June 28, 2024
In this episode of Pro AV Today, host Ben Thomas welcomes Christopher Whelan of Cirque du Soleil and Jason Meyer of Epson to discuss the new partnership and explore how projection technology is revolutionizing modern entertainment. The conversation delves into how modern projection systems are transforming live shows, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences.
Projection technology has become a cornerstone in the world of live entertainment, offering unparalleled flexibility and creativity. Christopher Whelan highlights how Cirque du Soleil utilizes projection not only for visible effects, but also for subtle enhancements that enhance the overall visual storytelling. “Projection allows us to enhance the scenery in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, but add depth to the experience,” explains Whelan. This ability to manipulate light to create dynamic environments is what sets projection apart from other visual technologies.
Jason Meyer focuses on the technological advances that are driving the evolution of projection systems. The transition from traditional lamp-based projectors to laser-based systems has led to significant improvements in projector power efficiency, resolution, and physical size. “Laser technology is about 50% more power efficient than lamp-based systems and generates much less heat, allowing projectors to be smaller and more versatile,” says Meyer. These innovations are now allowing projectors to be seamlessly integrated into live shows, creating stunning visual effects while remaining nearly invisible to the audience.
One of the key strengths of projection technology is its ability to create immersive and interactive experiences. Whelan explains how projections enhance both the visible and invisible elements of a show, contributing to the overall magic experienced by the audience. This ability to manipulate light to create dynamic environments is what distinguishes projection from other visual technologies.
Another important aspect of modern projection technology is its contribution to sustainability. Meyer highlights that Epson has a strong focus on sustainable practices in its product design, increasing its use of recycled materials and reducing waste across its entire product line. Not only does this initiative align with global sustainability goals, it also provides practical benefits for live entertainment. “As housings get smaller and more efficient, the environmental impact is reduced, which is important for both cost savings and climate impact,” Meyer points out.
Looking to the future, both Whelan and Meyer see great potential in further integrating technology into live shows. Whelan envisions a future where audiences are active participants in the storytelling process and projection technology plays a key role in creating immersive, interactive experiences. “Demand for immersive, experiential events is growing, and projectors give us the flexibility to transform spaces and engage audiences in new ways,” he says. Meyer agrees, emphasizing that Epson’s ongoing innovation will continue to advance the capabilities of projection technology. “We’re focused on making our projectors more compact, efficient and high-resolution, so they can deliver more accurate and impactful images,” he explains. This relentless pursuit of excellence has kept both Epson and Cirque du Soleil at the forefront of live entertainment, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Projection technology is changing the face of modern entertainment, enabling creators to create more immersive and dynamic experiences. Whelan and Meyer’s insights highlight the importance of innovation and sustainability in this evolution. As projection systems further evolve and are integrated into live shows, audiences can expect even more spectacular and captivating performances. Epson’s partnership with Cirque du Soleil is just the beginning to usher in a new era of technological artistry in live entertainment.