Jo Pauly, d3 operator and programmer from Belgium-based Visual Solutions was brought in to consult and design all video during the preplanning process.
Another first for BlackTrax, the motion tracking solution was used to track key performer, Marco Borsato on stage and on a guitar shaped interactive LED video catwalk throughout the performance.
BlackTrax was seamlessly integrated with d3 technologies 4by4pro media servers to manage content for the entire concert including main stage LED wall, two IMAG LED walls and two rows of LED video banners throughout the whole venue.
"We wanted a clean stage look, lots of video with orchestras on each side of a guitar shaped stage," explained Jo Pauly. "We chose BlackTrax for its flexibility to track and integrate with interactive content. It also needed to follow the artist on stage and trigger time code and connect to the d3 media server used to visualize rapidly some high-resolution stage views. We could make the complete output map in our studio so on arrival at Amsterdam Ziggodome Arena, we just plugged in the fibre cables to the LED wall and we were technically ready to go."
Five BlackTrax cameras were positioned in the ceiling and were focused on the catwalk as well as on a large part of the stage. "Using the BlackTrax toolset, we integrated a restriction for the software to ignore any reflections of the tracking LED from the shiny floor into account.
"We calibrated the set and wandered the space using the BlackTrax calibration devices. Once this was done, we registered positions within d3. Ever since that moment, we did not have to modify any of the settings for the upcoming 10 days - not even once."
One project challenge was the discreet positioning of three tracking LEDs on Marc Borsato and his costume changes. "During a quick wardrobe change, we changed the active remote beacon that manages the 3 LEDs and added it to a new jacket," says Pauly.
Marco Borsato did six performances in the fall of 2015 and another six shows in February and March 2016, and each of them sold out within days.
Pauly added, "My idea of using BlackTrax instead of a pressure-sensitive LED floor, was enforced by some major international shows that didn't seem to fully appreciate the accuracy of a pressure sensitive floorings. Another advantage was the fact that even when five musicians were walking on the catwalk, only Borsato's position generated interactivity. That was key to our visual effects.
"Since this show was a world premiere in terms of technology, we worked closely with d3, Notch and BlackTrax six months prior to finding the right solution and it was a splendid collaboration," concluded Pauly.
(Jim Evans)
