Exciting lighting Decor

DJ disco hire blog magazine is taking a look back 10 years at Exciting Lighting and Decor (EL&D) have been living up to their name for over two decades, founded by owner Harry Filmer way back in 1980 The company have since evolved into an operation which now includes a much broader remit, one which includes design consultancy, interior design and complete project management. This energetic approach to what is a considerable range of services has seen London PLASA members Exciting lighting Decor develop into one the most proactive design and installation companies in Ireland, providing a complete lighting audio and design package to a wide range of venues throughout the Emerald Isle.
From their Bangor, Co. Down, base, EL&D have developed a commitment to modem design techniques and as such are well equipped with the latest in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and drafting facilities. This allows the company to offer the client an economic use of often limited time.
"We recognize that our job is to bring projects to life," comments EL&D's Harry Filmer. "Whether you commission us to design, supply and install the whole interior and lighting audio system or simply ask us to consult on the project, you can be sure that our know-how will result in success. Our commitment to "Excellence through Accuracy' has helped build a reputation which has taken us to projects throughout Ireland and into popular clubs in Europe and North America."The project management provided by the company includes regular site supervision and co-ordination of contractors ensuring that the project programmed and budget are adhered to, and that the work is carried out to the desired standard. This level of service and commitment has not only been instrumental in the longevity of Exciting Decor thus far, but will no doubt maintain their profile for many more years to come.
As part of a special DJ disco hire Philippines blog magazine feature, we take a look at just some of the recent projects that have been completed by Exciting lighting Decor
Those of you familiar with the nightclub industry in Ireland will be aware that most discotheques operate as pan of a hotel. What began as a way of tackling the obtuse licensing laws has developed into standard business practice with obvious advantages- and not just for the amorous clubber who manages to take advantage of the sleeping arrangements,
Venue club OTO (which apparently stands for Over Twenty One the target audience) is situated in the Farnham Arms Hotel in Cavan and has benefited from the huge amount of commercial traffic the hotel has enjoyed. Oliver Sheils, its owner, has attracted plenty of business to the hotel with its restaurant, pub and function room, Now Club OTO is increasing trade with a fine blend of powerful sound, interesting lighting and fresh design - all provided in one package by ELGD (formerly Exciting Lighting and Decor Unlike many clubs in Ireland with affinity to top hotels, OTO is a sizeable venue. Its huge cavernous interior gives it the feel of a proper club parties as opposed to a space that is doing its best to imitate one. This is because OTO was purposely built as an extension 10 the hotel and was designed as to make it an easy option to add another floor above. The signs are that this will eventually happen because the club events has been so popular, regularly filling its 2,000 capacity.The nightclub feel is also helped by the sheer physical presence of the loudspeaker system-always a benefit if a promoters club is to be taken seriously. The system represents the first installation of Court Acoustics c2 bi-amped full range cabinets designed with the installation market in mind. However because of its combination of powerful output and clarity Court hope that other applications, such as cinema, can be met. Harry Filmer, proprietor of ELGD is particularly pleased with the results as it is the first time they have worked with Court speakers The Count dance system that we installed has excelled in every aspect and it is pleasing that it offered a lot more than its spectacular light technical specification suggested.
The cabinets are flown from the specially constructed balcony whilst the Court DSB 2000 sub bass units are positioned under the movable stage which is utilized for fashion shows and live events
One of the advantages of having Exciting lighting Decor provides the whole lighting package is that they realized the importance that the best stage effects lighting play a big part in the overall design of the luxury nightlife club atmosphere. The special effects lighting has been thoughtfully incorporated both above the dance floor and in peripheral areas. Six custom frames made wrought iron lighting rigs surround the dance-floor as opposed to one singular structure hanging directly above it. From these is suspended Clay Paky Stage Light 300 moving heads and a range of Genius effects - all controlled by an ALS Enigma Micro 1024 desk? Great lighting Decor swear by the controllers estimating that their installations make up about 75% of the total Enigma installs in Ireland.
In the three bar areas Abstract AVR's instantly create different environments with atmospheric lighting in six different colours -particularly effective when downlit on to the glass block wall on the balcony level. This feature does a great deal to fit in with the overall design which is very colorful and has a Mediterranean feel with its orange/ terracotta wall finishes. Practical measures are also incorporated into the design such as the decorative wrought iron meshing which is used to great effect on the balcony to act as a net for any falling bottles or worse.
