The University of Sussex paid tribute to the late Lord (Richard) Attenborough on the first anniversary of his death (24th August) with a projection show screened onto the stunning Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.
A mix of film clips from his life as actor and director, 3D animations of moving bricks and photos were used to bring the newly refurbished building to life. The university commissioned 3Dify to produce the show, who provided creative direction and worked in partnership with projection designer Nina Dunn of somethingGraphic, Developing Dreams, who project managed the event, and This World Productions.
Richard Attenborough’s most iconic performances include him as Pinkie in BRIGHTON ROCK and creator of JURASSIC PARK. He also directed GANDHI, which won two Oscars, CRY FREEDOM and CHAPLIN.
Lord Attenborough’s son, Michael Attenborough said: ”I think it would be true to say that the film that Sussex University projected onto the side of the Attenborough Centre represents the multi-faceted personality that my Dad was. The moment you tried to pin him down and define him, he’d wriggle away and be somebody else. Of course he acted in over 100 films and directed or produced a huge number, but he didn’t see art as something isolated from the rest of life and he learned from his parents that a full involvement in the wide world was every bit as important.”
The video production team consisted of 3D animator Nick Nenov, 2D animator Louise Rhoades-Brown, and film editor Noor Alnaqeeb. Sound design was by Sebastian Frost and lighting by Richard White. Sam Jeffs was the chief video technician with Daniel English as a second video technician. The equipment supplier was XL Video.
Background information:
The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts is a state-of-the-art cultural hub for the University of Sussex and the wider arts and local communities to come together for regular performances, screenings, exhibitions and conferences. Located on its Falmer campus, the Centre also provides an important new teaching and research space for the University.
3Dify creates immersive experiences using emerging technology. The company, featured as one of the leading tech start-ups in Brighton by the Observer Tech Monthly, consults on artistic, technical, and fabrication projects. 3Dify designed and built the UK’s first 3D body scanning and 3D printing art installation in 2013.
The company has scanned people at high profile events, including FT Innovate Conference, BBC Click 3D printing special, Tech4Good Awards, Brighton Fashion Week, and Brighton Digital Festival. They create interactive 3D images from the scan data that are viewable online, in augmented reality, virtual reality, and 3D print mini sculptures of people and objects. They also offer 360 degree object photography, 3D modelling and 3D printing services. 3Dify is currently working on a novel, dual purpose, portable, instant capture system, which is a 3D body scanner that can be transformed into a 360 degree time-freeze rig, partly funded by Innovate UK.
SomethingGraphic is run by Brighton-based independent video & projection designer Nina Dunn who creates integrated video & projection designs for Theatre and Live Events. She is also a lecturer, helping to devise and deliver undergraduate courses and mentoring programs in leading UK educational institutions. Recent work for Theatre and Opera includes: The Merchant of Venice (Almeida); Usagi Yojimbo (Southwark); Rocky Horror (BB Promotions – Euorpean Tour); Minetti (Edinburgh International Festival); The Energy Show, (Science Museum, London and UK Tour). Immersive and Live Events include: ‘Alice’s Adventures Underground’ (Les Enfants Terribles / Emma Brunjes Productions) and ‘Back To The Future’.