After months of meetings, site surveys, and screen tests, Spectra Stage and Event Technologies and Eastway Sound & Lighting have finalized the technical partners for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). These companies include Robe Show Lighting, Barco, MA Lighting, Green Hippo, Beacon, Cyberhoist (supplied by Flashlight), and Philips. Details of the products being used can be found at www.eurovisiondiary.com. Live Design is the official partner publication for ESC.
Companies like Barco and Robe have been involved in past productions of ESC. Because Spectra and production manager Ola Melzig have always used Eurovision to tackle technological “firsts,” the gear used for the production often goes into manufacturing thanks to the show. Lighting designer Mikki Kunttu says, “Our technical partners are a critical part of this production. They share their insight into what makes their products unique and often look forward to pushing the boundaries as much as we do.”
This year brings a few new faces to the partner table. Green Hippo will supply the first Hippotizer Version 3 for the production. James Heron of Green Hippo notes, “In terms of the viewing public, nothing polarizes opinion more than the Eurovision Song Contest. Some love it, some don't, but everyone has an opinion, which just shows what a reference point for popular culture it has become. Sometimes inspiring, sometimes controversial, and occasionally hilarious, whatever your armchair viewpoint, it's like the Olympics; it's coming 'round whether you like it or not! But from an industry point of view, one thing is unanimous: It's the big one that everyone wants to do. It has the latest and greatest in the technological world.”
The worldwide broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest finals is scheduled for May 12.