This year's event was the third time that production company DEDS IT has staged the 'live' TDSO show for broadcaster VTM, and the first time at the massive Sportpalais venue.
Luc created a bespoke digital scenery concept for the first TDSO live show a year ago (at the nearby Lotto Arena) and this was utilized again to replicate the large golden portal / pros arch that is instantly recognisable from the TV show.
In the Sportpalais, this measured 18m wide by 9 high, and upstage was an 18m wide by 9m high block of LED screen which split in the middle and tracked apart for entrances and exits. The two curved staircases either side of the main arch were also crowned with smaller matching LED portals, and two side IMAG screens ensured the action onstage reached everyone in the vast arena wherever they were sitting. The two band risers - downstage left and right - were also clad in the same LED surface - a 7.5 mm Roe product.
"One of the biggest challenges was to make an arena environment intimate and comfortable enough to successfully deliver comedy, which is a very personal and close-up genre of performance," commented Luc.
All the playback video content like intro loops, stings, logos, motion graphics and digital branding used in the show was created by Painting with Light's Michael Al Far especially for the TDSO live show, and they also edited and reworked some original VT clips that were provided by DEDS IT. Michael was supported by visual artists Katleen Selleslagh and Aitor Biedma. Jo Pauly programmed the d3 4x4 Pro media server used for control, which was supplied to the production by Painting with Light and run by Yo.
Painting with Light has recently made a substantial investment in d3 Technologies, and the system proved its adaptability and power during the intense programming period that started two weeks in advance - and continued on site, with sketches changing right up until the last moment to keep the action completely current with the latest news and developments.
The lighting scheme was created by Luc and programmed by Carlo Zaenen as the 'executive LD' working closely with operator Leon Driesson, freeing up Luc to oversee this and three other high profile projects running concurrently. Talented LDs in their own right, they and Jo Pauly have all worked with Luc on other projects and make a great FOH team.
The moving lights were a mix of Vari*Lite 3500 and 3000 Spots for keying and Vari*Lite 3500 Washes for the back and over-stage coverage, combined with Sharpie Washes - around 128 in total of all these types.
For good effect, there were 26 x 4-lite blinders and additional V*L3500 washes to illuminate the audience and involve them in the action - literally and on camera.
One PRG Bad Boy operated via a Ground Control system was used for rear follow spotting and specials - it was a neat and tidy physical solution - together with four Robert Juliat Cyrano followspots out in the house.
As with all Painting with Light projects, lighting was run on a grandMA2 console - operated by Leon. PRG delivered all the technical equipment - lighting, sound and video - with Painting with Light supplying playback video control.
(Jim Evans)
