“We are a family-run business with a long history of shaping audio-visual environments,” says Jean Pierre Gatt, the Sales and Installations Manager at Studioseven.

Established in 1978 by the sound engineer and AV entrepreneur Jo Debono, Studioseven boasts a legacy of collaboration, helping companies and stakeholders in Malta meet their AV requirements. “Our priority is to help our partners with solutions-driven systems that harness the convenience of AV technology. In other words, our goal is to instal the right equipment for the specific needs of each business,” Mr Gatt explains.

While Studioseven is “a 360-degree AV agency”, servicing the broadcast industry, corporate events and entertainment, as well as pioneering educational initiatives within this sphere, Mr Gatt oversees its AV systems integration operations.

“The term ‘systems integration’ may be a mouthful but, essentially, what we’re talking about is the integrated use of audio and visual technology to fulfil certain communicative functions. It refers to set-ups that include conference configurations – such as video-conferencing – or podcast studios that combine specific lighting and sound systems,” he explains.

These could also include “digital signage or acoustic installations, such as soundproofing a specific space where we need to evaluate how much sound needs to be blocked out,” the Sales and Installation Manager explains, adding that his department is responsible for fixed installations rather than temporary schemes and structures.

He gives two examples of how this works in supporting local partners. “We can facilitate business operations with one simple click. One of our clients is a major pharmaceutical retailer for whom we installed digital displays across most of their indoor and outdoor locations. From their head office, they can plan and broadcast the content displayed on those individual screens, changing it daily if they wish,” Mr Gatt states.

Moreover, “we’ve also worked with a leading medical establishment to install a sound system throughout their facilities, with each room connected to an independent channel. This means that I can choose to have music, or a specific announcement, playing in room X, but not in room Y. This is what we would call a digital audio matrix solution”, Mr Gatt notes.

Businesses operating across diverse industries can benefit from such fixed installations, he continues. “Any company that needs to establish an efficient and economical communications system can benefit from such set-ups. If you have a boardroom where you want to give presentations or carry out some form of video recording, we can configure it to ensure ease of use. If you want a screen on which to play back company videos, procedures or news, that can also be efficiently designed. Whatever the sector and the requirements, there is an AV solution that fits,” he highlights.

Mr Gatt and the team at Studioseven have overseen systems integration projects for government entities, theatres, schools, outdoor spaces, and even boat owners. “For us, it’s vital to develop a personal and friendly relationship with each client. Our focus is on building long-term relationships rather than simply completing one-off projects,” he says, explaining that this attitude stems from the company’s historical roots as a family business.

“Across the management and operational teams, you can really feel the presence of a culture that is solutions-driven, open to feedback, flexible and ready to adapt to new ways of doing things. We understand that, sometimes, technology can be intimating, so we make it a point to explain everything to the client and keep the door open to further conversations, even after installation,” Mr Gatt attests.

The Sales and Installations Manager also explains that, while Studioseven tailors its proposals to the specific requirements of each client, the technology used will always be of the highest standard.

“We work closely with companies such as Panasonic, Sony, Robe, Bosch, Harman Pro, Yodeck, allsee, Yealink, and Brightsign to mention a few – leaders in their respective field. So, we offer solutions that last a substantial amount of time and are backed by manufacturers’ warranties,” he says, insisting that “even our entry-level equipment is of the best quality. We also regularly visit Integrated Systems Europe, to cultivate the relationship with our suppliers, remain up to date with the technology and discover new technologies, products ands services.”

Mr Gatt’s career trajectory has made him adept at understanding specific AV needs and identifying the solutions required to address them. Keen to work within the creative sector, he spent several years in the music industry, setting up PA systems and “learning everything from scratch just by watching others”. He was then given the opportunity to join a large advertising agency, subsequently working within the film and broadcasting industry for almost 29 years. Four years ago, he joined Studioseven.

“My work here really combines all of that experience into one job. From checking technical plans to preparing projects, I understand how these audio, lighting and video systems work,” he says. His perspective is also informed by his understanding of the relationship between businesses and their clients. Mr Gatt also spent several years working as a freelancer, an experience that shaped his attitude towards customer needs.

“I always put myself in the shoes of the client: what would I need if this boardroom were mine? Is it worth investing money in buying extra speakers for this space? This attitude helps me anticipate what the client may need, while taking into account the limitations they’re working with. We need to be accurate when submitting a proposal, and I also prefer to under-promise and over-deliver,” Mr Gatt smiles.

Looking ahead, Mr Gatt explains that the team at Studioseven is constantly driven to update its skills and the technology it works with. “Investment is ongoing, both in terms of training and sourcing equipment,” he says.

Moreover, “we continue to build relationships with suppliers, so that we’re also able to explain what’s available and possible to our clients. When a client approaches us, we gather as much information as possible and use that to stimulate new ideas and to get them excited. We also often sketch the set-up, so that our clients can start to imagine what could be done. This is what our job entails – gathering all the information and providing the best AV solution,” Mr Gatt concludes.