Interview with Mech Creative

We sat down with Jakub, Gwidon and Szymon from Mech Creative to talk about their studio, their work, emerging trends and technologies they encounter and their experience in switching to LightAct as their main media server platform.

It was a lot of fun and very informative!

"LightAct is an easy-to-use software."

Jakub Czarnik

Mech Creative

Can you say a few words about your studio and how you started?

Gwidon Wydrzyński: We started the studio with Szymon a few years ago. To be honest, I don’t actually recall the exact year.

Szymon Płotkowski: I believe it was 2018, and we began under a different brand. However, three or four years ago, we rebranded to Mech Creative.

Gwidon: In the beginning it was just the two of us with Szymon, but in 2020 Jakub joined our company and he’s now one of the key people in the company.

How did the three of you get involved in the live events?

Gwidon: We all came into live events through different routes. I personally come from the theater.

Jakub Czarnik: I was practically born into the industry. My father is one of the distributors in the Polish market. So, you could say I started quite early – I made my first cuelist when I was four!

Szymon: As for me, I started as a technician at a large Polish company, working on festivals, television shows, and the like. Then I moved to Green Beam Design and worked there for about three years. It was at one of the festivals we did that I met Gwidon, and that’s how we started.

Gwidon: Yes, it started in a really weird way actually, but we can’t talk about that. Let’s just say that the party was rough! (laughs)

"Having a software-only option was really useful for some smaller concerts."

Szymon Płotkowski

Mech Creative

What kind of work do you do?

Gwidon: We work with all kinds of music and concerts. I personally also try to stay involved with theaters. We handle events too, like the Night Embassy event for Jägermeister in Poland. For that, we transformed several spaces within the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw to create a club-like atmosphere. 

Szymon: To be honest, we haven’t cut anything out from the work we did before we started with Mech Creative. I still work for television, and Jakub is also a consultant to several manufacturers of lighting fixtures. We operate as Mech Creative, but at the same time, we continue all the work we’ve done previously.

Jakub: Exactly. We continue all our past work but as Mech Creative, we tackle festivals, events, and concerts spanning all genres—from electronic to hip-hop, pop, and rock. Basically, everything you can imagine.

Szymon: Because we want to have as much say as possible in the visuals of our projects. So we try to assist with multimedia, production, scenography, and set design.

Gwidon: I think you could say we strive to be the art directors for our concerts, tours, and events.

Jakub: Yes, we even create some of the content and design some of the scenography ourselves. We don’t do it manually, of course, but we can handle it all. It depends on the project’s needs, as they vary, but we’re capable of doing everything, and we do!

You recently started using LightAct in your productions. How did you come to this decision?

Szymon: I was looking for a different way to use Notch blocks in a concert. And I was looking at the Notch site and found a list of softwares that supported Notch blocks. LightAct was of course on that list. I contacted you, you gave me a two-week license, I reprogrammed everything in LightAct, everything went well, and that’s how we started using it.

Gwidon: We like to break the walls and do something different. We like new solutions; we really love new technologies and all that stuff. I think Jakub is the best of us at developing and searching for new technologies and finding answers to all our questions about how to do things differently.

Jakub: Yeah, we’re looking for the right tools for a job, let’s say. So, for every job, we’re looking for solutions that will fit the best. And that’s why we are here with LightAct as well.

"We love that we can get direct support from LightAct technicians."

Gwidon Wydrzyński

Mech Creative

You’ve been using LightAct for 2 years now. How do you like it so far?

Jakub: We’ve done quite a few shows with LightAct over the past two years. Last year, we used it for Oki’s tour. At the beginning of this year, we worked on the Genzie tour. We also finished a show with Kuban at Torwar hall in Warsaw using it. It went quite smoothly; LightAct is an easy-to-use software.

The node-based layers are incredibly intuitive for us because we build exactly what we need. At the same time, we don’t end up with eight universes of layers in our lighting console if we have simple needs for a show. Sometimes we just need a dimmer and the play state of a layer, and that’s it. Other times, we need a lot of functions, and LightAct gives us the flexibility to use all of them.

Szymon: And of course, we used a dedicated server for some productions, but there was a day when we had two concerts, and one of them was run on one of our computers. So, having the possibility to do that is also a good thing.

"The node-based layers are incredibly intuitive for us because we can build exactly what we need."

Jakub Czarnik

Mech Creative

What I noticed is that you are very independent. You do all these shows and there is not a single support request coming from you. How did you manage to achieve that?

Szymon: That’s also because we’re quite busy!

