One of this show’s unique elements was the flying camera equipment also known as the latest generation of the Navigator Camera System which shoots live IMAG footage for the overhead big screens. With the stage in the round, we installed two 165 ft trusses into the overhead rig that run in parallel to both sides of the stage. Dual custom winches are mounted to these trusses and each truss is equipped with a Navigator Camera System. The custom winches feed power to the Navigator Camera System which has built-in image stabilization, simplifying the setup, and reducing the need of additional cabling.
Throughout the show, the Navigator Camera System flies the length of the arena, captures a 360-degree view of the stage and the audience surrounding the stage while also tracking the performers via Blacktrax interface. Typically, shooting live footage for a show like this requires static cameras, handheld cameras and extra staff to operate the cameras, meaning less flexibility to get the right shot, while taking up valuable seat space in the audience.
TAIT Navigator tracked the location of both Navigator Camera Systems and ensured that the cameras remained in sync with the rest of the show. Additionally, we custom-made camera control consoles which gave the operators the freedom to captures long pans, figure eight and still frame shots. Ultimately, this solution provided an extremely flexible system that shoots epic show shots as Church performed and moved around the stage without compromising any other elements of the show.
Thank you to our partners, PRODUCTION DESIGNER, BUTCH ALLEN, & TOUR MANAGER, TODD BUNCH.
