NRG crew take on the TPI Awards 2019 posted: 18/03/2019
NRG crew members operating RoboSpots at TPI Awards 2019
Demonstrating the creativity and enthusiasm of the next generation, for the third year running, a number of NRG (Next Robe Generation) crew members made a significant contribution to the production of the highest profile evening event of the industry calendar - the TPI Awards 2019. Held at Battersea Evolution in London, and welcoming over 1,600 guests, the evening was attended by a who's who' of the industry. The lighting rig was a Robe spectacular, with over 300 fixtures specified by Robe's in-house Media and Lighting Designer Nathan Wan in order to meet the brief from TPI. And Nathan again offered the opportunity for a select number of NRG crew to join the Robe production team.
We totally appreciate this is a high pressure, high profile opportunity for students to get involved in when they are still in the midst of their studies, but we love the fact that those who took on the roles rose to the challenge and then some! says Nathan. Their overall approach to the project and the roles we gave them was exceptional - and their enthusiasm to present their design and technical skills to a highly opinionated' audience was contagious!
This year's team of six NRG crew included Alex Merrett, in his final year at University of South Wales, Owen Yelland also in his final year from Rose Bruford College, Ben Linwood from Guildford School of Acting and Espen Karlsen from Rose Bruford College. It was also encouraging to welcome two female crew members - Jasmine Williams, a final year student from Royal Welsh College Music & Drama and LIPA's Georgia Wren.
Alex had been part of the NRG crew last year, designing and operating the main bar at the TPI Awards 2018 and this year he re-applied and was successfully appointed as Assistant Lighting Designer working alongside Nathan, and associate LD Andy Webb. He couldn't resist the chance to get involved again. It is a great opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people and to learn some invaluable skills including new methods of programming and how fine-tuning the attention to detail makes all the difference. The pressure was on for impressing the very knowledgeable audience but having said that the highlight for me has to have been seeing the whole production and all the hard work come together on the night he says. Overall I can honestly say the experience has been completely amazing and an unforgettable highlight in my student career! he concludes.
Another member of the NRG crew who also had prior experience of the TPI Awards was Owen, who reprised his role as Systems Tech for the production. Owen didn't think twice about applying again. I saw it as a further opportunity to expand my experience of looking after the systems being used on the event, and to work for a second time with Kling-Net by ArKaos. In addition to which I was head RoboSpot operator and so I now have hands-on experience of configuring the RoboSpots - I can honestly say I was bowled over by how easy they are to set up and operate - what a great piece of kit!
Espen was asked to light, programme and operate the main bar of the TPI Awards. As an international student and fairly new member of NRG, he knew this would be a great way to build his UK industry contacts. He was impressed that the opportunity presented the chance to demonstrate his skills with a WYSIWYG challenge as well as benefitting from a two-day Avolites training course. The experience has also provided him first-hand insight into how productions and load-ins work in the UK. I think these student opportunities being offered by a large company like Robe through NRG is admirable and you get a lot of insight into their fixtures as well as some invaluable experience into how a large production on a corporate event of this nature works he comments. It really helps students learn first-hand whilst studying, so they are far better placed to step straight into their career when they graduate. And I have met a lot of people who I hope will help me further my career. I definitely want to do more live events as a result of this experience.
left to right : Top Row Owen Yelland, Georgia Wren, Nathan Wan, Espen Karlsen, Toma s Kohout, Ben Linwood, Jasmine Williams.
Espen was supported in his role by Guildford School of Acting student Ben who comments that it was really a very simple decision to make to apply for a role on the TPI NRG team. Although there was definitely extra pressure with this job because it was in front of so many industry professionals I admire and aspire to be like!
I've learnt loads and I have taken away a huge amount of insight into scheduling and the management of such a large event. The NRG initiative adds experience and learning that you can't get in a lecture hall. It teaches the importance of networking with fellow students and industry professionals, and is helping to draw the future generation of professionals closer together says Ben.
Jasmine and Georgia collaborated on the lighting design, programming and operation for the important Robe VIP Lounge which was opened up to invited guests after the main awards.
This opportunity has exceeded my expectations and given me the opportunity to learn new skills I wouldn't otherwise have had the opportunity to do so and I feel more capable and confident in my skillset as a result smiles Georgia. It was inspiring to hear people compliment my work in the VIP lounge and say they can see I have a future in the industry - wow!
My tutor encouraged me to go for this opportunity and it pushed me right outside my comfort zone explains Jasmine. When I met Ashley Lewis from Robe and Nicky Rowland from NRG at RWCMD last year, they were encouraging more female tech
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NRG crew take on the TPI Awards 2019 posted: 18/03/2019 
