking for simple product promotion.

Typical subjects might include:

Innovative and interesting designs
Unusual projects large or small
Solving the impossible
Your unique corner of the lighting world
The future and the past - where should we be going and what should we have learnt
Issues that are affecting our industry and how we work

If you would like to become part of Showlight 2023 by presenting a paper, please send us the following at papers@showlight.org:

Name(s)
Company
Mobile number
Email address
A brief summary of the paper you are proposing

Please note: all papers will be considered by the Showlight Papers Committee, and if selected you will be contacted for further details, and with technical requirements and accommodation information.

We look forward to receiving your exciting ideas.

***

“Showlight is like an AA meeting for lighting designers! This is my first time attending and I didn’t really know what to expect. I was thinking it was more like a tradeshow, but it’s totally different. The closeness and connectivity between us all is great. Collegial sharing is what it’s all about.” Mikki Kunttu, Finnish Lighting Designer and Showlight 2017 speaker – Swan Lake at the Royal Danish Ballet

***

Want to become an Exhibitor or Sponsor?
If you want to be part of the welcome return of this top networking event as a sponsor or exhibitor, contact John Allen at chairman@showlight.org

Join our Mailing List

Showlight to return in 2023

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 08:47:08 GMT

Showlight to return in 2023

Showlight is excited to announce that plans are underway to reinstate Showlight 2023 which, after a two-year postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now scheduled to take place between 20-23 May 2023. The venue for this much-loved lighting quadrennial will be the Théâtre Municipal in Fontainebleau, near Paris, France, the original destination for the postponed 2021 event.

“The Showlight committee is now planning for the next live Showlight in May 2023 and we hope this time nothing will de-rail it!” says Showlight chairman, John Allen. “We are delighted to have the continued support of our main sponsor, Robert Juliat, along with many of the sponsors who were already supporting Showlight 2021. Fontainebleau’s local administration has, once again, made the Théâtre Municipal available for us - right in the centre of the town - and, as a result, the arrangements we were originally making for 2021 can be dusted off and planning can recommence.

“The Welcome Reception is planned for Saturday 20 May, with the first full day of papers on Sunday 21 May 2023. More programme details will be released in due course and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Showlight next year.”

With this in mind, and less than 18 months to go, Showlight will soon be putting out a Call for Papers, Exhibitors and Sponsors for this unique networking event. If you want to share your exciting lighting or terrific technology, contact us at papers@showlight.org. If you want to become part of the welcome return of this top networking event as a sponsor or exhibitor, contact John Allen at chairman@showlight.org

“I had such a terrific time, I’m still talking about it. I was so inspired and motivated by the speakers that I have a renewed energy for my work and trying new things. I met so many new people and learned so much about different people’s work, it has been invaluable.” James Simpson, lighting designer and visualiser at Copper Candle, Showlight 2017 speaker – and now, Vice Chair of the Papers Committee!

If you’ve never attended a Showlight before, or you’ve simply missed mixing with your peers, Showlight 2023 is your opportunity to mingle, and learn, with lighting practitioners from all disciplines and many countries, across three enjoyable days of networking, social visits, eclectic papers and an exhibition.

“Showlight packs a full programme into three days which gives the opportunity to dive deep into the world of light and to meet lots of new people outside of your normal comfort zone.” Isabel Nielen, lighting designer and artist, and Showlight 2017 speaker.

Put the date in your diary (20-23 May 2023), visit the Showlight website (www.showlight.org) for more details, and sign up to the Mailing List to keep abreast of all new developments.

“Showlight is so interesting because of the access it gives to everybody. Students can talk directly to top lighting designers, lighting designers have lots of time to interact with manufacturers, etc. It’s first and foremost an excellent networking event.” Ellen Lampert-Greaux, Live Design, Showlight 2017 delegate

Showlight 2022 Postponed

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:16:07 GMT

Showlight 2022 Postponed

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 situation worldwide, it is with regret that Showlight has decided to further postpone the popular lighting quadrennial in its traditional form. Showlight chairman, John Allen, explains the reasons behind the decision:

A Letter from the Chairman

The Showlight committee has been reviewing the current state of our industry and the effects of the Covid pandemic on employment in many of our theatres, conference centres, touring venues, and within our manufacturing and servicing companies. We have also considered the difficulties and unpredictability of travel bans, quarantining and the effect of Brexit, and none of our conclusions are encouraging.

As a result, we have reluctantly decided that a traditional Showlight in 2022 at Fontainebleau is not viable in any form so a further postponement will be necessary, and we will reconsider our options for Showlight 2023 next Spring, ideally to take place in Fontainebleau as previously planned.

Our main considerations when reaching this decision revolve around a number of major concerns. Showlight delegates come from many branches of our industry and we fully appreciate that those who are freelancers or part of teams within performance spaces may not be able to spare the time or even afford to attend if they are finally back in any kind of regular employment after long periods of inactivity.

Others who work in studios and on film sets or in servicing and supply may also find that they cannot be spared from work places if the industry is beginning to show signs of new growth. Our sponsors and exhibitors too, on whom we rely for financial support, may also be finding times tough and in need of a period of revival before being able to actively take part again in a live Showlight.

Added to all this, the Showlight committee, who are mainly based in the UK, although there are also members in the US, France and Germany, need to plan all aspects of the event and onsite meetings and visits to the locality are necessary. It is hoped that the requirements for quarantining will be lifted soon, but current restrictions on travel, new visa requirements and simply planning catering and the social side of Showlight with local companies, who are also experiencing problems of Covid, simply add to the difficulties of organisation.

Showlight will return again in all its glory just as soon as possible but until Covid can be controlled and we are back to a better time for the lighting industry, we have to wait in the wings.

John Allen, Chairman

Virtual Showlight 2021 Papers available to view online

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 08:47:31 GMT

Virtual Showlight 2021 Papers available to view online

Following on from the inaugural Virtual Showlight event, which took place on Tuesday 25 May 2021, the Showlight Committee are delighted to announce that all VSL Papers and Video Shorts are now available to view online on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/videos .

