While K-pop has already become well-established on the global stage, with numerous notable productions taking place all over the world [including our cover story for this issue], Mandopop by comparison is still emerging on the international stage. The genre was recently given its Dubai debut as legendary Mandarin singer/songwriter Jeff Chang brought his iconic sound to Coca-Cola Arena for one night only, with SLS Production Middle East entrusted to supply a complete technical package for the performance.
“Our team at SLS Production embraced the challenge of meeting the diverse needs of this event head-on. We meticulously managed every aspect – audio, lighting, rigging, and staging – to ensure a flawless and memorable experience,” commented Senior PM, Paurasp Waghchhipawalla. “Our teamwork and expertise prevailed, exceeding expectations and helping to make Jeff Chang’s performance truly memorable.”
With a striking stage design that featured several custom components, including three stage lifts, the SLS team had to be at the top of their game to provide a setup that met the client’s high expectations. “Effective communication was critical – particularly in a multilingual setting such as this,” stated Senior PM, Anuj Naik.
The scale and complexity of the event demanded an extensive rigging setup, which was overseen by SLS’ Head of Rigging, Kevin Shyamprasad. “We meticulously designed and deployed a system capable of supporting the extensive lighting, audio, and visual equipment essential for a production of this calibre,” he described.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Vishnu Venunath, Sales Manager, SLS Production said: “SLS Production showcased impressive meticulousness and attention to detail in organising this largest event. The support and guidance from Mr. Hassan Wehbe who was appointed as the Project Director, were invaluable, providing an added layer of expertise and precision to our efforts. Despite the initial challenges with translation, we successfully met the client’s expectations. I am incredibly proud of the SLS team and this significant achievement.”
At the heart of the setup were robust truss structures positioned strategically to accommodate the dynamic requirements of the stage and overhead displays. These structures not only provided essential support but also facilitated the smooth movement and positioning of lighting fixtures and video screens, ensuring optimal visibility and coverage throughout the arena. In all, the system comprised some 116 points and 400m of truss, alongside 24 VMK Movecat motors for automation.
“Rigging is the backbone of any large-scale event, and our team spared no effort in ensuring every element was placed precisely and secured,” Shyamprasad noted, praising the efforts of Madhu Marri, as well as TECS Event Services’ HOD Automation, Lewis Calderwood, who played a pivotal role on the project. “Our goal was to create a setup that not only met but exceeded the stringent safety and performance standards of Coca-Cola Arena.”
The formidable video lineup featured a combined 180 sq m of INFiLED GXII 4.6mm as well as Gloshine Vanish 3.9mm and 7.8mm LED. The screens were driven by NovaStar H-Series controllers at FOH, with CVT4K units in the backend, supported by an Analog Way Aquilon RS4 processing and the Apple Mac Studio M2 Ultra, with Resolume Arena 7 as a backup to ensure uninterrupted visual immersion.
While the inclement weather put paid to the original concept of an outdoor extension of the event, the SLS video team ensured that the desired look and feel of the show was achieved inside the venue. “The team had a very positive experience overall,” noted Senior Video Engineer and Crew Chief Renald Blance, who worked on the project alongside Video Specialist, Clinton Due. “Our approach was to align meticulously with the technical specifications provided by Jeff Chang’s team, ensuring seamless integration and minimal adjustment required for their touring video content.”
HOD Lighting Praveen Jayakumar oversaw an impressive lighting rig including 143 Robe MegaPointe, 68 Robe Spiider, 60 BMFL Wash Beam, four Robin FORTE, and 64 Ayrton Cobra fixtures, which were “strategically utilised to create a dynamic atmosphere, highlight the performances, and enhance the visual spectacle”.
“The lighting team’s meticulous planning and execution ensured seamless integration with other technical aspects of the production,” he said, giving praise to Senior Technician Kiran Kumar as well as Deekshith Peruvenkot. “Their efforts contributed to an unforgettable visual experience that complemented Jeff Chang’s electrifying performance.”
The SFX supply meanwhile included a range of effects, from Sparkulars and Power Shots to Stadium Shots and a selection of lasers, all overseen by SFX Coordinator, Christian Baltazar.
Last but certainly not least, HOD Audio Suresh Jayakumar worked alongside Audio Engineers Niket Shinde and Arun Kumar to deliver a sound system that “pushed the boundaries of technical excellence”. Jayakumar added: “Managing a production of this magnitude posed formidable challenges, with the audio setup standing as a testament to both innovation and precision.”
The main PA featured 24 L-Acoustics K1 and 8 K2 loudspeakers for the main hangs, supplemented by 20 K2 units for outfills. Ground-stacked for maximum impact were 24 KS28 subwoofers, complemented by 12 KARA II speakers positioned for enhanced intelligibility, with the system driven by 42 LA12X amplifiers. DiGiCo SD5 and SD10 consoles were used for FOH and monitors respectively, Shure Axient was the RF microphone system of choice, and a ClearCom FreeSpeak II system provided robust and reliable comms.
Photos: SLS Production
