Pre & post event

Calibrating before a show is often the most exciting part of the whole projection mapping process, as you see your work come together for the first time. The content will be ready, you will have stress-tested your kit beforehand, back-up plans are in place. You are back on site, looking forward to the big event.

The final three stages now involve calibrating, followed by the actual event and the documentation of the event.

Calibrating

For events involving multiple artists, the host will usually schedule in time for testing and calibrating, and make technicians available. This is very precious time, and for the first few shows it will not seem enough. Depending on the complexity of the project, you may need extra time to fine-tune the mapping, perform a sound check, and do a test run of the full content. Take advantage of any extra time to work in the space on your own or with a team member to fine-tune the map ahead of schedule.

Running the show:

If everything is running smoothly, this may be the last time you see this work. Don’t be tempted or persuaded to change a well-rehearsed plan in the last second without an incredibly good reason.

Documentation:

Ideally, the host will document the whole event using a professional media team, so you don’t have to worry about it. However, it may still happen that only an edited version will get published, with your contribution edited down (or out).  Or the media team  focused on the dancing crowd more than on your carefully prepared stage show…

Since you can’t rewind time, it’s best to be prepared. With the hosts’ permission, bring along a  camera on a tripod, and set it to record. Or, ask a few friends to come along to record from different angles, so you can edit the footage for your portfolio afterwards. Good documentation shows the highlights of your work and will get you more work.