Clay Paky is ‘backbone’ of lighting rig on The Voice of Germany

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Photo credit: Ralph Larmann

Germany – Lighting designer Manuel da Costa has chosen to use a significant number of Clay Paky A.leda B-EYE and Sharpy fixtures on the latest series of hit TV show The Voice of Germany.

Spanning four seasons, the talent show is extremely popular with viewing figures in the millions. To make sure season four packed a huge punch with fans, da Costa specified 99 x Clay Paky A.leda B-EYE K20 fixtures and 108 x Sharpys from Cologne-based supplier Magic Light and Sound.

“The biggest challenge this series was to find a set-up that allowed me and my team to change the stage visually so it stayed diverse and exciting over the course of about 80 titles,” says da Costa. “My design therefore comprised various fixture blocks. This block system worked individually, in combination and as a whole.”

Da Costa rigged the B-EYEs in these blocks all round the studio, using them not only for stage lighting but back lighting and colourising/texturizing the audience. Also, filling any gaps in the wide-angle reverse shots.

“The B-EYEs really were the backbone of the lighting system,” says da Costa. “They were ideal for creating all the major effects and specials on stage and were great on camera. The Sharpys were also integral, providing special effects and stand alone looks.”

The Sharpy is a 189W moving beam light with a brightness usually achievable only with far greater wattages. It offers 14 different colours and 17 gobos, providing designers with a plethora of creative possibilities. The A.leda B-EYE K20 is a high performance moving LED light that delivers exciting visual effects. Its front lens can be rotated to create lots of small bright compositions and each of its 37 LEDs may be individually controlled.

“The B-EYE is a unique tool,” continues da Costa. “It allowed me to create an endless range of colour and effect variations such as graphic images that changed dynamically. Not to mention its zoom and punch…fantastic!”

Lightpower is the distributor of the Clay Paky products in Germany.