OUR PROJECTS
Our projects showcase Atom Herders' practical expertise in stage lighting, theatrical supplies and special effects. With a focus on simplicity and functionality. Our team has contributed to numerous events, ensuring reliable and effective solutions. Explore our portfolio to see how we bring a practical approach to various projects. Follow our socials to see what we are working on today
BLINK – PEACE MONUMENT
“Blink invites people to think about how fragile and complex Peace is as they journey through five different walk-through experiences…….Peace is a doing word; what will you do? “
Blink is an outdoor public exhibition toured nationally to town centres in the latter part of 2019. We were asked to facilitate the creative ideas presented in the exhibition. This was carried out at a development space in Newbury and completed at EEA premises in Greenwich, London. Key to the design was a two-way mirror effect within a 2m acrylic plinth. With mirror top and bottom, it posed a tricky task to wire the individual elements without spoiling the illusion.
The final design incorporated RGB LED Flex, forming consecutive circular rings with central lettering made from an Electro-luminescent (EL) panel and wire. The main text was custom-cut from the panel to our design specification. The wire was formed into the outer letter mounted on backing boards. All EL elements were driven with a custom-built DMX driver unit design again in-house.
In addition to the main build, a PIR sensor was provided, triggering Qlab when the next group arrived at the exhibit.
BREGENZ FESTIVAL, AUSTRIA – BALLOON CONTROL SYSTEM & LIGHTING
Atom Herders Ltd played a crucial role in the Bregenz Festival's 2019/20 Opera Season, collaborating with Cameron Balloons to design essential elements in the production of "Rigoletto."
Our team engineered a precise Control System for the helium-filled gas balloon, ensuring optimal pressure in both helium and air-filled chambers. The closed-loop system and a lightweight battery backup facilitated smooth transitions and operational reliability.
Incorporating a Telemetry System enabled real-time wireless communication of pressure data to the ground station, providing essential information for operational safety.
We implemented pressure-sealed MIL38999 series III connectors to pass cables into the envelope, preventing helium gas leakage and maintaining structural integrity.
For Envelope Illumination, our team designed a bespoke fixture with a 2,250W RGBW LED emitter suspended at the envelope's centre. The emitter in the helium section met the client's requirement for 360-degree seamless illumination and integrated seamlessly with the festival's lighting control via DMX.
Atom Herders Ltd's contributions to this project underscore our expertise in precision control systems and innovative illumination solutions.
THE ASSASSINATION OF KATIE HOPKINS – VIDEO WALL BUILD
Theatre Clwyd working with Visual Designer, Nina Dunn, imagined a video wall formed from pixels in the shape of a mobile phone. They have a product in mind but required help to power and control the LED emitters. Due to the quantity and schedule we pre-built custom header circuit boards to distribute power and control. Paired with Madrix Nebular controller, this enabled Nina to a stunning visual that were presented as a comment on social media.
Client: Theatre Clwyd, Wales
Video Designer: Nina Dunn
Video Engineer: Harrison Cooke
BURBERRY RETAIL STAND – BALLOON ILLUMINATION
We supplied Cameron Balloons with an internal light source for their 'Burberry Balloon’ This celebrated Air Commodore Edward Maitland, who flew his balloon 1,117 miles from London to Russia dressed in Burberry. The internal source had to be lit 24/7 and meet air terminal fire requirements.
Client: Cameron Balloons, UK
ROUND THE WORLD BALLOON FLIGHT – CAPSULE ELECTRONICS
On 23 July 2016, Fedor Konyukhov became the second person to circumnavigate the world in a hybrid hot-air helium balloon. Konyukhovin the Balloon Morton took just over 11-days smashing the previous record. This challenging project was undertaken with Cameron Balloons. Involving 1000s of hours of design and build. We provided all electrical systems from battery to control. Designed to operate in extremes of temperature and weather. Systems we definably out of the normal requests. We accompanied the capsule to Northam, Weston Australia to ensure that Fedor had the best send off on his adventure.
Client: Cameron Balloons, UK
Bespoke Touring Metalwork
We have worked on numerous projects with 4 Wall Entertainments. As a Lighting and Video supplier to the Music Touring industry they regularly are asked either transport solution for floor packages on festival runs, or metal work to facilitate fixture mounting. We are happy to complete technical drawings and follow though to delivery any requirement. With a strong background in touring at all levels we understand the importance of a having a reliable quick design. Particularly when modern festivals schedules offer only minute between acts.
Client: 4 WALL
Designer:In-house
House of Cards Circus Set–Framework Lighting
As part on the on-deck Entertainment for Carnival Cruises. Setstage asked us to provide accent lighting to metal circus frame apparatus. Not only did the lighting need to be fitted in a manner that did not obstruct the performers, but also had to be able to function outside on deck in all weathers.
With our experience in exterior equipment, we put together a solution which utilised RGBW IP68 LED strip. Installed in protective aluminium profile. All electronics and batteries were housed in IP68 enclosures.
Client: Setstage
Designer: Andrew Gates
Wavelength–Game Show Set Lighting
Andrew Gates designed the vision for Ben Shephard's new games show experience on the Carnival Cruise fleet. We were asked to provide a modular lighting solution for the set, which would allow for international shipping and storage on board. Each set comprised of 26 individual components. We accompanied each of the seven sets on-board ensuring the entertainments crew were briefed.
Creative: Ben Shepard
Client: Carnival Cruises
Designer: Andrew Gates
Shrek the Musical 2023/24
To deliver Ben Cracknel vision we were approached by Setstage to design a pixel control video portal and starcloth. Our solution provided a 100x100mm resolution pixel behind a polycarbonate lightbox diffuser. Driven directly from the MA Lighting bit mapper. The portals and pixel starcloth provided RGBW colour palette.
To compliment this, we also provided the rest of the show electrics practicals. Ranging from bespoke silk flames, in 3D printed sconces to Phillip Witcomb’s design, through to ‘shattering mirror’ effect.
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Client:Setstage
Lighting Designer:Ben Cracknel
Set Design: Philip Witcomb
Tree Canopy Eyes–LED Illumination with Wireless Control
We were approached by Bay Productions to fulfil 10 sets of Illuminated Eyes. Each one required a battery power source and wireless control.
We decided this was an ideal job for City Theatrical’s Multiverse dimmers and transmitter. Paired with a LiFePO4 power source to minimise weight. This drives RGBW sources in the eyes. All element installed within the body of the unit. Battery monitoring and an external antenna were provided on the rear panel.
Client:Bay Productions
‘Antics with Ash’ & ‘The Fellas’ Podcast Set Illumination
Video podcast are becoming a popular broadcast. These need to inviting sets with eye catching designs. For each one we provide LED strip and profile as required by the visual design. Simple DMX control allow the sets to be aminated as required.
Client: Couple Keys
Designer: Andrew Gates
Ed Sheeran Mathematics Tour–Mast Beacons
We were delighted to be asked to contribute to this ground braking set design. Setting a new standard for touring stadium.
Mike Oates @ LCR has already been appointed a lighting provider. However, the mast design required something altogether new. The vision was to imitate the red aircraft beacons over major cites on high building and cranes. Whilst providing something controllable and bright enough to make an impact in the production environment.
We supplied a full turnkey solution. Designing metalwork, acrylic domes, and bespoke LED emitter. At 32m high these topped the 6 main masts so were exposed to all the elements.
Production Designer: Mark Cunniffe
Lighting Supplier: Light Control Rigging
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EXPLORE OUR SPECIAL EFFECTS AND OTHER THEATRICAL SUPPLIES EXPERTISE. CALL 01524 482007.