PRG and Levitation 29 have teamed up with Surrey NanoSystems, creator of Vantablack, to showcase it to the entertainment sector.
Production Resources Group LLC (PRG), Levitation 29
and Surrey NanoSystems have announced that they will partner in order to allow the live entertainment and media industry to use Vantablack® super-black coatings and coated products on stage and on screen.
The companies will host a special Vantablack demo space in New York, so that creative and set designers will be able to experience it entirely. PRG will also explore the coating’s application across several markets, including music events, esports, television and film, corporate events, and theatre at its Secaucus, New Jersey Digital Studio.
Originally developed for space applications, Vantablack coatings absorb light uniformly from all angles and have very low reflectance. These characteristics offer the ability to alter the viewer's perception by making 3D objects look flat, things seemingly disappear and create the illusion of infinite depth.
"Vantablack is one of those things that you have to see to believe. We invite the industry to come and experience the future of black with their own eyes and to let it feed their imagination. We are excited about what this partnership could unlock for live entertainment and events as well as broadcast TV and new audience formats," stated Emma Laugier, CEO of Levitation 29.
PRG is trying to manufacture a Vantablack product based on its proprietary LED framing system, in order to make it portable and scalable. It is expected to become soon available to rent via PRG’s American hubs for a quick deployment or it could also be customised for a permanent installation.
"Having worked with Vantablack and seen its impact on audiences, we believe it will open up new creative possibilities for our customers. The potential here is expansive and game-changing for both live stage and filmed applications from creating total immersion as if in a black-hole, to things appearing to float in front of your eyes," commented Troy Atkinson, General Manager of PRG Scenic.
"We've only just scratched the surface for super-black materials applied in entertainment and media. With the combined experience of Levitation 29 and PRG, many more people will experience the magic of super-black surfaces and 3D objects," concluded Ben Jensen, inventor of Vantablack and CTO of Surrey NanoSystems.