Transformation that Speaks a Thousand Words

Transformation is no longer limited to the realms of magic and fantasy. PhantomShadow Group too practices this amazing art of transformation, but we do it in real life. We have the talent, the resources, the creativity and most importantly the will to turn your concept into reality.

Had it not been for our expertise in the art of transformation, a somber-looking historical building would not have been glowing in the luminescence of an event hall. Yes, we did convert a historical building into high-end event hall. So complete was the transformation and so detailed was the place with attention grabbing effects of lighting, sound and images that the organizers were flooded with congratulatory messages. Well! The story behind the success of the task entrusted to us is perhaps as spectacular as the final result we achieved.

Our client wanted us to work in an unusual venue. The venue was to be the Aberdeen Pavilion, built during the turn of the 19th century and designated a National Historical Site of Canada in 1983. Located in Ottawa, the venue is the only large-scale exhibition building in Canada surviving the 19th century. For many years, the building was known as the "Cattle Castle", due to its use for agricultural exhibits and fairs in Central Canada.

Our client wished to stage a small gala affair for three hundred guests, so making the space feel more welcoming and friendly was a top priority. Some requirements in regards to lighting, staging, sound, and video had been specified and, additionally, a number of design elements were to be incorporated into the space. The work called out for an extraordinary amount of detail and precision, but it is exactly the kind of situation we are equipped to handle. Here our pre-production experience shone as we completed a detailed analysis of the building in relation to the specifications and requirements of the event. At the same time, we examined all possibilities and prepared alternatives plans should any difficulties present themselves. Then, based on the conclusions of our studies, our teams were provided with goals and a clear idea of the production within the budget established by our client.

Here we encountered our first challenge, our client, the event producer, informed us that his budget for the project had been reduced. Planning-wise, it was a difficult time no doubt. But such is the thoroughness of our knowledge and preparation; we are able to factor in hurdles such as those, where cost-cutting can be done without harming the essential character of the vision. The client wanted to scale down the budget by 10,000 dollars without affecting the essential presentation and quality of the event. A tough request, but a request we can handle. We zeroed in on one of the expensive part of the project: the rigging. After a lot of designing and redesigning the rigging systems, we brought the cost down. Furthermore, we played with the screen size of the video and the length of the curtains to decrease the cost without altering the vision. Other adjustments finally allowed us to present the costing at the level the client’s wishes. Throughout the whole process, we were very careful not to touch the important aspects of our project design, the sanctity of the original idea had to be retained without any compromise.

The most important part of the project was the process of actually putting into reality the final vision of our client. Here the process started with preparing technical plans for the event. The seating plan was done with our CAD program. The lighting, an important factor in the event concept, had been carefully designed. Our TD (Technical Designer) coordinated the work of all teams (sound, visual, and stage) to achieve the desired atmosphere for the event.

The brief of the client was very clear to us, we had to create something really special for the guests and all our efforts were geared towards that end. With this in mind, PSG suggested a very special effect to the client, The idea was to have the guests ushered into the dinner room in a very special way. First, the space had to be divided in two sections: pre-dinner cocktail area and dinner area. and screened in such a way that guests wouldn’t be able to see what was beyond the cocktail area. Then, when cocktail would be over, the curtain would be brought down to reveal the exquisitely decorated dinner room as the guests were invited to dinner. Client approved with enthusiasm and we worked out the plans for the curtain drop.

However, before the actual day of the event, many details had to be taken care of. For those who don't have the practical knowledge of preparing venues for special events, the client’s brief is only the first step in planning. Requirements for the stage, lighting, sound, and video need to be managed. Coordination with venue administrator and equipment suppliers needs to be done. Even on the day of the event, we keep monitoring and managing all technical and organizational aspects of the event. Our dedicated attention to every detail, big and small, has constantly lead to excellent results for all our clients.

Finally, the big day arrived. The event staging and ambiance we created matched the initial vision. The Cattle Castle from the past played host to an intimate banquet of a true château. Our dedication and expertise was showing through every corner of the room. The lighting, the sound, the decor, the stage matched the vision of the event producer.

The event was well under way. Guests had been mingling while having cocktails in the tastefully decorated space; they needed to be called for dinner. It was time now for the brilliant reveal of the dining area. The volume and the rhythm of the music playing changed radically and the curtains dramatically plunged to the bare floor to reveal an exquisitely decorated room for dinner. The guests could be seen wondering open-mouthed at this well-orchestrated spectacle. The idea of the PSG team just worked wonders with the guests. The whole event was a grand success.

As for PSG, we had the pleasure and immense satisfaction of having produced yet another event with amazing results. We wish to thank our client the Event Producer, d’Auteuil Special Events Inc. for again letting us collaborate on this event as well as allowing us to tell you our story.

to find out more from this event producer, please visit www.dauteuil.ca

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