Light as Scenery and Special Effects page 2 of 4
Projections
Projections. With advancing technologies, the use of relatively low-cost projections is becoming more commonplace. Typically, two projected backdrops cost less than two painted backdrops.
| Next two images are examples of rear projection (on a rear-projection screen) from "Les Miserables" - production design by Kade Mendelowitz. Photos by Todd Paris. |
Projections, however, are commonly underestimated when talked about in production meetings. Finding the correct images and getting equipment powerful enough to emit a large, bright, clear image can be difficult and/or cost-prohibitive. Front projection is normally brighter but can easily be interfered with by performers’ movement (shadows, etc).
| Next three images are examples of front projection on white muslim from "The Shape of Things" - production design by Kade Mendelowitz. |
Projection summary for the board operator and Stage Manager.
Cue Plot including Lights, Projections and Sound (designed by someone else, but I included it for clarity).
Many theatres do not have enough backstage room to accommodate rear projection, but when it is possible, it can be a very effective tool. The use of a rear projection screen, while more expensive than a shower curtain, for example, will help distribute the light evenly and will avoid a "hot spot" from the source of the projection. It has a very good transmission ratio so that the material does not absorb too much light and, thereby, darken the image.
| Next image is an examples of rear projection (on a rear-projection screen) from "Oedipus Rex" - scenic and projection design by Timaree McCormick, lighting design by Kade Mendelowitz. |
Slides, overhead projectors, scene machines and data projectors are all viable solutions for high resolution, highly detailed images. They all offer different price / size / space requirements and differing intensity options.
The further the screen from the source, the larger the image – although some projectors offer various lenses to aid with the lack of space problem.
Video netting and video walls, being their own light source, alleviate the concern of performers throwing shadows on them by standing too close – although for now they are cost-prohibitive for most theatrical applications.
| For less intricate projections, the use of gobos can be an extremely effective projection technique. Usually made of thin, heat-resistant metals, standard shaped gobos are available from different companies, and custom-made gobos are becoming more cost effective all the time. Gobos can be inserted in a slot located near the shutters of most lekos (which you may already have in stock). The recent introduction of more heat-resistant glass products and more efficient low-wattage lamps have added to the lekos arsenal of low-cost, high impact projection capabilities. |  Production photo from "Nickel and Dimed" - lighting by Kade Mendelowitz |
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