Following a rigorous testing period, PixMob utilised its patented Moving Visual Transmitter (MVT) technology at the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, deploying approximately 70,000 wristbands. In addition, the Paralympics closing ceremony featured 60,000 PixMob wristbands (without MVT) – showcasing the company’s creative arsenal of possibilities. Speaking to TPi’s Alicia Pollitt, PixMob explains how its solutions helped transform attendees into beacons of light and how MVT technology introduced a new dimension of audience participation and serves as a novel medium for event design, storytelling, and fan engagement.
MVT technology was put through its paces on this project, how did it feel to harness this new technology, following an extensive testing period?
“The Moving Visual Transmitter (MVT) technology was developed with major global events in mind, so it was incredibly exciting to see it come to life on such a massive scale at the Paris Games. After extensive testing, seeing it flawlessly transform the Stade de France into a human video screen was a career-defining moment for us.
“Our CCO and Partner J-O Dalphond summed it up best when he said: ‘Pulling out all the stops with our Moving Visual Transmitters to transform the crowd into a video screen was the only way we could think to celebrate the world’s best athletes.’ Every fan became a living pixel, contributing to the larger story. This was a huge leap forward from our previous uses of wireless lighting.”
What challenges did you and the team face, and how did you overcome them?
“With an event as massive and complex as the Olympic Games, challenges were inevitable. One of the main hurdles we faced was synchronising our technology across such a large audience. Ensuring that every single one of the 70,000 high-powered X4 LED wristbands worked flawlessly required precision and a lot of testing. We overcame these challenges by having a dedicated team of experts on-site, testing each device multiple times and troubleshooting in real-time. Collaboration was key; working closely with the technical teams from both the Olympics and Paralympics allowed us to ensure everything ran smoothly when it mattered most.”
What are some of your favourite moments from this project?
“The standout moment for us was definitely during the Olympic Closing Ceremony when the entire audience lit up as one cohesive, vibrant screen. It was an awe-inspiring sight, especially during the sequences that illustrated the epic history of the Games. We used ancient greek pottery to create graphics that were painted across the human video screen of the audience. These graphics transform and animate to move from ancient to modern olympic sports and symbols. Another major highlight was witnessing the emotional impact this collective participation had on the audience and athletes. It was visually awe-inspiring, and created collected moments of energy, emotion, and joy. We literally got teary eyed ourselves seeing it all come together perfectly in the moment. For the Paralympic Closing Ceremony, it was the electrifying atmosphere as 60,000 people lit up for the French electronics party that really made an impact.”
How will MVT technology to transform events?
“The Moving Visual Transmitter (MVT) opens up an entirely new dimension of audience participation, and a new medium for event design, storytelling, and fan engagement. We’re excited to see how creative directors and lighting designers will use this technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in stadium shows and live events, and give fans mind-blowing experiences. As Vincent Leclerc, co-founder and CEO of PixMob, put it: ‘This technology truly revolutionises how crowds experience live events, turning them into active participants rather than mere spectators.’ The possibilities are endless, and we see this as just the beginning of a new era of immersive storytelling where fans become part of the action itself.”
Paris was a Party⚡We supercharged the electrifying wrap up to the Paris Games by immersing 60k fans in effects at the Paralympics electro-party closing ceremony. We are beyond grateful to have been a part of giving fans the epic finale the 2024 games deserved! pic.twitter.com/TvZE2Ahz5a
— PixMob (@pixmob) September 10, 2024
