As live productions grow evermore complex, data translation, monitoring and connectivity between departments becomes crucial. Virtual Innovation Partners’ Hans Cromheecke, possesses more than 30 years of experience in production technology. On the set of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest [see TPi #282], Cromheecke, who was responsible for all video requirements, utilised a critical linking tool to unify departments and data flows. The linking tool in question is SP software from Stage Precision.
“There were a lot of moving parts to this production, both from a video perspective and in terms of automation,” recalled Cromheecke. “Everything needed to work together in unison and with complete accuracy.”
During preparations for the live event, it became clear that the data between the LED cubes and the lighting desks was not 100% accurate. Diagnosing the issue quickly and efficiently was critical. “I suspected a protocol issue due to the naming of the two lighting automation desks, but I needed a way to prove this and to fix it,” explained Cromheecke. “Having used SP by Stage Precision on past projects, I got a license and started to visualise the data to find a way forward.”
SP control software is a pioneering platform that connects all departments in live production through an integrated, low-code development environment. By centralising data management and control in a 3D space, SP significantly reduces complexity and enhances connectivity, allowing seamless interaction across audio, video, lighting, kinetic stage elements and performance tracking. This innovation has already proven indispensable on major productions including a live augmented reality broadcast of the Super Bowl, performances at the Coachella festival and for automation and light tracking at Berlin’s Friedrichstadt-Palast. It is the first and only low-code development platform specifically tailored for the experience industry providing a comprehensive solution that integrates various data pipelines and devices across all departments involved in event production.
Cromheecke believes that as the awareness of this tool expands, it will become a mainstay of event production. “Technology manufacturers often claim their software has similar functionalities, but anyone that works in large event production will know that the data in this software is so often siloed, with no integration between different hardware types or brands,” he commented. “SP is not just software doing funky stuff, it’s a critical linking tool that also allows us to manipulate the data in real time, giving users the power to solve problems on the fly. It is relevant to any big production involving automation.”
What will this new connected world of event production look like? When various technologies are working together, it’s essential that they can also be visualised and monitored in a unified way. Making the proactive choice to assign a dedicated ‘integrations specialist’ utilising a tool like Stage Precision to act as a unifying agent between departments would result in a smoother overall production experience for all.
“There’s no alternative really. SP is a full solution and is relevant to any automation on any big production,” concluded Cromheecke. “I will fight to ensure this tool is a necessary component of any project I’m involved in, but the events technology community needs to consider how creating a dedicated front-of-house role for this purpose could revolutionise the production process entirely.”
Words: Hans Cromheecke
Photo: Stage Precision
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