Atif Aslam AO Arena
A last-minute production challenge at AO Arena, with Axiom bringing together the equipment, crew and technical expertise required to deliver the production within hours.
Location Manchester, UK Client AO Arena / Legends Global
Following logistical issues which meant the artist’s production team were unable to make it to the UK in time, Axiom Events were brought in at extremely short notice to provide lighting, rigging and video production for Atif Aslam’s performance at AO Arena. With the show at risk of cancellation or requiring a local supplier to deliver the production, Axiom received the call at 2:15pm the day before the show to establish whether the required resources could be provided.
After a number of calls with local Production Manager Will Hurn and the rapid assembly of the right team, we established that Axiom had the equipment, crew and experience available to take on the challenge. By 3pm, the warehouse team were already scanning equipment onto the job, beginning the preparation for a production that would normally have had considerably more time available. The scale of the requirement, combined with the limited preparation window, made this a significant logistical challenge and certainly not one for the faint of heart.
Axiom’s warehouse operation played a key role in making the turnaround possible. Equipment is routinely de-prepped, maintained and pre-packaged into containers ready for deployment, allowing the team to respond quickly when unexpected requirements arise for production or dry hire clients. While the warehouse team prepared the equipment, the technical team were simultaneously developing plots and system diagrams, adapting the preparation as requirements developed. Trucks were loaded between 7pm and 10pm, with additional crew brought in for the load-in to support the compressed schedule.
A highly experienced team of technicians from Axioms network were assembled from across the country, including some of the full time team, crew who had gaps between touring shows and others who travelled specifically to support the delivery. The production included lighting, rigging and a full video package, alongside a B-stage production, with the teams working closely together to ensure the requirements could be delivered within the available timeframe.
The project was a great example of the value of good prep and processes and credit to our warehouse team that we were in the position to be able to deliver this within the timeframe we did. It was an exciting and enjoyable challenge to bring the show together and we were pleased to be able to assist our client when they needed the support. We were able to assemble a talented team all of whom brought a fantastic attitude and energy, and our prep and systems would allow us to do so in future if the need arises.
The video system featured Absen Polaris V2 3.9mm LED for the rear wall and IMAGs, supported by Novastar MX40 processing and Luminex networking. Camera and PPU provision included a Blackmagic ATEM PPU with URSA G2 cameras, UJ90 lenses and Vinten tripods, alongside Canon NR300 PTZ cameras with an IP1000 controller. Pixelhue P20 was used for screen management, with Theatrix signal distribution and a Greengo comms system completing the video and communications package.
The lighting and rigging provision was delivered alongside the video production, with the technical teams developing and adapting the requirements throughout the preparation period.
The lighting system would usually be pre-rigged for a show like this, using a PRT truss product like our Tyler GT but given the quick turnaround there wasn’t the time to pre-rig or build looms. Axiom stock a range of pre-made feeder loom kits and a package of 4 Wire feeders were sent which each have 4 x socapex, 4 x DMX and 2 x Ethercon with staggered socapex fan outs. Truss tapes and plots were prepared with measurement markings and the team addressed and tested during the load-in. We sent additional lighting crew to ensure this didn’t cause any delays on the day and the rig was still in and flown by around 1pm. The rig consisted of workhorse fixtures built from our availability on the shelf and included 22 x Ayrton Rivale, 36 x Mac Aura XIP, 40 x SGM Q8, 30 x Mythos 2, 26 x Viper Profile and 16 x GLP X4 Bar20 for the B Stage. Axiom also provided all hoists, motor control and loose rigging for the show.
Trucking was provided by KB Event, supporting the rapid movement of the equipment from warehouse to venue.
The full Axiom team were as follows;
Production Manager: Will Hurn
Video Director: Jake Brennan
Racks Engineer: James Liriano
Video HOD & LED Tech: Pete Shorten
PTZ & P20 Op: Dan Searle
Camera Operators: Christopher Spence, Rhys Gardiner, Andy McHardy
Video Tech: Ally Gamrowski
Prod Rigger & Lighting HOD: Robbie Baxter
Dimmer Tech: Craig Ramsay
FOH Tech: Ed Farmer
Lighting Technicians: James Dooley, Jack Steel, Layla Agiadis
The project was a strong example of the value of preparation, established supplier relationships and an experienced technical team. With only hours between the initial call and the first equipment being prepared, Axiom were able to draw on their existing resources and bring together the right people and equipment to deliver the production and support the show as planned. It was an exciting and enjoyable challenge to bring the show together at short notice and we were pleased to be able to assist our client when they needed the support and our prep and systems would allow us to do so in future in the need arises.