The Future of Followspots

Our summary of the recent event which showcased the newest and most innovative followspot technology for theatre, live events, and installations.

Organised by Ammonite and supported by The National Theatre, The Future of Followspots was an insightful look at current followspot technology as well as round table discussions about what’s coming next. For what could be considered a niche subject, the event drew a diverse crowd of suppliers and end-users. The purpose of the day was not to have a shoot out to discover the “best” system out there but to provide a genuine learning experience for all in attendance. As such, it offered a balanced approach, discussing the applications of each system as well as the potential pitfalls.

With a growing range of offerings in the followspot space, the showcase went beyond what might be traditionally thought of as a followspot. Instead, it explored some of the seamless tools for use within existing rigs whilst also looking at some scalable systems to expand user’s possibilities and branch out into control over sound and media. Most importantly, it looked at how these can help both users and performers focus on their creative vision to produce the best immersive experience.

On the day, we looked at six key brands when it comes to tracking and what they had to offer. The live demonstration followed dancers around the multi-level staging, with the set-up highlighting the different ways in which the suppliers had dealt with this hot topic. With some providing proprietary software to map the stage and others using more manual means, the role of skilled people clearly isn’t entirely replaceable. In-fact, the discussion highlighted the need for new roles and a shared vocabulary to be created as this technology branches out.

System Overview by Brand

Blacktrax

Offering perhaps the broadest range of support for third party systems via RTTrP-L or RTTrP-M protocols, it’s no surprise that Blacktrax’s portfolio of applications spans AR/VR, broadcast, camera tracking, immersive audio, interactive media, and, of course, lighting to name but a few.

Their entry level product the BLACKTRAX BT-1. This more budget friendly system provides a solution for smaller tracking areas that can grow, with additional units, as your requirements do. Out of the robust, portable case, the base system provides everything you need for one integration output within an area of 225 square meters from a single camera system. When dealing with automated motorised lighting, it can take advantage of its ability to integrate with WYSIWYG lighting software, allowing it to control the speed of the light for accuracy during even the most challenging of performances.

Other Integration possibilities include.

• Spatial audio
• Cameras
• Media
• Lighting
• Projectors

The BT-1 may be the perfect piece of kit for users in smaller venues who are looking to expand their show’s visuals. That said, if you have your sights set on jumping in to fill stadiums of up to 54,800 square meters, with unlimited outputs, the BLACKTRAX STANDARD might just be the option for you.

Follow-Me

Follow-me is a tracking solution with a portfolio of some of the biggest names in live music and productions in the entertainment industry. It’s a system that works with all pan and tilt fixtures from any manufacturer, fitting easily into any lighting designers’ plans. The single camera system can be expanded to manually track multiple performers, with multiple fixtures, using just one operator and controller per performer. It’s 3D mesh tool allows the system to handle elevations with ease for even the most extravagant of stage designs. With the addition of Track-iT tags, this hybrid system can run without intervention, while allowing for manual takeover at any point.

Benefits

• Any fixture, unlimited fixtures
• Multiple performers from a single camera
• Any stage layout including hight variances
• Integrates with any lighting console

This expansive hybrid system opens a world of possibilities when given the space to really shine; making it a smart choice for stadiums, arenas, and live performances where a backup redundancy is a necessity. If you’d like to find out more about the 3D & Track-iT systems, you can do so here.

Read more about the Follow-Me System in our write up of the Follow-Me Open Day

Zactrack

Zactrack provides a family of real time following solutions in the form of the smart, pro, and mini.

While many systems may seem daunting at first glance, the Zactrack range is actually a good choice for those who want a system that has usability at its core. The Zactrack mini provides the fundamentals of its larger counterparts condensed into an ultra-portable package. Saying goodbye to wires, its 5 mini battery powered anchor points come alongside the multi-functional master anchor in a tough briefcase, with all the accessories you’ll need. With a single person set-up time of just minutes via an android tablet, you can be ready to output accurate data to audio, video, cameras, lighting, and stage automations simultaneously in an area of 225 square meters.

