This highly publicised event gave Formative the opportunity to showcase their creativity in motion graphics and VFX design along with the the latest technology for live events and productions, using technology that has taken live entertainment to a new level.

The event

Formative created all of the 3d awards sequences and a combination of 2d and 3d visuals for 10 collaborative performances from top local and international artists, which included Neyo, Jhene Aiko, AKA and P-Square. All the performance visuals were custom designed for each artist. Each had a unique backdrop, lights and set changes that the team were able to visualise, create and run through fully ahead of time. A number of performance visuals were synced to track via time code, which made for an incredible all-round sensory experience.

“We premade most of the visual content in the studio and spent a week on site in Durban programming, testing and modifying the sequences to fit in with the creative design for each performance,” says Grant Orchard, creative director of Formative. “We created three brand new performance sequences on site.”

“The beauty of having a full animation and graphics team on site meant that we were able to take our creativity to a new level, using the stage design itself to inspire some of the special touch-ups we were able to achieve,” says Orchard. “The creativity started back in the studio, but really came to life when we were able to play around using the dynamics of the stage on site.”

The best technology in the world
Not only was Formative hand-picked by MTV to create the graphics, but they are were also tasked with providing the content playback system, they are currently the only production design and motion graphics company in Africa to own and operate the d3 technologies video production suite, leading-edge software and hardware playback technology.

“We work with one of the world’s most advanced graphic and video production suites, known as d3 technologies,” says Gareth Hadden, business director of Formative. “It is a state-of-the-art, fully integrated playback system that allows us to pre-visualise and pre-programme the show to the enth degree in a 3d space. We can do anything we’re able to imagine for our customer’s live events, and we are the only people in Africa with this technology and the know-how to tap into its powerful capabilities.”

The world of event management has become ever more demanding, with each production trying to out-do the other in terms of special effects to wow the audience. Producing a world class event means you need to work with the best in project management, set design, lighting, visual effects, sound and so much more. Plus, all of this has to be built on top of a concept that is unique, creative and above all, entertaining. If any of these areas don’t deliver, the event could be a very costly and embarrassing disaster.

“We know how pressurised this industry is, and our customers choose us because they don’t want to be let down on the night,” says Orchard. “We don’t just design stages. We create atmosphere, control the lights, AV and the entire event environment, all from powerful servers for an overwhelmingly fantastic live experience.”

“It’s all about being as creative and innovative as we can be that sets us apart from our competitors and producing a show that is memorable with the audience,” says Orchard.

Formative are well known for their work on Skouspel 2014 and the upcoming 2015 music concert where they will be creating the set design and video content. For the last two years they’ve done stage, set and visual design for many projects of varying types, from broadcasts such as Afri-Visie to the V&A Waterfront’s annual New Year’s Eve parties, one of which was one of South Africa’s largest Projection Mapping experiences, and are looking forward to doing so for the third year running. Other events they’ve done include corporate functions for Nedbank, Rand Merchant Bank and Santam, as well as award shows like the Bookmarks, AfricaCom and the upcoming Mbokodo Awards honouring South African women in the arts.

“In an industry sometimes beset by a lack of creativity, we are excited that a South African company is ahead of the curve in terms of the latest technology and creative effects,” says Orchard. “We’re really looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for the entertainment industry in South Africa.” 

About Formative

Formative is an ambitious production design studio based in the Woodstock Exchange, Cape Town, that delivers bespoke live event, stage and brand architecture. Their concepts orchestrate scenic, lighting, video and motion into a singular vision for a world class event.

For more information, visit www.formative.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.