Protec uses BlackTrax to ‘track’ the NAS Sports Tournament Opening Ceremony

Protec supplied its client HQ Creative with lighting, video and rigging for the recently held Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament 2015 Opening Ceremony in June 2015. Protec used the BlackTrax real-time motion tracking solution to track extreme stunt performers, spot lighting them and stage sets.

“We needed the show, to look good for the live audience, as well as on television,” explains Aaron Russ, lighting designer at Protec.

The opening ceremony used a riot of colour and light to depict the central theme of urging youth towards core sporting principles of determination, perseverance, stamina and the will to achieve. This was explained through a narrative and skit that was inter-woven in a film that depicting the history and culture of the UAE. Held at the NAS Sports Complex, the high-profile event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. It wowed audiences with extreme sports stars such as the Yasutoko Brothers and Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham from Nitro Circus.

In the tight confines of the performance space, Protec used BlackTrax to drive their Clay Paky lighting fixtures, using unlimited spot positions, to follow multiple stunt performers in real-time on BMX bikes, skates, trampoline acts and even a back-flippingwheelchair. “This had to be all achieved without using or having to think about calling follow spot operators. One of the challenges was to light up the moving stage scenery including a 3-meter high BMX ramp, which was all achieved flawlessly with a very limited rehearsal time,” adds Russ.

“By using BlackTrax, no one missed a cue. All stage elements were covered and thanks to BlackTrax everything was where it needed to be, on time, every time, without the possibility of human error. The stage was bright and vibrant and we were given very positive feedback from both the client and the customer.”

Protec is the first company in the Middle East to have acquired the BlackTrax system.