On the opening bars of 'Sing' the lasers steaked over Ed’s head while he announced to the crowd 'Wow! First time I use lasers, they look cool!'. Mark Cunliffe said of ER work: 'Amazing. A great success, we have achieved everything we set out to do'.
ER had to hit the ground running joining an already slick well programmed show. To catch up ER spent 5 days in the Pre-Vis suite adding lasers and flames with Harry Boyde (Senior Programmer) and Mark Cunliffe (Ed’s Creative Director). Lasers were programmed in Pangolin beyond 5.0.
To create the 'laser roof' above Ed’s head, 18 AT-60 lasers surrounded the stage, 3 on each tower. Again, working with Wonder Works design team, the lasers were integrated into the tower lifting system. The lasers are rigged at ground level and lifted into place along with the lighting and video equipment.
Working closely with Stage One set design team, 11 Flameblazer units were integrated into the Tait stage, maintaining the clean lines of the rotating set. Two 100L pumps positioned under the stage provided ample fuel for testing and the show. The super-fast flame units gave the team the ability to create chases, quick hits and sustained powerful flames up to 8 seconds. With a 9m trim to the Halo video screen large nozzles achieved a 6m flame, with 3m safety distance.
6 custom towers at 33m high dictated an elegant solution from ER. Working closely with Wonder Works, custom brackets were designed and permanently fixed to the top of the towers above the PA allowing the flame units to be slotted / pinned into place. A central Hellfire with 2 Flameblazer units either side created the “Flame Crown” look. Hellfire and Flameblazer flames reached respectively 16m and 10m height. Production carried 2 sets of Fuel / Power / Data Looms for the 2 universal touring systems, speeding up the load in and the load out process.
The Ed Sheeran creative team came to ER with a simple brief: to add another visual level to the Mathematics Tour. They were presented with a wide range of options at our HQ, including 3D models created on Depence R3. Our new range of AT-60 lasers, Hellfire and Flameblazer units were eventually incorporated in the show.
ED SHEEraN
6 custom towers at 33m high dictated an elegant solution from ER. Working closely with Wonder Works, custom brackets were designed and permanently fixed to the top of the towers above the PA allowing the flame units to be slotted / pinned into place. A central Hellfire with 2 Flameblazer units either side created the “Flame Crown” look. Hellfire and Flameblazer flames reached respectively 16m and 10m height. Production carried 2 sets of Fuel / Power / Data Looms for the 2 universal touring systems, speeding up the load in and the load out process.
Water played a pivotal role in the show’s emotional arc. For the ballad “Back for Good,” we engineered a custom WatERfall system, developed in collaboration with HOF and Entedi, that released a curtain of rain from above the stage. This effect was made possible by a pre-rig truss and an innovative catchment system beneath the stage, allowing for seamless transitions without compromising performer safety or stage integrity.
ER Productions was proud to collaborate once again with the band’s creative team, led by Kim Gavin, to help bring their vision to life. This tour marked a significant evolution in our partnership, with ER involved from the earliest design stages—an opportunity that allowed us to develop and integrate custom effects tailored specifically for the show’s dynamic narrative.
The tour’s visual identity was anchored by two monumental, rotating staircases—each weighing six tonnes—that not only served as dramatic set pieces but also became canvases for our bespoke flame effects. Our newly developed FlamebER units were embedded within the staircases, enabling synchronized flame chases and pulses that danced to the beat of “Relight My Fire.” In total, 72 FlamebER units were deployed across the production, delivering both precision and power.
Take That’s “This Life” tour wasn’t just a celebration of their storied career: it was a masterclass in immersive live production. From the moment the trio emerged through a retro TV set to the final notes of “Rule the World,” the show was a sensory journey powered by bold storytelling, kinetic staging, and a symphony of special effects.
TAKE THAT
All effects were meticulously programmed and operated via GrandMA control systems, ensuring flawless synchronization with the show’s lighting and video elements. This level of integration was crucial for maintaining the production’s narrative flow and emotional pacing.
Working alongside industry leaders like Stufish, WI Creations, and The Next Stage, ER Productions contributed to a tour that was both technically ambitious and emotionally resonant. The result was a series of performances that not only honored Take That’s legacy but also set a new standard for live entertainment.
