PDA Stage

At 47 years of age, this is my first blog entry ever and this will probably take a candidly editorial turn for this venue but my intention here is to point out an alarming trend that I see in the local “Production” industry. This trend can be identified by the multiple players that are increasingly involved in our field and the dillema can be further explained by determining if these players within the local Production industry have the credentials to perform the work they are obviously carrying out in the name of price. Do they carry basic liability insurance?; do they have a business license?; do they have certifications within the appropriate disciplines required to produce these events?; If you hire these “companies”, do they provide for the safety of your clients and ultimately provide you with this peace of mind for your event?; Is your event worth the worry and stress of not having these necessities in place to insure that you pay less for these services? PDA is committed today… and tomorrow to provide you with the quality you have come to expect, at a price that is reasonable, with the proper credentials in place to properly, ethically and professionally produce your event. One Company, Many Solutions.  PDA.
J. Richards

PDA is excited to offer our inventory of used Coemar MiniCYC MB moving head lighting fixtures for a very low price.

 These fixtures are just the thing for a brilliant stage wash or lighting a cyclorama.  We are selling all 8 fixtures in roadcase at only $1,200 each.   These units are used but have extremely low hours of use and are in perfect shape.   We will also offer discounts on installation and control options with purchase of all 8 or 4 units.  Please make an appointment to come by and check them out.  Please call Matthew Watts at 843-554-3466 for more information.

MiniCYC Info:
Exclusive technology
Coemar’s patented Twin Lamp Technology (TLT) is a unique system which uses a twin lamp and
optical system to dramatically increase luminous output whilst minimizing power consumption.
 
Formidable output
The luminous output developed far exceeds that of mono-lamp technology: the TLT system
does not sum the intensity of its lamps, but multiplies it.
One or two lamps – choose between power and energy savings
It is possible to control one lamp or the other independently although most users will opt for the full
power of twin lamps.The color and spread are the same using one lamp or two so the option is yours.
 
Maximum efficiency or maximum lamp life?
TLT allows the use of both MSR (maximum output) and MSD (long life) lamps at will, further
the flexibility and superiority of the system.
Framing output at will
The TLT optical system utilizes additional glass filters allowing maximum and precise control of
the beam providing the designer with the ability to accurately frame their subject.
 
Body
• manufactured from aluminum and stainless steel sheet, black paint
• high resistance matt black polyester paint
• self-extinguish, fire-retardant and weather protection class V0 ABS material cover, with
20% glass fiber
• 2 GY 9,5 high voltage ceramic lamp bases,
• Base and yoke locks for ease of transportation
• IP20 protection rating,
• meets standards
 
Luminous source
• 2 Philips MSD 250W/2 – base GY 9,5 – power: 250W
luminous flux: 18.000 lumen – color temperature: 8500 K
indicative lamp life: 2000 hours – coemar code: 105214/1
Ventilation
• silent forced ventilation
• directly adjusted by the ambience temperature and lamp status
 
Optics
• patented dual lamp system
• 2 “cold type” heat dissipating glass reflectors with quartzed dichroic (infrared) finish
• lamps adjustment in the optical system
• very high luminous intensity with maximum use of the light obtained from the 2 parabolic
reflectors with axial mounted MSD 250W lamps
 
Zoom
from 9° to 74°
(see lighting diagram)
 
Dimmer/Shutter
• built-in mechanical electronically controlled dimmer, for complete adjustment of light
output from 0 to 100%
• synchronized or random strobe effect
• zap strobe effect full electronic (EB version)
 
Color
• infinite color output via CMY color mixing system
• consistent color reproduction due to unique dichroic filter design and by virtue of
simultaneous movement of the filters
 
Movement
• articulated movement of the projector body: pan 540°, tilt 270°
• 16 bit light beam positioning
 
