Robe on the Face of the Year in the Slovak Republic

	Face of the Year in the Slovak Republic with Robe

Lighting designer Martin Kubanka created a fabulous setting for the Slovak Republic's 2012 Face of the Year contest and gala evening, which was broadcast live on national channel STV1, with the aim of finding new modeling talent for the worlds of glamour and fashion.

The Czech and Slovakian girls -- renowned for their natural beauty and poise -- were further enhanced by Kubanka's use of Robe moving lights which made up a large element of the rig installed into the Slovenské Národné Divadlo venue in Bratislava.

The show also featured live entertainment and music from British singer, musician and DJ Sonique; Czech rocker Petr Kolar; Slovak TV star Patricia Janeckova; footballer, Filip Jankovic; fashion designer, Ema Klein; and more celebrities.

Kubanka's brief from clients STV1 and the Ibismoda model and event agency were to make the lighting beautiful while the stage and room look exciting for the occasion.

He worked closely with set designer Dano Šichma, who adapted the original set designed by Mito Ferencík for the National Theatre's production of Netopier (The Bat) for this show.

The stage and scenic elements included elaborate mirrored columns running down each side and a prominent staircase at the back. There was also a bridge above the upstage entrance / exit -- made up of moving LED panels -- with a further set of large LED screen flown at the very back of the space.

The Robe count included 10 Robin MMX Spots and 48 Robin LEDBeam 100s, 24 Robin 600 Beams, 20 Robin 300 Beams, four ColorWash 1200E ATs, and 10 ColorMix 575s.

Behind the opening LED wall were pillars rigged with Robin 600 Beams that were used for dramatic back-lighting combining powerful projection and beam capabilities.

An eight by three meter wall was created with the Robin 100 LEDBeams -- hung flat above the stage ceiling for some of the show and flown in for special scenes.

Kubanka comments that the LEDBeam 100s are: "Amazing! Unbelievably fast and bright with excellent beams. The light weight (4.5kgs) means you can use more units and easily build up moving blocks of light as we did here for the celling / wall which made for a jaw-dropping TV effect."

He programmed and ran the light show using a grandMA2 full size console, with another running all the video content.

All lighting, LED, and sound equipment for Face of the Year was supplied by leading Slovakian rental company Q-99.

The company says the show was a success and has received much positive feedback, being hailed as one of the best beauty contests ever to be staged in Slovakia, with its innovative scenography and excellent lighting design.