Robe MegaPointes for X-Factor UK
- Details
The show was staged for the first time at LH2 Studios in Park Royal, north-west London, and joining the 43 x MegaPointes on Tim’s rig were another 270 Robe fixtures - 112 x Spikies, 52 x Spiider LED wash beams, 37 x BMFL Blades, 34 of the brand new LEDBeam 150s, 35 x onePATT single cells which are also new and a BMFL RoboSpot, adding up to a grand total of 314 x Robe lights.
Another stunning set by Florien Wieder of Wieder Design included multiple LED screens and a strong video presence defining the space, building on the look that was such a big hit with everyone last year. The set occupied slightly more space this year, incorporating a series of balconies and a mezzanine level.
A new creative team from The Squared Division came on-board for 2017 alongside series director Julia Knowles. The executive producers wanted an immersive feel to the show, so the 3mm high definition LED screens gave a wide and apparently continuous look, with some discreet breaks in between that were filled with concealed lighting.
A trough beneath the main screen and the slim gaps in between the LED surfaces were the starting points for Tim’s lighting design. His goal was to keep the hardware largely hidden but carefully positioned, so powerful and dramatic surprises could be revealed and blasted through from nowhere when needed.
It was a case of diligent balancing and complimenting between the two media of lighting and video.
The base ‘production’ lighting package – primarily made up of the 300 plus Robe units – was used for each weekly live show, supplemented with different specials that were added for each song.
Additionals this year have included 48 x Robe Halos for Week 5, used for Irish brothers Sean and Conor Price who performed their own version of the Bob Dylan/Jimi Hendrix classic All Along The Watchtower.
MegaPointes and Spikies were the main feature lights for 2017. The massive brightness and functionality of the MegaPointe helped evoke the pacey dynamics and diversity demanded of the ‘house’ lighting system as Tim and programmer / operator Tom Young kept the fresh new looks coming relentlessly as the series unfolded.
Fixtures like Spiiders and LEDBeam 150s were positioned strategically and optimised for being in both background and foreground camera shots.
BMFLs covered all the key lighting and also kicked in with epic hi-impact looks when needed.
Shiny and new on X Factor were a series of onePATTs, rigged in the mezzanine and balcony areas of the set and around the audience, where their vintage style accentuated the functional, slightly industrial setting complete with exposed brick walls and steelwork.
Tim and Tom worked closely on site with gaffer Keith Duncan, and lighting equipment was supplied by multi award winning rental company Neg Earth, where the account is handled by Damien Jackson.
(Jim Evans)
