TBWA/RAAD is one of the most highly respected PR agencies in the region. Our brief was to come up with a stage set, based around 'X' signifying their 10th anniversary. Our challenge was extremely tight timescales, and a ballroom that whilst very good in terms of production, with power, access, hanging points etc, was not that high at only 5.6m!

We came up with a design that incorporated an 'X' stage look, with a stage behind, and podiums on different levels, so that dancers could be seen before they descend onto the stage. The next task was to find a way that the dancers could enter the stage after the reveal curtain was opened. We acheived this by making some custom steps with double hinges that came down via motor control, during the intro! Very theatrical!

Lighting was designed to emphasise the 'X' outline, through the curtain to start with, and for this we used LED battens, and spent time pixel mapping the entire outline, giving us effectively 256 lights around the outline. From this we created various chases, patterns and looks, that made the 'X' stand out before the reveal and added lighting effects after the reveal was open.

Furthermore, moving lights and generics were placed on the truss as normal room and stage lighting. The entire set was finished maticulously, as you would expect from AAA, but also the fact that we were in Armani's ballroom at Burj Khalifa gave us the extra push to make sure everything was pristine. All the truss was covered, all cables, all lights polished, all together a pristine set!

A great night was had by all, so a hearty congratulations to TBWA/RAAD. Last year we launched thier new offices in Emaar Square downtown, now their birthday. We eagerly await their next challenge for us, and in the meantime appreciate their loyalty as we do many of our clients!