PaintScaping revolutionizes Hollywood with mappings using AJA FiDO

The AJA FiDO mini fibre converters are helping PaintScaping to increase the size of its mappings, key to the promotion of key events in Los Angeles.

PaintScaping is a U.S.-based company specializing in mapping (3D projections) on iconic surfaces. It has recently worked with Black Entertainment to project a Delta IV Heavy rocket on the Hollywood sign, transformed Canada’s Victoria Harbour into Santa Claus’ workshop, and won the Guinness World Record for the largest video game projection. In all of these projects, its technical backend features several AJA FiDO mini fiber converters, which are used to move signals as workflows require 4K solutions.

The focus of each PaintScaping project varies from a technical standpoint, depending on the location or whether the installation will be temporary or permanent. Typically, projects require between 4 and 10 projectors, although the team has used up to 28 projectors simultaneously. Once the scope is defined, the PaintScaping team creates a 3D model of the projection mapping target using photogrammetry, which is used to select the viewpoint from which the effects will be rendered. From there, artists start the animation process, create storyboards, and prepare the content. During projections, converters are essential for routing signals, as Mike Cianciola, vice president of operations, explains, “We rely on AJA FiDO fiber Mini-Converters to move from HDMI and SDI between the media server and the projector; they’re really useful and reliable.”

While 1080 HD has been the standard in the projector industry for many years, 4K is gaining more and more adherents. Some installations are designed to get people closer to projections, which requires higher resolution images to minimize pixel visibility. With this in mind, Cianciola has implemented 4K 60p as PaintScaping’s commercial standard: “We use AJA FiDO 12Gs with tactical fiber to reliably move 4K signals more than 90-meters distances; they are perfect for that,” explains Cianciola. For playback, PaintScaping leverages MadMapper, Disguise and Alcorn McBride servers, as well as commonly used creative tools include Autodesk Maya and Maxon Cinema 4D, with some Unreal Engine from Epic Games.

“The reliability and redundancy AJA gear provides just can’t be beat. There’s an understanding that in event production it’s nearly impossible to balance quality, speed, and price – you’ll have to compromise in one area. We try to bridge those elements as much as possible to create projects affordably, fast, and with high quality, which is one of the many reasons why AJA products are always present in our workflows,” concludes the PaintScaping manager.