Gemini’s Black Box Studio

Like all of the industry last year, Gemini Light Sound Video found themselves in a pandemic that largely shut down their bread n’ butter work, in this case the touring productions the company has supported. To keep Gemini LSV’s wheels turning, the company built a ‘Black Box’ studio in their Dallas warehouse, where they’ve remained busy lighting corporate shows, musical acts and other virtual events.

For projections, eye candy and other camera-friendly looks in these lighting designs, Gemini’s Jason Cain utilized High End Systems SolaPix 7 and SolaSpot 1000, all run from Hog 4 control. Corporate work included a major department stores presentation “Christmas Wish Book”, a Global Semiconductors Award Show, and a rebranding for a drilling and excavation Firm. Musical acts Rose Garden Funeral Party and The Casey Donahew Band also recently used their facilities.

All Black Box events use the Hog 4, and Cain is long in the tooth and most comfortable with Hog 4 control. “I’ve always been a HOG guy, and always will be - I bleed BLUE!” He employed the SolaPix 7’s as his front white wash, although occasionally in color, and for overhead side/rear stage wash lighting. He says the SolaPix offers ‘super rich white light, perfect to the eye and camera, and with smooth movements, even at a faster rate in chases’.

“I love the Halographic Pixel Definition’s polished edge on the cells, as it creates some interesting looks, even at a low light level, and the macros are killer! I’ve never really been a fan of colored macro combinations but with the individual cell control, the Macros that you can play with are a great feature.”

SolaSpot 1000’s provide the front light and added texture. He also plans to utilize them to texture the audience flooring for an upcoming small studio audience event. “SolaSpot 1000’s colors are great, the movements are super smooth, and the gobos aren’t bad right out of the box - which we all know can be a life saver. These fixtures cut right through and make a solid impact. Everybody that sees the SolaPix falls in love!”