Help the newbie

[chesterpfx]

Hi folks,

 

I work in display pyrotechnics and have a job in December that I could really do with some advice on, as my knowledge of lasers and lighting is pretty much summed up using the word 'none'.

 

The client wants the display to be Star Wars themed and set to music. Music is sourced and choreography isn't an issue here. What I would like to do in the latter stages of the display is have two "light sabres", one red, one green, duel underneath the pyro.

 

My first thought was to try to get 2 lasers and have them either side of the firing area with single beams projected up into the sky (bearing in mind it will be towards the end of the display, there should be plenty of hanging smoke). As I said though, I know nothing about lasers and wouldn't know what power laser would be needed and how I would get a single thick beam to be projected and move around like a wielded light sabre.

 

I then though that maybe two spotlights could be used but again, my lack of lighting knowledge stops me at that point.

 

Any one with lighting / laser experience got any clues please?

[Ynot]

Welcome to the Blue Room.

 

 

My first thought is that for lasers powerful enough to do what you need, you will have to get an experienced laser company in, as there are MANY restrictions on their use (as I understand).

[mikienorth]

I would like to suggest using searchlights of some description, as I don't think laser would look quite right. Fineline in bristol, a company previously looked for on here may be a way to go, as they show a lot of searchlights on their site, or perhaps contact a rental house about syncrolites, or similar things.

I just think that a laser would look not quite right, too thin a beam, and too intense, if that makes any sense.

The only thing that I would say would be against searchlights would be the ability to colour them, and how long colour would last in front of a syncrolite. I have never used things like this before, I have just seen them used.

Again, to re-iterate Ynot's point, using a company who specialises in this sort of outdoor skylighting sort of thing would be advised, as if it something you are not used to, then there will be many things to consider that even I wouldn't think of.

[andylouder]

During December 2006 , I was doing a gig at a club in Stratford ( east London not upon Avon) and while I was hanging around outside about nineish at night I was very impressed by what appeared to be a high powered coloured beam being projected into the sky , I think it was green , I assume it was some form of Laser. I thought that the source may have been somewhere 'down by the river'. I know the frost fair was on about that time as one of my lampie mates had mentioned to me that he was working on it that day.

 

Not much help I know , but maybe someone knows someone in lights , that was working the frost fair , may know what they were using , or what company was supplying kit.

 

It may have been blue.

[Sarah Q]

During December 2006 , I was doing a gig at a club in Stratford ( east London not upon Avon) and while I was hanging around outside about nineish at night I was very impressed by what appeared to be a high powered coloured beam being projected into the sky , I think it was green , I assume it was some form of Laser. I thought that the source may have been somewhere 'down by the river'. I know the frost fair was on about that time as one of my lampie mates had mentioned to me that he was working on it that day.

 

The green laser you saw marks the Greenwich Mean Time line (not sure of the correct term)..... I lived in Leytonstone last year and crossed under it every night to get home..... There are various stickers on the pavements of East London so that you can follow the line.

[Kelite]

The green laser you saw marks the Greenwich Mean Time line

http://www.citiesofscience.co.uk/go/London...Place_2433.html

[woody74]

My initial thought: hire 2 movers (with outdoor housings if needed) and a console and operator to program the look you want.

 

My less-than-ideal thought: Hire two people dressed in black to wield high-power flashlights (torches, yes?) that have red and green gel in them.

 

-w

[chesterpfx]

Thanks for the replies folks.

Also now thought about maybe projecting onto the smoke curtain.

Any projection experts in the house?

[benweblight]

mikie north, ive seen coloured searchlights/synchros used before,

(presumably a glass/ht wheel?)

[mikienorth]

I've seen coloured synchros, but wasn't sure on the difference between them and a searchlight, and I've never seen a searchlight used with colour before.

As these are both things I have only ever seen used, and I happily admit to having no experience other than just seeing them used from a distance, as a punter, and having seen a syncrolite at PLASA, but again because I don't use them I never asked any questions.

I suggested an idea, but with my experience reaching only into touring theatre, where syncrolites are just a bit on the big side, I left it open for those of us on here who use these in arenas and festivals and maor events to advise us all further.

Harrumph!

[Tim Edwards]

Hi

 

Have a quick look into the Moving High Ground lamp by Nova Light. Only a 1200 watt source but when focused to a spot is very punchie. It also has full CYM, has control via DMX and I think it has an IP65 rating . The company I work for has them in hire so if your interested send me a pm and I'll give you details.

 

Tim