One of many video items in The Rolling Stones Exhibitionism is a 3m high video mapped 3D version of the Bands iconic logo. In this blog post we go into detail how, collaborating with Dandelion and Burdock and Jonathon Lyle, we realised this aspect of the project.
The fist steps were taken in parallel with one and other. Jonathon Lyle conducted projection studies to make sure it was possible within the space and we made the tongue and lips into a 3D object. It is usually seen as a two dimensional graphic, so working with D&B we undertook a process of modelling and review to achieve the best possible 3D likeness.
Once happy with this the object was 3D printed in 3 parts to allow it to pack down for touring. It also had a lot of hand finishing to smooth out the surface and then a spray coat of projection friendly paint. Due to the hand finishing we had to have the object scanned again and the meshes corrected to ensure accuracy.
While the object was being manufactured we developed a verity of looks for the tongue and lips, some based on iconic looks it has been given over the years, others were invented like a flag for every country the band have toured to and other ideas came out of our collective imagination.
The next and hardest part of the process was lining up the projectors onto the object. Projection is delivered via a blend of 5 units. Due to the object being completely curved it is a matter of trial and error to get the vertex’s of the model in the software matched up to where it sits on the object itself. Jonathon Lyle spent many hours, mostly over night with many cups of tea tweaking the line up until perfect.
