LOS ANGELES - PaintScaping, one of the most prolific 3D projection mapping companies in the world, will design a spectacle for the ages by creating an elaborate projection mapping show on The Rotunda, the iconic centerpiece building of the University of Virginia.
The 3D mapping will be part of the University’s Bicentennial Celebration on October 6, 2017 — two hundred years to the day after Thomas Jefferson laid the cornerstone of the storied institution.
Since August’s tragic events in Charlottesville, “our work feels like it’s under a microscope. We have to be exceptionally sensitive and diligent in depicting issues that have affected us all as a nation,” continues Bergeron.
3D projection mapping is a relatively new art form, where images are projected on buildings and surfaces come to life in alignment with existing architectural features. A merging of real and virtual worlds, if you will. And part of that “merging” will be interactive moments between live performers and PaintScaping’s virtual environment.
The company has staged numerous projection-mapping shows around the world, for clients ranging from Rodeo Drive and Sony Pictures to the New York Public Library. And Calvin Harris & Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” music video which has, at last count, had over 1.7 billion views.
“For most of our shows, it’s about the wow factor, but here, it really is a balance between spectacle and self-examination,” continues Bergeron, himself no stranger to Hollywood. Indeed, Bergeron is also an actor and has appeared in over 60 film & TV shows, including Iron Man 2, Mad Men, Entourage, The Sopranos, Rush Hour 3 and Contact.
Mitch Levine, the Creative Director of the event, notes: “The biggest mapping companies in the world wanted this job, but we hired PaintScaping because of their narrative strength. They are both great visualists and exceptional storytellers.”
In addition to the spectacular visuals, the soundtrack for this project promises to be out-of-this-world. PaintScaping has secured the services of this year’s Oscar winner for Best Sound Editing, Sylvain Bellemare (“Arrival”) to handle the complex audio track.
“Of course, it didn’t hurt that Sylvain is my cousin. It would’ve created a family crisis had he declined,” concluded Bergeron with a smile.
The historic event will take place in Charlottesville, VA on Friday, October 6, 2017, on the Lawn of the University of Virginia, and will also include 800 performers, the premiere of an oratorio commissioned for the occasion (“We Hold These Truths”), the Martha Graham Dance Company, a gospel choir, Leslie Odom, Jr., Andra Day, the Goo Goo Dolls and so much more. Over 20,000 people are expected to attend.
ABOUT PAINTSCAPING
PaintScaping is the industry leader in 3D mapping. Founded in 2009 by Philippe Bergeron, the Los Angeles-based PaintScaping has produced unique 3D mapping shows across the U.S. including Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago, and many places around the world. Among its many clients are MGM Resorts, Ritz-Carlton, Sony Pictures, Westin Hotels, Caruso Affiliated, and Cirque du Soleil. Bergeron, a native of Montreal with a B.S. and M.S. degree in computer science from the University of Montreal, remains a 3D mapping innovator and invited presenter for numerous industry events. For more information, photos and videos about PaintScaping, please visit paintscaping.com, follow us on Facebook, or @paintscaping on Twitter.