Gwidon: Yes, but you know, support is something we appreciate very much. We love to be in touch with technicians and get support directly from the producer of the software.

Jakub: It’s always good to talk with the people who actually make the software, unlike some other companies where a feature request just goes nowhere. That’s a nice thing. Every time we have any needs, I just drop you a message on Discord, and it’s usually solved quite fast. It depends on the idea, but all the things we need are in the software right now, so we’re happy with it.

What do you see as an emerging trend?

Szymon: I’m not sure if you want to hear this, but we’re seeing a return to analog scenography, with LED screens potentially integrated within it. All the augmented reality and virtual reality stuff? I think that’s becoming a thing of the past.

Gwidon: Yes, actually, you’re right. That’s a challenging question for us!

Jakub: It’s not bad, though, because I think content is becoming much more interactive with the whole scene and scenery. That’s the direction I believe everything is heading. Internationally, you see many shows using tracking of kinetic trusses and similar elements, which are integrated with LED screens and their content. I think that’s a really cool direction.

Gwidon: Yes, that’s a really cool way. But I guess those are actually the two main popular directions things are going in.

Jakub: I think they can be merged together.

Szymon: Perhaps we should distinguish between the Polish market and the world market. On the Polish market, we’re finding that big LED screens are becoming boring, and people are tired of them. Meanwhile, globally, you have massive screens, like for Adele’s concerts in Munich last year. But in Poland, we’re increasingly using physical sets, with less content and fewer LED screens. I think we’re getting back to a balance, because for the last few years, it was unbalanced, with too many LED screens.

Gwidon: Yes, every concert was about the visuals and the big LED screens in the back. But in Poland, there’s often no money for developing technologies to do things like in the international market, as Jakub mentioned—reactive content with kinetics and similar elements. There are no budgets for that, even on big tours or festival tours.

Jakub: I think time is what’s missing.

Gwidon: Time and budget, I guess. It’s super time-consuming.

Szymon: We’re ready to implement tracking in our shows, but there hasn’t been an event with the budget and time to actually use LightAct for tracking.

Jakub: So, that’s the issue we’re facing right now. If we have a show with some kind of budget that allows us to use creative stuff like kinetics, we often don’t have the time to actually integrate it with generative content that can use data from any system. That’s the issue. For Męskie Granie, for instance, we get final tracks a week before the festival starts, and we need to produce all the content and program video and lighting in that week. It’s a nightmare.

Gwidon: Yes, it’s really hard stuff to do. So, it’s about the money, about the time. 

That’s the Polish market. Welcome.

Links

Big Shows, Fast Workflows

Rightway Audio Consultants Invests in LightAct’s Latest Media Servers

LightAct media servers - reActor, Double, Unit and Mini

Rightway Audio Consultants, a premier provider of audio and visual solutions, serving the entertainment, corporate, and cultural sectors across Greater China, has made a significant investment in the latest generation of LigthtAct’s media servers including the flagship model reActor. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Rightway Audio Consultants deliver comprehensive solutions for some of the most demanding projects in the region.

Eric Liew, Business Development Manager at Rightway Audio Consultants, expressed his excitement about the new partnership: 

“The reActor 2.0 media servers are incredibly rugged and sturdy machines. Our clients in the staging and touring industry require technology that can withstand the demands of the road while consistently delivering flawless performance. LightAct’s reActor 2.0 ticks all the boxes, giving us the confidence to push the boundaries of creativity in our projects.”

Known for their exceptional ruggedness, flexibility, and high performance, reActor 2.0 media servers are set to enhance Rightway Audio Consultants’ capabilities in delivering top-tier touring and staging productions.

Langbin Zhou, Product Manager at Rightway Audio Consultants, highlighted the advanced features of the reActor 2.0: 

“What stands out with the reActor 2.0 is its unparalleled flexibility. Whether it’s managing real-time content, multi-display setups, or interacting with other control systems, these servers provide seamless integration across a wide range of scenarios. It’s the ultimate tool for any audiovisual project, large or small.”

 The reActor 2.0 media servers, developed by LightAct, are engineered to handle the rigors of touring while offering superior performance in live events, installations, and immersive experiences.

Adding to the enthusiasm, Charles Chan, Business Developer at Rightway Audio Consultants, emphasized the product’s value for the company’s core market: 

“For touring and staging, reliability and performance are paramount, and the reActor 2.0 delivers on both fronts. These media servers are built for the most demanding environments, and their capabilities ensure we can provide our clients with exceptional results every time. This investment strengthens our position as a leading technology provider in the industry.”