Oliver Sheils estimates that the OTO project has cost something in the region of 2.5 million to gel this far - and this could only be phase one if profit margins continue to rise. But he's delighted: "I'm overwhelmed by the results of the whole project and the positive response from clientele to love in this Club dancing OTO has been staggering." Roll on phase two.It's not often that you get to visit a nightclub in such an idyllic setting as this. The Lakeside Manor in Virginia, Co Cavan, overlooks a lake that is particularly renowned for its fishing qualities which, when combined with the fact that it is in Ireland, makes you understand why this is such a popular tourist attraction. My visit coincided with a snow storm in February and one hell of choppy water but I still wanted to stay here for a few days just to chill out. Alas, the Night budget wouldn't allow me such an extravagance so a quick visit to the Icon club hot spots here had to suffice.
The Lakeside Manor consists of a fun pub, a food restaurant, a party function room, the Icon discotheque and as of the summer time it will also feature a much needed in a luxury hotel resort. As such, the event venue has something for everyone and is understandably very popular location for wedding receptions. In fact, Exciting lighting Decor began work on the complex from scratch about two years ago as part of a five year plan but icon proved so successful that the project has raced ahead with the capital it has generated.Owners Jim and Meabh Brady wanted something for the younger crowd so the music policy reflects this and generally attracts a younger age group than both OTO and Vibe. The interior is also youthful in appearance with vibrant colours and zebra skin patterns on the top of columns dotted throughout the luxury bar and grill club lounges Being so close to the lake, EL and D came across a few problems when digging down to create room for the sunken dancefloor due to the ceiling's low height. The water table level was such that the specified txd118 Turbosound bass bins could not fit so the shallower OHM BR-215 bass enclosures were used instead. A txd Turbosound Floodlight Skeleton system was still the preferred flown mid/high option however. The sound from Icon can be zoned throughout the complex and is often employed to give the function room which has a capacity of 250 a fun club atmosphere.
The floor lighting is an eclectic mix of moving heads, colour changers and scanners. GLP Patend 575 HMI Lamp moving heads are combined with effect style Coemar Versatiles. Genius Spectra colour changers and Super Quark projectors. Once again, the control comes from an ALS Enigma -this time the Micro 2. All this gives the small, sunken dancefloor a very busy feel in a good dress code club house that has a capacity of 900.
With their step by step approach to developing this site, the Bradys and EL&D have sensibly created a professional operation with room for further expansion. The introduction of the hotel rooms will surely increase business to new heights so perhaps Icon's takings will speed up the building process once again. Who knows where it will all end?Situated just 20 minutes down the road from Icon is Vibe in Kells, which is once again part of a hotel - The Headford Arms - that also has its own very profitable bar. When EL&D were asked to refurbish the existing club building, a lot of space wasn't being utilized. The entrance to this popular club night was a long corridor with toilets which was criminally underused so EL&D set about creating the Kelltic Bar in the space. Now the whole operation is so popular, that the Celtics is used both as a feeder and overspill bar as well as, operating a very popular Thursday night independently with a DJ until 2am.
Vibe opened in June and, under the careful management of young entrepreneur Vincent Duff, has attracted an affluent crowd of over 25s. Consequently there is no competition with Icon. Vincent requested a very intimate and intricate venue so his customers could find their own corners to socialise - an experience enhanced by the array of Abstract AVR's that have confused the odd imbiber towards the end of a night.
Again very vibrant in design, Vibe's curved walls are finished in a pink stonewash effect with a raised area featuring floor-to-ceiling lighting.
Some colour wheels Abstract Futurescan 2 and VR8 plastic scanners were retained from the existing job. These were added to with Clay Paky Stage Light 300 moving heads and PSL Multibeams as well as a custom made Argon Ion neon display lasers. Control, inevitably, comes from an ALS Enigma Micro 1024 channel desk.
Sound throughout the dance area of the club is provided by OHM BR-2I5 bass bins and BR-15 mid-top cabinets fitted on OHM CFE BR flying eye kits. OHM is also used in the Kelltic Bar with a touch of effects lighting to give it a clubby feel. The existing peripheral system consisting of Dare 15" cabs has been retained. Like, OTO and Icon, Vibe also benefits from RA2000 C-Audio amplification and a BSS Omnidrive reflecting the professionalism EL&D undertake in their installations.
Vincent Duff is a young man with big ideas. He is determined to make Vibe a luxury club for the more discerning clientele even though he admits that it breaks his heart when he sees queues of desperate locals clamoring to get in to the 650 capacity venue. It is an important point for any club operator to remember however, that in order to attract the right paying customers you sometimes have. To turn away guaranteed income to do it.