How We Use Capture & Depence for Previsualisation in Touring Shows

At Visual Spectrum Studios, we are committed to delivering high-impact, technically flawless touring productions while optimising efficiency and minimising costs for our clients. One of the key ways we achieve this is through previsualisation (pre-vis)—a crucial step in lighting and visual programming that allows us to design, refine, and programme show elements before ever stepping foot on site.

By leveraging Capture and Depence, two of the industry’s leading previsualisation software tools, we streamline the programming process, ensure creative consistency, and significantly reduce onsite setup and programming costs. Here’s how it works and why it’s a game-changer for touring productions.

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Why Previsualisation Matters for Touring Productions

In a touring environment, every minute of on-site programming counts. Traditionally, lighting design, media server programming, and show integration are handled at the venue, often leading to:

• Extended setup times, delaying rehearsals and increasing venue costs.
• Budgetary strain, as longer programming sessions result in higher labour and equipment costs.
• Last-minute changes, leading to rushed decision-making and compromised creative execution.

With previsualisation software, we can programme entire lighting and visual systems virtually, allowing us to make creative and technical decisions before arriving at the venue. This means that once we are on site, we are already working from a fully realised, pre-programmed showfile, saving both time and money for our clients.

How We Use Capture & Depence in Our Workflow

1. Capture – Visualising Lighting & Scenic Design

Capture is a powerful previsualisation tool that allows us to create detailed 3D representations of lighting setups, stage designs, and scenic elements. This enables us to:

• Pre-program lighting cues in a 3D space, ensuring that everything aligns with the artistic vision before load-in.
• Test fixture placements, angles, and effects, reducing guesswork during setup.
• Collaborate with designers, directors, and technical teams remotely, allowing for creative approvals before arriving at the venue.

By using Capture, we can build a virtual replica of the touring show, ensuring that every lighting element is optimised for efficiency and impact.2. Depence – Advanced Show Programming & Visual EffectsFor a more realistic simulation of show dynamics, we use Depence, a real-time visualisation engine that integrates lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics, and multimedia elements into a single workflow. This allows us to:

• Synchronise lighting, video, and special effects in a controlled previsualisation environment.
• Refine cue timing and transitions, eliminating trial-and-error adjustments on-site.
• Create fully rendered previews for client approvals, ensuring the production aligns with expectations before programming even begins.

With Depence, we can fine-tune every aspect of show integration, from media server playback to lighting dynamics, ensuring a seamless final result once implemented on-site.The Budgetary & Efficiency Gains for Our ClientsBy incorporating Capture and Depence into our touring workflow, we deliver measurable cost savings and efficiency gains for our clients:1. Reduced On-Site Programming Time

• Pre-building and refining cues off-site means we arrive at the venue with a ready-to-go showfile.
• Less time spent adjusting settings means more efficient rehearsals and fewer last-minute changes.

2. Lower Venue & Labour Costs

• Reduced programming time means lower costs for venue rental and crew hours.
• Fewer on-site changes mean less technical troubleshooting, keeping the production running smoothly.

3. Greater Creative Consistency

• All show elements are tested and refined in advance, ensuring that what’s programmed is exactly what gets delivered.
• Touring productions remain visually cohesive across multiple venues, with previsualisation ensuring consistency.

A Smarter Approach to Touring Show ProductionAt Visual Spectrum Studios, we prioritise both creative excellence and technical efficiency. By integrating Capture and Depence into our previsualisation workflow, we ensure that every touring production we deliver is cost-effective, streamlined, and visually flawless.If you’re looking to optimise programming time, minimise costs, and enhance the visual impact of your touring show, we’d love to collaborate.📩 Get in touch to discuss how we can bring your next production to life with previsualisation.