Speakers Hamish Jenkinson, Mike Bauman, Ken Billington, Aaron Porter, Rob Halliday, Isabel Nielen, Floriaan Ganzevoort and Mike Evers, and David Bishop spoke on topics that included the illumination of a lighthouse on an island in the Bahamas, lighting a comic book movie, the remote lighting of a stage musical from half way around the globe, transforming a shipyard into an art gallery, and taking a spin on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.

Also viewable online is the Panel Discussion on the subject of Diversity in the Industry, chaired by Paule Constable, which gave voice to young people with inspiring insights into their journeys into lighting, their plans to raise awareness going forward and the importance of free communication between colleagues to aid mutual understanding.

The Papers are augmented by a new series of Video Shorts - surprise pre-recorded bonus features - that tantalised the lighting tastebuds between Papers on the day, with a few bonus presentations added for good measure. Contributors include Jules Fisher + Peggy Eisenhauer, Tony Simpson, Ryan Metcalfe and Elliot Smith, Marco Miglioli and Bill Klages.

All VSL Papers and Video Shorts are available to view free-of-charge, but Showlight would like to remind people that donations to industry charities Backup and Behind the Scenes are encouraged until the end of June via the Showlight JustGiving Page .

Virtual Showlight 2021 proves a success in reality!

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 09:36:46 GMT

Virtual Showlight 2021 proves a success in reality!

The first Virtual Showlight event which was held on Tuesday 25 May 2021 proved to be a real success story. With the full Showlight postponed due to the pandemic, VSL 2021 turned trial into triumph when it threw open its virtual doors to an online audience in excess of 430 delegates. Students, educational establishments, venues and of course lighting designers from all genres of the industry - theatre, film and TV, architectural and events, and more - attended from almost 50 countries, and many have since returned to re-watch the Papers through Hubilo’s On Demand service.

Delegates were treated to a diverse range of subject matters from industry professionals at the top of their game. Topics included the illumination of a lighthouse on an island in the Bahamas, lighting a comic book movie, the remote lighting of a stage musical from half way around the globe, transforming a shipyard into an art gallery, and taking a spin on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor. Hamish Jenkinson, Mike Bauman, Ken Billington, Aaron Porter, Rob Halliday, Isabel Nielen, Floriaan Ganzevoort and Mike Evers, and David Bishop all delivered their papers with a wealth of knowledge, humour, imagery and video footage.

The panel discussion on the subject of diversity in the industry, chaired by Paule Constable, gave voice to young people who gave inspiring insights into their journeys into lighting, their plans to raise awareness going forward and the importance of free communication between colleagues to aid mutual understanding. Delegates responded en masse to the informative, positive nature of the discussion of this very important subject, with one claiming it to be ‘probably the best panel discussion ever, globally, in the lighting industry.’

The Papers programme was interspersed with a series of Video Shorts - surprise pre-recorded bonus features - that tantalised the lighting tastebuds, with some giving a snapshot of papers that will be on offer when the full Showlight returns – hopefully in 2022.

Video Shorts

In Bohemian Rhapsody - What Happened to the Green…? Tony Simpson, lighting designer for theatre, opera, fashion, live events and feature film, gave an insight into the changes that can be made very quickly for stage and concert lighting within a feature film when trying to satisfy the differing demands of the creative team.

For Lighting a Virtual Production - The New Techniques Used to Light a World-First CGI Show , Ryan Metcalfe, producer of Romeo & Juliet and Managing Director of Preevue, and lighting designer, Elliot Smith, gave a glimpse behind the virtual curtain at how this award-winning show was lit. Shot entirely on green screen, with the cast placed onstage in a fully virtual space in post-production, Smith’s job was to blend virtual and real lighting.

Jules Fisher + Peggy Eisenhauer, lighting design partners at Third Eye, Razzle Dazzled viewers with their discussion of the integration of theatrical and film lighting within the movie Chicago . Italian lighting designer, Marco Miglioli, talked about Bringing Theatricality to Architectural Lighting , illustrating his talk with some stunning imagery of the artworks and architecture he has lit. And lighting director and Showlight favourite, Bill Klages shared his Favourite Moment in Lighting with a dreamy sequence from America’s TV special Dance in America , first shown in 1984, and featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov and a single key light.

The remainder of the day was given to networking in the sponsor breakout rooms and social lounges where delegates and manufacturers could meet and discuss products and concepts.

For those who missed some of these gems or were unable to attend the day, all Virtual Showlight papers, the panel discussion and Video Shorts will be available to view on the Hubilo platform at www.vsl21.hubilo.com until the end of June (sign in with your registration code), and on the Showlight website thereafter. Like Virtual Showlight, viewing is free of charge, but donations to industry charities Backup and Behind the Scenes are encouraged via the Showlight JustGiving Page at http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/virtualshowlight21 which will also remain open until the end of June.

At the end of the evening, the chairman, John Allen, expressed his thanks to all those involved in creating and attending the first Virtual Showlight and to those who donated to the industry charities, Backup and Behind the Scenes. The total reached is now nearly £1,500. He added that this was an experiment that worked extremely well and thanked Amanda Murray and her team at MaxLive Events for all their help and guidance with the technical presentation.

In summing up he said, "Without doubt we have proved that screening papers on the internet, with the option of watching again at a convenient time after the initial screening, has been a success. We now need to take this development on board as we plan for our next Showlight which we desperately hope will go ahead in Fontainebleau in 2022."

Images from the virtual event can be downloaded HERE (Zip file, 7.5Mb)

Virtual Showlight has been brilliantly supported by its generous sponsors whose donations have enabled Showlight to cover the cost of this virtual event, allowing the maximum of delegate donations to go direct to the charities. Robert Juliat is the headline sponsor, and is joined by Ayrton, ACT Lighting, Inc., Altman, ARRI, Claypaky, Copper Candle, ETC, GLP, Robe, Vari-lite/Strand and Vectorworks. Virtual Showlight is also supported by media partner, LSi, and by LSA and PLASA.

