projeksjonsdesignere

Projeksjonsdesignere (projection designers) are professionals who plan and execute projected imagery as part of the production design in theatre, dance, opera, film, and large-scale live events. They create visuals that support storytelling, using video, animation, and computer-generated imagery projected onto screens, set pieces, or architectural surfaces. The role requires close collaboration with the director, set designer, lighting designer, and technical director to integrate imagery with lighting, scenery, and sound.

Responsibilities include developing concepts and storyboards, creating or curating content, and designing a projection map that aligns with the performance. They select surfaces, determine projector requirements (brightness, resolution, contrast), and configure multi-projector setups with edge blending and warping. They oversee playback and cues via media servers or software, manage file formats and backups, and troubleshoot during rehearsals and performances.

Common tools and techniques include projection mapping software (TouchDesigner, Isadora, Resolume, MadMapper), media servers (Watchout, Resolume Arena), and video/editing tools. They coordinate installation and calibration with technicians and may operate the system live. Equipment considerations include projector throw distance, lens choice, calibration, color matching, and integration with LED walls or physical set elements.

History and context: Projection design expanded with electronic video in theatre and film and grew with digital projectors and real-time processing in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today it is a standard discipline in contemporary theatre, dance, opera, and live events, requiring technical knowledge of optics, color management, and stagecraft, as well as strong collaboration with the broader production team. Training paths include theatre technology, digital media, and dedicated projection-design programs.