Robe on a hot date in Johannesburg
- Details
Produced by Rapid Blue, the show has a style book and a specific look that has to be followed, explained Rob, who chose over 130 Robe fixtures to assist him in achieving this task on the lighting side. The methodology by which the various creative departments can arrive at these aesthetic conclusions… is left entirely to the expertise and imagination of the local production teams and professionals.
Beforehand, Rob received research material from Rapid Blue and watched numerous You Tube videos of other editions before drawing up the lighting plot, which featured Robe’s original DL range of LED moving lights, with 12 x DLS Profiles, 24 x DLX Spots and 24 x DLF Washes.
These were joined by 14 x ColorSpot 700E ATs, 36 x Robe LEDForce LED PARs and 24 x Robe CityScape 48s.
The set was designed by Michael Gill and built for the show by Sets Drapes Screens (SDS), from the Gearhouse Group of Companies, following the guidelines of UK broadcaster ITV (Independent Television). The lighting was largely designed around the set and where possible, Rob and Michael made sure that the two visual elements were harmonised and symbiotic.
One of the challenges of lighting Take Me Out Mzanzi is dealing with the camera angles and the slightly idiosyncratic way in which it’s shot, especially when the host starts moving in and around the 30 panel guests – with the cameras following him.
At this stage Rob has to ensure the general light levels are correct as well as having the flexibility to light each of the individual panel members who are over a large and spread out area.
In addition to that, getting light to where it was needed when obstructed by the set also called for some thinking out of the box and, as a consequence, Rob has already redesigned for the next season. Rob used a grandMA2 console for control.
(Jim Evans)
