Neighbourhood Productions is a Townsville-based audiovisual production company delivering full-service event production and technical services across North Queensland. Founded and operated by Sam and Nicole Wright, Neighbourhood Productions has supported festivals, touring productions, corporate events, and community events across regional Queensland since 2016.
The company recently invested in sixteen Ayrton Stradale Profiles and twenty Ayrton Zonda Washes, giving their lighting inventory a phenomenal boost.
“This was a big investment for us, and the right one as we work on more major outdoor festivals and events around regional Queensland,” commented Sam Wright, Owner/Director of Operations & Technical. “The feedback from touring crew and clients has been really positive. They appreciate being able to access high-end fixtures here in North Queensland, rather than having to bring them in from Brisbane.”
As its events grew larger, the company purchased Stradale fixtures to expand beyond its Martin MH7s, its only larger moving spotlights.
“Having used Ayrton fixtures on previous productions, we were confident in their performance and knew they’d be an amazing addition to our inventory,” added Sam. “We’ve always prided ourselves on stocking rider-friendly equipment that is well received by touring acts and professionals. The Martin MH6 and MH7 served us well, but they weren’t IP-rated. If you’ve ever been to North Queensland, you’ll know how tropical it can get! For us, the IP65 rating was a key reason for choosing the Stradale over the Mistral. That helps us look after the gear, reduce weather risk for our clients, and keep shows going when conditions allow. We also love how small and light the Stradale is. They’ve been on shows every weekend since we purchased them.”
The Stradale offers extensive creative possibilities through its monochromatic animation wheel and two rotating prisms: a circular prism with five facets and a linear prism with four facets. Additionally, its new multi-colour filter, paired with a distortion gobo, produces stunning visual displays. The gobos include 19 high-definition interchangeable glass gobos across two wheels – nine rotating and ten fixed – designed to elevate textural and aerial effects.
“The CMY liquid effect was a nice surprise, and the infinite pan and tilt is a fun feature our crew have really enjoyed,” said Sam. They’re bright and compact, which gives us a bit more flexibility when we’re designing a show.”
The Stradales have been used on touring shows and festivals, both as floor packages and in overhead rigs, as well as for architectural lighting and installation works. They were a key feature of the lighting rig for Strut & Fret’s La Ronde at the North Australian Festival of Arts. Fifteen Stradales were positioned on the floor, centre circle truss and outer ring of the Spiegeltent for La Ronde.
The Zonda 3 Wash is a versatile fixture with amazing effects that can switch from beam to wash with great ease. Like the Stradale, its speed and compact size increase its dynamic potential. Sam remarks that the Zonda 3 Washes have been immensely popular, with everyone loving their even and wide wash across the entire live entertainment stage.
“The colours are superb, intense and deep, with great colour mixing,” he continued. “We particularly like the Ayrton locking mechanisms. Plus, our crew love the built-in batteries for addressing fixtures in the warehouse without mains power, which saves prep time.”
Sam adds that Show Technology’s Sam Walter has been great to deal with.
“He’s always happy to pick up the phone and has gone above and beyond to help us troubleshoot. He also makes time to pop in when he’s in Townsville, which is always appreciated. It’s been great service.”
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