When the ‘Gong Gets Tough Making Your Own Work

As production companies around Australia look down the barrel of another slow calendar, many are doing what artists and performers have always done; creating their own work. Canberra’s Elite Event Technology, WIN Entertainment Centre Wollongong, and in-house provider Arena AV have joined forces to do just that, and are coming out on top.

With the normally packed sporting calendar at WIN Entertainment Centre canned for 2020 and the foreseeable future, Sean Keaveny of Arena AV found himself with an empty venue, no gigs, and a lighting rig and giant LED screen sitting idle.

Darren Russell, Owner and MD of Elite Event Technology, had a warehouse full of concert PA and staff twiddling their thumbs. Having worked together closely for years, the two hatched a plan.

“With the venue just sitting there dark, and with no need for changeovers from sport to concert mode, we came up with the idea to just set the venue up in a default concert mode and leave it like that,” outlines Darren Russell.

“The venue came to the party with room hire, and Sean and I put together a production package we’re both offering very reasonably, all with the goal to attract some gigs.

“We’ve formed a partnership, and we’re happy to report, it’s working.”

WIN Entertainment Centre normally accommodates 4,850 in concert mode, but COVID restrictions meant capacity was lowered – but still at a respectable number for promoters.

The venue has COVID-safe accreditation in place, meaning it’s easier for promoters to organise gigs without having to jump through COVID hoops themselves. The house rig is set to cover full concert mode so it can adapt to increased patronage without additional equipment having to be added.

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If You Build It…
With an in-house video, lighting, and audio rig in place, the next logical step was to bring in potential customers to see what it could do. Local band The Vanns were the perfect choice to showcase the venue.

“The Vanns drummer Andrew Banovich works for Sean at Arena AV when not out with the band,” relates Darren.

“They were in a very similar situation to us; they are an up-and-coming band, they’d won JJJ Unearthed, done a Like A Version for JJJ, and their career was rocketing ahead. Then along came COVID.

“They were very keen to support this idea, and put together a three song showcase for us.”

The partnership invited serious concert promoters to come along and watch the showcase with the venue in its new default mode. “We sat them down and went through all the details,” retells Darren.

“Price, capacity, average ticket price, box office, costs, take-home. The numbers are all quite feasible for reasonable sized gigs. They saw it, heard it, and got a feel for the vibe. We also got a video production company to shoot the showcase for a promo package.”

It worked. Through December 2020, the new set-up hosted gigs including Empire Touring’s ‘Hot Summer Nights’, featuring Richard Clapton, The Radiators, Thirsty Merc, Dragon, Choirboys, and Wendy Matthews.

The default rig has also been used for some corporate work including a business awards night and a large school end-of-year function.

“It’s been a bit of a punt, but we are making it work,” concludes Darren. “We saw an opportunity to create work during this difficult time, and we’ve given it a go.

“We’re all discounting and giving away a few add-ons, but it’s all about coming together, keeping busy, and still making a couple of bucks to keep us all going.”

Before the NSW COVID interruption in January, negotiations were underway for more concerts and some stand-up comedy.

WIN Entertainment Centre Wollongong
Elite Event Technology
Arena AV

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WIN Entertainment Centre – The Production Package

Sound
PA L/R – d&b audiotechnik GSL
PA Sidefill – d&b audiotechnik V-Series
Subs – d&b audiotechnik SL-SUB
Front Fill – d&b audiotechnik V7P
FOH Console – Digidesign Profile
Monitor Console – Digidesign SC48
12x d&b audiotechnik M4 monitor wedges plus 2x d&b audiotechnik V-SUB
Full mic and stand kit, including wireless mics.

Lighting
8x Chauvet Maverick MK2 Profile
24x HEX 18 LED
8x Martin MH7 hybrid moving light
12x Chauvet Maverick MK2 LED Wash
24x Chauvet Maverick MK1 Hybrid Wash
12x Chauvet Maverick MK3 LED Wash
4x Chauvet Strike4 LED Blinder
1x Robe 400ft Hazer Oil Based
2x Unique 2 DMX Hazer Machine
Lighting console: GrandMA Lite
Media Server: ArKaos

Video
264x Dicolor LED A-391 500mm x 500mm 11m x 6m
2x Novastar J6 Multi Processor
2x Novastar Fiber Convertors

Staff
FOH Audio Technician
Monitor Technician
Lighting Technician
Stage Technician

Backline available on request
Upgrade consoles and floor packages available on request
Video Camera packages available on request

CX Magazine – February 2021   

LIGHTING  |  AUDIO  |  VIDEO  |  STAGING  |  INTEGRATION

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