Bennett's fast paced, dynamic design uses the pure, laser-like beams of an extraordinary 208 Sharpys, which successfully cut through more than 1050 individual luminaires.
Bennett cites Beyonce herself as the inspiration for his design. She'd requested a lighting-driven show that would deliver epic results. Bennett specified 446 SGM X-5 LED Strobe early on, which contributed considerably to making the Mrs Carter show the brightest ever measured (in lux output) on a concert stage. From the beginning Bennett knew he needed a luminaire that would cut through these super bright strobes and the Sharpy was the answer.
"I love the Sharpy's incredible brightness, beam size, and speed," Bennett explains. "Besides using the Sharpys in the main rig most of them work in conjunction with a number of moving mirrors configured in vertical rows across the back wall structure. The Sharpys proved to be the best lights for bouncing off the mirrors - and they weren't overpowered by the strobes despite their brightness."
Once lit, Bennett passed the reigns of the tour over to lighting director Whitney Hulverston. "The Sharpy is by no means new or customised but it continues to impress me because you can get some really amazing effects from it," she adds.
(Jim Evans)
