Out of the Blue Production & Management Ltd, the overall event production company, contracted CT to provide the audio-visual and lighting equipment. Having provided the big screen reinforcement in the Square in September for nearly 14,000 fans - who witnessed a free concert lined up by Mayor Ken Livingstone and Visit London - CT returned this time as one of the contractors, providing a full lighting rig in addition to video services.
The ad, which was filmed in Rome and shows the stars as scantily-clad gladiators, was presented to the public outside the National Gallery. CT provided a 6720mm x 5740mm 15mm LED Saco screen, supported with a structure provided by Star Events, who also provided rigging services. CT's Charlie Whittock, who acted as technical production manager with responsibility for sound, video and lighting, said: "The brief was to provide full technical production support for the event, including a large screen and PA, along with a lighting rig to illuminate the front of the National Gallery."
The screen itself was situated in front of Nelson's Column, facing the National Gallery - where the audience assembled as the celebrities arrived. Live pictures were transmitted to the screen via two wireless cameras, supplied by CT. The lighting, designed by CT's Nick Whitehead, utilized a number of MAC moving heads, and two Space Cannons, while the PA was sub-contracted to Britannia Row Productions, who fielded an ElectroVoice line array. Inside the Gallery itself, HD playback and projection (reinforced with a Turbosound PA) were utilized for the première of the ad to an invited audience, including Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Pink.
CT relayed a VT of Enriqué Iglesias, who unfortunately could not be present, on the large screen outside prior to running the ad. The stars, meanwhile, conducted an hour-long PA/meet-and-greet session outside the National Gallery, along with Queen's Brian May, who was also present.
(Lee Baldock)
