Page 322 - Protec PR Book Volume 2

When asked about the challenges faced Snyman explained: “The towers were the most challenging part of the new restrictions as we had to cut them down by a total of 2.4metres. This meant we had to remove a large section of each tower without compromising the structural integrity and the overall appearance of the towers.”
Other changes to the set were simpler to make. Cogs had to be shifted slightly to allow for the changes made to the towers. New graphics and prints also had to be altered, which were a simple fix for an experienced team.
Getting the set and entire visual effect to be uniform across all the venues involved working closely with the lighting team.
“We also had to work hand in hand with the other departments, especially with lighting. Because of the changes made, lights were shifted slightly and we had to cut new access holes into the set panels for them.” Snyman added: “Those were the only major changes and challenges we had on site. Before we started the build, we sat down and worked on a realistic and practical timeline to make sure the build was carried out without any delays. We made a day by day schedule on the entire sequence of events, including Abigail and the lighting department. We also planned a worst case scenario schedule for this gig to ensure we were prepared for any pitfalls or external factors along the way. In short, we were extremely well prepared for the gig from the very beginning right through.”
Protec project manager, Pieter Smuts paid tribute to the excellence of his crew for the weeks of planning, preparation and successful delivery, turning an ambitious and ground-breaking concept into a reality. “The show itself was amazing to be a part of, it looked great and sounded great,” he said. “There were no issues and I could not be happier. We look forward to partnering with Envie events again very soon.”
Director of Envie Events, Barry Pavic, reflected on another successful Unite with Tomorrowland: “Our goal is to bring people from all walks of life, countries, backgrounds and unite them as one with the power of music. That is exactly what UNITE with Tomorrowland did once again and we are very happy with the feedback. It is with the help of strong partners like Protec, and many others, that have made this concept such a huge success in the UAE.”
loading capacity this time round so we were able to fly a very large array for the main hang and then a small kara array for delays for the VIP deck.”
The hangs Protec used were L-Acoustics 4 x K1-SB and 18 K2 per side ensuring depth, richness and clarity of sound identical to each UNITE venue worldwide. The delays were 6 x L-Acoustics Kara and 2 x SB18 per side. Ross chose 24 x SB28 for subs. For communications Protec used 3 x Clearcom Helixnet master stations networked together and 10 x Clearcom Freespeak II wireless comms. These have the ability to maintain a strong and continuous wireless connection with clear audio across an expansive area making them an ideal system for this event.
According to Leigh Snyman of Protec’s scenic and staging department, this year’s Tomorrowland scenic set had a few changes and alterations from last year. Firstly, the entire set was scaled down to a total height of 15.8 metres and a width of 22.8 metres. The reason for this was to fit the set into the new venue in du Forum, where Snyman and his team were limited by the height and width of the venue.