How to Leverage Projection Mapping for Your Next Event
Imagine you’re attending a global summit on ocean contamination. As you enter the convention center, you’re greeted by a 360-degree sound and visual experience of dolphins and whales swimming around you. The impressive “underwater simulation” ultimately sets the perfect stage for your event presentations.
Using technology like this to project images onto surfaces is called “projection mapping,” and it’s growing in popularity. According to one report, “Global Projection Mapping Market is projected to register a healthy compound annual growth rate of 19.4 percent in the forecast period of 2019 to 2026.”
Because projection mapping creates a more engaging and memorable experience for your guests, here are some tips for getting the most out of it in your next event.
Brainstorm Ideas With a Projection Mapping Service and Figure Out Your Budget
Projection mapping could be nothing more than different styles of lighting, but in modern event planning it's often a lot more complicated — like projecting different videos and animations on buildings, fields and other three-dimensional surfaces. Of course, the more complicated the project, the more expensive it will be.
Planning the projection mapping for an event should begin with a brainstorming session with a representative from a projection mapping service, being mindful of your budgetary constraints. During the brainstorming session, consider the theme of your event and how you’ll use projection mapping to boost guest engagement. Also, consider whether you'll projecting images onto two-dimensional (flat or uniform) surfaces or three-dimensional (non-flat or complex) surfaces. Three-dimensional projections are more expensive, but they're also more impactful.
Here’s some questions to consider when brainstorming, planning and budgeting your projection mapping project:
Who will be attending the event (ages, interests, education levels, culture, hobbies, etc.)?
How large is the surface onto which you want to project?
Is the surface two-dimensional or three-dimensional?
What will you project (video, images, animation, etc.)?
When does the event happen (day or night)?
Will lighting complement or interfere with projection?
The following factors will usually increase costs:
larger projection services that require more projectors;
more complicated animations and video and complex three-dimensional surfaces that require more planning and design work; and
tighter deadlines that tend to increase costs. (Save money by giving the projection mapping service as much time as possible to prepare.)
Use the Best Technology You Can Afford
The higher quality projection mapping equipment you use, the better your presentations will be. Therefore, you should always select the best projection mapping technology you can afford. If you can’t afford the level of tech your plans require, scale down your designs to something your equipment can handle.
When selecting projection mapping equipment, remember:
LCD vs. DLP projectors: DLP projectors offer blacker blacks and brighter brights, That means they’re better for projection mapping than LCD projectors. However, DLP projectors are more expensive than LCD projectors, so you’ll have to decide whether you can afford them. HeavyM provides excellent details about choosing a projection mapping projector.
Software blending vs. hardware blending: To get the most out of a good DLP projector, you need high-quality images and video. To create that video, your projection mapping service will use either hardware blending or software blending to achieve what’s called “edge blending” or “warp and blend.” This is necessary to ensure that your images and video display properly on your projection surfaces. Hardware blending is best for projecting onto two dimensional surfaces. Software blending is best for projecting onto three dimensional surfaces. A TripleWide Media article takes a closer look the basics of edge blending.
More Money Doesn’t Always Mean “Better”
It’s important to stick to your projection planning budget and do the best with what you have. Spending more on expensive graphics and effects might dazzle your audience, but a creative projection mapping service can create visually memorable experiences on a budget.
While an immersive, underwater, dolphin-swimming simulation would be impressive, don’t let projection mapping bankrupt your budget. Because ultimately, the “story” and “message” that projection mapping conveys is just as important as expensive graphics.
To save on projection mapping costs:
Choose two-dimensional projections on flat surfaces instead of projecting onto three-dimensional surfaces.
Reduce the size of your projections. The smaller the projection area, the cheaper it will be.
Limit projections to high-traffic areas, such as the entrance hall or the main ballroom that will get the most face time.
Instead of using expensive animations, choose simpler textures and graphics.
Communicate with your projection mapping service clearly to ensure you stay within your budget, and shop around to find the best service for your needs.
Magic Box @ The Reef: We Handle All of Your Event Production Needs
After reading this guide to leveraging projection mapping for your next event, you should be well-equipped to work with your projection mapping service to create an impressive, on-budget experience for your attendees.
If you’d like more information on event planning in the Downtown Los Angeles area, consider letting Magic Box @ The Reef serve as the go-to point for all your event production needs.
Author Bio
Jeremy Hillpot’s background in consumer-investor fraud litigation provides a unique perspective on a vast array of topics including event production, website technology, investments, startups, cryptocurrencies, and the law. Contact Jeremy at legalwritingFINRA.com or [email protected].
Sources:
https://heavym.net/blog/en/tutorials/heavym-tips/choose-your-projector/
https://articles.triplewidemedia.com/the-basics-of-edge-blending/