UK - Drapes and rigging specialist Blackout was appointed by London based production house, GSP to help realize the set for the launch of Canon's new EOS 300D 6.3 mega pixel digital SLR camera. The event was staged at Sketch, the exclusive, mega-chic London creation of Mourad Mazous (of Momo) and Michelin chef Pierre Gagnai.

BlackoutĀ¹s project manager Kevin Monks collaborated with GSP's Jules Stevenson from the outset to design and build a blacked-out freestanding studio, where over 50 EOS 300Ds took centre stage. Suspended on tracks, they were deployed remotely to capture real-time effect images of the guests Matrix style.

The freestanding truss structure measured 10m x 8m, and was initially constructed to GSP's exacting specifications at Blackout's headquarters, before being rigged on site by the Blackout team. Dressed in black serge drape, the box totally excluded any light, creating a moody tunnel-like environment for the fleet of EOS 300Ds to capture the moment.

Sketch's glamorous, ultra-contemporary interior (designed by Noe Douchafour Lawrence) was the perfect backdrop for the new digital camera's spectacular launch. The event was attended by over 450 press and a host of celebrity guests who danced the night away to a live set from soul diva Mica Paris.

In addition GSP commissioned Blackout to design another photographic studio for an intimate lunch party hosted by Canon for key clientele. Staged on the luxurious Woods River Cruises' Silver Sturgeon, Blackout designed and supplied another freestanding truss structure, which draped in thick white in-fill cloth provided a perfect photographic studio.

Stevenson commented: "We've worked with Blackout for a number of years and they've consistently amazed us with their creative yet practical solutions for the most challenging projects."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)


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