It kicked off with a lively presentation in the Princess Anna Theatre aimed at raising awareness of the ever-growing convergence of video and lighting technologies in the entertainment world, and how this is filtering into architectural environments and applications.
Chris Barlow from The Creative Mix started with a talk entitled 'Branding Buildings' highlighting some of the many ways in which light can be applied to buildings, structures and spaces of all types in all locations. He included urban regeneration projects and the positive benefits of a well and interestingly lit environment.
Tina Fox from Cadmium Design talked about how light is at the very essence of our existence. She illustrated the many ways in which it's absolutely fundamental to our lives, our everyday existence and our perception of the world.
PID's David March then took the lectern with his 'Content is King' presentation. He traced the historical link between lighting and video with specific reference to the entertainment industry, showing how this innovative and fast moving world has moved both lighting and video technologies forward, unlocking their enormous power for theatrical presentations and stage shows of all types.
These three very diverse talks illustrated the huge dynamics of lighting and video, the wide range of contexts for their convergence and the great potential for their application.
Afterwards there was an art installation made from lightsources designed by Cadmium. It utilised some of the technologies at the cusp of entertainment and architectural markets, including Element Labs' VersaTube, VersaTile, VersaRay and Stealth screen products, High End Catalyst Version 4 and DL2 moving head projectors and the Pharos DMX architectural lighting controller.
Lightfactor supplied some SGM Palco LED luminaires - for which it is the UK distributor - to dress the Princess Anne Theatre.
"The feedback has been phenomenal," says March after the event. "The quality of the attendees was really top notch and everyone there is taking a real interest in the technology and the trends."
Cadmium's Paula Reason - who has collaborated with Projected Image Digital on many of her recent design projects says: "I absolutely loved the event - everybody did really well."
The next events from PID are two one-day Catalyst technology forums on 16 and 17 January at its West Ealing offices, where its digital media experts will be on hand including Nev Bell and Hugh Davies Webb.
(Chris Henry)
