Sidewalk Prophets deliver with Bandit Lites
- Details
“With COVID-19 having such a massive effect on the industry, it was unclear how long it would be before we would play live shows again,” said production manager Robert Mays. “After one phone call with Mike Golden, I knew I had the full support of Bandit and that this show would no doubt be a success.”
“The vision of this project is to find a unique way to connect with our audience through the medium of live stream concerts,” said rhythm guitarist Benjamin McDonald. “The production has really given us a deep pallet to work from in sharing this new musical experience. Working from this pallet, has been extremely helpful during the COVID-19 crisis, and will help us impact the audience in ways we otherwise might not have been able.”
Erik Parker of Chris Lisle Lighting Design originally designed and programmed the lighting for a live audience in large rooms with incredibly dynamic looks, pops of colour and blackouts to bring a sense of drama. Now with the band switching gears to a virtual production, things like blackouts did not translate the same way live as they do on screens.
“We also were aiming to create a since of space and depth that the show did not have before,” said Mays. “By placing some of the fixtures on the flow truss and spacing them out the show now feels much bigger.”
With a production design originally intended to be adaptable for the wide range of venues slated for the tour, the virtual tour experience features the same design and quantity of fixtures while also expanding on the overall feel of the show.
The truss is configured in a “U” shape with 30 feet wide by 30 feet deep flown at a 22 feet trim height. By adjusting the placement of GLP X4S fixtures to the upstage section of the truss as well as placing Martin MAC Auras along the downstage legs of the “U” truss fixture, they were able to create a great deal of depth.
Audience members are given the full scope and originality of the production, modified to the streaming medium, compounded with the option to watch the show in 3D.
“Without any question, my experience with Bandit has been positive,” said Mays. “From the first conversations about the show, through the design and buildout stages, the Bandit team has and continues to go above and beyond.”
(Jim Evans)
