Each year in July and November, the Professional Bull Riding circus rolls into arenas – a far cry from the country rodeos and regional towns which usually cater for these events.
The national finals of the Professional Bull Riding Australia Championship were held at Qantas Credit Union, Sydney. Prior to that was an event in Cairns and afterwards, one in Brisbane.
The rig, supplied by Chameleon Touring Systems, was designed by Michael “Simmo’ Simpson. The PBR contacted Simmo to work with them in creating a show opening that delivered a rock theatre vibe.
“Basically they’re trying to make these events into arena spectaculars that cater for all walks of life,” said Simmo. “They appear to be achieving this as we had sellout crowds in Cairns, Sydney and Brisbane.”
Simmo has worked with numerous shows and events over his time in the industry and he adds that lighting bulls isn’t that bad!
“It smells a bit but that’s what happens when you put forty bulls and loads of dirt indoors,” he remarked. “It’s quite an interesting concept and each time I’m a part of the PBR, it just grows and grows. There are always people who don’t understand the concept but once they’ve seen a show, they’re always fans.”
Simmo created the concept of trying the make the opening introductions of the cast (riders, protection lads, etc) more of an entertainment spectacle instead of just ‘basketball lighting’. Hence the opening incorporates plenty of video, lighting pyro, and sound and of course, programmed to run to together manually from our Show Caller Jim White, who PBR Australia bring out to call the event.
“It’s not a huge rig by arena standards but when on a limited budget, you do what you can to the best of your ability,” Simmo said. “Originally I had specified a bunch off Martin MAC2000 Wash and Profiles but at the last minute I was upgraded to Chameleon’s new Martin MAC Quantum Profiles. The MAC Quantum Profile is an awesome little LED unit which has some pretty cool gobos not seen in similar fixtures. Its light output is punchy even at a 12m trim. The colour system is smooth and the movement is very responsive.”
Simmo has fifteen MAC Quantum Profiles as well as a bunch of MAC2000 Washes, Sunstrips and Clay Paky Sharpy Profiles in the show.
