Let’s go back to 1984 when PHASE 3 Productions Ltd. was founded by Richard “Pardy” Forbes, a tech enthusiast and visionary. At the dawn of the digital age, Forbes envisioned PHASE 3 not just as a company, but as a reflection of his passion for technological innovation. What started as a modest hobby soon blossomed into a full-time business, pushing the boundaries of television production in Jamaica. From the studios of JBC TV to outdoor stages, PHASE 3 became synonymous with excellence in live coverage.
As Laura McDonald, Technical Director and Producer at PHASE 3, puts it, “We take pride in being a company that has grown from its roots as a passionate project to become a benchmark in the television production industry in Jamaica.”
PHASE 3, located in the Winchester Business Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, has 30 employees and over 100 freelancers, excelling in event production. Starting in video and screen production for events, it now offers complete services including video, LED screens, staging, trussing, sound, and lighting, solidifying its position as a leader in Jamaica’s event market.
PHASE 3’s collaboration with Chauvet and Chamsys began in 2017 when the company added lighting services to its offerings. “Initially, we outsourced lights for jobs, but later decided to invest in our inventory. Paula Ortiz played a crucial role in guiding PHASE 3 on the best products to acquire, marking the start of a fruitful relationship with Chauvet and Chamsys,” says Laura enthusiastically.
Gospel in Jamaica
The “Gospel Fun in the Son” event, sponsored by “The Best Dressed Chicken,” is an annual concert in Jamaica aimed at spreading the gospel message through music and celebration. It recently resumed activities coinciding with the 65th anniversary of its main sponsor. PHASE 3 Productions was hired as the technical manager and producer of the event, which included kids’ areas, food, a wellness fair, job recruitment, and a gospel concert featuring stars.
For PHASE 3, organizing this event was significant. Marking 40 years in business, this project was unique and required everyone’s effort. From managing the venue to suppliers, logistics, and equipment, they are proud to have successfully executed Jamaica’s largest gospel festival.
“This project represents an important milestone in our company’s journey,” said Laura McDonald. “We are proud to have been part of something so meaningful to the community.”
The lighting design for this event was conceptualized by PHASE 3’s Production Manager, Martin Lewis, and executed by the concert’s Lighting Director, Ricardo Gopaulsingh.
For the different performances, the lighting setup included MagicQ MQ 250M Stadium and MagicQ MQ70 consoles from Chamsys, along with various Chauvet fixtures, including 12 Maverick Storm 1 Hybrids, 16 R3 Rogue Washes, 16 R2 Rogue Washes, 16 R1 Rogue Washes, 6 RH1 Rogue Hybrids, 12 R2X Beams, 38 EPIX Strips, and 4 Stadium Hazers. This combination allowed for versatile and dynamic lighting, tailored to the specific needs of the event, ensuring a visually impressive show.
The technical deployment of the “Gospel Fun in the Son” event was not only a showcase of production excellence but also a meticulous process of equipment selection to ensure the show’s quality. In this context, choosing Chamsys consoles and Chauvet fixtures was essential for achieving the desired visual impact.
“We chose Chamsys consoles because they were highly recommended by our Chauvet representative,” explains the PHASE 3 technical team. “They are compact, robust, and fit perfectly within our production budget.”
Laura highlights that the event’s Lighting Director, Ricardo Gopaulsingh, specified using these consoles due to “their versatility and reliability.”
During the event, the MagicQ MQ 250 Stadium Console served as the main lighting console, while the MagicQ MQ 70 acted as a backup. “These consoles gave us the control needed to create impressive visual effects and coordinate the lighting precisely,” noted Gopaulsingh.
The decision to implement a lighting platform fully integrated with Chauvet products was also strategic. “We chose Chauvet fixtures for their vibrant colors and diverse gobo patterns, which undoubtedly enhanced the event’s visual appeal. Chauvet was our first choice for this event.”
The installation of the fixtures for “Gospel Fun in the Son” went smoothly, according to PHASE 3’s technical team. “We experienced zero obstacles during the fixture installation for this event,” the technical team reported. “The process was smooth and efficient, allowing us to focus on other aspects of the production.”
All chosen fixtures were used to light the concert stage and create scenic effects. “The Chauvet fixtures provided the intensity and versatility needed to highlight the performers and create a stunning atmosphere,” stated the head of PHASE 3’s technical team.
Regarding the lighting design, the team emphasized its essential contribution to enhancing the atmosphere of each performance. “We especially valued using rich and varied textures for each performance, in line with the nature of a gospel concert,” the technical team noted. “We are extremely proud of the impact Chauvet had on this show.”