Pre-Production and Show Design

Lesson Overview

Using our prepared mood boards and storyboards as a starting points we begin to gather and create the individual elements for the final project / performance. This can take the form of media files such as movies, still images, animated gifs and interactive generators, custom FX, as well as any physical portions that will be needed, such as projection surfaces.

During the pre-production phase it can often be useful to work with other artists and technicians; this can help with filling in knowledge gaps and for being able to accomplish more tasks before a deadline.

In some cases the materials prepared for a show may be arranged in advanced using a system of cues running from timecode, and in other cases the event may be intended to be performed entirely live. Most of the time for event you'll have a mix of the two, with some parts improvised and other pre-scripted.

As part of planning a show design for events, multi-channel output can add a physical, spatial element to your images, which is a great way to present split screen content, creating an immersive, spatial presentation of imagery. In the event of custom screens or architectural projection, a VJ can use mapping tools to crop and transform the imagery to fit seamlessly into the environment.

In addition to multiple outputs, a VJ might incorporate live-camera feeds into their performance. This adds an additional element of presence for both the performer and the audience, allowing a more intimate window into the processes onstage, making the performer a character in the visual narrative.

Multiple cameras can present different views of the performer at the same time, also called multiple perspective, simultaneity or multiplicity. This allows an otherwise impossible, holistic viewing experience for every member of the audience, regardless of where they stand.