Laser shows, Dame Maggie and AV secrets: Step into Jayke’s world at MCA Australia

Ok, Jayke, let’s get to know each other. Tell us…  

• You favourite beach in Sydney?
  Bronte Beach
• The best coffee in Circular Quay?
  Black and White Espresso Bar. Always serving great coffee with a smile!
• You ideal Friday night activity?
  After a busy week, I enjoy spending Friday nights at home before tackling a usually busy weekend head on! No big lights permitted.
• One famous person dead or alive, who are you having dinner with?
  Dame Maggie Smith.
• If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? 
  Hippopotamus. Seemingly docile but they mean business. They also remind me of one of my favourite childhood TV series: George and Martha.

You’re AV1’s Producer at MCA Australia. What’s it like working at this iconic venue?

The venue has stunning views and is a prime location. I love the variety it brings, from conferences to creative showcases, which allow me to collaborate with visionary people who are always eager to push boundaries and create something extraordinary. It’s an amazing to be a part of.

Tell us about one of your favourite event moment at the venue.

Let’s paint the picture. Upon entry into the Foundation Hall for the Lancome Renergie HPN 300 Launch, you are welcomed into a moody cocktail space filled with purple hues to suit the theme and branding.

Two large 4m H LED totem screens on either side of the space support the aesthetic, displaying further branding and movement. Behind this, a seemingly standard black velvet drape with a gobo logo projection.

The guests' attention is captured with a swift change in the lighting scene and the introduction of a loud, boomy soundtrack.

💥 Boom 💥

The drape drops from the ceiling, revealing a light show with lasers, lighting, sparklers and dancers positioned on a black acrylic reflective stage in front of a 12m W LED wall. This ‘wow’ moment had the guests pulling out their phones to record the experience.

Watch this moment happen in the behind-the-scenes video.

Projection onto fabric or different materials can create a different perspective for your content. More specifically, transparent, mesh-like material has the ability to create a 3D illusion or immersive experience with the correct lighting and audio to create the desired atmosphere.

Love that. Got any others?!

I can’t give away all of my secrets here ;) Give me a call at the MCA, and let's chat. 

Of the six event spaces at MCA, which one is your favourite for producing events in, and why?

Foundation Hall, for sure. The room has undergone a huge transformation over the past few months. AV1 has installed all-new equipment, including a PA, projection screens, and moving lights.

The Big Group has also completely reimagined the space. They have installed a bar and all-new furniture and decor while offering a catering service that is second to none. 

There's a certain feeling when stepping into this room now that's hard to put your finger on. It's grandeur, view of the harbour, green marble pillars, and top-quality finishing give you a sense that you're in a very special environment. 

The Big Group Gala in MCA's Foundation Hall

Tell us a little bit about the AV team at the MCA. Who’s who in the zoo?

Although many of our full-time, casual and freelance staff work with us at the MCA, there are three of us here in the enclosure.

First, we have Patt, our resident AV technician and technical operator. You’ll often see Patt behind the AV ops desk, ensuring your event is running seamlessly.

Second, there’s Boo-Jay, Technical Director. Boo-Jay wears many hats (akubras, specifically), working behind the scenes on the technical details of an event, as well as the internal logistics and crew to make it all happen. You’ll often see Boo-Jay onsite working his magic.

Lastly, there’s me! Producer for AV1 at the MCA. I’m the client’s main point of contact, here to assist with their technical needs and suggestions to enhance their event. When I’m not at this iconic venue, I’m on the hunt for Sydney’s best almond croissant (recommendations are welcome!).

You must get to see a lot of great art. Tell us about your favourite exhibition or art piece at MCA.

Pipilotti Rist - Sip my Ocean was definitely a favourite.

I’m all about the idea of creating an immersive experience and Rist seemed to experiment with multi-sensory qualities, with the use of sound and projection. Her work explored the relationship between nature, the body and technology.

What’s your top tip for our clients when running events at MCA?

Consider all components of your event from the initial enquiry stage.

We have a great team onsite that are more than willing to help with the required information to ensure you have an understanding of the services and associated costs.

Your venue contact will be able to put you in touch with AV1 for your AV technical requirements and The Big Group for your catering needs.

What’s your favourite piece of AV equipment and why?

There’s an ongoing internal joke about my love for battery-operated uplights, but these units are great!

A super versatile, affordable and simple solution to add ambient lighting to an event and help elevate the space.

The humble uplight in action. Styling by Funktionality.

And last but not least, why do you love events? 

I love the social and creative aspects of events. The ability to work with like-minded individuals to create an experience for guests to remember brings me joy.