When Queensland’s Brolga Theatre produced Wicked as a community musical with a limited budget, finding a way to minimise expenditure and yet retain the flexibility to achieve the varied ambience and mood, was challenging.
“A plan to utilise the signature clockwork backdrop across various scenes appeared problematic until discussions with Jonathan Yeoman from HME led to a decision to experiment with Haussmann Black Projection Paint on a flat black canvas, allowing the lighting to set the colour,” commented Robert Haigh, Technical Operations Supervisor at Brolga Theatre.
Jonathan suggested using the paint that turns wood, concrete and, as it’s flexible, even textiles into a surface that will reproduce a very good image with uniform brightness.
“Why buy and set up expensive canvas screens for projections when HATO®Screen projection
paint is cheaper, better, higher in contrast, more consistent, 4K-compatible and more vibrant?” said Jonathan. “It has excellent luminance, sending more light back than you throw into it, and image reproduction when seen from almost any angle.”
Careful planning was required by local artist Willy Paes to ensure the “Black on Black’ was painted in the appropriate spots to achieve the desired outcome.
“This proved to be an outstanding success and resulted in a spectacularly flexible result,” added Robert. “During the lighting plot, changes to the colour were immediately reflected (no pun intended), as the green backdrop changed through blue and red with the changing lighting states. “Not the normal use for HATO®Screen paint but an innovative solution from “outside the square” thanks to the willingness of Jonathan to brainstorm a solution with our team.”
