Painting with Light, a lighting and multimedia expert, has announced that its smart light technology is being used to boost Alterface’s new interactive dark ride, Popcorn Revenge.
The Belgian-based company has created a lighting scheme that enhances the interactive attraction, thanks to its understanding of ride dynamics. The project takes into account visitor perspectives, angles and the overall story, using lighting to create impact at crucial moments.
David Younger, an expert in theme park design, said: “A dark ride is a predominantly indoor tracked attraction through sets, taking its name not from being dark inside, but because of the use of artificial illumination throughout. Without it, the attraction would be totally dark.”
For Popcorn Revenge, Painting with Light was responsible for designing and installing the complete lighting infrastructure of the ride. The dynamic lighting technology was key in creating the right atmosphere and buzz for the attraction.
“We really had to get our heads inside the psychology of the Popcorn Revenge characters and storyline,“ said Luc Peumans, CEO of Painting with Light. To add to the challenge, Popcorn Revenge is a new type of dark ride. It is the first non-linear erratic ride. The ride vehicles take a random journey through three of six scenes, themed as mini-movie theatres.
Alterface CEO and founder Benoit Cornet said: “The importance of lighting a dark ride is often underestimated, yet it’s a crucial element to enhance visitor experiences. It’s been a pleasure for Alterface to work with Painting with Light, infusing our interactive attractions with their valuable expertise.”
For this project, the lighting needed to enhance and supported the video action appearing on the screen in each space. It was also important that the lighting helped to escalate the gameplay while blending seamlessly with other visual elements.
Eleven areas required imaginative lighting, including the individual theatre spaces through which the ride cars pass. Painting with Light also provided lighting for the queuing area and car loading station. Working from the technical drawings of the scenery and descriptions of the visual material in each space, the company created a technical lighting design. This included illustrations of how the lights would be used as well as explanations of practical aspects like cabling and maintenance.
Lighting in the dispatch area is used to communicate four different moods. The darkness of black light and UV creates suspense while “angry” is denoted with blue chasing lights. The other moods are “happy,” lit with bright and positive colours and “melodrama,” a gaudy, chaotic atmosphere with flashing and clashing colours.
