RoboSpot flexible solution for Little Mermaid
- Details
The RoboSpot system was tech’d by Ilse Witlox, also the lead operator, who is an expert in the somewhat ‘black art’ of follow spotting. Precise follow-spotting was absolutely crucial to a complex and visually rich production like this.
The 11 x BMFL Blades complete with 11 RoboSpot MotionCameras were positioned on a front truss, an advanced truss and on two side trusses.
Six on the front truss were positioned as three on the left and three on the right; the three on the advanced truss (‘behind’ the front truss and above the audience) were in the left, right and centre positions along that truss, and the other two were on short runs of truss just offstage to each side of the venue.
The two side BMFLs were specifically utilized for spotting lead character Ariel as she flew out from stage to FOH.
Ilse and her two colleagues - Peter Pijnenburg and Emiel van Holderbeke – were all stationed at FOH with their RoboSpot Base Stations so they had a clear visual of how the spots looked in reality, in addition to seeing the effect on the base station HD screen monitor, which enables a ‘first-person’ view of the performance.
The RoboSpot systems were specified by Luc Peumans after he saw a demo. The additional flexibility they brought to the production was a practical solution giving him the right amount of follow spots in exactly the right places.
It was also cost-efficient for production. For example, the two BMFLS used to spot Ariel flying out into the audience were only needed for five minutes of the show, ideal for a remote scenario rather than tying up two operators for the evening.
Phlippo Showlights committed to purchasing the three RoboSpot Systems for Little Mermaid. Account manager Joost Machiels commented, “Investing in innovative equipment is essential for a company like Phlippo - we always like to be one step ahead.”
(Jim Evans)