The goal each year is to produce a visually stunning festival that leaves a lasting impression on attendees and sets new benchmarks for live event production in the region. The successful execution of such a large-scale projects also marks a significant milestone for ER Productions, showcasing our capability to delivering large scale, world-class, immersive experiences. Our ability to overcome challenges and exceed expectations reinforces our position as industry leaders in laser and special effects production in the Middle East region.
Since our involvement we have had over 200 crew deliver Soundstorm Festivals, a dedicated and professional team ensuring seamless integration of effects across all stages. Executing a project of this magnitude does present its challenges due to its scale and complexity . Coordinating a vast array of effects across multiple stages required meticulous planning and precise execution, as well strict safety protocols. It is ER Productions first priority to ensure the safety of performers, crew, and attendees.
MDL Beast's creativity and vision also goes hand in hand with their environmental polices and green vision. Only biodegradable consumables are used and ER Productions have introduced CO2 free FX to concrete our contribution to being a ‘ Green Beast ‘ for the Festival.
100’s of Lasers are deployed across site and our new AT series has played a huge role in that with almost every AT range being involved including the new AT-60 in 2024.
ER Productions’ work on the festival begins in July each year where we work closely along side the Creative Directors of each stage to deliver their vision. With stage designs being enhanced every year, pre-production collaboration is essential to the success of the delivery.
ER productions are able to offer all their latest product line and newest fixtures including bespoke fabrications and this was never more tested than in 2022 when ER Production's helped MDL Beast achieve 2 new world records. 1 for the Worlds largest flame which was a 1-off fixture designed and built specifically of this challenge which achieved 67m in height smashing the previous record of 37m. The 2nd was the most amount of flames on stage which included 16 of our latest flame fixture VULCAN, a 40mt liquid flame, to add to the other 98 flames on stage bringing the record to 114 flames on a stage.
Since December 2021, ER Productions, has been selected to supply all 7 stages of ’Soundstorm Festival ' held in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Soundstorm Festival is renowned for its cutting-edge production and immersive experiences, setting high standards for live events in the region and s one of the largest music festivals in the Middle East. Featuring a diverse lineup of international and regional artists Soundstorm plays host to over 200,000 Festival goers each day.
SOUNDSTORM
ER Productions’ work on the festival begins in July each year where we work closely along side the Creative Directors of each stage to deliver their vision. With stage designs being enhanced every year, pre-production collaboration is essential to the success of the delivery.
ER productions are able to offer all their latest product line and newest fixtures including bespoke fabrications and this was never more tested than in 2022 when ER Production's helped MDL Beast achieve 2 new world records. 1 for the Worlds largest flame which was a 1-off fixture designed and built specifically of this challenge which achieved 67m in height smashing the previous record of 37m. The 2nd was the most amount of flames on stage which included 16 of our latest flame fixture VULCAN, a 40mt liquid flame, to add to the other 98 flames on stage bringing the record to 114 flames on a stage.
Building on our longstanding partnership, ER Productions is thrilled to be part of Ushuaïa’s latest venture: the Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience. Launched in October 2024, this open-air musical spectacular brings the spirit of Ibiza to Dubai’s stunning harbour location. The venue offers breathtaking sunset views and features top-tier DJs, including Calvin Harris, who headlined the grand opening. Our team has been instrumental in delivering the same high-quality SFX that audiences have come to expect from Ushuaïa, ensuring each event in Dubai matches the energy and innovation of its Ibiza counterpart.
Since our first collaboration in 2011, ER Productions has worked closely with Ushuaïa’s creative and technical teams to design and implement bespoke SFX solutions tailored to the unique demands of each residency. Our extensive inventory and expertise have allowed us to adapt to the evolving landscape of live entertainment, ensuring each show delivers a fresh and exhilarating experience for audiences.
For over a decade, ER Productions has been at the forefront of Ushuaïa Ibiza's unparalleled open-air experiences, delivering cutting-edge special effects that elevate each performance. Our collaboration with the creative powerhouse High Scream has been instrumental in crafting immersive environments that captivate audiences night after night.
USHUAÏA
As we celebrate 14 years of collaboration with Ushuaïa, ER Productions remains committed to pushing the boundaries of live entertainment. We look forward to many more seasons of innovation, creativity, and unforgettable nights under the stars in both Ibiza and Dubai.