The function of the screen is three-fold, director Luke Collins cuts some straightforward IMAG from two cameras in the pit and runs some distinct content. "The band adopted a written motif for the latest album 48:13," he says, "and continue that theme in the content on screen with key words associated with the lyrics. Then there is the interactive module, which is really dynamic."
Developed as an add-on for D3 media servers, the Demolition interactive module allows for custom programming to be written. "This is the core effect of the show," explains Collins. "Written by Matts Swoboda for the band's most recent arena tour, it takes images from Infra Red cameras, determines shapes, then renders them as real time wire frame 3D. Visually it's akin to animation and unbelievably potent."
Video Design has invested in the Demolition add-on, as well as four IR cameras for the stage, "They have to be IR to overcome the overwhelming video feedback you'd encounter if you used regular cameras," explains Leinster. "Using IR allows the software to isolate the image of the band members on stage from the screen in the background. It's a beautiful thing to behold and really emphasises that 'otherworldliness' that makes Kasabian such a stand out band."
Kasabian's tour manager Pete Gunn singles out why Video Design was such an easy choice for him, "It's good to deal with real people; call Video Design and you don't feel like you're talking to a call centre in Bangalore. Kasabian are very much a band of the people and such things really matter. That and the ability to deliver, this is a big screen system to slip in and out of tight festival timetables, so properly assembled touring systems are everything."
(Jim Evans)
