Christie powers Light of Wuxi
Published: ASIA
CHINA: Along with its Chinese partner, Wincomn Technology, Christie has assisted Wuxi Studio to present a spectacular 5D show titled Light of Wuxi. The installation is described as the first permanent projection mapping display in China using Christie technology.
Six Christie Roadie HD+35K and four Christie Roadster S+22K-J projectors featuring blending and warping capabilities have been installed for the show. Combining Christie and Wincomn technology, the projection mapping display is presented every Saturday at 8:00 pm on two buildings and a water screen simultaneously with a total projected area of over 1,580 sq-m. The performance also uses laser lighting, fire, water jets and musical effects.
‘As China’s first permanent fixed installation show, it bears extraordinary significance for the country’s development and popularisation of projection technology,’ commented Tony Chen, general manager, Wincomn Technology. ‘Not only does it signify a technological breakthrough for the local industry, it also reflects the maturity and confidence of our current projection technology for future development, as well as the high level of recognition that audiences have towards high-tech projection mapping.’
During the show, the audience’s attention is focused on two buildings across the lake with one transformed into a ‘magic cube’ that continuously changes its shape with the rhythm of the music. Another portion of the show features blue dolphins leaping from the lake and creating sounds of waves and splashes.
‘The Light of Wuxi show matches the theme of the filmed industrial park and nicely blends the animation contents with the surrounding environment,’ said Fei Li, chairman, Beijing Soulpower Culture Media, the creators of the 3D animations. ‘There is no doubt that excellent animated contents are inseparable from top-of-the-range projection equipment. Christie’s products not only feature high brightness and clarity, they also deliver vivid colours that enable the creativity of the production team and their exciting works to be effectively presented to the audience as originally intended.’
‘Projection technology will certainly play an increasingly important role in China’s cultural and entertainment arenas, with the gradual maturity of projection technology and increasing attention placed in this area,’ added Lin Yu, vice president, Christie Asia Pacific. ‘With China’s themed entertainment market poised for growth in the next two years, we’ll continue to place emphasis in the areas of technology and product development to offer more exciting projection mapping performances for the Chinese audience.’
Located at scenic Lake Taihu in Jiangsu Province, Wuxi Studio comprises 82 hectares and was built by the State Administration of Radio Film and Television and the Jiangsu provincial government as China’s first centre specialising in digital movies. Jiangsu Huallywood Investment Development Co., Ltd made the 5D show possible, with the preparations – which included various aspects such as video production, construction of various systems, performance scheduling and audio tests – taking six months to complete.