If you are a fan of the streaming series Stranger Things, you may have saw that the recent season premiered with many landmarks around the world being transformed into supernatural rifts. The Empire State Building, Wawel Castle, Al-Ula National Monument, and many other areas around the world were transformed into terrifying spectacles.
This was done all through the technology of projection mapping. Let’s take a look at how projection mapping can help you captivate guests at your events.
What is Projection Mapping?
Typically, when you think of projecting an image onto a surface, you picture having a projector send the image to a screen. This works great with smooth surfaces. You can even hang a sheet on the side of your house and use a projector to have a backyard “drive-in” movie. However, this doesn’t work very well with surfaces with curves and angles.
Projection mapping solves this problem, allowing for images to be broadcast on 3D surfaces of virtually any shape or size. Projection mapping involves the use of specialized technology that allow you to broadcast images and video onto nearly any object, greatly broadening your options.
How Does Projection Mapping Work?
Projection mapping involves the use of multiple projectors paired with special software that allows images and video to be wrapped onto surfaces. This can include walls, entire buildings, and virtually anything in between.
There is the need for preproduction to map the images to the areas they will be broadcast upon. This is because the graphics need to essentially “bend” to fit the shape they are broadcast upon. With experienced professionals in the art of projection mapping like Maryland Productions, you can transform virtually anything into a large-scale visual for your event.
You might be surprised to learn that projection mapping was first utilized as long ago as 1969 when Disney Land used the technology in their Haunted Mansion ride. In the decades since, the technology has greatly improved. Now, projection mapping is no longer the domain of major companies but available to virtually any organization.
Why Would an Event Use Projection Mapping?
The thought of creating a larger-than-life image or video may seem impressive, but many people wonder if projection mapping is something that would fit with their event. This is obviously an individual decision; however, there are many reasons why you may decide to use projection mapping at your next event.
- Make a Statement. Events are not just about what happens during but also somewhat about the buzz afterwards. The use of projection mapping can generate significant buzz in your community, helping you leverage your brand and public awareness of your organization.
- Engage Your Audience. Have you ever held an event and felt like you are constantly losing the attention of your guests? Employed impressive displays like projection mapping can wow your audience and keep them engaged.
- Adapt to Any Area. With projection mapping, you are not constrained by needing very specific areas for projection. Instead, you can project images anywhere including outdoors.
- Make an Exclamation Point. If you really want to captivate attendees for something important like a product launch or campaign celebration, projection mapping is a great way to do so. By choosing the perfect surface for use, you can make a bold statement.
What Types of Events would Benefit from Projection Mapping?
Projection mapping is used for many different types of events. You can frequently see it used in entertainment such as concerts, major sporting events, and the aforementioned Stranger Things launch. Another common place where you may see projection mapping employed is corporate events such as conventions, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
Projection mapping is also synonymous with iconic architecture. For example, the Sydney Opera House is perhaps the most renowned place for projection mapping. Thus, it is also a great way to integrate arts and culture into events. Perhaps you want to delight your guests during a fundraiser for an important charity.
The reality is that there are many reasons that projection mapping might be a great touch to add to your event. Essentially, if you are wanting to captivate and transfix your audience’s imagination while adding a major wow factor, projection mapping will certainly accomplish that goal.
How do I add Projection Mapping to my Event?
Adding projection mapping to your next event simply involves getting in touch with us to chat about your needs. The professional staff at Maryland Productions is always happy to talk about your next event and how we can make it truly stand out.
Contact us today for more information:
Phone: 443-384-0040
Email: [email protected]