Metallica Choose disguise Media Servers For World Tour

Popular heavy metal band Metallica have used disguise gx 2 media servers to help run their World Tour production.

The servers integration with Notch plays a key role in production, being extensively used for IMAG, post and real-time effects, including virtual lights.

"Set Designer and Show Director Dan Braun came up with an ambitious idea that pushed the boundaries of creativity. For me pretty much everything about this project has been a challenge, starting with the scale and complexity of the design through to automation and IMAG," said Andrea Cuius, Founder and Director of Nocte Studio Ltd.

Mr Cuius, with Marcus Lyall, is the Content Director for the show; he also serves as the disguise/Notch programmer.

PRG Nocturne LA provided the gx 2 systems.
 
"The stage design comprises 52 moving LED cubes with screens on all sides. We had to work 208 screens on a 360º moving stage, so it was necessary to find clever ways to put content on the screens and make sure it could be seen from almost every corner of the venue," explained Mr O'Herlihy of PRG. "One of the reasons we decided to go with disguise was its Notch integration."
 
"Another reason to go with disguise is their state-of-the-art media servers, the gx 2 has plenty of power and the disguise software provides a very streamlined workflow," Mr Cuius said. "Moreover the disguise development team was willing to support us from start to finish. They didn't just help us troubleshoot issues, but also gave us access to experimental features that simply made this project possible."
 
The cubes' automation is controlled via TAIT Navigator.

"The system is great, but we couldn't get one during pre-production," said Mr Cuius. "Our solution was to develop a bespoke workflow to bridge Cinema4D and disguise in real-time using Python scripts and custom software. Even though the automation for the show was eventually programmed from the TAIT Navigator and the grandMA desk, this workflow allowed us to quickly design and experiment with different ideas."
 
He notes that the data was sent in real-time via OSC from Cinema4D to the custom software that acted as an Art-Net bridge broadcasting to the disguise gx 2 in the same format as TAIT Navigator.

Andrea Cuius began working as an associate developer with disguise (formerly known as d3 Technologies) in 2011 while working with United Visual Artists.

"Over the years I've been involved in upscale commercial projects, art exhibitions and events, always with disguise as a solid foundation,"  he said.

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