| Question Home |
Position:Home>Performing Arts> How do I get projected images onto a stage?Question: How do I get projected images onto a stage!? I am creating a one man show destined for theatres of 100 +!. I would like to use either video or static images as my backdrop!. Should I use a video projector, slides or something else!? I want the show to look as pro as possible!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: A data (digital) projector is the only way to go!. Just be aware that if you're using images as your backdrop, you'll either have to rear-project the image or use an extra-short throw projector, otherwise you'll find that you're casting shadows onto the backdrop!. There are various options in terms of the video source; you can use Powerpoint, but that is only good for still images and also does not allow you to set your transition speeds to whatever you want, you only get a few fixed options!. DVDs are another option if you want to use moving images, but it does mean that you have to time your performance exactly to time in with the images!. Possibly your best option is a program called QLab, which runs on Mac computers; you load your video or picture files into the software and then you can program it to do whatever you need it to so that your operator triggers each new image at the right cue point!. The basic version of QLab is free (you can download it) but to make it work properly you do have to pay for it - not expensive though!. You will need a Mac with two graphics cards though - one screen for the operator to see what they're doing, and the second card to output to the projector!. Www@QuestionHome@Com Definitely go for the mixed media type presentation!.!.!. but it's not CHEAP!. I was doing something like that 20 years ago using a DOS based program and it worked out pretty well!. I would go with some of the really nice professional software that is out there and AVOID a PowerPoint presentation because everyone knows what they look like and instead of a music show you will look like you are in a board room!. Rear screen projectors are the way to go and you can use a mixture of slides and video and you can get a video LOOPER to repeat many of the images!. If you have not seen any of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas shows, see if you can rent on from a video store!.!.!. they have so really neat ways of doing a mixed media show and you should get tons of ideas from them!. Good luck!.!.!. it's sounds like a fun project!.Www@QuestionHome@Com |