The show was the result of three years of meticulous planning between Ras Al Khaimah's national government and prominent Dubai-based production specialist Lighthouse Productions (LHP), that enlisted the power of two Avolites Ai T4 media servers and one Avolites Ai T8 media server to deliver the show's substantial video element.
"Lighting and digital content now drives the majority of live events," says Terry Miranda, founder and managing director of LHP. "It was crucial for us as a production company working on such an event to have access to a reliable video control manufacturing brand. A show of this size needed high-end media equipment powerful enough to handle heavy-duty video files and playback which is why we went with Avolites."
The Ai T Series media servers provided LHP with a total of 16 x 1080p HD outputs as well as smooth playback of multiplayer 4k and 8k media using the AiM Codec. LHP dedicated one HD output per screen including the stage's video mapped floor.
"Two Ai T4 servers ran all the visuals across the mainstage's five bitmapped and LED screens and drove the content for the projection-mapped stage floor," says Miranda. "An Ai T8 media server was then networked to a direct feed from an outside broadcasting van and powered the live visuals on the stage's two outer screens."
FakhrakYaWatan saw a total of 800 singers, dancers and actors perform 15 different acts on a large 88 x 12m stage. Seven screens hosted the dynamic backdrop of LED and video mapped projection that complemented the diverse range of performances.
"With such a lot to prepare before the show and during the performance we needed our video equipment to be intuitive during live use and in the pre-programming set-up," says Miranda. "The Ai T series' Timeline and Timecode sequencers meant that we could load in all the content master files in chronological show order. This meant we could have 'virtual rehearsals' before the actual live rehearsals which saved a huge amount of time."
FakhrakYaWatan was performed in a temporary purpose-built site on the capital city's Corniche Waterfront. LHP was responsible for the build of the 1,250,000m2 site as well as the entire media production of the show that drew audiences of 10,000 from across the globe.
"We have been working with Avolites for a number of years," says Miranda. "They have always understood the direction the live production industry is taking as well as the individual direction of our company. We are very happy with our Ai T Series media servers and as such are currently looking to upgrade our Avolites systems by adding the Ai Infinity Rx8 media server in 2017."
FakhrakYaWatan took place on the 1 December 2016 as part of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) wider 45th National Celebration Weekend. This weekend saw several large scale celebrations across the UAE to mark its formation 45 years ago. FakhrakYaWatan included appearances from top Emiriti artists and singers including Sameera Ahmed, Habib Ghuloom, Ahmed Al Jasmi, Eida Al Menhali, Oraib and Fouad Abdul Wahid. The overall show was managed by Director Mohammad Al Amri, Ali Al Khawar, and Obaid.
(Jim Evans)
