Project Planning Guide: Pictures at an Exhibition (Mussorgsky/USC) 40035

Project Planning Guide: Pictures at an Exhibition (Mussorgsky/USC) 40035

OVERVIEW


Composer: Modest Mussorgsky
Editions: The film was written to pair with the Ravel orchestration, but it is quite easy to sync to Mussorgsky's original and other arrangement (see "Verified Scores" section below)
Ravel Instrumentation: 3(II,III=picc).3(III=corA).2.bcl.asax.2.dbn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc:glsp/t.bells/xyl/cyms/tam-t/tgl/whip/BD/SD/rattle-2harps-cel-strings
Ravel Orchestration Available From: Boosey & Hawkes
Other Instrumentations: Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra or Full Orchestra
Duration: 35 minutes
Multimedia Assets: Synchronized Film
Tech Specs: Pictures at an Exhibition is a Mac Only production

THE BASICS


"Pictures at an Exhibition" (Ion Sku 40035) is a synchronized film that accompanies Modest Mussorgsky's composition of the same name. The film was commissioned in 2012 by Michael Tiolson Thomas and the New World Symphony in Miami, FL. Production was completed by the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Michael Patterson and Candace Reckinger directors. Score and parts are available through Boosey & Hawkes or others, the film is distributed through Ion Concert Media.

The film is available in two formats: three panels with one projector, and three panels with three projectors.
  1. 3 Panel, One Projector Format
    The three panel, one projector format includes one 1920x1080 image to projected for the audience. The visuals appear on the display surface in a long and narrow panoramic footprint. The projected image fills up roughly 2/3 of the screen surface with black letterboxing above and below (see image above). The film can be projected onto the back wall cyc curtain or a standard projection screen. 
  2. The three panel, three projector format includes three 1920x1080 images that will be projected onto three separate display surfaces. The center image fills an entire 1920x1080 screen while the left and right panel are centered in a 1920x1080 display surface with letterboxing on the left and the right edges. (see image below)
    3 Panel, Three Projector Format


3 Panel, 3 Projector Sample Video

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS


Sync Solution. Muséik is the exclusive synchronizing technology for Pictures at an Exhibition. Muséik allows the digital media to follow live tempo in real time. Please see other Knowledge Base articles to learn more about the technology. If you have not used Muséik in the past, please allow 6-8 weeks minimum for technical planning. You will not need all of this time, but it is much better to stay ahead of schedule than to be forced to rush things the week of your concert.

Video. The presenting organization is responsible for arranging projectors and display surfaces. Please consult with your local AV rental service to determine proper sizes for screens and projectors. The Show Files will only play on Mac computers; the show cannot be run with Windows machines.

Three-Panel, Three Projectors Production. To produce Pictures at an Exhibition with three screens there are several special considerations. First, it must be determined how and where three display surfaces can be located in the performance venue. Physically hanging three screens with three projectors is an option. We recommend the three screens be hung at equal heights. The center screen should be the same size or larger than the two side screens.
The distance between screens is flexible, but they generally should be grouped without lots of space between them. Be sure to consider both size and location of the screens and the placement of your projectors when exploring this option.

Three-screen productions uses three different projectors (or LED screens) and will require a video wall controller to split the signal between the three output sources. Refer to the article Using A Video Wall Controller to Project on Multiple Surfaces for more information. You may check with your local AV rental company to source a video wall controller locally. We have found many of the units available for rent are quite expensive and complicated. Our preferred solution is the Matrox QuadHead2Go, a small and simple video wall controller that is as close to "plug and play" as you will find. Ion Concert Media owns one of these units and makes it available to our customers at a low weekly rental rate. See "EQUIPMENT RENTAL" below for more information.

VERIFIED SCORES

The film was written to synchronize with the Ravel orchestration of the musical work. However, it is quite easy to sync the film to Mussorgsky's original piano score or many of the other arrangements available.

There are two differences between the original Mussorgsky score and the Ravel orchestration:
  1. The Promenade after the "Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuÿle" movement is cut in the Ravel orchestration.
  2. In the "Baba Yaga" movement Ravel adds two measures before the Andante mosso.


BOOKING

Score and parts are available from Boosey & Hawkes. FIlm files are available from Ion Concert Media. To order the film and audio files:
1. Go to the Pictures at an Exhibition product page linked here. Select the version of the film you require and add it to your cart.
2. Go to Checkout and complete the order process.
3. Connect us with your Museik operator.
4. Once we have your order and an email address for your operator we will send the Show Files through a file transfer service directly to your operator (the Show Files are not available for immediate download on our site).
5. The Picture at an Exhibition Show Files will ship with a license expiration date approximately two weeks after your scheduled performance. If you need extra time with the files please let us know.

PRODUCTION


Your Museik operator will be our main contact for the production. After the Show Files have been delivered we will work with the operator to provide training on the Muséik software and any technical assistance that may be required. We often are asked to participate in a conference call with the hall tech director as well to walk through equipment and cabling needs. We are happy to provide this service and invite you to schedule a phone call or video conference using our online meeting scheduling service. You can find the meeting request form at this link or by clicking "Request a Meeting" in the CONTACT US drop down menu on the website's main navigation menu.

Ion Concert Media will provide the Muséik software, the required Show Files, and training materials. The presenting organization is responsible for sourcing computers to run the program and any cables or converters necessary. Please refer to the Muséik Quick Start Guide for additional information about using Muséik in your production. Additional help docs and training tutorials are available in the Ion Concert Media Knowledge Base.

SUPPORT


We are happy to provide technical support for your production. We are available by phone or email to answer questions or assist with technology planning for your show. We will ask you to let us know the dates and times of your performances and will make 24-hour technical support available to you beginning 48 hours before your first performance. To request assistance you may
1. Click "Submit A Ticket" in the CONTACT US menu dropdown on our site,
3. Call us at +1 (612) 999-1119

EQUIPMENT RENTAL


Ion Concert Media has a small inventory of production equipment available for rent including signal converters, signal boosters, video wall controllers, and video switchers. These items are available to our customers at low weekly rental rates. Rental of the equipment also includes support from the Ion Support Team. To search our available equipment navigate to the SHOP page at www.ionconcertmedia.com and then select "Equipment Rental" in the available filters.

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