BUDGET: 11 crore INR and above (USD1.48 million and above)
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Gateway of India, an iconic basalt monument standing 26 meters tall in South Mumbai, now hosts a permanent projection mapping spectacle. This mesmerizing show commemorates India’s independence and the 75th anniversary of the British troop withdrawal, celebrating Maharashtra’s contributions to the freedom struggle.
E Factor, a leading event planner, installed and commissioned eight Christie Crimson WU31 laser projectors to bring this vision to life. These projectors, known for their high brightness and colour accuracy, deliver vivid visuals that enhance the monument’s visual appeal. Bespoke weatherproof enclosures with intelligent automation systems ensure durability and performance in Mumbai’s coastal environment.
Positioned 100 meters from the monument, the projectors create a multi-dimensional experience, further enhanced by rolled-in screens on all three arches. This installation not only elevates the monument’s status as a top tourist attraction but also showcases advanced projection technology and the successful collaboration between Christie and E Factor, resulting in a captivating and enduring tribute to India’s history.
WHAT DID THE CLIENT WANT TO ACHIEVE?
The client aimed to create a captivating multimedia light and sound show at the iconic Gateway of India, focusing on several key narratives. The show celebrates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy and Maharashtra’s crucial role in India’s freedom movement. It also depicts the uprising in Maharashtra and Mumbai, honours “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” and showcases India’s progress, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the next 25 years.
Using eight Christie Crimson WU31 laser projectors, the client sought to deliver a vibrant, immersive experience that highlights India’s rich history and future aspirations. The project includes a unique, permanent installation with movable props and additional rolled-in screens on all three arches of the Gateway, enhancing the multi-dimensional and multi-layered visual experience. This approach is unprecedented in India, offering a dynamic and engaging tribute that enhances the monument’s appeal and showcases Maharashtra’s valour and India’s progression in a new, impactful way.
SCOPE OF WORK YOUR COMPANY WAS INVOLVED IN
E Factor played a pivotal role in bringing the multimedia light and sound show at the Gateway of India to life. Their involvement spanned across several critical areas to ensure the project’s success. To begin, E Factor conducted extensive market research to select the ideal projection technology, ultimately choosing eight Christie Crimson WU31 laser projectors for their brightness, performance, and installation flexibility. They designed and manufactured bespoke weatherproof enclosures equipped with intelligent automation systems to protect the projectors from Mumbai’s coastal environment, ensuring reliable operation.
E Factor also handled the complete system integration with content, coordinating the technical aspects to seamlessly blend visuals, sound, and storytelling. They utilized Watchout multi-display software for synchronized content management across multiple projectors, ensuring a cohesive and captivating visual experience. The media server video playback system further enhanced this by providing high-quality, real-time playback of the meticulously crafted content. To complement the stunning visuals, E Factor incorporated TW Audio products from Germany, renowned for their superior sound quality, to deliver a rich audio experience.
WHAT KEY CHALLENGES WERE FACED?
Creating the light and sound show at the Gateway of India presented several significant challenges. The primary issue was the need to frequently relocate the installation farther from the monument than initially planned, which required continuous coordination with the Christie technical team to adapt to the changing requirements.
The coastal environment posed another major challenge. The high levels of moisture and seawater exposure increased the risk of equipment corrosion. Ensuring clear visibility from a distance added complexity, as did the integration of rolled-in screens on all three arches of the Gateway, which involved additional logistical hurdles.
The project also required creating a panoramic visual narrative covering over 1,000 years of history. Each character and scene needed to match historical references provided by the Department of Culture and was subject to approval by the Censor Board before visualization began. The Gateway’s uneven façade posed difficulties for 3D mapping, necessitating carefully marking safe projection areas. This combination of challenges required meticulous planning and execution to create a compelling and immersive experience.
HOW WERE THOSE CHALLENGES RESOLVED?
E Factor adeptly resolved and overcame the challenges faced in creating the light and sound show at the Gateway of India through meticulous planning, innovative solutions, and seamless collaboration with Christie. The frequent need to relocate the installation farther from the monument required continuous coordination with the Christie technical team. They responded swiftly to the evolving demands, adjusting technical specifications and ensuring the projectors’ effectiveness in the new positions. This collaborative approach allowed for flexible and efficient problem-solving.
E Factor designed and manufactured bespoke weatherproof enclosures for the Christie Crimson WU31 laser projectors to address the challenge of coastal weather. These enclosures featured intelligent automation systems that detected and responded to changes in temperature and humidity, protecting the projectors from moisture and seawater exposure.
Positioning the projectors 100 meters away on towers necessitated precise calibration and alignment to achieve optimal visibility. E Factor’s expertise in system integration and technical adjustments ensured the projectors were accurately placed, delivering stunning visuals even from a distance.
HOW HAS YOUR WORK HELPED THE CLIENT?
The work done on the light and sound show at the Gateway of India has significantly benefited the client in several impactful ways. Firstly, the successful execution of this project has transformed the Gateway of India into a vibrant, multi-dimensional visual experience that honours India’s independence and Maharashtra’s role in the freedom movement. By showcasing the monument in a new, immersive light, the project enhances its status as a top tourist attraction, drawing more visitors and increasing public engagement.
The use of advanced projection technology enabled the client to deliver high-quality, bright, and colourful visuals that effectively communicate historical and cultural narratives. The bespoke weatherproof enclosures and precise projector positioning have ensured that the installation remains durable and reliable despite the harsh coastal environment. This longevity of the installation provides ongoing value, maintaining the show’s impact and appeal over time.
Incorporating TW Audio products and utilizing Watchout multi-display software for synchronized content management has created a seamless, high-quality audio-visual experience. This comprehensive approach showcases the client’s commitment to delivering an exceptional and memorable spectacle.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THE PROJECT?
The E Factor team takes immense pride in successfully executing the light and sound show at the Gateway of India, one of India’s most iconic monuments. This project stands out as a monumental achievement, not only due to the site’s historical and cultural significance but also because of the innovative solutions implemented.
The team is particularly proud of its ability to overcome the challenges posed by the coastal environment, including moisture and corrosion, by designing bespoke weatherproof enclosures for the Christie Crimson WU31 projectors. Additionally, the projectors’ precise positioning and the seamless integration of advanced technologies like Watchout multi-display software and TW Audio products created an unparalleled visual and auditory experience.
This installation represents a high point in E Factor’s portfolio, showcasing its expertise in delivering large-scale, high-impact projects. The project’s success in enhancing the Gateway of India’s visual appeal and cultural relevance reflects E Factor’s commitment to excellence and innovation in creating unforgettable experiences for audiences.
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