The live show features a mix of artists and programming formats
USA - When MTV’s TRL returned to the air on 2 October, after a nine-year hiatus, it represented a homecoming of sorts for Mike Grabowski of the Lighting Design Group. Having worked on the star-studded programme in the final years of its original run, Grabowski was familiar with the challenges of lighting a live show with a mix of artists and programming formats. He also knew first-hand how to work within the parameters of MTV’s Times Square studio.
Based on this experience, Grabowski was focused on building his new TRL design around a moving fixture that could not only create a continuous stream of vibrant visuals, but also looked good on camera in its own right. He was looking for a light that fit this bill, when his phone started ringing. At the other end of the line were friends and associates with voice and text messages about the new Maverick MK Pyxis from Chauvet Professional.
“The Pyxis had not even been introduced yet, but a few people I know saw the pre-release demo,” said Grabowski. “Every single one of them called or messaged me saying this light is right up your alley. So, that got my attention.”
Although the moving LED wash/beam fixture had never been used in a major application before, Grabowski was confident it was the right fit for TRL. He specced 25 Pyxis fixtures for his rig and had them supplied by WorldStage. “It was a little bit of a leap, but we were very comfortable using the Pyxis, because of the reputations of WorldStage and Chauvet; plus, we tested the fixture extensively,” he said. “My decision came about because I wanted a very versatile and attractive LED moving head wash unit.”
Grabowski explained what made the new fixture well suited for TRL “It’s important to me that on a long-term show like this, all of my moving heads be more than one trick ponies. The market has many moving head LED washes. It also has LED ‘moving gimmick lights’ that are sort of – but only sort of -- wash units. The Pyxis is the best of both worlds. It has some truly nifty effects, like the center beam, the pixel ring and continuous motion --but it’s also a really good, strong, zoomable wash light.
“The flexibility of the Pyxis was invaluable,” Grabowski continued. “It is really the Swiss army knife of wash lights - a wash that even has a spot beam effect. It has a great colour, so if I necessary, I can spin it to become a talent fill light. Also, the zoom looks awesome on camera. Jerry Grant, our programmer, does a great job helping us take full advantage of this versatile tool.”
(Jim Evans)

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