Chameleon Touring Systems, based in Sydney (Australia), has invested in 15 new Robe iFORTE LTX and iFORTE LTX FS units (follow spots with integrated camera), delivered over the past six months.
The company is a busy lighting and rigging rental operation led by Tony Davies —a well-known figure in the Australian industry! Chameleon Touring Systems operates across the entertainment and event production sectors, including concert and theatre touring, festivals, musicals, corporate events, broadcast, and television.
Chameleon was one of the first companies to invest in RoboSpot after its launch and now holds the largest stock of RoboSpot remote follow systems in the country, currently with 20 BaseStations. These systems are used with its fleet of iFORTE LTX and iFORTE LTX FS units, as well as with its BMFL Blades and BMFL FollowSpot LTs, sometimes using LightMaster handles, which remain popular for certain shows and events. RoboSpot systems are constantly in use both on Chameleon’s own productions and within a strong cross-rental market.
The latest RoboSpot software update allows fade times between presets to be adjusted and includes a numeric-based colour picker, colour and position buttons to expand preset storage, a dedicated LT button, dynamic iris cross settings, and many other features that make follow spotting even more flexible and dynamic.
The first RoboSpot systems joined Chameleon at the end of 2019, just before the pandemic. The remote follow spotting concept was gaining popularity, and Tony wanted to stay ahead of the curve by offering clients more flexible and reliable remote follow and key lighting systems. It proved to be a very smart investment! After the industry rebounded post-pandemic, demand for RoboSpot grew dramatically.
Investment decisions are based on several criteria, including the versatility of the equipment for rental and the technical requirements specified in riders, which drove continued investment in Robe’s iFORTE series.
Working with numerous international artists touring Australia, it is essential to have the technology they demand. In addition, the LTX units can be used without the camera as standard lighting fixtures, as was the case during Oasis’ Sydney shows, where they formed part of the floor package in Paul Normandale’s design.
The iFORTE LTX follow spots have also been used within a RoboSpot system on Ricky Martin’s Australian tour.
The iFORTE LTX has positioned itself as a benchmark option in follow spots, thanks to its high light output, excellent colour rendering (CRI), and strong acceptance among lighting designers, says Tony.
He considers RoboSpot a great technology from multiple perspectives: “There’s no need to work at height, and the system is quick and easy to install, especially when the fixtures are stored and transported in pre-rigged truss sections”. He also notes that in television environments, a floor electrician can set up and operate the RoboSpot system, meaning one person can cover both roles, resulting in greater efficiency in terms of crew —a valuable advantage in broadcast contexts.
Among its creative advantages, he highlights the ability to light an artist from multiple angles using fixtures positioned in different locations, achieving greater three-dimensionality, more effective lighting, and reduced shadowing. It also helps minimise unwanted light spill on stage by allowing more precise and advantageous angles from the rig. RoboSpot fixtures can also be integrated into a standard rig for certain parts of the show, if required.
Parameter control from the console allows as much functionality as needed, leaving operators free to focus on essentials such as iris control and tracking the artist.
Thanks to its cross-functional application across all areas of Chameleon’s business, RoboSpot is positioned as a high-return investment. In this sense, it can be compared to consoles, being an essential element in many productions. “It allows for a higher level of show finish and has been key in the evolution of follow spotting into a new phase”, adds Tony, who founded the company in 1986 and remains closely involved in its day-to-day operations.
Over the years, Chameleon has built a reputation based on quality, expertise, and a creative approach. Since 2017, the company has maintained a steady investment trend in Robe lighting products, starting with MegaPointe, Spiider, and BMFL Spots and Blades.
Recently —and since becoming a Robe company— Chameleon has also invested in Avolites, acquiring two D7-215 consoles to support lighting designers who prefer this historic UK brand, which has a strong presence in Australia. Tony notes a renewed energy in Avolites following its acquisition by Robe and believes that the portability of products like D7 and the newly launched D3 series will expand its reach, with advantages such as the ability to easily transport consoles from show to show with the backline or even as personal luggage.
