The technical genius of Protec, working with its client and creative production
agency HQ Creative, helped to kick off the fourth annual Nad Al Sheba Sports
Tournament with a spectacular opening ceremony. For the very first time, the
ceremony was hosted by NASO, a 40 cm high, walking and talking robot.
It entertained the crowd alongside a variety of exciting acts, such as acrobats on
hoverboards, a Futsal game in the dark and a special performance from the Lords
of Lightning. Lords of Lightning performed magical acts with lightning thanks to the
electrical wizardry of tesla coils, which produce high voltage, low-current and high-
frequency alternating currents. The spectacle of two wizards battling each other
atop two 2.2m high towers is one that thrilled audiences and warped their minds.
Protec deployed BlackTrax to track sixteen performers and a moving platform,
where NASO performed his hosting duties. They were tracked using lighting effects
and video. The stage was a virtually projected football court with the performers on
hoverboards as well as globetrotter style basketball players and stunt footballers.
Each one was tracked and had a dedicated spot plus custom graphics projected over
them. For the graphics, BlackTrax was integrated with media servers from d3
Technologies.
“We connected BlackTrax cameras with strategically placed BlackTrax beacons and
hid them inside each of the performers’ costumes. During rehearsals we were able
to adjust or add the beacon markers on the performers to ensure they could be
tracked whatever sort of acrobatics or body angles were presented to the cameras.
We also used a BlackTrax beacon for the little robot presenter so BlackTrax could
track the robot and keep all the cueing in time,’ said Protec’s Lighting Designer
Aaron Russ.
“By using BlackTrax, no one missed a cue. All stage elements were covered and
thanks to BlackTrax everything was where it needed to be, on time, every time,
without the possibility of human error. The stage was bright and vibrant and we
were given very positive feedback from both the client and the viewers.’
An integral part of Ramadan is the development of mind and body, and these
sporting pursuits develop discipline in a fun way. Nad Al Sheba hosts seven sporting
events including paddle tennis, archery, volleyball, running, goalball and wheelchair
basketball.
The tournament was held in the multi-purpose indoor arena at the Ned Al Sheba
sports complex and opened by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee. Sheikh Ahmed and a number of
sheikhs and officials attended a goalball match between Abu Dhabi Disabled Sports
Club and Al Ain Disabled Sports Club after the opening ceremony.
The ceremony was dazzling and mind-blowing. BlackTrax continues to help
companies like Protec deliver efficient and creative show solutions, whilst at the
same time saving on production costs whilst exceeding its clients’ expectations.
