Any network that hopes to stand out during this ad bazaar had better create a strong visual impression on potential sponsors. The red-hot and rapidly growing Spanish Language Azteca Network did just that, thanks in part to an inspired stage lighting design by Barrett Hall that featured Chauvet Professional Next NXT-1 moving LED panels provided by WorldStage.
Hall used a collection of 12 Next NXT-1 panels to surprise and delight guests with dramatic looks, unique patterns and unexpected movements during the Azteca Upfront presentation and after party, both of which took place at the Best Buy Theatre in Times Square. The vivid colours and intense beams of the LED panels provided an ideal accompaniment to the star-studded performances and powerful presentations taking place on the stage.
"I was contacted by producer Guy Genis of Eventmakers to create a design for the Upfront presentation in addition to the after party," said the LD. "Given the vibrant nature of the event, I wanted a lighting display that conveyed energy and movement. Drew DeCorleto of WorldStage told me about the NXT-1. I already had a great experience with the Nexus from Chauvet so I was receptive to trying out the NXT-1 - it did not disappoint."
Hall positioned six of the NXT-1 panels on overhead downstage truss and six along the downstage apron directly on the stage deck. "I wanted to hang some of the panels because I love having the ability to pan/tilt them into a diamond shape from the front view, since we typically live in a square and circle-faced fixture world," he said. "Having additional panels on the deck allows me to create some extremely dramatic looks by panning around. Also doing something like a flyout from that on-deck position creates a very exciting feeling."
The colour rendering capabilities of the Next NXT-1's RGBW LEDs also aided in the success of the show. The Azteca Network recently added bold new jewel-toned colors to its logo. Hall was easily able to duplicate these hues using the panels' Auto Colour function.
Hall added another magical touch to his lightshow by having the Next NXT-1's razor sharp beams hit the two giant mirrorballs over the area in front of the stage. "The NXT-1 is fun to use with large mirror balls," he said. "Each panel is like using 25 super bright pin spots (the NXT-1 has 25 pixel mappable LEDs) with the added bonus of being able to change their shapes and rotation, so you can create some really incredible light rays."
The Azteca Upfront lightshow also featured a variety of spots, floods and moving beams, all controlled by a grandMA2. Hall had praise for his "fantastic and fast" programmer Eric Christian. "This was a fun project because of the great looks we created and the great people we got to work with like Eric and the folks at WorldStage, who were pros all the way," said the LD. "In the end, I think the show made a lot of people feel good about Upfront Azteca, which was our goal."
(Jim Evans)