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Programme of Events released

Fri, 14 May 2021 08:00:02 GMT

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Programme of Events released

Date and Venue: 25 May 2021 – online!

Are you ready for Virtual Showlight? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear industry leading lighting designers talk about their work, ask them questions and network with others from across the industry – all from the comfort of your own home!

VSL Programme of Events Released

Virtual Showlight is ready to entertain and inform you with a fantastic selection of speakers (https://www.showlight.org/virtual-speakers) and a panel discussion focusing on diversity within the industry. There will be plenty of opportunity to network between papers, meet with sponsoring manufacturers in their breakout rooms, and view a selection of Video Shorts from a rich variety of lighting designers as stand-alone features or tasters of the next full Showlight event.

Virtual Showlight takes place on Tuesday 25 May 2021 from 15.00 BST – 23.00 BST. The following timings may be subject to alteration, and any changes will be announced at the start of the conference. Video Shorts will be presented between sessions.

Programme of Events

15.00 Introduction & welcome from Showlight chairman, John Allen

15.10 Paper 1 : The Disco Lighthouse - Hamish Jenkinson

15.45 Break

16.00 Paper 2 : Lighting a Comic Book Movie - Birds of Prey Case Study - Mike Bauman

16.45 Sponsors Breakout Rooms

17.35 Paper 3 : Lighting Around The World Without Leaving Home: The Story of ‘Waitress’ in Japan - Ken Billington, Rob Halliday, Aaron Porter

18.15 Networking, Sponsors Breakout Rooms & Meal Break

19.15 Panel Discussion with Q&A : A Panel on Diversity - to celebrate, to listen and to learn

20.15 Break

20.30 Paper 4 : From Shipyard to Street Art Museum - Floriaan Ganzevoort, Isabel Nielen and Mike Evers

21.15 Break

21.30 Paper 5 : BBC Strictly Come Dancing - David Bishop

22.15 Breakouts and Networking

23.15 Conference finishes

See the VSL website for full details (https://www.showlight.org/vsl-programme)

Registration is Open

Registration is now open and tickets can be obtained via the Virtual Showlight website (https://www.showlight.org/virtual-showlight)

Calling all Students!

We know how difficult it is to manage on a student budget. Virtual Showlight is your chance to attend this celebrated lighting quadrennial without costly accommodation or travel costs. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the spirit of Showlight and gain a flavour of the full event.

Charity Donations

Due to the current climate, tickets are free of charge but we encourage delegates to make donations to industry charities Backup (https://www.backuptech.uk/) and Behind the Scenes (https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/) at registration. Donations are also possible directly via Virtual Showlight’s Just Giving page (https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/virtualshowlight21) (NB you will still need to register to get your ticket!)

We would like to thank our generous sponsors whose donations have enabled Showlight to cover the cost of this virtual event, allowing the maximum of delegate donations to go direct to the charities. Robert Juliat is our headline sponsor, and is joined by Ayrton, ACT Lighting, Inc., Altman, ARRI, Claypaky, Copper Candle, ETC, GLP, Robe and Vectorworks. Virtual Showlight is also supported by media partner, LSi, and by LSA and PLASA.

We look forward to seeing you on the 25 May!

Virtual Showlight 2021 confirms Speakers

Tue, 04 May 2021 10:22:44 GMT

Virtual Showlight 2021 confirms Speakers

Date and Venue: 25 May 2021 – online!

Showlight is delighted to reveal the speakers for its one-day online Virtual Showlight on 25 May 2021.

In a snapshot of the full Showlight event, an exciting series of papers will be presented by international keynote speakers, interspersed by a series of Video Shorts from the likes of Peggy Eisenhauer and Bill Klages. There will also be a discussion panel based on the subject of diversity in the lighting industry, chaired by award-winning lighting designer, Paule Constable.

Your speakers for Virtual Showlight 2021 are:

David Bishop

BBC Strictly Come Dancing

BBC Strictly Come Dancing ’s award-winning lighting designer, David Bishop, will outline the challenges of re-designing an icon of UK television after 15 years, the latest season of which required the incorporation of live augmented reality into the show.

Ken Billington, Rob Halliday, Aaron Porter

Lighting Around The World Without Leaving Home: The Story of 'Waitress' in Japan

When Japan closed its borders just after Christmas, the production team for the musical Waitress were no longer able to travel to put the long-scheduled Tokyo production on stage. But the show must go on - so they figured out how to do the show remotely. For lighting, that meant LD Ken Billington and his associate Aaron Porter in New York, programmer Rob Halliday in London, and the crew in Japan….

Isabel Nielen, Floriaan Ganzevoort, Mike Evers

From Shipyard to Street Art Museum

Floriaan Ganzevoort, Isabel Nielen and Mike Evers, are lighting designers and partners at Theatermachine light design and consultancy in The Netherlands. They will talk us through the 2-year light design process which transformed a monumental industrial shipyard building into a museum. With a limited budget, the team mixed daylight, theatre lighting, exhibition lighting and architectural lighting in this rough and tough, ‘one-of-a-kind’ venue.

Mike Bauman

Lighting a Comic Book Movie – Birds of Prey Case Study

Michael Bauman has been an IATSE 728 gaffer for over 25 years with film credits that include Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Ford v Ferrari, Phantom Thread, Munich, Nightcrawler, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. He will dive deep into the visual strategy and technical execution of the lighting for the comic book movie Birds of Prey, beginning with the visual ideas conceived by cinematographer Matthew Libatique ASC, and looking at how LED, automated and video technologies were used in lighting the film.

