The launch-night projection featured moving clouds artwork and the text strap-line "Wind Energy - renewable energy". E//T//C was working for media and production company The Bank, who are producing Electric Storm for Shell UK. The 26-storey Shell Centre was covered by eight 6kW PIGI projectors sited 100m away on the edge of Queen's Walkway (the corresponding riverside path), housed in a curtain-sider truck. Six of the projectors complete with double scrollers running vertically, produced the clouds, three targeted at the top half of the tower and three at the bottom. The images were overlaid to maximize brightness and impact. The other two projectors were used to produce the text, and the projection was clearly visible from anywhere along the south bank with clear sightlines to the building.
Artwork was created by E//T//C UK's Ross Ashton. The projections were site and production managed for E//T//C UK by Roger Oakley, and the hardware was tech'd and programmed by Andy Murrell assisted by Bob Kronman and Michael Barry. PIGI OnlyCue software was utilized for control. The installation process was completed in two days - a comparatively short period for the large amount of kit, the challenging environment and the precision line-up time needed to ensure the projections looked their best. Lighting was supplied by LSD and designed by Rick Hussey with sound by Make Communications. Other linked projections are planed over the next three months to mark specific occasions. The first was for Armistice Day 2003, when giant poppies appeared on the Shell Centre, together with the text "Your Way To Remember".
Jacqueline Watson from The Bank commented: "We're very impressed with the concept of projection, and have had plenty of positive feedback from both the public and our client. It's has a massive impact and WOW factor, and can completely transform normal looking buildings into magical environments".
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
