Filling a gap in Blackpool’s entertainment offering, the The Backlot project was devised to be more than showcase for Hollywood blockbusters providing instead ‘a cinematic wonderland, blending local stories with global narratives offering a diverse selection of film’s. With its super-sized Imax screen and immersive, heart-pounding audio, The Backlot Cinema promises a whole new film-going experience.
The Backlot is a community hub committed to bringing people together through the power of entertainment media. Beyond the big screen, it actively engages with the Blackpool community through local partnerships, community events and educational outreach programmes. Specialising in state-of-the-art sound and visuals, Lancashire based A/V integrator AV2events was called in to design and install the audio system for the venue.
‘With its complex structure and multiple zones, we needed equipment that was not only reliable but also capable of mass flexibility, to meet the customer’s needs,’ says AV2events MD, Lee Wilson. ‘We turned to Audiologic for guidance, support and in-depth knowledge, to assist us with the design.’
The complex demanded eight independent audio zones which required two BGM systems to run independent of each other, one to provide audio across the cinema and the other for The Backlot Diner, with a link provisioned in between to allow for future coupling of the system should that be the required. As such, the BGM system needed to be as versatile as possible, catering for a mix of input types. The Cloud range of BGM equipment was selected for its robustness, ease of use, and British-made quality, aligning with the project’s objectives.
The five customer-facing zones of the cinema have localised audio fed by a Cloud BT1 input plate/Cloud LM2 Remote Active Wall Controller set-up, located behind the main ticketing desk, incorporating a mic input, allowing announcements to be made across the cinema. Remote Cloud RSL6W plates were also added to allow localised volume/input control for the respective floors.
Within the main cinema area, the client required a zone specifically isolated from the rest of the venue audio, specifically to be used as a VIP Studio, allowing both private bookings and events beyond the big screen, allowing the the space to run events ranging from mindfulness/wellbeing sessions and business conferences to karaoke, classic card and board game nights.
The VIP studio area uses the facility input of the Cloud Z8 zone mixer fed via a Cloud BT1 Faceplate daisy-chained through the Cloud LM2 RCM allowing inputs from within the studio to remain exclusively available to this zone, unselectable by other zones within the complex.
The Backlot Diner BGM system also uses a Cloud BT1/Cloud LM2 RCM set-up with the addition of a separate jukebox input which would operate as a priority input, playing programmed audio at random whilst doubling as a revenue source, allowing customers to ‘pay to play’ selected songs on the jukebox within the Diner.
The entire system across The Backlot Cinema is supported by 28 Cloud CS S6B surface-mount loudspeakers and 16 Ecler IC6 recessed ceiling speakers, providing clarity and harmonious audio across the complex. To comply with regulations each individual system had links into the venue fire alarm system installed to allow full muting across all zones in case of an emergency.
‘Ben Spurgeon from Audiologic consistently delivered exceptional client support and was readily available to address inquiries,’ Wilson says. ‘His profound understanding of the Cloud and Ecler portfolio proved invaluable in clarifying the routing of sources and distributing signals across various zones on the amp, leveraging features like power sharing. The entire Audiologic team surpassed expectations, ensuring the successful execution of this project within remarkably tight deadlines.’
‘It’s great to see new investment into the cinema and retail space and what Backlot are offering is a completely new dynamic for the market,’ Spurgeon adds. ‘Lee and I have worked together previously and this project gave us a fun brief to turn around in a very short time span. Personally, I can’t wait to see the venue in action.’
‘We’re thrilled with AV2events’ exceptional service in installing our sound system and digital signage,’ says Fabio Vidotti, Business Manager at The Backlot Cinema. ‘From consultation to installation, they showed precision and professionalism. Their expertise impressed us, offering valuable insights to tailor the system to our needs. The seamless installation and remarkable sound quality exceeded our expectations, enhancing our space’s ambiance. AV2events sets the standard for excellence, and we highly recommend them for top-notch audio solutions.’
‘We were thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver the cutting-edge BGM system for the new cinema complex in Blackpool. The Cloud system offers both exceptional build and sound quality and enhances the customer experience whilst also contributing to the vibrant levelling up of the landscape in our hometown,’ Wilson concludes.
More: www.audiologic.uk
