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Light Jockey
Under the Sea Lighting |
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| Equipment List: 13 Pin Spots 2 DP-415 9 ETC Source 4 Pars 2 Altman 50 LB Base Plates 5 Custom Chandeliers provided by Client Martin Light Jockey + Computer |
12 Color Kinetics Colorcast 14 |
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I am the kind of lighting designer that seeks to maximize potential using as many natural characteristics in a space to create a dynamic presentation which in part has led to Eye Dialogue’s success in the Charlotte market. Hence I struggle when the client’s desired effect is contrary to the nature of the space, because it costs more to create the effect in that space. Lately I have had to learn to compromise, as I have realized that when someone wants Starbucks coffee, they might drive 15 miles to get that cup of coffee. After eight dollars in gas, wear and tear on the vehicle, and an hour of time; the total value of that cup of coffee could exceed 30 dollars. Driven by numbers and a frugal personal lifestyle, I am prevented from giving myself to urges, but when it comes to clients, many of them will pay more for their urges and be happier with the job, than if I push an efficient design on their event. In this case, it was a birthday, and it’s definitely best to give a girl exactly what she wants on her birthday. From the first meeting, we were told that we needed to rig the show so the birthday girl could see it beforehand. Then we needed to be prepared to take everything down if the look wasn’t right. Of course, that is expensive for the client and can be frustrating for the riggers. Five custom chandeliers had been designed for the birthday and needed to be hung in the ceiling of the tent. The lights had to be staggered over the dance floor. The problem was the rigging had to be white, no hang points existed in the center of the dance floor, and the tent company would only approve 150 pounds total weight on the ceiling. The solution we decided on was to use 26’ of white 12” box truss and span white 2x4’s through the truss. It would give us the flexibility we needed to move the equipment around, minimizing the possibility of rehanging the truss. I made the solution sound easy but every solution is easy after the job is finished. |
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For the ceiling wash we used the Elation Waterfall Pro 250. The blue watery effect washed over the tent ceiling suggesting that the party was underwater. Behind the band, we lined LEDs to create an aqua back drop. Throughout the evening the color changing LEDs morphed from aqua to blue. Like the waves of the ocean, aqua swept from one side to the other settling back to a deep blue. The band had brought their lighting system which we set to a cool white. When in the ocean, everything takes on a bluish hue. By adding washes of blue throughout the room, the reflected blue light created a realistic under-the-sea vision. In classic style, we finished the look by pin spotting every center piece. In order to sell a concept the key is to bring attention to the thematic elements, in this case the oceanic shells and candle light. Controlling the perception through proper illumination suspends the belief of the guest transporting them to another world. Without proper lighting the guest are more easily distracted by non related items aka the homes next door, gardening tools, etc. The theme party is used to suspend reality. By keeping their attention on the mermaids, triton, the aquatic table decor, and the oceanic colors; the party facilitated an escape from normality. By washing the ceiling above, and the tables below; the guest were engulfed with themes of Atlantis. The successful theme party lets guest lose their perceptions of reality, and lets them explore. Learning to listen, Eye Dialogue was able to help
our birthday girl create a dream. Sometimes letting go of the inner
designer and embracing another’s ideas is success. The party
under the sea succeeded as an extension of the client’s creativity.
Her style and personality truly made the birthday personal and memorable
to her friends and family. Floating in the party waters, the guest
laughed and celebrated the successful journey of their deep sea
princess. |
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