Week 3: Development
In this week's lecture material, a number of industry professionals shared their insights. Christoph Miller highlighted the importance of practical exploration to validate visual ideas and the need for breaks to gain fresh perspectives. Verònica Fuerte discussed the transition to a physical shop, emphasising the complexities and risks involved. Vince Frost reflected on the challenges of balancing self-initiated projects with client work, acknowledging the difficulties and self-doubt that can arise. Sam Bompas shared experiences of ambitious projects and emphasised the importance of learning from both successes and failures. James Stringer discussed the iterative process of creating a video game and the careful balance required between self-initiated work and commercial projects, emphasising the use of real-time rendering for efficiency. The professionals collectively highlighted the impact of risk, failure, and personal ambition on project outcomes, stressing the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Research task:
In my exhibition, I want to highlight the timeline of the evolution and development of live productions. From the earliest shows up to the most recent in the modern day. Highlighting critical points of change that became breakthroughs in this industry.
I also want to highlight key people who contributed to these breakthroughs in design and engineering, enabling such structures to be made possible for the outdoor entertainment industry.
Leading experts in this field:
Willy Williams
Willy Williams is a renowned lighting designer whose work has left a mark on the world of live entertainment. With a career spanning three decades, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including U2, Lady Gaga, and The Rolling Stones.
His innovative and visually stunning lighting designs have not only illuminated countless concerts and tours but have also elevated them to unforgettable sensory experiences.
Williams' ability to merge cutting-edge technology with artistic vision has earned him a reputation as a true pioneer in the field of lighting design, and his contributions continue to shape the way we perceive and experience live performances.
Es Devlin
Es Devlin is a stage designer and artist whose work has transformed the boundaries of live performances and visual storytelling.
Her career has spanned over two decades. Her innovative and immersive stage designs have graced some of the most iconic events and performances, working with luminaries such as Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Adele, to name just a few.
Devlin's work is a testament to her unique ability to merge technology, architecture, and storytelling, creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant experiences that captivate audiences worldwide. Her dedication to pushing the envelope of what's possible in the realm of stage design has firmly established her as a pioneering force in the world of contemporary visual art and performance.
Mark Fisher
Mark Fisher was a stage designer and architect whose extraordinary designs revolutionised live entertainment. Throughout his career, Fisher collaborated with some of the world's most iconic musicians, including U2, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones, bringing their concerts to life in unforgettable ways.
His work was characterised by its grandeur and imaginative use of technology and architecture, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved on stage.
Fisher's legacy lives on in the awe-inspiring sets and stages he created, which continue to inspire and amaze audiences around the globe. His company Stufish is still operating and even today pushing the boundaries of live production design.
