PROVANTAGE / Production Notes 12
Front or rear projection? The room decides before the projector does.
Front projection uses room-side throw space; rear projection places the projector behind a translucent screen. Each changes stage depth, shadows, sightlines, brightness efficiency, access and safety.
The selection principle
START WITH
THE APPLICATION.
Choose the complete geometry around available depth, screen type and size, throw ratio, audience sightlines, performer movement, ambient light, rigging and service access.
Equipment follows the production decision.
Five-question selection check
Depth
Is sufficient clear throw available in front of or behind the screen for the selected lens?
Screen
Does the screen surface support the chosen direction, gain, viewing angle and image uniformity?
People
Could presenters, performers or crew cross a front-projection beam?
Brightness
What light reaches viewers after lens, screen and ambient-light conditions are considered?
Access
Can the projector be rigged, ventilated, aligned and serviced safely throughout the event?
Application notes
Context changes the answer.
Front projection
Often uses less backstage depth and conventional screens, but requires a protected beam path and can create shadows when people cross it.
Rear projection
Keeps equipment and beam behind the scenic surface, but needs translucent material, backstage footprint and careful control of hotspot and spill.
Short-throw options
Special lenses can reduce required distance in either orientation, but model compatibility, offset, focus, ventilation and geometry still require verification.
The common mistake
Choosing rear projection only because it looks cleaner
The hidden projector may consume valuable stage depth and require a suitable lens and screen. If geometry is forced, brightness uniformity, focus, access and scenic integration can suffer.
Operational checklist
Brief. Test. Document.
01 / Fix image size and aspect ratio
02 / Confirm screen material and orientation
03 / Calculate throw with the exact projector and lens
04 / Reserve beam, ventilation and service space
05 / Check ambient light and audience angles
06 / Test focus, uniformity, geometry and backup path
Technical sources
Primary references.
These sources support the technical principles. They do not imply endorsement, inventory ownership or a universal equipment recommendation.
The PROVANTAGE position
A better brief produces a more dependable system.
We select, place and operate production technology around the room, programme, people and consequences of failure.
Plan the technical brief