2Ci sound to light Ltd was invited to demonstrate our exclusive software, Virtual VJ, by the BBC. The demonstration took place during dress rehearsals for Top of the Pops, while Damage performed their latest hit. The BBC were duly impressed, and used the recordings of Virtual VJs graphics output in the broadcast of TOTP the following evening, combined with live studio shots. The Virtual VJ graphics consisted of uploaded static images of the individual band members, manipulated in Photoshop, along with the bands logo and various library textures.
On the strength of this demonstration, the BBC liked the versatility of Virtual VJ so much, that they offered 2Ci a long term contract to provide graphics for the children’s Saturday morning show. Unfortunately 2Ci had to decline, as the budget available wouldn’t cover the equipment and personnel required to do the show, especially on the very days of the week when the personnel and hardware were needed for 2Ci‘s core activities. Because Virtual VJ was at the Alpha / Beta development stage and still required a programmer to go through a lengthy and complicated process to set up the images, texture and graphics, we couldn’t even license the software to the BBC for their own production teams to operate. Which was a real pity.
Credits: Top of the Pops with Damage (2001)
Company: 2Ci sound to light Ltd
Virtual VJ Creator & Programmer: Kingsley Pratt
AV Technical Support and R&D for Virtual VJ: Ed Martin
Art Director & Textures for Virtual VJ: Gareth Evans