A New Hope.....

After 16 years, ETC UK Ltd., is changing. Although I will still be creating the large scale projection events that I have become known for, I have now bought out my business partners and moved onto a slightly different track. This will allow me to concentrate on creating the event using the tools that are most relevant to the project and a 'best fit' from the clients point of view.

With a new direction comes a new name. The Projection Studio as a name seems a good fit from the point of view of what I will be providing and with the aspiration to deal with a broader range of clients and events.

To my previous clients I hope that you will stay with me through the changes that are to come. To anyone new to what I do, I look forward to working with you in the future.

And the winner is...

I was very pleased that 'Lumiere' won the award for Best Event Durham this year at the Culture Awards hosted by The Journal. Congratulations to Artichoke for a fantastic event that was well run. 75,000 people enjoyed the event over four days and they came in spite of the heavy rain on most nights. Thanks to Robert Zeigler and John Del Nero who made it sound wonderful. Also thanks to Paul Chatfield, Paul Highfield, Karen Monid, Richard Porter and Mike Barry for all their hard work.

See more about the event on the Journal Website

It was sad that 'Odins Glow' didn't win Best Event Tees Valley. However it did make the shortlist and Magnetic Events and Redcar and Cleveland Council are to be commended on taking a village and utterly transforming it in a new and exciting way.

See more on the Journal Website

The Awards are coming...

Last year I was lucky enough have two events that I was involved with shortlisted for the Journal Culture Awards. 'Enchanted Parks' for which I created 'The Curiosity Box', won the 'Best Event Tyneside Award' and the launch of the Sunderland Aquatic Centre for which I created 'A Poem for Sunderland' was runner up for the 'Best Event Sunderland Award'.

This year I have two more events shortlisted.

They are 'Lumiere' which is shortlisted for the 'Best Event Durham Award',

and 'Odins Glow', shortlisted for the 'Best Event Tees Valley Award'.

For 'Lumiere' I created a 'Crown of Light' a son et lumiere projection across the entire frontage of Durham Cathedral and for Odins Glow 'Landscape' a projection onto the hillside at Newton-under-Roseberry.

Its great that the North East is producing such large scale arts events which draw such positive responses from the general public. Lets hope other local authorities are looking over their shoulder and taking note!

All the best to all the short listed events and I look forward to seeing you all there on the 23rd.

Production Companies

Odins Glow - Magnetic Events

Lumiere - Artichoke

A Poem for Sunderland - Magnetic Events

Enchanted Parks - Magnetic Events

Accendo - Illuminating York 2008 from Ross Ashton on Vimeo.

With illuminating York approaching again, I thought it might be interesting to publish a short extract from 'Accendo' which was created for the 2008 event.

The soundscape is the work of Karen Monid.

The piece celebrates mans striving to understand and explain his universe as well as the juxtaposition of the two buildings.