Siebrits takes full control with grandMA3
Siebrits takes full control with grandMA3
Marking a new stage in his career after 18 years of working alongside lighting designer Joshua Cutts, South African LD and operator Andre Siebrits has purchased his first MA Lighting grandMA3 full-size console from DWR Distribution. The console has already been deployed on five productions, spanning television and youth choir events, with further projects scheduled throughout the remainder of the year.
Siebrits had previously shared equipment with Cutts, with whom he worked on several prominent South African productions. Following Cutts’ move overseas earlier this year, Siebrits decided to invest in his own console, having developed his workflow around the grandMA full-size platform.
“I've spent years developing my workflow around the full-size console and it's the platform I'm most comfortable working on,” he explained. “Being able to invest in my own means I can bring that same workflow to every production, regardless of what equipment is available. For me, it's about consistency and giving every show the best I can.”
The purchase also represented a significant personal investment, requiring Siebrits to reconsider his living arrangements and finances to accommodate the console.
Duncan Riley of DWR Distribution, who has known Siebrits since he was young, commented: “It has been a journey and I’m so proud of him,” said Riley. “To see what he has done, the shows he has been involved in and what is possible if you put your mind to it.”
Siebrits' relationship with MA Lighting dates back to his early involvement in church productions at Mosaïek Church. After being introduced to Riley through church volunteer Anicke Novi (now De Beer), he received an MA2 console on loan from DWR to operate a leadership production.
He subsequently became one of South Africa's early MA3 users, initially working with MA2 software on the MA3 hardware before transitioning to MA3 software in 2021. He later worked on Idols South Africa, one of the early television productions to adopt the platform.
Alongside his production work, Siebrits has programmed DWR Distribution's demonstration room using the grandMA3, creating time-coded lighting sequences to demonstrate the capabilities of the console and fixtures.
“If you have a good product demo, you can inspire people,” Siebrits concluded. “They’ll see it and think, ‘Cool, let me get more lights. Let me get better at programming.’ Because that can really make an impact on their show.”