Hamish Jenkinson

The Disco Lighthouse

Hidden on a Caribbean island sits the world’s most expensive Lighthouse. Located on the paradisiacal Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Lighthouse features a custom-designed light show designed to showcase the flora and fauna of this beautiful island paradise, and tell the story of Marine Reserve and MSC’s dedication to conservation, through animation across its 150,000 individual LEDs. Après-show, the lighthouse becomes a ‘disco' beacon for the guests on the island to party alongside. Created by The Department Ltd with lighting design from Woodroffe Bassett Design.

Panel Discussion

A Panel on Diversity – to celebrate, to listen and to learn

A discussion panel formed of lighting professionals Dawn Chiang , Jane Dutton , Prema Mehta , Rajiv Pattani , John Piper and Momena Saleem , and chaired by internationally acclaimed lighting designer Paule Constable , will explore some of the issues around diversity in the industry.

Each paper will be followed by a Q&A session giving delegates the opportunity to put their questions to the speakers, and plenty of opportunities for networking and touching base with our sponsors in their breakout rooms. Further details of the speaker line up will be available shortly on the Showlight website ( www.showlight.org ).

Tickets

Tickets for Virtual Showlight are now available via the website ( https://www.showlight.org/virtual-showlight ). Registration is free of charge but Showlight is supporting two backstage charities, Backup and Behind the Scenes, and delegates are encouraged to make donations to these charitable organisations at registration. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a day of networking and raise some money for these worthy causes.

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Registration is OPEN!

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:30:02 GMT

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Registration is OPEN!

Date and Venue: 25 May 2021 – online!

Virtual Showlight is delighted to announce that registration for its unique online event is now OPEN! Tickets can be obtained from Hubilo by following this link: www.vsl21.hubilo.com

Tickets are free of charge, but delegates are encouraged to make voluntary donations when registering as all proceeds will go to support industry charities, Backup and Behind the Scenes.

The event will be hosted on behalf of Showlight by MaxLive Events and takes place on 25 May 2021 between 15.00 BST and 23.00 BST .

We have an exciting programme of speakers lined up for your entertainment and education! These will be interspersed by a number of ‘Video Shorts’ - short stand-alone papers, some of which will be forerunners to the full Showlight event that we hope will resume next year.

A discussion panel of international speakers will focus on the issue of diversity in the lighting industry. And in between sessions there will be a number of breakout rooms, hosted by our sponsors, which delegates can enter to view and discuss sponsors’ products and services. We will also have a networking lounge for general mixing and mingling.

So come and join us for a day of networking and lighting indulgence in celebration of the spirit of Showlight. Sadly, the only thing we cannot offer you is the famous Showlight refreshment which, on this occasion, you will need to provide for yourself!

We would like to thank our generous sponsors whose donations have enabled Showlight to cover the cost of this virtual event, allowing the maximum of delegate donations to go direct to the charities. Robert Juliat is our headline sponsor, and is joined by Ayrton, ACT Lighting, Inc., Altman, ARRI, Claypaky, Copper Candle, ETC, Robe and Vectorworks. Virtual Showlight is also supported by media partner, LSi, and by LSA.

Speaker news

The final details of VSL presentation papers and the discussion panel are close to completion and will be released shortly. We have some great speakers lined up for you! Sign up to the Showlight Mailing List at www.showlight.org to be the first to hear more.

Photo caption: Look! Virtual Showlight Registration is OPEN. (NB VR goggles not required!)

First Virtual Showlight Sponsors Announced

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:11:26 GMT

First Virtual Showlight Sponsors Announced

Virtual Showlight to Support Industry Charities

Date and Venue: 25 May 2021 – online!

Virtual Showlight is proud to announce the first sponsors for its online, one-day event (25 May 2021) which takes place in celebration of the full Showlight event that was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

The popularity of this unique lighting quadrennial is confirmed by the number of sponsors which have already given their support for Virtual Showlight. The headline sponsor is Robert Juliat, which is joined by ACT Lighting, Inc., Altman, ARRI, Ayrton, Claypaky, Copper Candle, ETC, Robe and Vectorworks. Virtual Showlight is also supported by media partner, LSi, and by LSA.

Sponsorship of Virtual Showlight offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to connect with clients and industry colleagues whom they have not seen for many months. As a sponsor you will qualify for a slot in which to host your own ‘breakout’ room during the day. If you would like to become a Showlight sponsor, contact sponsorship@showlight.org

Virtual Showlight supports industry charities

All proceeds from Virtual Showlight will go to support industry charities, including Backup and Behind the Scenes.

Backup – The Technical Entertainment Charity is the UK’s registered charity that provides financial support to industry technical professionals, crew/production personnel and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment industry including those from live events, theatre, TV and film.

Backup’s primary and long running remit is to give support to those who are seriously ill or injured, or to their surviving family members, via a tailored Support Grant.

In light of the devastating impact of COVID-19, Backup has recently created a separate initial Hardship Fund, which will provide limited financial assistance to those most in need – please visit the Backup website for the latest details on status and criteria of the Hardship Fund, as it will be open to applications in phases.

It is only thanks to the support and generous donations from companies and individuals, that Backup is able to help the technical entertainment industry care for its own.

If you want to support or find out more information on Backup visit www.backuptech.uk

Behind the Scenes provides entertainment technology professionals in the US and Canada, or their immediate dependent family, who are seriously ill or injured with grants that may be used for basic living and medical expenses. The BTS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative provides tools and resources to support entertainment industry workers and promote mental health and psychological safety. These include the Be Scene-Be Heard Peer-to-Peer Chat App, Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder, anonymous online behavioural self-assessments, easy to navigate resource links, information to help fight bullying, sample language on mental health and respectful workplaces for toolbox talks, and information on suicide prevention.

For more information about Behind the Scenes visit www.behindthescenescharity.org .

Tickets and Registration

Registration for Virtual Showlight will be free of charge, with attendees encouraged to make donations to the charities at the time of booking. Watch the press or sign up to the Showlight Mailing List to hear as soon as registration opens.

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Call for Speakers!

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:49:17 GMT

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Call for Speakers!

Date and Venue: 25 May 2021 – online!

