Week 5: Projector + Spectra Cycs = ♥

Continuing the theme of posting pictures that I get during tech (because at this point I'm not actually sure there is life outside of tech) this week I've brought lighting from the set of The Last Lifeboat. What's interesting about The Last Lifeboat is that we have three white drops that are used both as projection screens and a segmented cyc. 

What's really cool is that during certain cues the projections and cyc lights work together, so that the projections act as a texture, seen here creating a really beautiful sunset effect. 

Another noteworthy aspect of this setup is that the cyc lights are positioned behind the drops, facing the audience. Instead of having the drops reflect the cyc light back to the audience, as we've always done in class, the cycs are simply having their light spread out and diffused by the drops. The effect of this is very similar to what we're used to, but it's softer and a bit less garish than the back wall of the RCT. 

Another notable aspect of this setup is that the lamps themselves are very visible to the audience. While this is not exactly optimal, I think the trade-off is worth it for what what we gain in softness. I think this probably also prevents the spectras from completely obliterating the projections. 

Seeing this has given me a lot to think about with regards to using cyc lights. I thought that my cyc light options were basically limited to cyc on cyc and cyc on closed curtains, but now I'm starting to think about the subtle nuances that can be produced by using alternative setups and alternative types of cyc materials.