Scorpions' Global Tour Develops with ATEM 8K Live Production Architecture
The Scorpions' Rock Believer World Tour 2022 promises an immersive live experience, backed by a sophisticated and adaptable stage and production design. At the heart of this design is a combination of advanced modular lighting fixtures and a high-quality multi-camera video production setup.
Lighting Design
The lighting fixtures for the tour are modular, multi-effect Martin fixtures, designed for real-world conditions. They offer multiple layers of effects, precise façade framing for creative flexibility, and a compact, lightweight design suitable for easy integration and outdoor durability. The fixtures feature smart control options such as DMX, RDM, magnetic switch, and standalone programming via Martin Companion software, accommodating straightforward configuration and a power-saving hibernation mode. Notably, these fixtures are all-weather rated for outdoor use, making them ideal for the tour's performances.
Video Production Workflow
The video design and multi-camera production workflow incorporate Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2 cameras and ATEM Constellation 8K live production mixers. The URSA Broadcast G2 cameras offer broadcast-grade image quality, portability, and versatility for dynamic concert filming, while the ATEM Constellation 8K provides powerful live video switching, keying, effects, and multi-view monitoring crucial for complex live event production workflows.
The live video elements for the tour use a multi-camera setup with five URSA Broadcast G2 cameras. These cameras feed into an ATEM Constellation 8K, which is then routed to the tour's LED screen setup. The screens include a rear screen and two portrait IMAG screens to the left and right of the stage.
The concert's video mixes for each screen are produced using a series of mini-video mixes and the Switcher's four mixing layers, all operated simultaneously. This setup enables high-quality multi-camera video capture with flexibility for live switching and mixing at 8K resolution, ensuring professional live broadcast or recording of the tour performances.
Stage Design
The stage set is made of metal grids and has been made in duplicate for simultaneous performances in the USA and Europe. It features a pyramid-shaped drum riser and a semi-circular stage set, with both the drum riser and the stage including various lamps and blinders.
The video concepts had to work in the Zappos Theatre and during the tour dates in the arena. The central visual element is the pyramid-shaped drum riser, surrounded by a semi-circular stage set. The oval shape of the Zappos Theatre presented an additional challenge in developing the video concepts.
Technical Setup
The programme feed and an FOH camera feed are recorded using multiple HyperDeck Studio HD Plus broadcast decks. The camera and studio fibre optic converters used in the setup are controlled via the ATEM Camera Control Panel, reducing the cabling required for the workflow. The live camera signals are fed into an ATEM Constellation 8K via a Smart Videohub 40×40 12G router.
Conclusion
The integration of these technologies supports a sophisticated and adaptable stage and production design strategy, creating an immersive live experience on the Rock Believer World Tour. Manfred Nikitser, the band's production and lighting designer, has crafted a show design and lighting concept that follows a classic, analogue rock'n'roll look. This tour, with its advanced technology and immersive design, sets a new standard for live concert experiences.
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