26 THEATRE & STAGE
In the case of Beetlejuice , that responsibility falls to four Disguise gx 2c media servers, which were also supplied by Universal Pixels. “Disguise plays a central role in managing the overall video workflow,” explains Forde, “particularly in terms of cue sequencing, real-time playback and synchronisation with automation and lighting systems. It allows the creative content to be mapped accurately onto the LED surface and projection elements while maintaining tight timing across complex show cues.” Considering the number of moving parts (and screens!) in Beetlejuice , that coordination became essential for this show in particular. “In a production like Beetlejuice , where video is heavily integrated into transitions and illusions, Disguise effectively acts as the backbone of the video system, making sure all content is delivered consistently and in sync with the wider show control environment.” Though it plays a landmark role, Beetlejuice ’s technical cast isn’t just a one-man LED show. Three Panasonic PT- RQ35K projectors work alongside the LED wall, creating a hybrid visual environment that constantly shifts between projection, LED imagery and physical scenery. Forde stresses that combining three different display tools is never plain sailing. “One of the key challenges was creating visual consistency between the different display technologies, which behave differently in terms of brightness, colour response and contrast. “With the three Panasonic PT-RQ35K projectors working alongside a large LED surface, careful calibration was required to maintain a unified visual look across the stage picture.” Ultimately, the goal was to avoid any sense of separation between systems,
and XD processors were brought in to keep every image looking exactly as intended. Forde divulges why this was the tool of choice. “Brompton’s role was particularly important in maintaining stable colour reproduction, smooth gradients and reliable performances across varying brightness levels throughout the show. “Given the dynamic nature of what we’re putting on stage – which could range from bright, saturated visuals to darker atmospheric scenes with smoke – consistent processing helped maintain image integrity in all conditions.” He also demonstrates how this boosted the overall reliability of the production’s technical elements. “This supported the operational reliability required for a fast-paced production, where the video system needs to perform identically every night without adjustment.” A LESSON IN LED Forde concludes by presenting the project as evidence of how rapidly large format LED is evolving within live performance. “One of the most notable aspects of the installation was how effectively the lightweight LED solution supported both the creative and practical demands of the show. The ability to move a large 10x6m screen smoothly and efficiently within tight changeover windows was
AV UNPLUGGED 4x Disguise gx 2c
Leyard CLO-M4L 3.9mm LED Brompton Tessera SX40, XD 3x Panasonic PT-RQ35K Supplied by Universal Pixels
so that the audience can experience a single, cohesive visual world. As Forde says: “Achieving that required close coordination between video playback, projection mapping and lighting design.” PIXEL PERFECT Burton’s iconic films have always stood out for his stark, yet creative use of colour. You’ll often see extremely bright shades suddenly contrasted with black & white or monochromatic visuals. Accurately translating this recognisable hallmark from stage to screen was essential, to maintain Burton’s stamp on the story. For Beetlejuice , Brompton Tessera SX40
an incredible achievement.” Perhaps most significantly,
Beetlejuice brings to the table an increasingly important milestone for designers across the industry. “In terms of lessons learned,” says Forde, “the production reinforced the value of integrating video systems early on in the creative process, especially when LED is being used as part of the scenic architecture rather than just a backdrop. Not only this, but it also highlighted how important aspects like weight, speed and system reliability are when LED becomes part of the physical movement of a show.”
A live performance of Beetlejuice is a visual feast, with a stunning hybrid environment that shifts between LED imagery, projection and a physical set
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