Working for local technical production and solutions company POP JOY headed by Asad Haneef, London-based large format projection specialist The Projection Studio (TPS) was asked to assist in providing spectacular pitch video projections at the Galolhu National Football Stadium in Malé, for the Maldives 50th Independence celebrations.
TPS was asked to get involved in the project because of its reputation of projecting onto spectacular buildings and for major ceremonial events which have included the Closing Ceremony of the 2010 Soccer World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa.
TPS had just three weeks from receiving confirmation to producing finished content for the 30 minute finale section of the show, which featured a cast of hundreds, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) marching band and display team, sky divers and 40 members of the MNDF…which all unfolded in front of a hugely enthusiastic crowd of over 12,000.
The video content, produced in London after a site visit by TPS’s Ross Ashton, was a fun and entertaining fantasy based on the colonisation and history of the islands, and included giant fire-breathing monsters, puppets and fishing boats accompanied by a pumping soundtrack and numerous colourful dancers.
The majority of the equipment – including lighting, sound, lasers and pyro – together with the show logistics and co-ordination was all provided by POP JOY under the direction of Technical Site Manager Usaid Haneef. The 18 x Barco 20K projectors came from Audio Vizual.
TPS also advised on the positioning of these projectors around the stadium. They were actually located on a series of different building rooftops outside the low-rise stadium for optimum focus down onto the pitch, and merged to create a 40 by 70 metre image. The pitch was covered in a light turf protector material, both to shield the grass and enhance the projections.
A Watchout system was specified and used for projection control, programmed and operated by Percival Crasto, who regularly works on international projects with Ross Ashton.
The sound was engineered by POP JOY’s Malinda Lowe. Mohamed Shaam was Head of Logistics, Ibrahim Malsoon co-ordinated all the lighting, trussing and rigging elements, Chief Electrician was Aslam Niushad…and Zahid Rameez was Head of Catering throughout the event, helping to keep cast and crew very happy and motivated with great cuisine.
“The show was a great success, we were all very proud to be involved and it was a great experience working with POP JOY” commented Ross, who received a personal thank-you from the Maldives Home Minister Umar Naseer, for the “Outstanding work.”
The Minister added, “In my career I have worked with many professionals and few delivered to our expectation. You exceeded our expectation. People are proud today.”