ELP, a trading division of White
Light, recently supplied the lighting equipment for VE Day 75 – The People’s Celebration; a special BBC and Royal
British Legion production which commemorated the 75th anniversary of
VE Day and was watched by over eight million viewers.
The People’s Celebration was a programme featuring memories and
music which honoured and celebrated the Second World War generation. Originally
intended to take place at the Royal Albert Hall, this was no longer possible
due to the nationwide lockdown. As such, it was decided it would instead go
ahead within the grounds of Buckingham Palace, with the performers socially
distanced from one another.
ELP was approached by Lighting
Director Nigel Catmur to work on the event. Due to the unique circumstances in
which the production was being made, the
preparation time reduced from what would normally be several weeks to just 5
days from receiving the lighting plan and equipment spec to loading the trucks.
Similarly, with the event being held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, this
would require increased levels of security. As such, ELP was able to draw on
its extensive experience of working on several Royal events and ensure all necessary
measures were adhered to.
As much as possible, the
equipment needed to be IP rated for the potential wet weather. ELP supplied units
such as SGM P5, SGM G-Spot, Chauvet Q40 and Elation 6Par 200IP. One particularly
important set of fixtures were the Astera Titan tubes, which were placed amongst
the orchestra and soloists and created an impressive effect across the Palace’s
forecourt. Similarly, trusted favourites such as Arri Skypanel S60/C , Arri 2.5
MSR and tungsten 2K alongside a selection of ETC Source Fours with various
lenses were also used to great effect.
Whilst most of the key lighting
was from stands of various sizes, ranging from lowboys to 5 section Easylifts,
there was also a substantial rig consisting of eight freestanding truss towers
at 5m, providing a selection of orchestral, key and effect lighting, alongside fixings
for the beautiful festoon and bunting.
As the natural light faded across
the evening, Nigel’s lighting design came into its own, creating some beautiful
and magical looks within the iconic setting of Buckingham Palace.
This was the first job to be
completely prepped and loaded from WL’s warehouse in Wimbledon, which has now becoming a second base for ELP
alongside the Space Studios in Manchester.
ELP’s Sales Director Darren Fletcher
comments: “This was a fantastic production for us to work on. The equipment
spec filled three trucks so we are really proud to have delivered this,
especially when you consider the current restrictions on working practices,
heightened security at Buckingham Palace along with the reduction in workforce.
Ultimately, it’s a great example of how, even in these surreal times, we are still
able to supply the high-standard technical solutions expected by production
companies and broadcasters”.
Lighting Director – Nigel Catmur | Gaffer – Mark Gardiner
Don’t hesitate to contact us for your next project by emailing Broadcast@WhiteLight.Ltd.uk.
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The post BBC VE Day, The People’s Celebration appeared first on White Light.