The absence of such finishing touches can present a challenge for anyone lighting an event at the facility. However, Matthew Beauchamp of Mobile Productions met this challenge in stunning fashion at Ontario's Fire and Ice Gala recently by using Well Series uplighting fixtures from Chauvet Professional to create a more inviting atmosphere in a lacklustre space.
"This is what I would call a blank canvas," said Beauchamp. "Although the room is comfortable, there aren't a lot of architectural features defining the space. I made up for this by using 25 Well 2.0 fixtures to wash the walls and stage with rich colours. By doing this, I added another dimension to the room and transformed the aesthetics of the environment for the biggest impact using a minimal and balanced design. Throughout the evening, to reflect the different phases of the event, I programmed sequences and colour blends to keep the look interesting, highlight specific key areas and incorporate their chosen colour palettes."
The Fire and Ice Gala raises money for Community Living Oshawa/Clarington, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting achievement for people with intellectual disabilities. The group, which opened the first special needs school in Ontario back in 1960, raises money through Fire and Ice ticket sales and at a silent auction held in conjunction with the event. Beauchamp used lighting to accent the silent auction tables, giving them a separate identity from the main stage.
"We used lighting to maximize the impact of all the different elements of the event," said the LD. "Since this is a charity, containing costs is of paramount importance. The Wells being affordable and compact saved money and the cost of load in and design hours, so they were invaluable. I also liked that they are battery powered and wireless, since this gave me the freedom to uplight any section of the room necessary to create the impact I had envisioned, without worrying about minimal power sources and fixture placement.
"I never cease to be impressed with how uplighting can transform a room," concluded Beauchamp. "It can give any area a sense of warmth and definition. This is a good room, but it needed to be rounded out and brought to life, which is exactly what we were able to accomplish with our uplighting fixtures."
(Jim Evans)
