It's Monday and that means there is a new episode of American Gladiators on NBC tonight. My slight obsession with the early 90's version of the show is of course rooted in lighting. Who could forget the pastel colored orange, red and blue ovals occasionally viewed in the ceiling? Or perhaps some narrow-spot PARs doing the standard finger light effect in the background. And my personal favorite, the intense down pools of light around the scoring pods in powerball. Needless to say, when I think back on the classic version of the show (especially with the more recent late night re-runs on ESPN) it made realize that this was one of the first television shows where I noticed lighting playing a major role.
What has American Gladiators evolved into day? For starters, it is hosted by Hulk Hogan, but more importantly is has a mighty impressive lighting package. The show must have hundreds of movers in the arena plus a variety of other LED and strobe instruments. To be honest, I am a little surprised such a major event was not covered by Live Design. I am sure it would be a fun story to cover. I would love to get a glimpse of the light plot, find out what consoles the LD used, and actually find out who designed it. I'll admit I have not taken the time to read through all of the credits at the end of the program.
For some reason I associate this revamped American Gladiators lighting to an article I read last year about updates Natasha Katz made to A Chorus Line. (see the article: Click Here) I think it is interesting to discover the decisions behind using modern technology to support a revival of a show and how it affects the overall outcome.