The brief for the show production was to "grow" the national pride of the nation, by depicting its history and heritage, to show their progress and make the audience reflect on the country's national heritage. The elements included the History of the Country, Pearl Diving, Desert Living and the Craft and Art of Qatar.
On winning the tender, LCI set about creating a storyboard and sourcing original material shot in Qatar in both stills and HD video as well as using archive material from Qatar, working in conjunction with local agencies. The majority of the show content was then developed at LCI's in-house Avid editing studio, and demonstration studio, using Wings Platinum multi display systems. The content was then further developed in Qatar by the LCI on-site team in response to feedback from the client.
On the day of the show the celebrations began in the morning with a parade attended by the Royal Party. The Royal Family had a busy day ahead as it was also the day of the Wedding of their son. The lighting, video and waterscreen show began at 6pm and ran without a hitch. At 10pm the firework show ran with a coordinated video and lighting show for approximately 20 minutes. Following the fireworks, the water screen and lighting and video show continuing till midnight.
The message was delivered using different elements, including Christie LX1500 projectors projecting onto10 water screens, large format projection onto buildings using Christie Roadster S+20k projectors, 90 searchlights (these hired in from Syncrolite and Essential Lighting), 60 moving lights (including Martin Professional, Vari-Lite and Studio Due fixtures) plus around 400 uplighters for palm trees. The light show was controlled from a GrandMA full-size console from a central position, and all the systems were controlled via Redline wireless Ethernet and Wireless DMX transmission systems. Show Control was carried out via an AV Stumpfl Iseo server.
The show was a great success in both audience reaction and press coverage and hopefully leaving them wanting more for next year.
(Lee Baldock)