Following the recent announcement of Virtual Showlight 2021 which will take place online on 25 May, 2021, Showlight is renewing its Call for Papers from speakers keen to be a part of this inaugural event.

Showlight has always centred on its fascinating programme of papers, delivered by lighting practitioners from around the world. Determined to uphold the spirit of Showlight despite the global restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Showlight will treat its delegates to a day of talks and networking opportunities, that give a flavour of the full event.

Call for Papers – we want to hear from you!

Showlight is therefore issuing a fresh call for papers to anyone involved in lighting - be they lighting designers, lighting directors, directors of photography, architectural lighting designers or associated crafts like programmers and manufacturers - to submit papers ideas suitable for presentation in the virtual conference on 25 May 2021. Papers are to be 20 - 30 minutes in length, followed by a Q&A session. Full technical support will be given in advance, so don’t be daunted by the virtual platform!

We aim for variety, across topics relevant to all aspects of the lighting industry today, and we envisage this will be especially appealing to speakers whose commitments usually prevent them from speaking at a full Showlight event. We want to hear about your experiences, your ambitions, your inspirations, your concerns, your successes and your failures. We are not looking for simple product promotion.

Typical subjects might include:

Innovative and interesting designs
Unusual projects large or small
Solving the impossible
Your unique corner of the lighting world
The future and the past - where should we be going and what should we have learnt
Issues that are affecting our industry and how we work

If you would like to become part of Virtual Showlight 2021 by presenting a paper, please send us the following at papers@showlight.org:

Name(s)
Company
Mobile number
Email address
A brief summary of the paper you are proposing
Is your proposal for Virtual Showlight or Full Showlight?

Showlight is always on the look out for new speakers, so if you prefer to submit your ideas for the full Showlight event as soon as it returns, we are also happy to hear these – just specify on your submission if you are applying for Virtual Showlight or Full Showlight.

We look forward to receiving your exciting ideas.

Please note: all papers will be considered by the Showlight Papers Committee, and if selected you will be contacted for further details, and with technical requirements and accommodation information.

Sponsorship Wanted

Showlight would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, and Virtual Showlight offers a unique opportunity to connect with clients and customers with a slot to host your own ‘breakout’ room during the day.

We are grateful to the following sponsors who have signed up early in support of Virtual Showlight: Robert Juliat as headline sponsor, ACT Lighting, Inc., Altman, ARRI, Ayrton, Copper Candle, ETC and Robe. Virtual Showlight is also kindly supported by our media partners, LSi, and by LSA.

If you would like to become a Showlight sponsor, contact us on sponsorship@showlight.org

Showlight Announces Virtual Event – Save the Date!

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 09:56:12 GMT

Virtual Showlight 2021 - Save the Date!

Date: Tuesday 25 May 2021

Time: 15.00 – 23.00 BST

Location: The Comfort of Your Own Home!

Following the postponement of Showlight 2021, Showlight is delighted to announce that a one-day Virtual Showlight will be held in its place as a temporary interlude. The live online event will take place on Tuesday 25 May 2021 between the hours of 15.00 – 23.00 BST.

The date coincides with the final day of the original event and the time has been chosen to best accommodate USA and European delegates, the night owls further east, and (with apologies!) the sleepless in Australia and New Zealand!

Virtual Showlight will host an online presentation of papers, each up to 30 minutes in length, from international keynote speakers, plus a live Panel Discussion. Q&A sessions will follow each paper with delegates able to message their questions via the chairperson.

The remainder of the time will stay true to the spirit of Showlight with scheduled breaks between sessions providing opportunities for delegates, speakers and sponsors to network in ‘breakout rooms’ where they can spend the time mixing and mingling with others, both socially and within interest groups, in a virtual way.

Virtual Speakers Wanted!

To coincide with this announcement, Showlight is issuing a fresh Call for Speakers to enrich the Virtual Showlight programme and make the most of the opportunities presented by the virtual format. We envisage this will be especially appealing for those speakers whose commitments usually prevent them from speaking at a full Showlight event. Don’t worry, technical support will be available for those that might require it!

Showlight is always on the look out for new speakers, so if you prefer to submit your ideas for the full event, we are also happy to hear these – just specify on your submission if you are applying for Virtual Showlight or Full Showlight. All ideas to be submitted to papers@showlight.org

Virtual Sponsors Wanted!

Sponsorship opportunities are available to facilitate this unique online event with the chance to host your own breakout room between papers sessions. Please email sponsorship@showlight.org for more details.

We are grateful to those sponsors who have already signed up early in support of Virtual Showlight: Robert Juliat as headline sponsor, ACT Lighting, Inc., Altman, Ayrton, ETC and Robe. Virtual Showlight is also kindly supported by our media partners, LSi, and by LSA.

Tickets by voluntary donation

Tickets for Virtual Showlight will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Announcements will appear in the press and the Showlight mailing list as soon as the ticket desk opens. In the current climate, Showlight has chosen not to charge for tickets but to leave it to the discretion of the delegates to add voluntary donations, with all proceeds going directly to selected industry charities, including Backup and Behind the Scenes.

Full Showlight will return!

Virtual Showlight has been planned as an enjoyable day to touch base with colleagues and celebrate the lighting industry that we love. However, Showlight also confirms, Virtual Showlight is a temporary solution only, and the full Showlight event will return as soon as possible.

“While a virtual event cannot match the magic of the original gathering planned for Fontainebleau, we are determined to maintain the spirit of this unique colloquium until that happy time when we can gather together safely in person,” says Showlight Chairman, John Allen. “Virtual Showlight is a temporary, yet ingenious and enjoyable, solution to the restrictions caused by the COVID pandemic which also gives us the opportunity to raise money for our industry charities. Be assured Showlight will return as a live event in its full and wonderful form once it is safe and practical to do so. Until then, we look forward to seeing you online on 25 May 2021.”

Don’t forget to sign up to the Showlight Mailing List , Facebook and Twitter pages to keep up to date with developments and be the first to hear when speakers are announced and tickets become available.

