MA Tools Powers Workflow Innovation at the Eurovision Song Contest Vienna 2026

MArkersPRO Keeps Eurovision in Sync

At the heart of the workflow was MArkersPRO, used to synchronise all performance timecode data from REAPER into MA Lighting's GrandMA3 lighting console.

For the Eurovision lighting programming team, their REAPER projects effectively became the “bible” of the show. Tracks, edits, and video recordings were maintained centrally and shared between programmers, allowing each programmer to add their own markers, and timing information directly into the shared project.

MArkersPRO proved invaluable as timecode changes evolved throughout rehearsals. Camera-specific flash sequences and cue timing adjustments were rapidly updated and kept perfectly aligned across all programming positions, including the three main programmers and two late programmers working simultaneously on the production.

Trader Enables Parallel Programming Workflows

Another key component of the lighting programming workflow was Trader, which enabled late programmers to continue working on delegation notes immediately after rehearsals concluded.

Using separate GrandMA3 sessions positioned behind the main programming row, late programmers could independently implement changes, refine cues, and address delegation feedback while the front-row programmers moved directly onto the next country rehearsal.

Once completed, the updated data could be exported from the late programmer sessions and imported directly into the main showfile.

In a production environment where programmers often have only 40 minutes with a delegation before moving on, this parallel workflow became a major efficiency gain. Rather than relying solely on overnight programming teams to continue from where the daytime programmers left off, the overlap between rehearsal programming and late-session refinement allowed the team to retain significantly more creative and contextual continuity.

Phaser Collection Delivers Signature Eurovision Looks

The MA Tools Phaser Collection (FlyoutMAker, BounceMAker, RandomMAker used in combination with GridMAster) became daily staples throughout production.

These plugins allowed programmers to quickly generate complex, high-end phasers that would otherwise take significantly longer to build manually.

RandomMAker was extensively used to create organic “film flicker” style effects between multiple presets, while BounceMAker enabled the classic bounce effect along with dynamic VU-meter inspired bounce animations across fixture grids.

GridMAster introduced additional flexibility by transforming traditional square fixture selection grids into radial selections, enabling far more organic and visually fluid movement when combined with the rest of the Phaser Collection tools.

Together, these plugins accelerated creative experimentation while maintaining the speed required for Eurovision’s relentless rehearsal schedule.

RecipeTools Manages a Massive Showfile

RecipeTools became one of the most heavily used utilities in the showfile.

The Eurovision 2026 showfile contained a staggering 37,614 recipe lines within cues alone, making large-scale recipe management an essential part of maintaining the system efficiently.

RecipeTools was continuously used for cloning, replacing, and removing recipe lines throughout the programming process. Its Go/Release functionality also powered the recipe flash buttons used extensively during the show.

Despite the enormous scale of the showfile, RecipeTools’ cleanup functionality was successfully used to remove superseded recipe lines from cues and presets, helping maintain organisation and performance throughout the production lifecycle.

Looking Ahead

As productions continue to grow in complexity, collaborative workflows and intelligent tooling are becoming increasingly critical. Eurovision Song Contest Vienna 2026 demonstrated how integrated plugin ecosystems within GrandMA3 can help programmers move faster, collaborate more effectively, and maintain creative flexibility under some of the most demanding live television conditions in the world.

To explore the full range of MA Tools plugins and discover how they can enhance your own productions, visit ma.tools.