Why Big Gigantic In 3D Is Different From Any Live Show Ever

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At this point in time we’ve likely all seen some capacity of 3D visuals, however no one is doing it quite like Big Gigantic. Their inaugural 3D experience at their 7th annual Rowdytown event at Red Rocks last year was nothing short of breathtaking. There’s been quite a few artists whose live visuals add a deeper connection to the music, but none have been as impactful as the 3D visuals you can expect to see at Rowdytown this week on September 27 & 28.

In addition to having amazing visuals, the 3D display used by 3D Live has a one-of-a-kind LED display that’s capable of creating the strongest 3D effect of any in the world. On top of that the visuals will take another step forward by incorporating live stereoscopic 3D cameras to capture the live performance in real time.  This will make it feel like the performance is exploding in the air right over the audience’s heads,” says Ryan Pardeiro Co-Founder at 3D Live. “We’re creating a new level of intimacy never before seen in a live setting.” As for the content itself, they’re tapping into the Epic Unreal game engine that’s behind the high quality visuals throughout the gaming industry.

I’ve been intrigued by the technology and story behind Big Gigantic’s 3D experience ever since getting my mind blown last year so we decided to go to the source and get some more information. We had the pleasure of catching up with Ryan Pardeiro, the COO of 3D Live, as well as Big Gigantic’s Ben Dalgleish, who is the lighting designer and Creative Director  to give us some more insight to how this came together and what we can expect. Check out the full interview below and get ready for this weekend!

Can you tell us more about the 3D screen?

Ryan Pardeiro: The screen is a 6mm pixel pitch high definition “holographic” 3D LED display. It’s a patented design that is exclusively a product of 3D Live. Because of the nature of the design it is capable of stronger 3D effects than any other 3D display in the world. The images feel so present in the space around the performers on stage it seems as if the “holograms” are really there.

The 3D show last year blew my mind, is this going to be the same or are there changes? 

Ben Dalgleish: We have two major changes this year. First we are using 3D cameras for the first time as apart of the show, which will allow the bands image to be projected out to the audience in 3D. We are combining this with a real time effects generator called Notch, which will allow 3D elements to be created in real time and interact with the band. This is certainly the first time this has been done for a 3D show.

The other major thing is a new story lines for both nights which we have spent months developing.

How is Big G’s 3D experience different from other 3D shows? 

Ben: Having the content have a storyline / narrative that is different across both nights is by far the thing that sets this show apart from others and is the thing I’m most proud of.

This year we are really focusing on the art direction as well, giving both nights a unique look and feel.

One of the most memorable moments from last year was a good vs evil battle between two characters, and this year we are going to take this even further and to new heights 😉

Is all the content specifically made for Big G & Rowdytown? 

Ben: Yes ! We have a large team of 10+ animators working on the project, using a range of visual programs from Cinema4d to Unreal and Houdini.

One interesting way we do things is using the Unreal frame work we build what is pretty much a full video game level for many of the songs in the set, and animate the camera interacting with different elements all in time with the music.

What can fans expect from a Rowdytown 3D show?

Ben: The unexpected ! We have really tried to push the limit this year with creative ideas, 3D moments and most importantly a link with the amazing music Big Gigantic creates. Having the 3D cameras will allow focus to be put on Dom and Jeremy like never before which is very exciting.

Ryan: Get ready to be blown away at the larger than life versions of the band in live 3D flying out over the audience from the 3D camera feed. Its something that has never been done before and its an amazing new way to experience a live show.  

What’s your favorite aspect of the 3D show?

Ben: The crowd response. Last year every single song had a reaction unlike I have ever seen before for Big Gigantic, or any other band for that matter. Every chorus had people literally screaming “oh my f-ing god” and “what is happening!?”. You don’t get that at many shows. (Ben D)

Ryan: I agree. There is nothing more satisfying than watching the crowd having a great time dancing and loving everything we’ve worked so hard to create for them.

What’s the biggest challenge in producing these types of visuals?

Ben: One thing which is a challenge, but we also use to our advantage is the different “types” of 3D. Most people think of 3D is just the effect when stuff is coming out at them, but what you can also do is go just as far INTO the screen to show incredible depth. A 3D forest can look like it really does continue for a 1/4 mile into the distance for example. Balancing these two elements is a fun challenge!

Ryan: Getting the 3D right isn’t easy. We spend an inordinate amount of time working to make the 3D comfortable and painless to view. That’s why I always hear people saying they like our shows better than going to 3D movies. It’s not just 3D, its easy to view comfortable 3D.