Republic of ALBANIA – The Miss Albania 2012 pageant has taken place every year since 1998 in Albanian historic sites and castles. The lighting design must then take into account the nationwide TV coverage, the talent and the towering sites and castles as part of the scenic elements. Italian director of photography Franco Ferrari chose Clay Paky fixtures including the Sharpys to handle his challenges of the annual pageant. ASLV supplied the lighting and video equipment.
More details from Clay Paky (http://www.claypaky.it):
Republic of ALBANIA – The Miss Shqiperia (or as translated, Miss Albania) 2012 pageant is a beauty contest unlike others, because, as Director/Producer Petri Bozo points out, “it is first and foremost a cultural event. It has taken place every year since 1998 in Albanian historic sites and castles.”
The importance of the event, which was broadcast on all the national television channels, was also clear from the TV crew involved. The Italian director of photography Franco Ferrari, who was part of the team, explained: “The Albanian people are proud of their history, and want to communicate it to the world. The decision to hold the event in a different castle every year is a step in this direction. Lighting is crucial, because it not only enhances the event, but also the location that hosts it.”
Ferrari used Clay Paky lights for this blend of history and beauty. “We managed to achieve three aims with the lights in one fell swoop. We created the set, we illuminated the venue and we provided the lighting design for the show. I used a few Clay Paky Sharpys and exploited every option these appliances gave me. They are terrific, but I have often noticed that not all their features are exploited. My challenge was to use them as ‘universal’ lights to achieve the lighting goals I had set myself.”
This explains the idea of a dolly four kilometers from the site to make the most of the Sharpy’s concentrated beams, which streaked through the sky above the castle. “I had a lot of smoke machines, but in an outdoor setting, even a light breeze makes them totally useless. Luckily, the Sharpy’s light is so powerful and concentrated that it stood out perfectly even without smoke.”
The lighting system was supplied by ASLV, Clay Paky’s Albanian distributor/rental company. They have supplied and rigged the pageant with the audiovisual and lighting system for the last three years. “They were the first Sharpys used in Albania,” said ASLV owner Florind Tenolli. “The success was amazing. I received compliments from ‘insiders’ and from the general public. No one had ever seen effects used like this before in such an evocative location in our corner of the world.”
Tenolli went on to say, “Our mutual understanding with Clay Paky is excellent. In the last few months, I have also had the chance to see how the headquarters work and appreciate the company’s great professionalism. They offer original reliable lights and truly high level customer service. I intend to replace my entire stock of lights shortly. I want to start by ordering some new A.Leda LED moving heads, which I consider to be top quality lights.”
Massimo Bolandrina, Clay Paky’s Area Manager, added, “We are happy to see that Albania is experiencing an important cultural and technological renaissance. ASLV is a capable, reliable, keen Clay Paky partner. They have even made commercials for our lights for broadcasting on the main national TV networks! “
