JJ has been Fedde's lighting designer since 2013. When the first Grand live concept was staged in 2015 he came on board to evolve the lighting, and asked Bas van der Poel and Jeroen van der Velden of Light Image - both of whom he'd known for some years - to assist in what was a complex design process. He joined the imaginative lighting design, programming and operating practice based in Utrecht full time at the end of last year.
This year's Grand was a one off show demanding high-impact visuals with minimal time on site and intense pressure to produce the spectacular results that all were expecting.
JJ started with the set which was designed by Sightline Productions - chosen by Fedde and show director, Sjoerd van Schooten of RTL Live Entertainment, and the idea was to transform the Ziggo Dome from a standard arena venue into an immersive, dramatic theatrical space for the evening, reinforcing the set architecture which was based on arches and curves.
With the spherical theme in mind, the lighting positions were created using lots of circular trussing, rigged with 43 x Robe BMFL Spots, 65 x Pointes, 64 x LEDBeam 1000s and 48 x CycFX 8s. The circles also looked good as a structural sculpture for guests when looking up onto the celling, and the fixtures reached all over the stage and audience area, getting the light exactly where it was needed.
The BMFL Spots were the primary key lights. They were required to cover a plethora of dancers, acrobats and performers onstage and lots of action throughout the evening. "We needed the power and intensity of the BMFL to make everything visible," explains JJ.
The Pointes were dotted all around the trussing and the floor, chosen for their speed, versatility and tight beams, all of which made them perfect for this gig and catching some of the more off-stage dance routines. JJ comments that the frost filter is very helpful for extending the Pointe's wash coverage.
He had already seen the LEDBeam 1000s in use on a few other projects and really liked them, so this was a great opportunity to spec them. He likes the way-cool fat beam, the power, the punch and the zoom. They were used to reach from the front to the back of the arena, washing it with colour and atmosphere. JJ reckons, "It's the most amazing LEDBeam fixture available right now."
The CycFX units were used as specials, with the flat beams creating an eye-catching wall of light that contrasted well with the other fixtures.
JJ programmed the show using a grandMA2 full size console assisted by Jeroen, while Bas from Light Image project managed the lighting elements of the show.
(Jim Evans)
