A.C. was awarded the contract after supplying a cost-effective solution requiring minimal upgrading of the existing gallery fixtures to accomplish all theatrical lighting aspects of the brief. Throughout the build project manager Ray Dolby worked closely with the exhibition's designer, Trista Quenzer, to ensure that the lighting brought the right atmosphere and dramatic feel to each particular scene. Effects used included patterned gobos to give static model displays a theatrical feel and enhance their minimal scenery. Timed lighting sequences were also used to help reveal information and unfold the story. Directional up lighting of skeleton bone structures created eerie shadowing effects on the surrounding surfaces and emphasized size differences between dinosaur species. For animatronic models providing their own dynamism, strong shadows and colour were used enhancing the menacing and gory aspects of these scenes.
Trista Quenzer, the exhibition's designer commented: "I am extremely pleased with the result, Ray Dolby came up with a realistic solution to my brief and imaginatively used a limited budget. The A.C. team was a very professional, friendly group who worked with us to a tight installation deadline. They were always willing to demonstrate different fittings and experiment to achieve the effects I required."
A.C. Lighting can be found on stand J32 at the PLASA show.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
