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DK Design with a Flexible Vision for Keri Hilson
Opening for Ne-Yo, American singer/songwriter Keri Hilson has stepped out of the shadows to become a pop star in her own right - delivering a dizzying mixed-bag of R&B, electro-pop and club-hop. Lighting director Nathan Davis created a diverse show incorporating custom video content for Hilson - integrated with elements of Ne-Yo's lighting rig designed by Tony Trovato.
Davis explains: "DK elected me to be Keri's LD for her UK tour with Ne-Yo. Production designer Daunte Kenner was able to fit an outstanding video package into the budget which I also directed on the tour."
Twelve panels of FlexiFlex were specified for the UK tour - a new modular flexible full-motion video system. The panels were fastened together forming a 24'x16' medium resolution LED wall hung on its own truss upstage and centered - creating an eclectic backdrop behind Hilson.
Davis continues: "Having the easy set-up of FlexiFlex allowed me to handle video and lighting by myself. Especially as we were an opening act, we had very little time for set-up. The set-up was as simple as unrolling it, fastening the panels together and plugging it in!"
This was FlexiFlex's debut performance in the UK and was supplied by its originator RGB Lights. RGB Light's Brett Gardner states: "We were very excited to send FlexiFlex on its first UK tour with such an exciting and talented new artist. Daunte Kenner's vision is what brought us to the table. As a result, we were able to help him provide amazing visuals in a very versatile and cost efficient package."
The media server outputting the video was a Hippotizer Critter and control was via a ChamSys MagicQ Maxiwing. Davis explains: "This was my first time using ChamSys and although a little unsure at first - I was impressed with the logical system that made programming very easy. Being in close contact with Esteban Caracciolo helped me with any questions or issues I had with the ChamSys. The support for the console is the best part. ChamSys has a small team of people that are constantly gathering information and updating the software to keep up with new ideas and user requests."
ChamSys North American product specialist Esteban Caracciolo comments: "I had the pleasure of working with Nate and Daunte on the first leg of Lil Wayne's I AM Music tour in December of 2008. That was the first time DK Design chose to specify ChamSys MagicQ consoles - and it was great to see how quickly the guys picked up on the desk. When Nate called me and told me he was taking out the Maxi Wing with Keri Hilson - I made sure that Nate had everything he needed. I walked him through setup, merging and getting his show preprogrammed via many late night sessions at Digital Stage Chicago."
"He knew he wouldn't have much time come show day being the opener, so making sure everything was correct beforehand was a must. Working with DK Design is always a pleasure. I find the professionalism of the company makes for smooth sailing - be it prep or show day. The end product always makes me smile."
DK Production Design L.L.C. is a Chicago based performance environment design company that frequently features the designs of creative designer Daunte Kenner.
Photo of FlexiFlex courtesy RBG Light
28th August 2009
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