Let’s talk projection mapping – the technology that’s turning ordinary events into mind-blowing visual experiences. Imagine a tree coming alive with swirling galaxies or a building morphing into a playground for flying dinosaurs. That’s projection mapping in action, an immersive combination of technology and art. For Marvin Sanders, TPN’s Creative Technologist, it’s THE way to elevate storytelling at live events.

So, What Is Projection Mapping Anyway?

Think of it as throwing a high-tech light show, but instead of a flat screen, the visuals are projected onto buildings, domes, sculptures, you name it.  Instead of covering a surface with LEDs, which may be impractical or costly or both, projection mapping makes it possible to display visuals on complex structures.

Case in point: Marvin recalls an event where his team turned a 40-foot geodesic dome into a 360° gaming extravaganza. Attendees kicked back in gaming chairs, surrounded by vibrant scenes that swirled around them. To do this type of event-based experiential dome in LED would be both time and cost prohibitive.

Why It’s a Storytelling Game-Changer

When done right, projection mapping doesn’t just make things look cool; it pulls audiences into a story. Marvin’s golden rule?  “Establish a reality, then break it.”

One example is with a large-scale architectural projection. The producers start by projecting the building’s normal appearance onto the façade, so as darkness falls, the building appears naturally lit. Then, BAM—a pterodactyl flies across the building— and audiences feel they’re witnessing something extraordinary. That seamless shift from reality to illusion is where the magic happens. Projection mapping adds a "wow" factor that captivates audiences and leaves them with an unforgettable experience.

How It All Comes Together

Each projection mapping project starts with sizing up the location. Designers need to consider the space, its dimensions, and how people will move through it. "You start with getting the technical details—where projectors will be mounted, the equipment specifications--and then it’s on to the creative part: designing visuals with tools like After Effects and Cinema 4D,” Marvin explains.

Fun fact: For the dome project, Marvin and team rendered visuals in 12K resolution and used multiple 4K projectors. The rendering process lasted TWO WEEKS, and that included a dedicated server setup and a sidekick server farm.

Projection mapping requires tight collaboration with production and technical teams. Elements like projector placement, resolution, and blending between projectors are all crucial. For a flawless visual experience, Marvin works closely with TPN’s production crew to ensure the mapping seamlessly fits into the overall event design.

Technical Hurdles

Projection mapping isn’t without its challenges. Marvin’s team faced some wild hurdles during the dome project in sunny Los Angeles. Heat and air pressure changes played havoc with the projection blends inside the dome, so they had to tweak and set up presets for seamless adjustments every 30 minutes. The result? A flawless, day-long show.

Oh, and let’s not forget those massive render times. High-res projects like these take patience, skill, and yes, serious hardware.

Where and When to Use Projection Mapping

The short answer: almost anywhere you want to blow people’s minds. Projection mapping works in many settings and is particularly effective in large-scale venues where the visual impact can wow audiences. Some go-to options:

• Big events: Mapping can create jaw-dropping visuals for brand launches, galas, or entertainment venues.
• Outdoor installations: Perfect for historic sites or natural settings where screens are a no-go.
• Architectural projection: Turn buildings and structures into a canvas, captivating audiences from afar.

What’s Next for Projection Mapping?

Technology is leveling up fast. Laser projectors are sharper and brighter, and tools like Unreal Engine are promising faster rendering speeds, though Marvin notes that they can’t yet handle the same complexities as tools like Cinema 4D, Max and Maya when it comes to particle simulations for effects like water, smoke, or fire.

Another cool trend is combining projection mapping with augmented and virtual reality to create hyper-realistic simulations and multi-sensory experiences that blur the boundaries between the virtual and physical worlds. Finally, advancements in motion tracking and gesture recognition are adding an interactive twist, letting audiences literally play with the visuals.

Final Thoughts

At TPN, projection mapping isn’t just about flashy visuals—it’s a storytelling tool that adds dimension and depth to events, allowing audiences to step into another world. As Marvin puts it, “It's that emotional, visceral response that makes projection mapping one of my favorite things to do.” By combining art, tech, and a dash of imagination, event professionals can create visuals that leave audiences mesmerized and inspired.