Blank Space
10 Comments Published by Camron Ware - Visual Worshiper February 1st, 2009 in Visual WorshipQuick thought this morning:
Recently I’ve seen and heard of a few cases where environmental projection wants to be used, but it is thought to require using a white cyc or some other type of appropriate ‘projection material’ (what is that anyway???), in order to be able to project more video elements around and across the room.
I just can’t help but wonder if that’s still in line with square screen thinking’. Environmental/Architectural projection is meant to be dirty, not perfect, organic. Now, obviously there are tons of variables that come into question, (like if the wall or architecture is black) but I just want to be careful and make sure that we don’t always resort to just adding a blank white sheet to project on if it’s not easy.
What about using objects; art; sculptures; different kinds of organic layered fabric…I don’t know. Just thinking out loud here.
where were this month?! why weren’t you in Nashville.
(sigh)
well, the only thing i can think of is that there are MOMENTS where the visual image carries the song…where it’s the focal point….kind of like a music video….but not really….and the images needs to be clearly seen and not obstructed.
everyone around agrees that “yes. it’s a really cool effect” but that there will be more mileage gained by at least projecting on a flatter surface so that more “types” of visual images can be easily seen.
it think it has to be a case by case issue…neither is really bad or wrong. if the type of projection you are doing is more abstract…then yes, project on abstract and carious objects. however, if video and visual images are a heavy part of the experience and you can tell what someone or something looks like on the wall, then maybe you need a more flat surface.
after all, it’s about what is going to connect with the congregation the most…not what technique is fresh and new and cool.
if you find yourself in the middle of these circumstances…then i say, bounce back between architectural projection and normal projection. For the songs that are being carried by lots of images…then project those onto the regular screens while setting a complimentary scene/”look” on the walls using architectural projection.
Thanks man. I hear ya on this.
I’ve been following your blog for a while and checking out your work.
At our church I’ve contemplated with the idea of doing environmental projection but have had some of these doubts and thoughts.
I’m gonna give it a try now and see how it works.
Thanks for the inspiration.
It is for SURE a case by case basis. It’s just interesting how quick people think they have to have a giant white flat surface.
We are facing this issue as we design our new worship space. We’re very eager to incorporate environmental projection, but the people in charge of interior design are nervous about giant white walls in our sanctuary. I’d be interested to hear if anyone else is doing environmental projection on walls that aren’t plain white.
@Dan Peters;
There is a balance – having giant flat blank walls can look unfinished. Having extremely textured walls that are dark won’t allow for environmental projection. The key is to find a wall texture, color, and detail that look great and ‘normal’ with no projection, but are also able to allow the projection to really speak when doing environmental projection.
Out of curiosity, what color are the side walls at IBC?
@Dan Peters:
Irving Bible’s side walls are slightly off-white, the back wall is real red brick.
I am doing a fashion show next month that I challenged the producer to let me project on the ACTUAL MODELS. They have an all white line they want to show and the effect was going to make people remember it! The designer is cool with it so I think its a go….
WHO NEEDS SCREENS?!?! NO LIMITS!
reece
studio3v.com
Dan Peters – Proctor, from gi, inc (vjProctor above) did an event last weekend at a larger church in Woodstock, GA and the walls were actually “gridded” with tones of Taupe and Tan. It was too the point of me thinking someone was projecting a Grid Map image only to realize there wasn’t anything on. (I guess, in an effort to simulate limestone?) Anyway, with 15K Lumen projectors from a distance of about 120 to 140 ft, the lines “disappeared”. If the images are bold enough (which his really were), the surface goes away. This reinforces the need for pre planning as opposed to thinking you can walk in and just throw up anything with a cross and a candle without regard to the surroundings. If that was the case, all of the Space-Bar-Monkeys would would be doing this stuff.
@Reece, That’s AWESOME. Great stuff man…would love to see how that projection turned out at the fashion show.