2015 Oscars Production Review
The Oscars always make for an entertaining night of television, and the 2015 show was no different. From the gorgeous gowns to the moving performances to the controversial acceptance speeches, Hollywood put on quite a show. As a production company, we at Marz particularly enjoy seeing the set and lighting design for the performances throughout the show. Host Neil Patrick Harris gave a hilarious performance of his just-for-the-Oscars song and dance, featuring Jack Black and Anna Kendrick. The number was largely dependent on a giant projection screen that seemed to blend seamlessly with the set so that the visuals seemed to appear out of no where. This “hologram style” set is becoming an increasingly popular technique to blend reality with custom content, having performances interact with a constantly-changing set rather than using a static design. We found the Oscar’s use of this technology fun and creative, adding depth and interest to the opening number and really blending film with the live production.
Watch the opening number by clicking the photo above!
One of the earliest performances of the night was that of Tim McGraw, performing Glen Campbell’s moving song “I’m Not Going to Miss You”. The beauty of the set for this performance was in it’s simplicity – McGraw was surrounded by vintage light bulbs, both suspended and on simple stands. Like a blanket of stars behind the singer, the bulbs gave the performance a nostalgic feel, harkening back to the simplistic sets that would have been popular when Campbell was at his prime. The lights also added a sense of warmth to McGraw’s sensitive performance, which is something we love about these fixtures. Here at Marz, we use vintage bulbs in our designs for romantic, vintage inspired weddings or classic and elegant parties. We even used them in this year’s Wedding Show booth, featured largely in our custom door chandelier! 
Vintage bulbs were featured in our 2015 Wedding Extravaganza booth.
One of the most powerful moments of the night was the performance by John Legend and rapper Common, of the Oscar-winning song Glory from the film Selma, a nominee for Best Picture. The performance made a powerful statement, featuring actors marching behind Common on the bridge on which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr led the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery. The combination of actors, with an impressive physical set piece and projection for a dynamic and changing background, captured the spirit of the song, sending its message through sight and sound. This was our favourite moment of the show – we’d love to hear yours!
Watch John Legend and Common’s performance by clicking the photo above!
Watching John Legend and Common’s performance reminded us of the incredible moment when our very own Adam Marz worked as the Lighting Designer for both Common and John Legend’s performances at the Obama Inauguration celebration at the Smithsonian. We can’t wait to see what amazing artists the Marz team gets to work with next!
John Legend performing at the Smithsonian.
Adam Marz took a quick snapshot of his work lighting up the Smithsonian during the event.
About Marz
marzmedia.wordpress.com 
Recent Comments