Showlight 2021 Postponed due to Coronavirus

Mon, 04 May 2020 11:39:15 GMT

Showlight 2021 Postponed due to Coronavirus

It is with great disappointment that we announce the postponement of Showlight 2021, scheduled for May 2021 in Fontainebleau, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been an extremely difficult decision, which has been made in view of both the immediate effects and anticipated recovery period that will be needed by companies and individuals across the industry in the coming months.

The state of the lighting industry, the probable extension of restrictions on gatherings and the effect that this is having on theatres, cinemas, events and concerts worldwide where audiences are involved, are immediate and catastrophic, and the resulting effect to employment and income within all aspects of performance and the technical support of entertainment at all levels, are equally devastating.

While we sincerely hope that, by May 2021, the situation will have improved, we cannot tell to what extent events and social interaction will have returned to ‘normal’. While last month we were confident enough to continue preparing for the original dates, the ongoing feedback from the industry makes it evident that the after-effects will take longer to subside. The industry will need time to recover, and companies and individuals will need to prioritise their own financial recovery.

So, while we acknowledge that Showlight is a much-loved event, the well-being of everyone in our industry comes first. We need to be sensitive to the financial situation that many of our sponsors, exhibitors and delegates may find themselves in, through no fault of their own, after the worst of the pandemic has passed. We understand the cost of exhibiting, travel and accommodation for Showlight would be an added strain on company and individual finances at a time when income and wages are severely reduced, so we feel that postponing Showlight until these have had a chance to recover is the most sensible thing to do.

In addition, Showlight is a voluntary organisation entirely dependent upon the support of its sponsors, and exhibitors. Without sponsorship from many companies and the goodwill and attendance of lighting industry exhibitors, the economics of Showlight would be severely impacted. We also have to consider our delegates, many of whom will spend a large proportion of the next few months either unemployed or furloughed, in which case attendance at Showlight, so soon after the crisis, may not be possible for a variety of reasons.

So for now we, like everyone, urge you to stay at home, be safe and keep connected (via the website ( www.showlight.org ), the Showlight mailing list, Twitter and Facebook) for updates on a revised date for Showlight, and we look forward to meeting you in happier, healthier times.

Take care, be safe.

Showlight 2021 Announces First Sponsors

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 09:37:14 GMT

Showlight 2021 Announces First Sponsors

With the immediate global focus on the containment of the COVID-19 virus, international events are being hit quite badly with cancellations and postponements of trade shows and conferences taking the headlines on a daily basis. While this is a prudent precaution to limit the spread of the virus, it does lead to logistical nightmares for those who organize, exhibit and attend these vital networking events.

However, with suggested peak levels anticipated to be around two months’ time, with a further two months for it to subside completely, the best we can do is carry on with confidence that this too will pass.

Showlight 2021 is more than a year away and we are continuing to progress plans in the usual fashion. To this end, we are delighted to announce the first sponsors for Showlight 2021 which will take place in Fontainebleau, France from 22-25 May next year.

First Showlight 2021 Sponsors

Our headline sponsor is, of course, Robert Juliat, the 100-year old, family-run, French manufacturer of top quality lighting equipment whose country plays host to Showlight 2021. Also from France is our Platinum sponsor, Ayrton, the industry-leading specialists in intelligent LED-based moving light fixtures. We currently have three Gold sponsors, Eyetidy, Robe and SFL Group, three Silver sponsors, ABTT, ACT Lighting and White Light, and a Bronze sponsor, PRG. Our fabulous Media Partner for Showlight 2021 is LSI, with generous support from LSA and PLASA. We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors, partners and supporters, but this list is just the beginning.

Become a Showlight Sponsor

It is a little-known fact, but Showlight is organised entirely by volunteers and would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors.

We are currently looking for more sponsors to make Showlight 2021 a success, so why not get involved? There are many ways to become a Showlight sponsor and be part of one of the lighting industry’s most popular networking events.

You don’t need to be an exhibitor to become a Showlight sponsor, and there’s a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to suit everyone. Sponsors can contribute towards a particular item for example, such as speaker expenses, coffee/tea breaks, or wine with lunch, and be named as the sponsor for that item. Or they can choose to donate a sum of money which will be put towards the organisation of the whole show, with suitable acknowledgement as a Showlight sponsor.

If you would like to become a Showlight sponsor or want to find out about more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Showlight chairman, John Allen, on sponsorship@showlight.org

“I like it very much that so many different disciplines from across the lighting profession are all together. That does not happen often!”  Isabel Nielen, lighting designer and artist, Showlight 2017 speaker

Showlight 2021 - Call for Papers

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 11:01:25 GMT

Call for Papers – we want to hear from you!

The essence of Showlight is its speakers, and we are now calling for anyone involved in lighting - be they lighting designers, lighting directors, directors of photography, architectural lighting designers or associated crafts like programmers and manufacturers - to submit their ideas for 2021’s conference papers in Fontainebleau. Talks are to be twenty minutes in length to enable as many papers as possible to be presented over the three-day period.

We aim for variety, across topics relevant to all aspects of the lighting industry today. We want to hear about your experiences, your ambitions, your inspirations, your concerns, your successes and your failures. We are not looking for simple product promotion.

Typical subjects might include:

· Innovative and interesting designs

· Unusual projects large or small

· Solving the impossible

· Your unique corner of the lighting world

· The future and the past - where should we be going and what should we have learnt

· Issues that are affecting our industry and how we work

If you would like to become part of Showlight 2021 by presenting a paper, please send us the following at papers@showlight.org :

· Name(s)

· Company

· Mobile number

· Email address

· A brief summary of the paper you are proposing

Please note: all papers will be considered by the Showlight Papers Committee, and if selected you will be contacted for further details, and with technical requirements and accommodation information.

We look forward to receiving your exciting ideas.

Watch this Space!

Speakers will be announced as confirmed from 2020 onwards. Join our NEW mailing list and social media, and log into our new website to be the first to hear!

