Non-mover dancefloor effects

[johnnypalmer]

I have been finding that on some of the larger dance and club gigs we do that mostly-intelligent rigs often being to look a bit samish after a while. Typically, we use Robe 250XTs, Golden Scans, mac600s, atomics and VR8s for these jobs.

 

I was wondering what kind of "specials" you guys use? Are there any high-powered moonflowers around? Or other effects that are totally different from the usual movers?

 

Johnny Palmer

[Jamtastic3]

I've seen LED battens and strips lining truss and forming large centrepiece designs. They look pretty good.

Also, loads of Martin Pro 400's arranged in a grid formation above the dancefloor pointing straight down which looks very effective when the lights are programmed well - waves of colour, strobing, washes etc.

Flexiflash strobing whizzing around the place plus lots of massive mirrorballs which are also classic effects that look aesthetically pleasing

[ianl]

the bigger martin mania effects ie EFX500 etc are very good, bright, controllable, master slave etc

 

can't beat an old set of optikinetics strobe flowers if you can get them and they actually work

[Roderick]

[rant]

It is not the gear, it is how you use them that makes the difference!

 

If you want to make a difference, take some time to properly program the desk with some really good states, be a bit more adventurous than the stock standard 'wiggle/flash/change colour' routines you normally find. Use the rig to emphasize some of the architectural features of the room, do something radical, like, not move anything or change colour for a few states.

 

Use your gear creatively, don't rely on your gear to be creative for you!

 

[/rant]

[StevieR]

Think I have to agree with Roderick on this one. If you have access to moving heads/mirrors then you have some incredibly versatile tools at your disposal. A good LD can then 'create' something unique by careful and skillful programming.

 

As another thought, thoughtful placement of the fixures themselves can add to the uniqueness of the look.

[Shaggy]

While I agree its all in the programming, you wouldn't do yourself any harm getting some martin wizards. They are a higher power moonflower type effect (with barrel) and look great through smoke.

[Lampy Craig]

'Ello Johnny,

Couldn't agree more with Roderick. With your kit the only factor limiting your ability to create different and stunning looks/effects is the ability of your LD or programmer.

[Stewart Newlands]

In a word "gobo"! change the gobos etc look at DHA and others and install custom gobos and colours!