Montréal en lumière: Digital in the Spotlight

There is only one weekend left to warm up under the luminous rays of^the 16th edition of Montréal enlumière. Digital technology is increasingly present at this extraordinary winter festival, firmly rooted in its millennium. Giant tubes projecting visual content near the stage, VJs sharing their wild creations, a giant slide and zipline with infrared sensors linked to sound and light effects, the American work Pool triggering multicoloured sequences through festivalgoers’ movements, the Four Seasons tale from Switzerland and local custom projections on the facades of the Quartier des spectacles: everything has been designed so visitors can have a playful experience.

Mikaël Frascadore, senior director of production services, explains that Montréal en lumière stands out through its light and interactivity offering. The team seeks to renew itself through technology. Digital technology creates magic: passivity is over, visitors become the heroes of the moment, and the simpler it

Mr. Frascadore sometimes visits other events in the United States and Europe to see what is being created and to ensure that Montréal remains inventive. The main challenge is to stay aware of technologies that will truly touch people, to make sure the experience remains warm, and to succeed in financing it. The field evolves very quickly and audiences are heavily solicited,

so one must stand

out and seize opportunities.

Montréal en lumière 2015was also selected by UNESCO as a featured event for the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. This honour confirms that the metropolis is on the right track, according to the senior director of production services. We are witnessing the beginnings of a major movement. Decision-makers are realizing the importance of digital technology and the shift that must be taken in order not to fall behind certain countries. There are more and more discussions about developing and financing the sector, and the next five years will be decisive.

The period of extreme cold in February did not make the organization’s task easier, especially for site technicians. Setup was more difficult and the equipment more fragile, but fortunately the electronic components held up. Montréal en lumière