1969, simple mapping . . .
. . . to a 2014 gigantic projection onto the Bucharest Parliament building, and many many other similar shows which can challenge traditional firework displays for the “wow” factor in large and smaller public celebrations.
This impressive light show was produced in 2014 by “Maxin10sity” using 140 high power Panasonic projectors. We blended that show with a recent building photograph to provide a higher definition of the structure during certain parts of the show, and to leave the foreground clear for optional video elements as we choose. The two moving Jeeps are a demonstration of that.
ORIGINS:
A simple form of 3D projection was used in 1969 by Walt Disney to animate “heads” to make it seem that they were alive and speaking or singing. We well remember those in the “depths” of the ‘Haunted Mansion’ at Disneyland, California.
ALTERNATIVES today:
Now, readily-available technology, software and hardware products allow true mapping of multiple light beams to the exact shape of 3-dimensional objects. Particularly impressive when molded to complex facades of buildings using powerful and high definition projectors.
The terms used are projection mapping and 3D projection. Two ‘local Swiss’ examples are the 2016 & 2017 projections onto the Federal government building in Bern – these are quite modest on the global scale, yet spectacular themed presentations, running from mid October to mid November each year. Also at the annual Festival of Lights in Lyon – presenting much more, and being much older than the projection mapping technology, yet where it now forms an integral part of that overall festival. A few of the best examples from around the world are embedded here – and a list of further links. Such scale of activity is mind bending, yet we find some amazing ideas which can be inspirational for more humble video animation production.
Yet another angle, since 2019 is a competing technology which is developing, that of using hundreds or even thousands of drones to create 3D light shows. Search for “drone light shows” to see latest performances. As of June 2025, what I see is interesting and even quite remarkable in terms of flight coordination of so many drones, however even if there is a “wow” for the technical aspects, I don’t yet see it for the the results. And with so many drones required, clearly not simple nor an inexpensive alternative. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgZB_XGr0uE
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Christmas 2023 Drone Show! (1,500+ Drones)
BACK to projection MAPPING
Personally, I love light mapping when it is truly mapped to the contours and indentations of a building facade, for example making frames and pillars distort or change color or when the whole building seems to break down and be re.-built. One of my favorites is here:
Other links:
—Prague— —Swan Lake— —South West Airlines— —Parallel Universes — (Bolshoi again)
For those interested in the technical equipment and installation – a business film from Panasonic (140 projectors installation to animate the Bucharest Parliament!)
marcomathieumedia.com 