Pachciarek put together an elegant lighting design for the large outdoor stage that was careful to complement the show's large LED video element. Inspired by the colours and architecture of the church, the classic design captured the attention of hundreds of local and international pilgrims that had come to Krakow to celebrate the sainthood of the late pope.
"It was important to remember that this was no ordinary show," explains Pachciarek. "This was not a jazz or pop concert but a celebration of huge importance to those present, so the lighting had to be exactly right. In addition it was being filmed for broadcast, so in addition to it being traditional enough so as not to offend there had to be interesting effects for the live filming element."
In order to create his balanced design Pachciarek used a mixed lighting package, supplied by Polish production house TSE Grupa. Pachciarek specified a mix of Clay Paky fixtures including: Alpha Profile 1500s and Alpha Profile 1200s to light the large onstage orchestra and choir. For the show's 'effects' segments Pachciarek used Alpha Spot QWO 800s and Sharpys to cut through the considerable light levels emitted from the onstage LED elements and general wash.
"The stage had a large LED screen at the back as well as numerous LED screen 'bands' that wrapped around the stage," explains Pachciarek. "I needed a fixture that could cut through and for this I looked to the Sharpy, one of my favourite fixtures. I first used them a few years ago for my lighting design on Million Dollar Drop and I continue to use them now."
The Sharpy is still a popular choice of fixture for lighting designers working with large video elements. The 189W razor sharp beam easily cuts through the light haze omitted from LED and video projected elements without issue to create textured layered lighting effects that add to any design.
"For the Celebration of Saint John Paul II I combined the features of the Sharpys with the Alpha Spot QWO 800s to make up an effects light package that created interesting looks for the broadcast recording," explains Pachciarek.
Like the Sharpy, the Alpha Spot QWO 800 is a high output light. It is equipped with optical features that place the luminaire at the very top of its class, including a wide zoom range from 7.6º to 55º, a uniform beam distribution at all zoom angles and a unique Stay-Sharp-Zoom feature that ensures a sharp focus whilst zooming.
"Clay Paky fixtures are really great lights," concludes Pachciarek. "They are high quality, trouble free and I am always happy to use them."
(Jim Evans)
