First Leg of Range Rover Evoque Tour @ Earls Court
This week sees James in Earls Court for the first leg of a three week tour to release the new Range Rover 'Evoque'.
The launch will be one of the most adventurous ever seen with a huge amount of video, lighting and automation.
James is looking after the video aspects of the event for Tim Riley at XL Video, utilising 4x Catalyst media servers including two of Basic Monkey's own and a huge rack of processing gear to drive the 20x Barco projectors.
We can't give away too much at this time but if you get the opportunity to see the show and the car, please do, you will be far from disappointed.
Please stay tuned for more updates and photos after the run comes to an end.
National Movie Awards 2011 @ Wembley Arena
ITV's National Movie Awards this year came from Wembley Arena where thousands of invited celebrities and guests were treated to performances from Take That, JLS and Eliza Doolittle.
XL Video supplied projected side screens and a large rear projection screen integrated into the set and driven by 3x Barco FLM HD20s.
James was on site to look after the media server and control hardware for Jonathan Bond who operated the show.
The projectors were rigged by Kevin Parry and Bjorn Parry, along with James who lined up the rear projection system.
Basic Monkey provided a Catalyst media server to run the lectern video loop, the safest solution!
Jason Manford DVD Recording @ MEN, Manchester
Tonight was the recording of Jason Manford's new DVD, due out in November, at the MEN Arena in Manchester.
XL Video supplied Pixled F-30 for Jason's backdrop, driven by Catalyst. Using Catalyst's frame blending and colour adjustment capabilities, a slow and subtle moving look was generated for the show with a more lively look for his walk-on.
As a break from James' usual travels, this show is on home turf, not for long though!
Gadget Show Live @ The NEC
Today was the last in a 5 day run for the Gadget Show Live 'Super Theatre', concluding what has been a busy and interesting show.
Following on from last years success, Tim Riley at XL Video was asked to provide Barco NX-6 screens in the auditorium for camera relay and a large Pixled F-30 screen as a set centrepiece.
This was all driven by Basic Monkey's own 'Gorilla' Catalyst system, triggered using our Jands Vista S3.
As usual, it was important for the show to be using the latest in technology. This was apparent not only in the performance, but in the production of the show itself.
For the interactive sections which included a virtual presenter, flash game and flying drones, Inition provided us with feeds from three separate computers. This, in addition to the live MMS and photo competition which accounted for another two laptop feeds, led to a rather complex setup!
All these inputs were fed into 2x Barco DCS-200 switchers which in turn were controlled via Catalyst network serial commands. This meant that the entire video element (excluding cameras of course) could be triggered from one timeline and by one person (in this case James), eliminating the need for a VT operator, switcher and graphics operator.
For the audience competitions, winners and live scoreboards were rendered to screen using a Quartz system designed by James. Using an external laptop to send raw text to the system allowed scores to be updated in real time, styled using the Quartz system.
The camera crew were directed by Kevin Watts who also produced all the graphical content for the LED screens including animated logos, timers and name straps.
Visitors were treated to an impressive, loud and action packed show with live performances from Ortis and Polly, audience participation and lots of gadget giveaways.
If this year is anything to go by, next year will be even more impressive!
188 Bet Viral Advert Shoot, Twickenham
The second part of our project with Visible Partnership saw James at Twickenham Rugby Stadium to shoot a viral advert for 188 Bet.
Players from the London Wasps threw and kicked balls at a huge projected video game on the side of the stadium with the aim to hit ten dragons in the quickest time possible. The winner would then go on to try and kill the mother dragon.
The game was created using some intricate Vista and Catalyst programming to trigger animations produced by MiE. These animations were keyed over detailed video backgrounds which made use of the building's features.
To keep track of scores, James designed a Quartz leader board which can be updated remotely.
Please check out the video below:
Basic Monkey Launches Catalyst Van
The second part of our project with Visible Partnership involved shooting outdoors and so we decided to keep our precious equipment safe from the elements.
With a few ratchet straps, carefully placed boxes and of course a camping chair, we had our first Catalyst control vehicle. There was plenty of room for our 'Gorilla' Catalyst system and Vista console with a view from the side door that was ample to see everything that was going on.
Available for your next event...
Standard Life “LifeLens” Launch, Second Event
Today was the second part of Standard Life's new "LifeLens" product launch produced by Jack Morton Worldwide.
Replicating last month's event, James installed and operated XL Video's equipment along with Alex Roberts.
For this event, Basic Monkey supplied one of the two Catalyst systems required along with 2x Matrox TripleHead2Go boxes to feed the multiple LCD and plasma displays.
McFly 2011 Arena Tour Production Build
For two days this week, James has been in Wakefield at Litestructures' "LS-Live" venue to set-up and help program the Catalyst systems that will be touring with McFly for the next 3 weeks.
XL Video are providing the systems along with the F11 back and riser screens and MiSTRIP stage.
James has been working closely with Dan from THC Design, who normally uses Mbox media server, to integrate the Catalyst content in with his lighting show.
Tomorrow is the first show in Sheffield and James will be around for any last minute changes and to make sure the first show goes well. Steve from XL Belgium will be looking after the systems for the rest of the tour.
Can you spot the cheeky Basic Monkey in the photos?
Visible Partnership Advert Shoot
I'm currently working on a new project with Visible Partnership involving some innovative graphics.
We're providing our top Catalyst system along with all relevant bits and most importantly support to help realise the creative designs.
Watch this space...
James
Standard Life “LifeLens” Launch, London
Standard Life are in the process of launching their new employee financial planning service and today was the media preview event.
The event was held in London's Hospital Club and was produced by Jack Morton Worldwide.
XL Video were asked to supply LCD and plasma displays, each showing different content, to be integrated into a white fabric covered set panel. This wall matched the other walls in the gallery and looked like a permanent feature.
Catalyst was chosen as the source for these displays for its ability to send multiple files to multiple destinations, while easily scaling the content to match the wall apertures.
Behind the stage, a 103" Panasonic plasma display was integrated into another white covered set panel.
'Buzz' words were projected onto the other walls from pillars made to look part of the building structure.
James programmed the 2x Catalyst systems to accept wireless commands from his iPhone, meaning that the display wall could be pushed back against the wall. Adjustments were made to the scaling for each window using wireless remote desktop.
