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A Closer Look at All Aspects of Video

Nook Schoenfeld, Editor, PLSN

A Closer Look at All Aspects of Video

I think that a picture was worth a thousand words. But I think a picture is often worth 100 lights as well. As video has become a staple in concerts, we see lights being used to augment the big look of a big screen and gosh — be used to just light the money. The need for more original designs using video tiles is common. Designers need fresh ideas. With all the productions we cover this month, it’s clearly evident that different minds do not always think alike.

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The band plays their climactic television number with 10-inch scoops hovering behind them. All photos by Jeremy Daniel

Going Big and Bold for ‘Bandstand’

The Tony Award-nominated musical Bandstand is not quite what it appears to be. While it has been promoted as a peppy post-WWII musical, it is not simply extolling the big band virtues of that era. Underneath its dazzling veneer is the tale of a WWII veteran (Corey Cott) who returns home with few job prospects. He desires to form a jazz band with veterans to enter a television competition geared towards finding a great song dedicated to the service of American soldiers. Not only does he corral a spunky, talented group, but the wife (Laura Osnes) of his late best friend, who died in combat, becomes their charming singer.

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Chance the Rapper's 'Be Encouraged' Tour Photos by Steve Jennings

Designer Insights: Chance the Rapper ‘Be Encouraged’ Tour

With his ever growing success, three time Grammy Award winner, including Best Rap Album — singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer, Chance the Rapper quickly returned to the stage for another tour following his 2016 trek, and with an all new design. The tour launched on April 24 in San Diego, hops the pond for a show in London on July 7, and returns to North America for more performances through Oct. 20 in Phoenix.

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A uniquely shaped thrust allowed the fans to surround Aldean. All photos by Todd Kaplan

Production Profile: Jason Aldean’s ‘They Don’t Know’ Tour

Chris Lisle Designs the Looks for Three Clients on One Tour

Chris Lisle, owner of Nashville-based Chris Lisle Lighting Design (CLLD) along with partners Erik Parker and Mark Anderson, craft looks and support a variety of tours, festivals and mega-events including Nashville’s Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve celebrations, leaving enough time to give back to Nashville’s behind-the-scenes community with their annual Touring Career Workshops.

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Chris Lisle

Designer Profile: A Chat with Chris Lisle

It’s no secret that musicians descend upon the town of Nashville to try and find their fame and fortune. Along the same vein are countless LD’s who have moved to hang their hats in the country music capital, hoping to find more work in their field. But every once in a while, as with musicians, you will find a lighting designer who was born and bred in Nashville itself. Such is the case with Chris Lisle, a fourth-generation native.

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ADJ To Debut 11 New Products at InfoComm 2017

ADJ To Debut 11 New Products at InfoComm 2017

ORLANDO, FL – ADJ will showcase 11 new products at this year’s InfoComm trade show in Orlando, FL at booth #7251, including a new IP-rated video panel, a new IP-rated UV Par, a new series of battery-powered up-lighters, two classic par cans powered by LED, and a new collection of professional effects generators.

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2017 Chainsmokers MDNO tour enlisted a band. Tour photo by Steve Jennings

Visual Design: The Chainsmokers 2017 ‘Memories: Do Not Open’ Tour

Production Club Uses Video Game Technology to Create DJ/Live Band Looks

Los Angeles-based Production Club is the production equivalent of a multi-instrumentalist — handling artist direction, design innovation and concert production. It was originally formed nine years ago by CEO Corey Johnson (CEO) and Vivek Srinivasan (COO/CFO) to produce and design the ongoing DANCEiSM party and other events in the downtown L.A. Area.

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U2 2017 'Joshua Tree' tour photo by Steven Jennings

U2 ‘Joshua Tree’ Tour 2017

U2’s 2017 Joshua Tree tour marks 30 years since the band released the classic album of the same name in 1987. The show highlights themes and imagery still current in today’s culture captured by longtime U2 photographer and film director Anton Corbijn. We spoke with creative director and lighting designer Willie Williams on the third date of this tour, which also features a set design by Ric Lipson of Stufish, staging by Tait, and lighting and video supplied by PRG/PRG Nocturne. New technologies include PRG’s Spaceframe and a 4K broadcast camera system integrated into the design.

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