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.”
With a combination of high-quality equipment and the passionate dedication of the technical team, “Gospel Fun in the Son” captivated the audience with a memorable visual experience.
The impressive coordination between cutting-edge technology and the team’s talent made every moment of the show vibrant and emotional, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. A team of 10 professionals from PHASE 3 demonstrated their capability and expertise in setting up large-scale events.
The lighting team worked tirelessly to ensure every detail of the event was flawless, once again highlighting PHASE 3’s commitment to excellence.
PHASE 3’s evolution in the lighting field in Jamaica is a story of vision and dedication. At the start, the company embarked on a mission to introduce and promote Chauvet and Chamsys brands in the Jamaican market.
This task was not easy, but under the direction of Paula Ortiz, CHAUVET Professional’s market development manager for Latin America, the company managed to establish a solid and respected presence in the industry. Thanks to her leadership and strategic approach, PHASE 3 facilitated the adoption of Chauvet and Chamsys products and positioned itself as the sole provider of the Chauvet lighting system on the island.
In the professional lighting market in Jamaica, PHASE 3 stands out not only for its exclusivity in distributing Chauvet products but also for its ability to change paradigms. While most shows in Jamaica use imported equipment, the “Fun in the Son” gospel concert marked a significant shift by primarily using Chauvet products supplied by PHASE 3. “Chauvet is known for its exceptional quality and comprehensive customer service,” commented the PHASE 3 Productions team. “We are grateful for the collaboration and continuous support we receive from Chauvet, allowing us to offer the best possible experience to our clients.”
Paula Ortiz has been instrumental in PHASE 3’s expansion into the event lighting sector. Her guidance and support allowed the company to expand its service offerings and enhance its added value for clients. This collaboration with Chauvet has been key to PHASE 3’s continued success in the event industry in Jamaica, demonstrating how passion and strategy can transform a market and set new standards of excellence.
Regarding Chauvet and Chamsys products in PHASE 3’s inventory, the company has consolidated a wide range of state-of-the-art lighting equipment. This includes moving heads like the R1 Wash Moving Head, R2 Wash Moving Head, and R3X Wash Moving Head, as well as the R2X Beam Moving Head. Additionally, they have fixtures like the E-910 LED Ellipsoidal (RGBW) and the E-260 WW LED Ellipsoidal, along with specialized models like the Colorado 2 Solo LED Wash, Strike Four, Well Fits, and Freedom Flex H4 from Chauvet.
They also have equipment like the Amhaze Stadium Hazer, smoke machines, Chauvet Maverick Storm Hybrid, RH1 Hybrid Moving Head, Epix Strip IP, and lighting consoles like the MagicQ MQ70 and the MQ250M from Chamsys. This wide range ensures that PHASE 3 can meet the most demanding needs in professional lighting events.
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports, Olivia Grange, praised the “Fun in the Son” festival as a dynamic product that not only serves as a platform for local gospel talent but also provides significant economic and commercial opportunities.
“The business links formed through logistics and planning, internships for upcoming young gospel acts, and the honing of creative skills are what make ‘Fun in the Son’ a striking stage,” she said.
The success of “Gospel Fun in the Son” highlights not only PHASE 3’s ability to manage large-scale events but also the reliability of Chauvet and Chamsys brands in terms of quality and performance.
“It has always been a pleasure working with Phase 3, especially because they have consistently shown professionalism and a desire to keep growing even when they were already successful in the television production industry and because they are a great family. Delano, Laura, and the Phase 3 team continue Richard ‘Purdy’ Forbes’ legacy and do an excellent job they should be very proud of. At CHAUVET Professional, we appreciate their trust and support for the brand and wish them great new successes,” says Paula Ortiz, regarding the relationship they have forged with PHASE 3.
Undoubtedly, with each spectacularly lit performance, these companies reaffirm their commitment to excellence, supported by cutting-edge technology that guarantees memorable and visually impactful experiences for their audience.
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