Dish Nation
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- Oct 25th 2022
- We partnered with Fox Network to design and install a new lighting package for the upcoming season of Dish Nation, a popular show known for its engaging commentary on pop culture. The show aimed to transition from a desk-focused studio to an open layout with an arc of armless chairs for a more interactive experience. We translated scenic designer, John Gilles, vision into stunning renderings, revitalizing the studio's atmosphere. The original cramped set had become inadequate for the growing cast and crew, driving our mission to create a larger, visually appealing space that caters to both the team and the show's millions of viewers. During the installation, we faced intricate challenges while lighting a unique studio within a confined, 12 ft short-ceilinged space.
- Our strategy involved illuminating a tall set and working around a maze of power and preexisting fire safety equipment. With businesses above and below, we carefully managed the installation to maintain a quiet atmosphere during business hours. Even under tight schedules and equipment delays, we enhanced the quality of our lighting package by seamlessly combining components for a smooth and polished outcome. Lighting and Media Server control lived harmoniously on one custom built machine and utilized a stream deck for physical button triggers. The custom built computer offered SDI connections and an XLR audio interface allowing various inputs and outputs to and from the media server. Some of these connections were used to drive a confidence monitor and on stage portrait monitor where guests can join the set live from a remote environment using Zoom.
- TLF incorporated a precise 3+1 lighting system for each of the 7 seated and 2 full body standing positions for talent on stage. This design enables highly detailed adjustments for individuals on stage separated by mere inches, combating variances in clothing and skin tones to achieve a perfectly balanced wash for the entire panel. TLF utilized its custom Magic Box and 5 in 1 LED tape for uplighting the top of the set. Pixel mappable tape was employed for the floor's inlaid oval with precisely aligned pixels to achieve optimal brightness required for Dish Nation. Pixel LED tape was chosen over PWM tape for more versatile animations. The oval was mapped onto a 1920x1080 media server raster, allowing the client to effortlessly drag & drop video content onto the floor. ArtNet was transmitted from the media server and routed through the lighted controller giving the lighting software ultimate control of brightness and color for redundancy.
- We added a color wash to the set walls and independently lit the geometric cutout wall separately from the wood wall behind for additional depth on camera. The strategic placement of fixtures, carefully tuned color palettes, and dynamic lighting cues elevated the mood and energy of each segment. Our solutions went beyond just appearances. Our teamwork built stronger connections among the internal Dish Nation crew. Open communication and shared goals smoothed operations, ensuring happiness and satisfaction throughout the process.In short, our Lighting Design boosted the show's excitement, energized the cast and audience, and enhanced visuals for remote viewers.
