Make projections look brighter
Short answer: Brightness depends on four things: projector lumens, stage lighting, ambient light and the scenery itself. Use a projector of at least 5,000 lumens, place it as close to the surface as you can, keep stage light off the projection surface, and favor blue and purple lighting over amber.
Stage and ambient light
- Keep stage and house light from hitting the projection surface directly.
- Aim lights to land about 5 feet in front of the screen; angle them down or use barn doors.
- Light from the wings (light trees) instead of overhead where you can.
- Cut down light bouncing off the floor within 5 feet of the surface.
- Use cool hues. Blues and purples work much better than amber, which washes out projections regardless of projector brightness.
- Bring projections up before the stage lights go to full.
The projector
- Use at least 5,000 lumens. Less makes scenery look darker.
- Place the projector as close to the surface as possible.
- Use a short-throw lens to concentrate the light on the surface.
The surface
Light-colored, matte surfaces work best: a cyc, painted flats or a light wall. A projection surface painted to about 15% gray improves contrast.
There's no single setting that fits every venue; balance these factors in a tech rehearsal.
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Still stuck?
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