LONDON – For an oversized screening of the film Mamma Mia! watched by 8,000 ABBA-loving viewers at the O2 arena – including members of the London musical's cast – Matt Plus played an important supporting role. But there was no actor in either the movie or the live cast that went by that name; Matt Plus is the brand name Harkness Screens uses for the 108-foot-wide screen material itself. "This unique event required us to use a huge custom built projection surface capable of providing the large audience with a great view anywhere in the arena," said Andy Peat, director of Andy Peat Associates. "We presented this challenge to Harkness Screens and like they have done many times in the past, provided us with a solution that worked out great."
According to Peat, "We decided to use a Harkness Matt Plus screen because we were using three Christie CP2000XB projectors (provided by Motion Picture Solutions) that were overlapping each other, and we didn't want too much gain. In addition, since this was a large arena and not a standard cinema, we had to take into account the audience sitting all around the venue."
According to Harkness, Matt Plus screens are designed to provide wide viewing angles, high contrast imagery and excellent color temperature.
"Harkness did a great job," said Peat. "Its 108-foot custom Matt Plus screen helped ensure that the audience had an experience they will not soon forget."
For more information, please visit www.harkness-screens.com.
