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Sofi Tukker – Coachella 2023

  • mattbaamonde
  • Feb 20, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 15, 2024

Role: Lead Unreal Engine Design Unreal Based Live Interactive Design for DMX


Project Overview

For Sofi Tukker's groundbreaking Coachella 2023 performance, I was responsible for creating a series of captivating, interactive Unreal Engine environments that transformed the stage into multiple dynamic worlds. This project pushed the boundaries of live performance visuals, seamlessly blending music with real-time rendered environments, animated creatures, and responsive visual effects.

Technical Highlights

  • Unreal Engine Mastery: Leveraged Unreal Engine's cutting-edge features, including Nanite, to create highly detailed, performant environments.

  • DMX Integration: Implemented DMX control for real-time manipulation of environments, lighting, and camera movements.

  • Dynamic World-Building: Created diverse ecosystems from African savannas to underwater realms, each with unique characteristics and animations.

Key Contributions

Diverse Environment Creation

  1. African Savanna:

  • Designed a vast savanna landscape with day-night cycles.

  • Animated realistic giraffes that interacted with the environment.

  1. Underwater World:

  • Crafted an immersive underwater environment with dynamic lighting.

  • Animated jellyfish and implemented Blueprint-controlled fish behaviors.

  1. Swamp Ecosystem:

  • Developed a detailed swamp environment with realistic water effects.

  • Animated alligators that brought the scene to life.

  1. Sofi Tukker Themed World:

  • Created a fantastical world inspired by the artists' aesthetic.

  • Implemented dense Nanite foliage for unprecedented detail and performance.

Technical Implementation

  • DMX-Controlled Cameras: Developed a system for real-time camera control via DMX, allowing for dynamic shot changes synchronized with the music.

  • Animated VFX: Created a variety of visual effects including:

  • Responsive lighting systems that reacted to the music.

  • Underwater caustics and particle effects.

  • Alembic-driven animated lotus flowers.

  • Day-Night Cycle: Implemented a dynamic time-of-day system that transformed environments throughout the performance.

Technical Deep Dive

Environment Optimization

  • Utilized Unreal Engine's Nanite technology for high-detail, performance-efficient foliage and landscapes.

  • Implemented LOD (Level of Detail) systems for animated elements to maintain smooth performance.

  • Optimized materials and shaders for real-time rendering in a live performance context.

Animation Systems

  • Developed custom animation blueprints for various creatures, ensuring lifelike movements and interactions.

  • Created a modular system for blending between different animation states based on performance cues.

DMX Integration

  • Designed a robust DMX control system that allowed for:

  • Real-time environment switching.

  • Dynamic lighting adjustments.

  • Triggered camera movements and effects.

  • Implemented failsafes and backup systems to ensure continuous operation during the live performance.

VFX Development

  • Crafted a library of performant visual effects using Unreal's Niagara system.

  • Developed a system for synchronizing VFX with musical beats and performance cues.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Performance Optimization: Balanced visual fidelity with real-time performance requirements through aggressive optimization and efficient asset management.

  • Live Integration: Worked closely with the performance team to ensure seamless integration of digital elements with the physical stage and performers.

  • Rapid Iteration: Developed a pipeline for quick updates and modifications to accommodate last-minute creative changes and technical requirements.

Impact on the Performance

  • Delivered a visually stunning, immersive experience that elevated Sofi Tukker's music and stage presence.

  • Received widespread acclaim for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in live music visual production.

  • Set a new standard for the integration of real-time rendered environments in music festival performances.

This project showcases the power of Unreal Engine in live entertainment, demonstrating how cutting-edge game engine technology can be adapted to create unforgettable music experiences. By blending technical expertise with creative vision, we were able to transport the Coachella audience into multiple fantastical worlds, perfectly complementing Sofi Tukker's unique musical style. The success of this project highlights my ability to deliver complex, visually rich environments that perform flawlessly in high-pressure, live performance scenarios.

 
 
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