Intense Lighting is a rental company based in Botany, Sydney, Australia. It is led by founder Ian Garrard, who established the business in 2017 after previously working in a variety of industry roles and with several high-profile theatre and performing arts companies.
Coming from this background, Garrard identified a market in need of high-quality rental and dry hire products, compatible with technical riders and supported by a service focused on the specific requirements of theatre and dance productions.
Under his leadership, Intense Lighting’s growth and reputation have steadily evolved, also driven by investment in innovative, reliable and long-lasting products. This recently led the company to invest in Robe’s FOOTSIE2 Slim luminaires.
In mid-2025, the company purchased twelve units to support the remount of Queensland Ballet’s Trilogy production in Brisbane. The successful triple bill featured three independent works by acclaimed choreographers Cathy Marston, Jack Lister and Christopher Bruce. Lighting was designed by Matt Marshall, alongside director Alex Berlage.
The FOOTSIE2 Slim units provided an effective solution for what Matt and Alex were seeking in a low-profile footlight, delivering high-quality LED illumination from the front of the stage to eliminate shadows, while remaining discreet enough to go virtually unnoticed by the audience.
FOOTSIE2 was designed specifically for theatre and represents a more modern and effective option than the products we previously used for this type of effect, commented Matt.
Ian also recognised the product’s potential for theatre and dance productions in general, where sightlines are often critical. The FOOTSIE2 Slim luminaires are also IP rated, making them suitable for outdoor productions, while occupying minimal stage space and remaining highly discreet. Since that first production, Intense Lighting’s FOOTSIE2 Slim fixtures have continued working steadily across numerous shows.
Ian has known Robe for many years and had already enjoyed positive experiences with the brand following the purchase of 32 Spiider LED wash beams in 2021. These fixtures became part of the company’s general inventory and regularly appear on technical riders.
“Designers really like them; the moonflower effect is excellent, making them much more than a conventional LED wash fixture, and they are among our most frequently used products”, he explained, adding that the Spiider fixtures are rented out virtually year-round, apart from three or four weeks — exactly what any rental company wants.
According to Garrard, Robe has built a strong reputation based on quality, innovation and the manufacture of durable products with an excellent return on investment (ROI).
In a typical month, Intense Lighting works on close to 70 projects of varying sizes and levels of complexity, including both dry hire services and productions with in-house technical crews. Ian currently runs the company alongside a team of six full-time employees and a stable network of around 30 freelancers, all helping keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Ian has worked in the industry since the age of 18, when he began his career at the renowned Sydney Theatre Company, where he progressed professionally, later also collaborating with Queensland Ballet. His close ties to the theatre and performing arts sectors, combined with a contemporary and forward-thinking approach to the lighting rental business, have been key factors in the growth of Intense Lighting.