Beam shaping devices
• 4 different interchangeable diffusion filters give different beam angles:
2 types of symmetrical, horizontal and vertical; see light diagram
• 4 leaf-barndoor to shape the beam at desired size (optional)
User interface
• 4 character multi-function display: dmx address, lamp life, test, signal presence, correct
functioning, forced lamp on, activation and adjustment
• possibility to supply the display and to vary settings (dmx address, ID n° etc.) without
mains connection
• software can be upgraded (rj45 connection)
 
Control signal
• control by DMX 512 standard signal
• XLR 3/XLR 5 pin male female sockets for dmx 512 signal connection
 
Compatible with DR 1
• miniCyc communicates with DR1 via standard dmx 512 connection which
allows to exchange information and to replicate data usually modifiable only
by user interface
 
Lamp power requirements
• MB version: 2 internal electromagnetic ballast and 2 ignitors
 
Power requirements
• MB version: 208/230/240V 50/60 Hz – 3,5 @ 230V
 
Weight
• 36,5 Kg – (80,45 Lbs) (MB version)

PDA joined a host of Little Black Book supporters in celebration of their 10th Anniversary January 14 at lovely Founders Hall.  Jennifer Buddin and the LBB ladies assembled a great evening of food and friends that included an exciting new launch of a fresh-faced cover that sports a sophisticated Betty. Congrats on ten fabulous years of word of mouth success!

Nicole Garrigan nicole@pdastage.com

One Company, Many Solutions.  PDA is a leader in providing lighting, sound, video production, staging and installation services. PDA’s attention to detail, ongoing investment in the latest technology and our skilled technicians assure that every project makes its mark with excellence.

Thankfully the Charleston Symphony Orchestra hosted two nights of Quentin Baxter and Friends for the McCrady’s Restaurant Charleston Pops series at Memminger Auditorium. I, along with an assorted, sold out crowd caught  the second night. The auditorium became an intimate setting of warm lighting and a modern, accessible stage set with the music as the focal point. And it was fantastic. A range from classical to Coltrane-like improvisation without seeming like a stretch. Compliments to the Charleston Symphony for an inventive ensemble.

Photos by A Spot in Time Photography

Nicole Garrigan nicole@pdastage.com

PDA is a proud supporter of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. 

One Company, Many Solutions.  PDA is a leader in providing lighting, sound, video production, staging and skilled technicians for our customers. PDA’s attention to detail and investments in the latest technology assure that every project makes its mark with excellence.

PDA is seeking a Project Manager to join our team of Production professionals.  A PDA Project Manager’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, communicating with clients to assess their specific technical, creative and logistical needs; building quotes and negotiating pricing; leading the load in of shows and events to manage crews and provide quality control and customer service on site; operating and maintaining equipment integrity during shows and leading load-outs to manage crews and insure accountability of all PDA gear and overall show parameters including show profitability.  A Project Manager must possess a high level of technical expertise in the areas of audio, video, lighting, staging, power distribution and rigging.  The ideal candidate should also display strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to provide the highest level of customer service to our clients on each and every show.  Education in Production and Production related fields is preferred but not required.  Previous experience in Production and Project Management is required.  Salary is commensurate upon experience and benefits are available.

Please apply for this position by emailing a resume and references to shanon@pdastage.com. No calls please.

 Production Design Associates (PDA) is a leader in providing lighting, sound, video, staging, sets and trained technicians for events and system installations.  Visit www.pdastage.com for more information.

PDA is proud to announce that Installation Project Manager Hunter Laird has completed Philips Entertainment Services Technical Training and is now Strand ASC Certified.

“It meant a lot for me being chosen to attend the Phillips/Strand Lighting certification course, says Hunter. To me it was way more than just learning about dimmer technology. It was making older and newer technology adapt with each other, making buildings “greener” with the capability of timed controls as well as sensor based controls, and meeting all of the cool people that make up the backbone of Phillips, Strand, Vari-Lite, and Color Kinetics.  It adds another level of service to our clients as well.”

Continuing education exemplifies one of the many ways that PDA encourages our crew to be the best and brightest in the audio visual industry. These efforts support our commitment to better serve our clients.