Sponsorship News

Showlight would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors: Headline Sponsor, Robert Juliat ; Platinum sponsor, Ayrton ; Gold sponsors, Eyetidy, Robe and SFL Group; Silver sponsors White Light and ACT Lighting, Inc; and Bronze sponsor, PRG. Showlight 2021 is also kindly supported once again by our media partner, LSI, and by LSA. If you would like to become a Showlight sponsor, contact us on sponsorship@showlight.org

Showlight 2021 launches new website!

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 07:34:14 GMT

Showlight is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new website.

Showlight is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new website to coincide with the PLASA Show 2019.

Showlight 2021, the unique quadrennial lighting colloquium organised for lighting professionals by lighting professionals, will take place from 22-25 May in the beautiful French town of Fontainebleau.

The new website ( www.showlight.org ) contains plenty of information to help you plan your attendance at the event – whether you are interested in becoming a speaker, an exhibitor, a delegate or a student – and more information will be added as the event draws closer.

Video clips of the last Showlight - which took place in 2017 in Florence, Italy - offer a tantalising taster of the kind of things you can expect at Showlight 2021 – this time with a little French flavour added to the favourite ingredients: an entertaining programme of conference papers and networking, mixed with plenty of socialising and opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow industry professionals.

Details on how to become a speaker, a sponsor, an exhibitor or a delegate or sponsored student are all available on the website. And you can meet the Committee and find out who to speak to for all your enquiries. Many of the Committee will be at the PLASA Show so, if you have any questions, email us to arrange a meet up there – we would love to hear from you. Contact details are on the website!

Listings of Showlight 2021 speakers and exhibitors, and details of the visits programme for 2021 will be announced as each is confirmed, so keep your eye on the website and our social media sites to keep up-to-date with the news. Better still, sign up to our NEW mailing list via the website to have all the latest news delivered directly to your inbox so you won’t miss a thing!

Showlight would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and this year is no exception. The main sponsor for Showlight 2021 is the 100-year old French manufacturer of followspots and theatrical luminaires, Robert Juliat . Also signed up already are Platinum sponsors, Ayrton, Gold sponsors Eyetidy and SFL Group, Silver sponsors White Light and ACT Lighting, Inc, and Bronze sponsors PRG. Showlight 2021 is also kindly supported once again by our media partner, LSi.

If you would like to become a Showlight sponsor, contact us on sponsorship@showlight.org

Showlight – A Unique Event in the Lighting Calendar

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:04:10 GMT

Showlight is a unique colloquium held every four years in a different location.

Showlight is a unique colloquium that is held every four years in a different location. Showlight 2021 will take place between 22-25 May 2021 in beautiful Fontainebleau, near Paris, France at the town’s picturesque Théâtre Municipal.

Showlight’s main focus is its eclectic Papers Schedule which aims to be both fun and informative. A strong emphasis is also placed on networking amongst those who love lighting in all its forms. It is one of the few international events organised specifically for lighting professionals by lighting professionals across the performance, television, film, architectural and event worlds. All of the organisers give their time freely and voluntarily to ensure an event that delivers a unique opportunity for lighting people of all disciplines and levels of expertise to mix and exchange ideas and stories.

The general format is that everybody arrives in Fontainebleau on the Saturday evening and gathers for drinks at a welcome evening. The next morning starts bright and early on the Sunday as the conference begins, with speakers presenting 20-minute papers in groups of three, followed by a Q&A session at the end of each session. There is often a Panel Session which takes a closer look at the roles lighting practitioners play within our industry, or discusses pertinent topics in more depth.

Coffee, tea and lunch breaks are scheduled throughout the day, during which time, delegates can explore the exhibition and talk to the manufacturers who have stands there. The exhibition is an invaluable part of Showlight with around 40 exhibitors lending their support to the event and benefiting from unrivalled access to designers, established and fledgling, and a whole raft of other industry professionals, in a relaxed and unpressured environment. All stands are the same size shell scheme so everyone is on an even footing, regardless of the size of the company! And, uniquely, the exhibition closes while the papers are being given, so the exhibitors can also listen to and enjoy the presentations.

Each of the exhibitors sponsors a lighting student for the duration of the show, who helps on the stand and, most importantly, has the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Most exhibitors also host company dinners on the Sunday evening so every Showlight delegate that chooses to partake will be taken to one of Fontainebleau’s many excellent restaurants in good company!

The conference continues on Monday morning, while the afternoon is given over to visits to places of local interest. Delegates can choose which trips to go on (they are allocated on a first come, first served basis!) and a full list of these visits will be announced closer to the date.

The day ends with the legendary Conference Dinner – which is held in a secret location which will not be disclosed until the day!

The final day, Tuesday, sees another full day of papers presentations before everybody departs (or spends a few extra days in Fontainebleau if they choose!) in the evening.

Finally, Showlight is a not-for-profit event organised entirely by volunteers, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of our sponsors. This year’s Headline Sponsor is Robert Juliat , with other sponsors as follows: Platinum Sponsor Ayrton, Gold sponsors Eyetidy and SFL Group, Silver sponsors White Light, and Bronze sponsor PRG, alongside media supporters, LSI.

For more information about Showlight visit the newly launched website www.showlight.org to sign up for our new mailing list and follow us on social media.

Website: www.showlight.org

Facebook: /showlightevent

Twitter: @Showlight2021

Showlight 2021 Announced - Save The Date!

Tue, 21 May 2019 14:59:48 GMT

Fontainebleau, France 22-25 May 2021

We are excited to inform you that the details of Showlight 2021, the unique lighting colloquium organised for lighting professionals by lighting professionals, have just been announced!

