Projections can work for anyone! You don't have to be a tech professional to get amazing results
The most important thing with projectors is BRIGHTNESS. Brightness is key. Buy, rent, or borrow the brightest projector you can. This will help the image show up in the presence of ambient and stage lighting in your theater.
The second thing is to look for a projector with a wide lens, such a short throw projector or ultra short throw projector.
Dig DeeperScreens are everywhere! Anything can be a screen. Anything. Generally you want it to be light-colored (like a white, cream or very light gray) and reflective. Here are a few options:
• Existing cyclorama
• Blank wall
• Painter's plastic
• Wood with projection paint
• Professional screens
Your best bet is to keep ambient light and stage lighting from pointing at your screen. Focus your lamps about 5 ft off the screen if possible. You can do this by adjusting them down or using the barn doors to control the light spread. And don’t forget, a bright projector is key!
More On ThisKeep your projector up high and tilt it down toward the screen. The closer to the screen the better. You can mount your projector to a light bar, or house ceiling in some cases.
If you have room backstage or could ‘float’ a screen forward, try rear-projection.
Shadows Be Gone!Put your images into a slideshow software like Powerpoint or Keynote on a laptop. (QLab is a professional option if you want to level up). Connect the laptop to the projector. You may want to put black slides in between your images for blackouts or even use the software’s built-in fades for smooth transitions between scenes.
More About SoftwareIf after reading these tips, you still have projection questions, drop us a line. Once you get a handle on your technical needs, we're confident your storytelling will soar to new heights!