Contact Nicole Garrigan PDA Marketing Director nicole@pdastage.com

Congratulations to Charleston Stage on a beautifully produced 14th Annual Gala held at the Gaillard Auditorium Thursday, October 1.  As a premier fundraising event benefiting arts education initiatives, the gala treated more than 400 guests to a dining experience crafted by fifteen of Charleston’s premier restaurants and a stunning environment created by Mitchell Crosby and JMC Charleston. PDA was also on board, producing the event lighting, audio, video and staging. I am still amazed at how this room can be transformed.

Photos courtesy of Paul Cheney and our friends at Charleston Picture Company.

PDA is one company with many solutions. We specialize in state of the art productions and installations, providing lighting, audio, video production and special effects.

Contact: Nicole Garrigan nicole@pdastage.com

PDA is honored to once again partner with the Carolina Youth Development Center, providing event production services for the 6th Annual A Night for the Children Gala held at McCrady’s Restaurant September 24, 2009 at 7:00pm. 

A Night for the Children Gala

Guests will enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a festive evening of music and dancing with Rivers and Company. The evening will also include silent and live auctions featuring one of a kind items.

Register by credit card here (tickets will not be mailed)

 To RSVP and pay at the door,  call 266-5218 or email Betsy Sutherland

Founded in 1790’s, Carolina Youth Development Center is an important part of Charleston’s historic and cultural heritage, a direct descendant of the Charleston Orphan House, America’s first publicly funded orphanage.

Today, CYDC provides programs reaching over 600 children and youth locally each year. We care for young people with very serious problems, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, and severe emotional disorders.

Of the 600 children we serve, our Big Brothers Big Sisters program provides caring adult role models to 300 local children from single-parent families.

PDA provides lighting, sound, staging, video production and installation services. Visit www.pdastage.com. PDA is an advocate of giving back to our local community and to those in need. Please contact us for more information about production services for your non-profit event. Nicole Garrigan nicole@pdastage.com

The PDA Event Production Team is hard at work this week on the Family Research Council show in Washington, DC. For the fourth year, Project Manager Todd St. Onge and crew will be managing the three-day conference at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Conference speakers include a who’s who of the nation’s political right, including Rep. Mike Pence—Chairman, House Republican Conference (R-IN), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Stephen Baldwin and Kevin McCullough—Hosts, XTreme Radio, Bill O’Reilly—Host, The O’Reilly Factor and Gov. Mitt Romney.

Questions? Nicole Garrigan nicole@pdastage.com

PDA Design and Installation Professionals Matt Watts and Rocky Weakley came back from this year’s InfoComm as Certified Technology Specialists (CTS). 

The Certified Technology Specialist (CTS®) credential is for audiovisual professionals who hold extensive knowledge of the technology used in audio, video and display systems, and a competence, dedication and commitment to their profession. By achieving this credential, Rocky and Matt have displayed the self-confidence, professionalism and integrity needed to succeed in the field. With agreement to a code of ethics pledging truth, accuracy and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of the profession, CTS-holders are recognized as trusted providers of services to customers of AV technology.

Why does being CTS certified benefit PDA’s clients? CTS provides:

-Reassurance of competency, experience and ethical behavior
-An open, tested, clear set of industry standards to evaluate audiovisual providers
-Professionals who are held to a high standard of ethics and conduct*
-Continuing commitment: PDA cares about providing the absolute best services and solutions

“The CTS (Certified Technology Specialist) certification demonstrates the extra commitment to being the best AV professional that I can be.  The program is a peer-developed standards and competencies credential for the workforce in the AV industry.  It is now adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and being recognized more and more by architects and other construction based firms.  The CTS gives me the resources and the knowledge to adhere to the best practices of the AV industry.  It also assists me significantly to help create the best solutions for my clients needs.  The CTS also helps me to continue to stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies by mandating continued education to keep my certification,” said Watts. matt@pdastage.com

Questions? nicole@pdastage.com

*Source InfoComm International