Inspiration for live video and lighting software

[Martin Naef]

Hi Bar

 

We have a project coming up next October where we want to combine a
traditional classical concert (two flutes) with light and projection - "The
Audible Light". It's not a huge production, so the efforts should be
reasonable. I am looking for some inspiration and maybe experience reports
on the tools to use.

 

The venue is a mid-sized church. White walls in the back. I expect to bring
about 8 DMX controlled LED par lights, 6 for coloring the background, two on
the performers. Plus one video projector for background visuals. We might
use additional audio effects or backing tracks, but that's not decided yet.
I definitely want to use audio-to-light control conversion for some of the
pieces.

 

I am now trying to figure out what software to use to control the rig. Here
are my thoughts so far:

 

*	MAX/MSP for the whole system and concert. I've done this nearly 15
years ago in Glasgow and it worked fine for video and sound effects. While I
haven't tried it out yet, I am quite sure I can implement the DMX control
and all the video FX that I need. Downside: It takes quite a lot of effort
to create a user-friendly performance interface, and its flexibility is
massive overkill for 75% of the show.
*	DMX software for the light (I have a Cameo / DasLight System), and a
VJ software for the video. Advantage: Very effective for 75% of the show,
does not work for the few advanced lighting bits that I have in mind.
Switching software mid show seems like a bad idea.
*	MAX/MSP for DMX, but a VJ software for video. That would cover the
full show (I have no plans for overly interactive video that need MAX), but
I'll be using two tools at the same time - likely on two separate laptops
then. 

 

Open question: What VJ software should I use (Windows)? So far I've found
Arkaos VJ or Resolume as contenders that look pretty powerful - probably
more than I need, but it seems easy to define a bunch of scenes and then
play with them during the show. I don't expect to use it very often, so the
cost is a bit of a downside, but not a killer (my time is more valuable).

 

Video material: I expect to use mostly stock footage that I arrange and
mangle to suit my needs (I am well equipped with video editing tools). Any
good recommendation for sites (mainly looking for natural scenes, water
effects, calm background graphics)? Storyblocks looks like a good option
that is reasonably priced. Any others?

 

Oh, and happy new year to everybody!

Martin

 

 

 

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