HIPA 12th Season Award Ceremony 2023
For the 12th Season of the Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA), Evolution Technical was commissioned to design and deliver an original audio, video and lighting (AVL) concept that elevated the prestige of the awards while keeping photography at the heart of the production.
Hosted at Dubai Opera, the ceremony required an advanced stage solution that seamlessly combined automation, video, lighting and audio into a single, immersive production. Working in collaboration with TECS, Evolution developed a technically sophisticated show environment that transformed the venue while supporting the ceremony's creative vision.
The Challenge
The production required complex technical systems to be integrated into a refined stage design without distracting from the award ceremony itself.
A dynamic stage environment was needed to support multiple award presentations, performances and visual transitions while maintaining flawless synchronisation between automation, media playback and lighting. The installation also had to work within stage area of Dubai Opera, requiring careful engineering of the rigging and automation systems.
Delivering smooth, repeatable movement of large LED screens while maintaining precise show timing demanded detailed planning and specialist technical expertise.
The Solution
Working alongside TECS, Evolution Technical engineered a bespoke automation system that enabled LED screens to travel on both the X and Y axis (stage left to stage right and upstage to down stage) creating a dynamic and adaptable stage environment throughout the ceremony.
A large central hero LED wall formed the visual focal point of the production. The complete system was rigged from Dubai Opera's mothergrid and fly bars, supported by Litec truss, GIS hoists and dedicated automation rails to deliver smooth, controlled movement.
To further enhance the scenic design, Evolution fabricated a custom LED-framed stage arch, providing dramatic visual transitions and full blackout capability controlled directly by the lighting team, whilst being supported by GIS hoists and Litec truss.
Content playback was managed using Disguise media servers, with timecode synchronisation ensuring seamless coordination between automation, video playback and lighting cues. Lighting control was delivered from GrandMA2 consoles at front of house, while DiGiCo consoles managed the event's audio system, providing exceptional clarity for presenters, performances and award announcements.
The result was a fully integrated production where automation, lighting, audio and video operated as one unified technical system.
Delivery Highlights
- Complete AVL production
- Bespoke stage automation system
- Automated LED screens
- Hero LED wall installation
- Litec truss and GIS hoist rigging system
- Custom LED scenic arch fabrication
- Disguise media server programming
- Timecode synchronisation
- GrandMA2 lighting control
- DiGiCo audio mixing consoles
- Technical installation, programming and commissioning
Outcome
The completed production transformed Dubai Opera into an immersive stage environment that celebrated photography through innovative technical design and seamless show execution.
By integrating advanced automation, synchronised media playback and premium AVL systems into a single production workflow, Evolution Technical delivered a sophisticated ceremony that balanced technical excellence with creative storytelling. The project demonstrates Evolution's capability to engineer complex live event productions where automation, stage technology and precision show control are essential to the audience experience.
Project Ecosystem
Client:
Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA)
Venue
Dubai Opera
Dubai, UAE
Evolution Technical:
Technical Production • Stage Automation • Audio Systems • Video Systems • Lighting Design • Show Control • Media Server Programming • Rigging • Technical Installation & Commissioning
Evolution Scenic:
Stage Build, Pre-Function Build
Evolution Site Services:
Power distribution