June 26, 2024 - Malmö, Sweden
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 featured a stunning display of lighting precision, powered by MATools’ MArkers and MArkersPRO plugins. Lead Programmers Dom Adams (LX Director and Lead Keylight Programmer) and Ishai Mika (LX Director and Lead Effects Programmer), along with Isak Gabre, Linus Pansell, and Leo Stenbeck, relied on the tools to streamline an incredibly complex timecoded show.
Transforming Timecode Workflows
At Eurovision 2024, the MArkersPRO plugin proved essential. The team imported over 6,700 markers, 270 timecodes, and created more than 3,800 sequences directly from Reaper. This tight integration with the DAW kept all cues perfectly aligned with the beat grid.
“MArkersPRO was the perfect tool for the job and saved countless hours during programming. I would highly recommend the plugin for any timecode workflow,” said Dom Adams.
Efficiency and Precision in Programming
Import defaults and custom naming prefixes made programming more efficient. Each track was imported multiple times to accommodate various layers of cues, ensuring beat-accurate synchronization with broadcast and eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
“Recording all the timecode events traditionally using the console would have taken a long time, and also not been beat accurate,” Adams added.
Tempo change events were also created directly from Reaper, keeping speedmasters and phasers in sync across varying BPMs.
About the Plugin
MArkers helps convert Reaper markers into timecoded sequences for GrandMA3 without exporting. The more advanced MArkersPRO adds network capabilities for collaborative workflows. Learn more about MArkers or explore MArkersPRO for expanded features.
About MATools
MATools creates innovative plugins for MA3 lighting consoles, designed to streamline programming workflows and enhance creativity in live event environments.
Eurovision 2024 Lighting Credits:
- Green Wall Designs
- Light and Screen Content Designer: Fredrik Stormby
- Associate Lighting Designers: Mike Smith, Michael Straun
- Assistant Lighting Designer / Viewing Room: Louisa Smurthwaite
Purchase
You can purchase the plugins directly from the MATools sales site: