Abstract: A lift for raising and lowering a backdrop is provided. The lift includes: a base including at least three legs; a tower boom extending substantially vertically from the base and including top, middle, and bottom telescoping sections, wherein the tower boom is capable of telescoping from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position; and a post extending substantially vertically from the tower boom, wherein the post is detachable from the tower boom at a lower end of the post and attachable to a truss adapted for attaching to a backdrop at an upper end of the post, wherein a minimum height of the tower boom in the fully retracted position is less than about 35% of a maximum height of the tower boom and post, when the tower boom is in the fully extended position.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for creating a wave or water vortex effect, a bridge or platform is positioned within a semi-cylinder having a downward facing curved inside surface. Nozzles shoot water onto the curved surface, creating a water layer which follows the curved surface up and around the semi-cylinder. The water layer remains against the curved surface via centrifugal force. A spiral flow path is created by declining the semi-cylinder.