From September 18–19, ACME partnered with MA Lighting and ACE to host an exclusive two-day MA3 workshop at our business headquarters in Guangzhou, led by renowned lighting designer Paul Collison. The event brought together lighting designers and industry professionals for in-depth knowledge exchange and hands-on experience.
ACME was honored to welcome Paul Collison, lead designer and director of eleven DESIGN, with a career spanning over two decades across live events, broadcast entertainment, and large-scale productions. During the event, Paul shared his expertise in making full use of the technical potential of the grandMA3 control system, empowering designers to maximize the capabilities of their fixtures.
As a co-organizer of the event, Franco, Head of APAC at MA Lighting, hoped to spread knowledge of grandMA3 software and MA console with lighting designers. Meanwhile, he introduced the latest updates of MA console and new features of MA3, such as phaser and recipe.
The workshop offered a comprehensive exploration of lighting control and event production, covering gMA3 production workflows, programming logic, multi-user programming environment, network system deployment. Paul demonstrated essential tools such as Selection Grid, Phaser, Matricks, and Recipe, showing participants how to apply them effectively in real-world productions.
During the Interactive practice sessions, instructors and participants engaged in active exchanges, creating an energetic and collaborative learning environment. The workshop not only provided a high-quality platform for industry professionals but also encouraged innovation and skill development in lighting design.
When it comes to how to create a better light show, Paul advised manufacturers to go beyond the mantra of "brighter, faster, smaller" and focus on quality, particularly in 0 to 10% dimming ranges and subtle color transitions. "Many shows rely on careful fixture placement and subtle use rather than sheer scale," he added.
On the topic of going international for lighting designers, his advice was clear: be patient, listen carefully, and know when to stand your ground. He emphasized that understanding the real needs of international users—often hidden beneath what they ask for—is essential. Stay open and adaptable, rather than insisting on your own way all the time. By combining these approaches, lighting designers can build trust in international markets.
Meanwhile, Paul also shared his unique insights on lighting industry trends, highlighting that while effect lights are increasingly popular, traditional fixtures such as profiles and washes remain essential. Many productions still rely on these fundamental tools to illuminate objects, trees, buildings and set pieces—beyond just delivering powerful beams and vibrant visual effects.
At the interview conducted by ACME overseas sales development director Vincent Liu, Paul Collison expressed particular admiration for the ACME PIXEL LINE IP and TORNADO fixtures. "At first glance, the PIXEL LINE IP seemed like a common bar light, but by adding custom 3D-printed masks, we can create entirely new shapes and creative looks for the back of some television shots," he said. Regarding TORNADO, he praised its articulated heads and LED ring for adding layers of visual depth and texture.
At the end of the workshop, Paul personally signed certificates for each participant, commemorating their achievements over two days. Each certificate reflects their intensive learning and symbolizes a shared commitment to professionalism and excellence in the field.
Looking ahead, to better meet the needs of lighting designers and streamline their workflow, Franco stated that MA Lighting will establish a dedicated team and improve pre-programming efficiency. Additionally, MA plans to leverage functions such as cloud synchronization and VLAN implementation, enabling remote control of units, reducing travel costs, and eliminating the need for on-site presence.
This exclusive event was a rare opportunity to deepen technical skills, spark new ideas, and enhance creative workflows for delivering spectacular visual experiences. A huge thank you to Paul Collison, MA Lighting, ACE, and all the participants for two incredible days of learning and collaboration. Together with our partners, we’ll keep exploring the limitless possibilities of lighting design and technology.
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