The next gathering for this quadrennial event will take place on 22-25 May 2021 in the beautiful French town of Fontainebleau. The main sponsor for the event will be the 100-year old French manufacturer of followspots and theatrical luminaires, Robert Juliat.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Showlight committee searched long and hard for a setting worthy of Showlight’s reputation for fascinating locations, and settled on the historic town of Fontainebleau which lies 55.5km (34.5 miles) south east of Paris.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its medieval Château de Fontainebleau, a royal and imperial residence for more than 800 years, and surrounded by former royal hunting park, Fontainebleau Forest, Fontainebleau is a picturesque setting full of characterful bars and restaurants which will provide a popular and entertaining backdrop to the main activities of Showlight 2021.

The highly-anticipated conference will take place in the town’s Théâtre Municipal, directly opposite the Château de Fontainebleau, where delegates can enjoy the varied programme of conference papers delivered by professionals across many lighting disciplines. A small supporting exhibition will take place in the theatre’s foyer and courtyard between papers sessions offering superb opportunities to network and exchange ideas with other lighting professionals. And of course, the event will close with a resplendent Ga-la Dinner in a stunning – and yet to be disclosed – location!

Being so close to Paris, Fontainebleau is easy to reach, with good connections to airports and Eurostar terminals. So put the date in your diary now, and get planning your presentation papers as Showlight will be putting out a call for speakers in the coming months. Demand is always high so book your place early. Booking details will be released closer to the event.

Main Sponsor - Robert Juliat

“We are very excited to be selected as the main sponsor for Showlight 2021,” says François Juliat, CEO of Robert Juliat. “Robert Juliat is celebrating its centenary in 2019 so the fact that we can welcome Showlight and its delegates to our country at this time is very special. Showlight is such a unique event, and Fontainebleau is a perfect location – it is an unmissable opportunity for everyone in the lighting fraternity who is interested in light.”

The Countdown to Showlight 2021

“We are delighted to start the build-up to Showlight 2021 with the announcement of another lovely venue and a great sponsor,” says Showlight Chairman, John Allen. “It is always a much-anticipated event and I know people will be blocking out those dates in their diaries as soon as they see this announcement.

"Showlight’s emphasis is on sharing knowledge and enjoying the inspiration and variety our industry offers in a networking event without parallel, and our delegates and speakers enter into the spirit of it from beginning to end.

Where else do you have the chance to become involved in so many ways, with opportunities open to everyone – delivering talks, networking, learning and meeting a wide variety of people from the most experienced professional to the newest students and innovative manufacturers?

It’s an opportunity for all to take a few days out from our busy lives to enjoy the company of like-minded individuals in a beautiful setting.”

[21 May 2019]

showlight

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt3 - the film edit!

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt3 – the film edit!

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt2

Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Pt2

Hot from Dijon, Showlight 2025 releases the first of its Speaker presentation videos

Hot from Dijon, Showlight 2025 releases the first of its Speaker presentation videos

Showlight 2025 makes a triumphant return

Showlight 2025 makes a triumphant return

Robert Juliat welcomes you to Showlight 2025 in Dijon

Robert Juliat welcomes you to Showlight 2025 in Dijon

Sign up to the Whova App for instant Showlight networking

Sign up to the Whova App for instant Showlight networking

Complete Line Up of Speakers Announced

Showlight 2025 Completes Line Up as Final Speakers Announced

Language is no barrier

Language is no barrier / La langue n'est pas un obstacle!

Treat yourself to a Showlight ticket as more Speakers are announced

Treat yourself to a Showlight ticket as more Speakers are announced

Showlight Introduces New Workshops for 2025

Showlight Introduces New Workshops for 2025

Stop Press: Showlight Bursary/Scholarship deadline extended to 31 March 2025

STOP PRESS: Showlight Bursary/Scholarship deadline extended to 31 March 2025

Showlight features its Sponsors and Exhibitors

Showlight features its Sponsors and Exhibitors

Third Wave of Speakers Announced!

Third Wave of Speakers Announced!

Showlight Bursaries available for early career delegates!

Showlight Bursaries available for early career delegates!

More Speakers Announced!

More Speakers Announced!

Student Sponsorship Application Deadline

Deadline for Showlight Sponsored Student Scheme Applications - 31 January 2025

First Speakers Announced!

First Speakers Announced!

Tickets On Sale Now!

Tickets On Sale Now!

Showlight Student Scheme Applications Open

Showlight Student Scheme Applications Open

The Call for Papers is Hotting Up!

Showlight 2025 is Inviting Exhibitors.

Showlight 2025 to exhibit at PLASA London

Come and meet the Committee - Stand A34

Showlight 2025 is Inviting Exhibitors

Showlight 2025 is Inviting Exhibitors.

Calling all Speakers!

Calling all Speakers!

Showlight is BACK! Save the Date!

Showlight is BACK! Save the Date!

Exciting News! Showlight to Return… SOON!

Showlight to return... SOON!

Showlight 2023 Postponed

Showlight 2023 Postponed

There’s still time to submit your Papers ideas!

Renewed Call for Papers

Showlight 2023 to exhibit and present seminar at PLASA Show 2022

Calling all Showlight Exhibitors and Sponsors – it’s time!

Calling all Showlight Exhibitors and Sponsors – it’s time!

Showlight to exhibit at ABTT – stand E32

Showlight 2023 - Call for Papers

Call for Papers – we want to hear from you!

Showlight to return in 2023

Showlight to return in 2023

Showlight 2022 Postponed

Showlight 2022 Postponed

Virtual Showlight 2021 Papers available to view online

Virtual Showlight 2021 Papers available to view online

Virtual Showlight 2021 proves a success in reality!

Virtual Showlight 2021 proves a success in reality!

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Programme of Events released

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Programme of Events released

Virtual Showlight 2021 confirms Speakers

Virtual Showlight 2021 confirms Speakers

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Registration is OPEN!

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Registration is OPEN!

First Virtual Showlight Sponsors Announced

First Virtual Showlight Sponsors Announced

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Call for Speakers!

Virtual Showlight 2021 – Call for Speakers!

Showlight Announces Virtual Event – Save the Date!

STOP PRESS:
Showlight Bursary/Scholarship deadline extended to 31 March 2025