I’m a Dubai-based freelance Visual Designer, Lighting Designer and Programmer working across live events, concerts, festivals, ceremonies, corporate productions and permanent entertainment installations throughout the Middle East and internationally.

My work combines creative design with a strong technical understanding of live production. I’m experienced in taking on projects from initial concepts and system design through to programming, commissioning and final operation, as well as joining larger productions as a specialist programmer or operator.

I specialise in grandMA3 and Avolites Titan, with extensive experience in both timecoded programming and live busking. My wider experience includes laser programming and operation with Pangolin BEYOND, visual programming and playback with Resolume, MADRIX programming, and the programming and operation of SFX including flames, CO₂, sparks, stadium shots and confetti.

Recent projects have taken me across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Europe, working on productions ranging from large-scale stadium ceremonies and international sporting events to concerts, festivals, corporate shows and permanent venue installations. Highlights include the Saudi Pro League Champions Closing Ceremony, Emaar Burj Khalifa NYE Opening Lake Show, King Cup Final, Samsung Half Time Show, Longines Global Champions Tour, WWE Night of Champions, MDL 1001 Festival and Pacha ICONS at FIVE.

Alongside show programming and operation, I have continued to develop my work as a Lighting Designer, delivering projects such as the Saudi Pro League Champions Closing Ceremony and permanent entertainment installations including Botanica in Bahrain.

My career began through school productions and volunteering with local production companies and venues in the UK before studying Technical Theatre and later completing a degree in Live Visual Design and Production. That foundation gave me experience across multiple areas of production and developed the practical, hands-on approach that I continue to bring to my work today.

I enjoy working as part of a wider creative and technical team as much as leading my own projects. I’m comfortable working under pressure, solving technical challenges and adapting to demanding production environments while maintaining a professional, reliable and client-focused approach.

Alex Douglas

For further information refer to my skills page

A
bout me

Committed, enthusiastic, professional, charismatic and enjoy working both within a team and leading. Embrace practical and technical challenges, being reliable while supportive along with the maturity to manage difficult situations with calmness and patience whilst keeping an excellent professional relationship with the clients.

My career started with my interest in volunteering for my high school productions. From the first production, I learnt the basics of using a dimmer controlled lighting console progressing up to a full-sized digital console in the space of 4 productions. During my 5 years of lighting and sound for my high school productions, I volunteered at my local rental company, Adlib where I learnt various skills.

To further progress with my passion for the Live Event Industry, I then chose to study technical theatre at college for a further two years, where during this time I started to work for a local music venue, The Live Rooms, Chester. It was here that I found a passion for ‘busking’ lights to live music. I also chose to volunteer at my local amateur theatre house.

After college, I went on to complete a Live Visual Design and Production degree at University where I expanded my experience to enable myself to work freelance in the industry. I have since worked in many professional roles with a variety of companies and people across many venues and festivals around the UK.

Alex Douglas

For further information refer to my skills page

My Aspirations

Like all freelancers, I have ambition and goals for what I want to achieve. This also includes wanting to be a part of helping the Events industry in Britain to retain and build upon its status as 'world-class’.

Burning Man

With an obsession with contemporary art and self-expression, Burning Man has always attracted me every year. The fact it takes place in the middle of a desert and all the art lights up at night gets me excited enough!

Design & Programme a Jazz Show

From watching the International Jazz Days, I have gained a passion and appreciation for the world of jazz and the realization of skills for lighting a jazz show.

Design world tour for a DJ

From following top Lighting Directors such as Gabe Fraboni, Christian Jackson, and design companies like Skream, seeing their work with DJs worldwide inspires me. I would like to find an upcoming DJ with whom I can gain a professional relationship and grow with them to hopefully tour around the world!

The Gashouder

From being a fan of 'Techno', the Gashouder has always been a worldwide base for large indoor Techno events. The production is always incredible and mesmerizing. I would very much like to operate an event here and maybe even design a production.

More Live Band Work

Having done many band nights in The Live Rooms and have a passion for spectacular lighting and visual effects for a live performance instead of a 'one-man DJ'. The atmosphere is quite different, the style in designing and programming is vastly different. I would like to do a major tour with a band at some point.

Design Techno Festival Main Stage

From being with Nghtwrk for 3 years plus now, I have gained a passion for large and small techno/dance events and festivals. Seeing many festivals around the world inspires me to work my way up and hopefully one day design one myself.