For the first year this year, Blond Productions supplied the full technical for the Main Stage at the annual ABSA Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (Afrikaans for Little Karoo National Arts Festival, abbreviated to KKNK), with extra equipment and crew supplied by MGG Productions. It was also the second year that the company handled the Kyknet Stage. The Prolyte Lighting Grid, with the inclusion of 12 brand new Prolyft Aetos 500kg motors, was lit up with a fantastic Robe lighting rig.
Besides the main stage, which included a line up of the top Afrikaans names in music, the entire small town of Oudtshoorn, some 400kms from Cape Town, was transformed for the festival, some 20 venues created from school halls and churches.
Since day one, Pieter-Jan Kapp, better known in the industry as Kappie from PJK, has been involved in the Festival. Initially this was as a young technician employed by Production Projects (faithful and longstanding suppliers to the festival) and for the past eight years as the technical manager for the annual event.
Indeed, most South African industry players cut their teeth at the KKNK, many returning not for the money, but the on-going experiences: a fine mix of nostalgia, memories and hard work!
Kappie says that the festival is adapted to budget and sponsorship every year, and the generous way rental companies have given back, has ensured a high standard. “If it weren’t for companies like MGG Productions, Blond Productions, The Sound Corporation, SS Stage Structures and Equipment and Production Projects, we wouldn’t have had these pictures,’ he says, referring to the photos of the stunning looking main stage. “We saw something different this year. It’s amazing, everyone keeps on giving, and there are no words to thank them,’ said Kappie. ˂br˃
“I’ve worked on 13 KKNK festivals and it’s a place in the industry where you can learn a lot,’ said Christiaan Ballot, owner of Blond Productions. “Kappie has been a great guy to work with and he has taught and mentored us over the years. When I was still studying at Pretoria Technikon, Kappie was already there. Mark Gaylard from MGG also worked on the festivals with me… now years later, we are suppliers. I enjoy going, and for me it’s something special, the place where it all started, a two week working holiday.’
There were five days to set up and the stage looked amazing. It included 48 x Robin 100 LEDBeam, 12 Robe Robin 600 Beams, 24 x Robin 1200 LED Wash, 12 x Clay Paky A.leda B-EYE K20, 18 x Clay Paky Alpha Profile 1500, 12 x Philips Showline SL NITRO 510 & 4 Robe BMFL Lights. Control was via a grandMA2 Full Size, NPU, VPU and grandMA2 on PC for support. The Lighting grid comprised of Prolyte H40, Prolyte 52SV trusses. “We have used Prolyte for three years and it’s a great product,’ commented Christiaan. “Our new motors are silent and reliable.’ Video footage was displayed on 140 VuePix 12mm panels. “The client was blown away!’ he added. Lighting designer and programmer, Hein Stroh from Blond, created wonderful looks and effects which varied from lighting a full symphony orchestra to something more striking for Belgian pop star Dana Winner, Kurt Darren, Karen Zoid and many other performers.
“KKNK is always hard work but it’s fun,’ concludes Christiaan. “Everyone jumps in to make it a success.’ It’s full circle for both Christiaan and Mark Gaylard, who started off as crew and are now respected suppliers to the event, giving back to something they both believe in.
