ISLAMIC GAMES

Showforce was awarded a contract to provide specialist crew and plant machinery operators to assist AISCOG (Azerbaijan Islamic Solidarity Games Operations Committee) with the delivery of the 2017 Islamic Games opening and closing ceremonies.

The Showforce crew initially assisted with the event’s build, supporting the key suppliers. Once the build was complete, the Showforce crew was allocated specific roles within the show and rehearsals began. This included operating stage doors, looking after the sub stage area, managing the movements of props on and off the field of play, from horse ramps and special effects to a human Catherine wheel! Showforce also supplied highly experienced follow spot operators, who were responsible for operating brand new, remote controlled follow spots, the technology had never been used on a show of this scale before.

When the opening and closing ceremonies had been successfully delivered, the Showforce team began the huge process of derigging and packing away of all the equipment and props.

Crew Numbers
50
crew on-site at peak periods
Type of Crew
Crew chiefs, plant operators, climbers, crew, local crew
Key Skills
Show crew, props, special effects, electrical, followspots operators, visa, payroll
Location
Baku, Azerbaijan

Four international crew chiefs assigned to the Islamic Games and 34 crew members. They were divided into teams based on their skills sets. Showforce was tasked with providing crewing support to key suppliers, as well as running the local crew. An additional 10 climbers were supplied to assist with the de-rig.

The job took three and a half months to complete, with the staff amassing 1,794-man days and 21,528hours.

In addition to providing crew, Showforce was also responsible for providing AISCOG with a complete HRprocessing model for their own production personnel, arranging visas, travel arrangements accommodationand payroll.

Everyone working at the event required a formal invitation from the AISGOC so allocating the correct crew from the outset was essential to its success. Our specialist team of crew were carefully selected by our back office operations team who utilised our global database. Whilst their skill sets and experience were important, their professionalism and ability to respect the culture and traditions of Azerbaijan was also a contributing factor in their selection.

Once selected, Showforce’s internal operations team ensured that all staff members had the appropriate visas, flight and transfer documents and accommodation, along with correct accreditation and payroll provisions that were required.

Showforce ensured that it sourced and accredited well above the required number of suitably qualified staff before job commencement and the strict accreditation closing date for show days.

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Becky Meers
Head of Operations