Faithless 2010: Southampton
Tonight was the last show of the short UK tour, now we ditch the production lighting and stick to video and floor lighting only. Joy!
All went well bar a couple of lighting desk issues but I doubt any of the crowd cared by the looks of them.
Homeward bound now in preparation for festivals...
James
Faithless 2010: Wolverhampton
Welcome to your first glimpse of the world's largest 'Etch-a-sketch'!
Tonight we were blessed with the large stage of the Wolverhampton Civic so all of the back screen went up and all of the riser video strips went out. A perfect chance to get a few photos for you.
From the beginning it was planned that 'Pilot' would be used as the media server for the tour, based on it's ability to do some funky pixel shifting. Due to time constraints and other influences, Intro were commissioned to produce the content for the show rather than use Pilot's built in rendering system. After a few teething problems at Brixton, I decided to try using Catalyst to run the show off my laptop. After a quick programming session at Doncaster, I had the show ready to go, all frame synced to the backing track and no issues at all. A real testament to the flexibility of the Catalyst system.
Check out the photos below to see the LC screen at the back and the MiTRIX panels on the risers.
James
Faithless 2010: Brixton
Big London show, done.
A massive hit with the crowd, the show looked and sounded amazing. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any photos, I had to stay side of stage to look after the video kit and run the visuals.
Using 'Pilot' (the media server chosen for the tour) for the first time was interesting. Always a little unnerving using something for the first time on such a big show! For the most part the show went without a hitch; the video for 'We Come One' (which was changed just before the show) wouldn't fire but seeing as the lighting was so strong for this song, I don't think it mattered at all. I'm always against last minute changes, a little out of my hands on this occasion.
There's still work to be done, good job this was only a warm-up!
James
Faithless 2010: UK Tour Preparations
So after 4 days at PRG in Longbridge, the lighting and video prep is complete.
I've had the entire 10m x 6m Martin LC screen hanging in the warehouse to build the cable looms that will allow us to rig the screen in as short time as possible (so I can get back on the bus and get some sleep!). The control rack with processors for the LC and MiTRIX screens is built and wired.
I've experienced the typical video problems over the past couple of days; phantom flickers, shifted images, dodgy cables and connectors. After a few phone calls and some extra kit, we're there.
All that remains to do now is install it all at Brixton on Thursday including building the MiTRIX screens to go along the risers, a job which could take a while while using a lot of cable ties and even more patience...
James
BAMMA @ NEC
Today James was at the NEC to install lighting for the recording of the British Association of Mixed Marshal Arts contest for Bravo TV.
As part of a crew of 4 under Gavin Tomkins, James rigged the 'box truss' over the ring with a multitude of parcans mixed with a few moving lights. Of course these all needed focusing once the rig was in the air so it was time to get on the truss and get rather warm...
Soon after the rig was in the air and focused, the fighters arrived and practice began.
Faithless 2010: Amsterdam Show Photos
So, here are my first photos of the show, possibly my only as explained...
During the shows that Andy Hurst operates, he likes to have someone front of house to spot any problems with the lighting and relay these to whoever is on stage. Tonight, since crew chief Paul Solino is on follow spot duty, that job fell to me. So taking the chance, I decided to get some photos of the show.
This is one of the last shows to have lighting only, after this leg my responsibilities switch to video, I'll try and get some photos of this online from Brixton.
James
Faithless 2010: Relaxed in Amsterdam
Well after a couple of hectic days in Oslo and Copenhagen, it's great to have a true day off in a wonderful place.
We arrived on the bus at 11:30, leaving plenty of time to check out the bars and shops of Amsterdam. I'm writing this post after a couple of pleasant pints of Amstel and some local grub.
The show tomorrow is our earliest yet and in a club venue, after which we are straight to Brussels for our final show of the European leg.
James