Ideally Suited to

• Small theatres
• Corporate events
• House of worship
• TV studios
• Education

The mini is a great starting point for users looking to explore and learn a new system. Perhaps some have even hired a Zactrack mini in the past and what they now want to create has now outgrown its reach. Moving on to the Pro or smart may be a great choice for users wanting to avoid potentially steep learning curves. You can take a deeper look at the pro and smart variants here.

Robert Juliat

SpotMe is a technological twist on the point and shoot followspots that have been illuminating a wide range of events and venues for years. This unintrusive addition to the existing Robert Juliat followspot expands the artistic potential of any rig by outputting PosiStageNet standard data to other fixtures or lighting consoles. The human interface means real time tracking can be achieved without the addition of a camera or sensors. This makes the calibration a simple task and lets you break up your performance space into a maximum of 16 zones, for hight variances or complimentary effects to be mapped with either static or automated fixtures.

Advantages

• Human control
• Full vision of actions on stage
• No cameras, or sensors
• (PSN) and DMX Standards
• Compatible with all Robert Juliat followspots

Enhancing the subtlety of human-controlled followspots, this system, which is part of the National Theatres existing rig, is the perfect mixture of analogue control and standardise data. It would be a fantastic addition to an established show looking to obtain more from an existing rig, to create complementary lighting from one point of control.

Robert Juliat have been a favourite of our rental stock for years now and are regularly seen on some of the biggest shows. If you would like to see more you can check out the full range here.

Macula

The Macula remote-control followspot system allows you to take control over moving heads.

Its high-resolution, fluid-filled head provides an organic feel that will be familiar to the experienced followspot operator while achieving a greater level of accuracy. With two motorised handles to adjust fade and shuttering, the system can be used to take control of fixtures from the likes of Martin, Ayrton, ETC and Robe. The 15 assignable, easily accessible buttons make sure the parameters important to the user are never out of reach. The full HD camera’s zoom, focus and exposure, can be adjusted via the large 17inch touchscreen display for precision in challenging environments.

Key features

• Works with fixtures from leading manufacturers
• High resolution fluid filled head for precision control
• 15 Assignable buttons
• Familiar feel too traditional followspots

Macula’s continued work with leading manufacturers in automated lighting has brought to life a unit that does not tie the user down to just one fixture or just one brand. If you think the Macula system might be the addition for you, take a look at the full specs here.

Now available as part of our hires stock, read how, Kathy & Stella Became The First West-End Show to Use The Macula System.

Robe

Robe have set a consistently high bar for innovation over the years, picking up many awards for just that, and Robospot didn’t break their stride. This lighting system pulls together a more familiar image of followspotting, with the ability to place the controller in a position more suited to the user’s performance. The proprietary system works on an extensive range of their automated lights, putting the control and movement of one to twelve fixtures at the fingertips of the operator. This allows users to enhance their show with an arsenal of individual, or synchronised effects too numerous to list!

Innovations

• GDTF, Unified definition for the exchange of data
• QVGA Robe Touch Screen Display System
• EMS™ – Electronic Motion Stabiliser

If you’ve already built up an eco-system of Robe products in your venue or are looking for a modular system to expand your possibilities over time, these options might be worth exploring.

The Robospot and T11 Profile MFS are both part of our hires stock, so if you have a show or project you think they would be perfect for, why not check out HireWL.com.

Summary

Certainly, there are various levels of similarity between the systems philosophies, and this wasn’t limited to the control/design features. Their ingenuity and genuine desire to provide a better show experience is truly apparent and really exciting. From upfront training to after market support, they were all able to listen to feedback from the audience, providing informative answers and display a great understanding and willingness to improve.  

While these systems are not yet commonplace across all areas of the industry, and in many cases, the traditional Followspot still provides the ideal balanced approach, there are a lot of options out there to help you achieve your goals, for smaller and larger scale productions. While this barely scratches the surface of tracking and integrated multimedia solutions, one thing is for sure: the gap between your vision and technology is shrinking, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

If you would like to get in touch about this or anything else, please visit our contact us page.