Two separate G-LEC Curtains were used, up and downstage of the band. Each Curtain consisted of 3 x 8 frames mounted together and flown in and out. The show used a combination of the G-LEC Curtain and projection screens, the latter positioned above the stage and lit up with faces of deceased rap artists Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.
Facilitated by Fourth Phase, London (G-LEC's exclusive representative in the UK), the two G-LEC Curtains were incorporated with the scenery to add some never before seen 3D dynamic effects. While large LED walls have been around for some time, the G-LEC Curtain is practically transparent, while offering striking graphics playback capabilities, opening up a world of 3D and flying possibilities which aren't achievable with LED walls.
Despite its size on Jay-Z's stage (a total of 86sq.m), the G-LEC Curtain is very lightweight, so can be flown without the need for reinforced trussing. The heart of the G-LEC Curtain is the digital graphic server where custom made graphics or digital media content can be stored and played back.
Lars Wolf, G-LEC's managing director said: "The Curtain is perfect for a concert like Jay Z's. It is so lightweight you can install it anywhere, and unlike the LED walls, you don't need a crane to get it in place - two adults can put it in place with little effort in only a few hours."
The fact that it's easy to install isn't the only benefit of the G-LEC Curtain. It's flexibility makes it suitable for any production which is staged at more than one venue, and when you're touring, you want equipment which can be rigged, de-rigged, transported and stored with minimum effort.
While any images, form custom graphics to photographs and video footage can be displayed on the Curtains, as in the case of the Jay-Z concert, the screens are also virtually transparent, allowing the placement of performers, bands or scenery behind the Curtains to produce some spectacular visuals.
(Lee Baldock)
