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| News & Events | Archive |
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| Blackout Goes Gothic at The BRIT's |
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April 2003
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The 'tree stump' room
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Drapes and rigging specialist, Blackout, was appointed by London based production house, MJK to dress the Brits now famous After-show area.
The opulent, surreal, Gothic-esque space – which accommodated 3000 VIP guests at the prestigious Awards staged in Earls Court - was designed by Bruce French, master creator of dramatic scenic environments.
Working closely with the production team, overseen by Maggie Mouzakitis, Blackout’s Project Managers, Chris Brain and Kevin Monks aided in the realisation of French’s creative objectives. Together, they transformed the After-show area into a unique theatrical setting.
The main room set the mood, swathed in Byzantine purple cloth, Medieval-banqueting hall style. The adjoining bar, casino, dancefloor and cave-like “tree stump” room - carpeted with real turf adding yet another extraordinary texture - oozed bizarre Gothic romantic connotations. Provoking a darker Gothic mood and adding a touch of the macabre, human and animal skulls were positioned strategically around the area.
Exclusive to artists, A list celebrities and VVIPs, the After-show area offered five main party rooms plus 7 private suites for record companies to entertain guests. An additional corporate hospitality area was created exclusively for Brit’s sponsors MasterCard, complete with full sit down dinner facilities.
Blackout supplied massive quantities of dark purple velour, which was ruched and draped around the perimeter of the bar, casino, dancefloor and “tree stump” room. Huge, decadent, purple swags were also suspended throughout. Black voile drapes were used to create semi-opaque dividers between the casino and the tree stump cave. Blackout also supplied the casement ceilings throughout and the massive ceiling in the Main area – designed out of black wool serge fabric.
Maggie Mouzakitis commented, As always, Blackout have been fantastic! The team handled all the challenges of the project, met very tight deadlines and were great fun to work with!”
Party designer, Bruce French, explained,” I wanted to create a true “rock and roll” spirit – a place where Keith Richards would feel at home, and a veritable Beggars Banquet! Working closely with Blackout was essential to the creative treatment. The crew worked with meticulous attention to detail, and their efforts were reflected in the awesome final effect”.
Blackout’s Project Manager, Kevin Monks, explained, “Over 270 person-hours went into achieving Bruce’s designs and levels of perfection!”
Theo Cox’s lighting design augmented the Gothic feel. Playing on contrasting lighting levels and by cleverly up-lighting key features, he maximised shadow effects, creating a moody, intricate “less is more” atmosphere. This greatly enhanced the texture of the fabulous purple and black canvas.
His design comprised over 270 assorted generic lights, 16 High End Studio Spots and 4 Martin MAC 2000 fixtures. Control was via two Wholehog 2’s and three Avolite Pearls. After-show lighting equipment was supplied by Neg Earth and sound by Encore.
For further information, please contact:
Katinka Allender
PR Consultant
Phone: +44 (0)1865 409977
Email: katinka@katinka.org.uk
Kevin Monks
Blackout Ltd
Phone: +44 (0)20 8687 8400
Email: kevin.monks@blackout-ltd.com
Chris Brain
Blackout Ltd
Phone: +44 (0)20 8687 8400
Email: chris.brain@blackout-ltd.com
Anna Webb
Litmus Communications
Phone: +44 (0)20 7249 6226
Email: anna@litmuscomms.co.uk |
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