Torrance, Calif. USA — Wildfire Inc. ultraviolet fixtures and UV paint effects were key components of the lighting design for two recent national television broadcasts: the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA Awards, staged Sept 12 at the Nokia Theater, showcasing the likes of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Eminem) and Season Five of the NBC hit America’s Got Talent (UV paint effects for the act Fighting Gravity).
In both cases, Wildfire worked closely with lighting and show designers to help them choose the product that would achieve their creative vision within the unique requirements of the presentation format. “The use of Wildfire UV lighting and effects in these two live TV performances shows their versatility for broadcast and theatrical events, and some of the many ways they can be used in lighting, costume, set and production design,” says Wildfire president John Berardi.
VMA Awards: large and bright
As part of the VMA Awards lighting design mix, 30 Wildfire 400 watt Long Throw floods were employed for their power to illuminate large areas (The 7,100-seat Nokia Theater stage is 180 x 80 feet, said to be the largest in Southern California) and hold their own as a distinct visual element in the brightly lit television environment. “The VMA Awards designers put together an impressive stage, achieving vivid color and surreal effects with an equipment package that included moving lights, projection and the Wildfire Long Throws,” says John Berardi.
Fighting Gravity: hard work, dreams and UV
On America’s Got Talent, Wildfire’s UV paints were integral to dance troupe Fighting Gravity’s production design. Fighting Gravity bills itself as “a black-light illusion performance.” The group, made up of Virginia Tech students, goes on to state that “by competing on America’s Got Talent, Fighting Gravity wants to inspire others by showing that through hard work, determination, and some good lighting, anybody can accomplish their dreams.”
Wildfire products are essential to Fighting Gravity’s living up to its name. Says Berardi, “The performers seem literally to fly and float through the air through coordinating their actions with the interaction of UV lighting and Wildfire UV paints – used on fabrics, props and scenics in a way that highlights certain elements while making others invisible.” Although it did not win the America’s Got Talent competition, Fighting Gravity was selected as a favorite act and starting Oct 1 has embarked on a 25-city tour across the nation with other favorites of Season Five.
Other recent Wildfire projects include Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Glow Festival in Santa Monica.
Wildfire Inc. will exhibit at two upcoming trade events: the LDI show for the lighting and theater industry in Las Vegas Oct 22-24 (booth 2406) and the IAAPA show for the themed entertainment and amusement park industry in Orlando Nov 15-19 (booth 671).
Images: Fighting Gravity
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