BlackTrax, the real-time motion tracking solution from CAST, assists the star of
Magic Reinvented Nightly in creating one-of-a-kind experiences for nightly
audiences at the LINQ Theatre at The LINQ Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“We implemented the BlackTrax system for a consistent angle of key light on the
magician throughout the 90-minute show,’ enthuses Stephen Terry, the production’s
lighting designer.

In the design phase, follow spots were discussed originally, but the LINQ Theater
had very limited locations for follow spots. The angle from the booth position is
very flat, so following the talent solely from this position was not an option. As the
talent performs a lot of his illusions out in the house, close up to the audience, so
IMAG isused via the screens onstage.

The BlackTrax system uses infrared tracking cameras and infrared emitter Beacons
worn by the talent and the moving lights follow the emitters. CAST BlackTrax
provides the tracking hardware and software as a whole system, and in this
particular show, BlackTrax works in conjunction with wysiwyg lighting design and
previsualization software to create “zones’. Using wysiwyg, you can draw a block in
the 3D space to designate a specific location and assign a trigger action to it.
BlackTrax then applies that to the real space when the talent physically enters that
specific Zone, which BlackTrax can then execute whatever actions have been
programmed, like automatically changes a lighting cue or automatically change the
lights that are tracking the person wearing the sensor.

Terry has full control of the intensity, beam shape and size, as well as the colour.
BlackTrax controls the pan and tilt, as well as the zoom and iris to keep the beam
of the light consistent to the size the designer wants no matter how close or far a
performer gets from the light source.

In terms of the lighting equipment used, Terry chose the PRG Best Boy as the key
moving light to follow onstage talent. “I went with this unit mostly because of the
quality optics and colour temperature balance, but I also wanted a unit that was
quiet, and quick. The Best Boy proved to be a great choice.’

The show was programmed on a Grand MA 2 full size and runs on a Grand MA 2 lite
now. BlackTrax uses Artnet to talk to as well as to listen to the MA console.

At seven shows per week, theproduction’s audience is comprised of fans and
patrons looking to experience a high caliber production while in Las Vegas. “Since
the show is highly enjoyed by people of all ages, we’ve seen everyone from young
adults, families with children, bachelor/bachelorette parties, seniors and more; the
show really lends itself to a wide audience,’ adds Terry.

Lighting and integration of BlackTrax seamlessly required a lot of hard work and
attention to detail. This project could not have been possible without a great LX
production team, Associate Lighting Designer Kimberlee Winters, Production
Electrician Sean Finnegan, Electricans IATSE Local 720, Grand MA 2 Programmer
Hillary Knox, BlackTrax Operator Dustin and BlackTrax Team, Cameron Verstegen
and Marty Cochrane.