Rightway Audio Consultants’ investment in LightAct’s media servers reaffirms their commitment to staying at the forefront of audiovisual innovation and excellence.

Links

Big Shows, Fast Workflows

LightAct Joins Show Sage at LDI Expo 2024: Showcasing Innovative Solutions for Live Events

LightAct is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming LDI Expo 2024, taking place from 8th to 10th December in the Las Vegas Convention Center at Show Sage’s booth (#2123). This provides a great opportunity for attendees to experience LightAct’s latest solutions, including LightTrack, reActor media servers, and the new LightAct 4 software.

Recently, Show Sage has been appointed as LightAct’s authorized distributor for North America, enhancing access to advanced technology and providing technical support for clients in the region. Both LightAct and Show Sage are eager to demonstrate how their partnership enhances media server solutions for the AV industry.

Visitors will have the chance to explore:

A new generation of Media Servers

LightAct will present the latest range of its media servers raging from reActor, Double, Unit and Mini. This portfolio of reliable rack-mounted hardware provides a solution for audiovisual projects of any complexity or size.

The reActor series features rugged, shock-proof housing and supports multiple expansion modules: reActor xr2 is tailored for the most demanding real-time content while reActor Live2 is optimized for touring and rental applications. For straightforward video playback, the reActor v offers a dependable solution. 

The Double and Unit servers are compact and ideal for fixed installations, balancing performance and space efficiency. Additionally, the Mini server is specifically designed for lightweight video setups in confined spaces.

LightAct 4 Software focusing on  Performance and Reliability

LightAct prioritizes performance and reliability while consistently improving workflows for media server operators.  It combines fast timeline-based content sequencing with a flexible node-based layer system. It is a reliable and performant software and hardware solution offering a complete projection mapping toolset with projection study and proprietary camera-based projector calibration. It’s also the only media server with its own markerless tracking system.

It’s a new AV solution for creating amazing live events and memorable experiences.

A markerless tracking system designed for interactive installations and events

Using ceiling-mounted depth cameras, LightTrack tracks movement without needing beacons or markers. It operates reliably in various lighting conditions and can be used indoors and outdoors. Integrated with LightAct, it allows for seamless tracking, rendering, and output with minimal latency. The setup is straightforward, relying on Power-over-Ethernet cameras, which reduce complexity and support multiple cameras connected to a single server. Users can even simulate tracking data before purchase, allowing them to fine-tune visuals before installation. Once set up, switching from simulation to real data is effortless.

Mitja Prelovšek, CEO of LightAct, expressed enthusiasm for the event: “We are thrilled to showcase our products alongside Show Sage at LDI. Their experience in the AV industry makes them an ideal partner, and we look forward to demonstrating how our solutions can enhance live events.”

We invite all attendees to visit us at booth #2123 to see LightAct products in action and learn more about the exciting developments in immersive media. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how our innovative technologies can elevate your AV projects!

Links

Create the Experience

LightAct Expanding Presence in Eastern Europe

StageSource and Lightact partnership announcement

We are excited to announce the addition of Stage Source as our new distributor in Poland, further expanding the LightAct family and its presence in the Eastern European market.

At LightAct, we specialize in high-quality media server solutions that empower creative professionals to bring their artistic visions to life. Mitja Prelovšek, CEO of LightAct, commented, “This partnership represents a significant step in our commitment to growing our presence in the Eastern European market. Stage Source will play a crucial role as we develop innovative solutions for both existing and new AV teams in Poland.”

Stage Source is a trusted distributor of lighting and audio-video equipment across the event, stage, and TV sectors. They offer design and consulting services tailored to client needs, ensuring the delivery of customized solutions. With their expertise and dedication to quality, Stage Source connects professionals with the latest technology and reliable support.

Radosław Zacheja, President of the Management Board and COO of Stage Source added, “We are thrilled to bring advanced, flexible AV media solutions to our market. LightAct’s powerful capabilities offer unmatched synchronization, creative freedom, and seamless integration with other systems, making it a perfect choice for professionals in live events, installations, and immersive experiences. We believe this partnership will provide our customers with the tools they need to create truly stunning visual productions.“

As we embark on this new chapter, we look forward to collaborating closely with Stage Source developing new possibilities to support local teams in delivering exceptional experiences. We value the knowledge and experience that Stage Source brings to our network. They join the ranks of LightAct’s Frontrunners and certified LightAct operators in their market.

Stay tuned for updates and developments as we strengthen our presence in Eastern Europe!

Links

Create the Experience