[SML] Rear projection

[William Knapp]

Yeah, totally Ross

Let me touch, lightly, on the aesthetic implications of video only Scenic’s
design. Well, I believe that with few exceptions it is quite limiting.
It’s flatness I’m not a fan of. The artwork has to excellent and
aesthetically fit to purpose. I’ve never seen 3D digital environments used
as backgrounds that didn’t look cheesy. I think we stare at screens all day
every day so the realness of real theater can be a literally release.

They can work, again if the artwork is good and right in style, as a
backdrop for scenes with dimensional scenery. Like distant mountains, when
the backdrop is not really the focus of attention. Balancing the
brightness/contrast can be tricky cause the “feel” is quite different from
a painted drop reflecting light.

I have seen such a set up used in repertory dance where they mocked
cyclorama lighting effects by projecting clever color gradients.

I’m way out of the current projector scene. But when I was last buying
projectors it was still a matter of getting all the brightness you can
afford. But I’d say >15-20k. A projector that lets you adjust down the
brightness is clutch cause sometimes you just don’t want all that pop. Of
course there is always neutral density. 🤷🏻

As for resolution, personally, I would say that 1080 would be sufficient
for your needs but I bet 2k beamers are more the norm these days.

Lensing, well, you gotta do the math. Know that if it’s really short throw
you’ll get a bit of fish-eyeing at the edges. Also, depending on your RP
material you can sometimes see faint evidence of the lamp source as a light
splotch. This is most pronounced when the projector is right in the middle
of the screen. Positioning the Beamer higher, say 60-75% height from
ground, is less evident. But you’ll have to do some tipping or
lens shifting to get that right.

There are plenty of  framed and stretched RP screens out there. But that
really doesn’t accomplish what you describe because the bottom of the image
is off the floor. What you need is an “Opera Plastic”. Rose Brand,
Gerriets, Showtex all can create you a drop custom dimensioned for your
space. A white or cream one works as a great cyc as well (you do have to
treat it like your first born). What I think of as the Bees-Knees is black
RP. It’s black opera plastic that magically lights up when hit it with
video. Put a black scrim in front of that, use a punchy projector and well
crafted art and you have a set up that can go from black as black
background to magically soft , painterly backdrop.


Will Knapp
will at stagecraft.com
212 475 3110


On Fri, Oct 10, 2025 at 1:37 PM Ross via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> Bill, what I am trying to sell is the idea that we could use this in lou
> of renting backdrops for theatre productions.  Or possible use as set
> rather than build something.  Maybe use it during a concert to project
> images or videos themed to the music.  When we host a contest, project the
> name of the school/group.  Just something to use all around in addition to
> what we already have.
>
> This answer you question?
>
>
> Ross
>
> On 2025-10-10 11:54, William Knapp via Stagecraft wrote:
>
> Can you describe your objective? (No pun intended)
>
> For playing movies in a proscenium space? Imag and PowerPoint for
> meetings? Or...?
>
>
>
> Will Knapp
> will at stagecraft.com
> 212 475 3110
>
>
> On Fri, Oct 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM Ross via Stagecraft <
> stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I am trying to teach myself the in & outs of rear projection so I can
> convince the powers that be to invest in it for the space.  So what I need
> from you all is some in-site, like how many lumen is the min. required to
> do this?  Size of projector?  What is the best material to use as a
> screen?  I am starting from scratch & know nothing on the topic.
>
> Thank you all in advance for you input.
>
>
>
> Ross
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