For the fourth year running, Sky Arts in collaboration with Storyvault Films and Papilo Production Management entrusted Blackout project manager Tomas Burcik and his four-strong crew to install a cost-effective ground support circular truss system suitable for both broadcast and live audiences.
Tomas Burcik comments, "Working to the production brief we designed a structure which incorporated an inner 7m truss circle and a 10m diameter central truss circle split into thirds. Each third played host to a competing artist, challenged with painting a celebrity guest. The outer truss circle included cross sections to hang broadcast lighting, and seven supporting legs to ensure clear sightlines of the celebrities being painted in each section.
"It provided a safe route for crew and contestants, and easy viewing for the public, who were invited to watch as part of the live event experience. A 12m x 3m x 4m high truss box was also installed, from which a number of portraits were hung for the general viewing public. The installation was completed with two ceilings above the truss circle and box, which helped to balance natural sunlight coming into the venue upon the portrait models."
Papilo Productions' Lisa Shenton adds, "Once again it was great to have Blackout's involvement in the shoot. Tomas and team delivered another successful structure for Portrait Artist of the Year. The ongoing support, quick reaction to the continually evolving challenges of the live TV environment and attention to detail are invaluable."
The Wallace Collection held the heats and semi-final rounds across six public viewing dates, with artists capturing 'celebrities' including Adrian Chiles, Phil Davis, James Norton, Sue Perkins and Richard E Grant. The event was hosted by Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner, with artist Tai-Schierenberg, curator Kathleen Soriano and art historian Kate Bryan judging the Portrait Artist title. Over 2,000 artists battled it out for the opportunity to have their work on display in the Turner Contemporary Museum in Margate, a £10,000 commission to paint a well know Irish personality that will become part of the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Ireland.
(Jim Evans)
