On the Eurovision Track Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, the dazzling visuals weren’t simply coming from the contestants. They have been additionally powered by 104 flying lights, created by way of an modern payload for drones known as the Mini Beam.
The Mini Beam payload is designed to mount on Lucie micro drones from Verity Studios — and so they made their debut as an official technical provider to the world’s most-watched stay music occasion.
Mini Beams are far more than only a mild present drone. Whereas mild present drones create a speck of sunshine within the sky that — when positioned in tandem with different drones creates a definite formation — these lights are completely different. These Mini Beams from Verity are transferring spotlights. For lighting designers, a transferring beam mild mounted to the drones unlocks a totally new design vocabulary.
In any case, lighting designers now have much more artistic freedom in how they’re positioned relative to the particular person or different object they’re attempting to shine a lightweight on provided that the drone can fly virtually wherever.
Two acts, one daring showcase
Greater than only a return to their homeland stage, Eurovision served as the primary stay deployment of Verity’s new Mini Beam payload
The Lucie drones have been featured in two standout performances: the second interval act of Semi-Last 1, which paid homage to Céline Dion’s 1988 profitable track Ne partez pas sans moi, and the Grand Last’s opening act, the place Nemo carried out final yr’s profitable quantity.
“The drones have been used as particular results throughout each the opening and interval acts,” stated Steve Maassen, Technical and Inventive Lead at Verity, in an unique interview with The Drone Lady. “Throughout the 2 performances, a complete of 104 Lucie Micro drones have been used.”
Oh, and by the way in which, Verity has an extended historical past with Céline Dion. Again in 2019, they have been the crew behind the drone present on her world tour. Her encore efficiency, the track “My Coronary heart Will Go On,” was carried out to a background of floating drones.
Eurovision’s fast-paced, high-stakes surroundings made integration a technical feat.
“To have the ability to carry out at Eurovision, stay on such an vital stage, you might want to have an especially dependable system,” Maassen stated. “Integrating our parts into Eurovision’s fast-changing, advanced stage setup whereas delivering the clear visuals required cautious planning to combine drone deployment and restoration seamlessly, with out disrupting the move of the present.”
Regardless of the complexity, he stated the drones carried out flawlessly — and autonomously. As soon as deployed by hand, the Lucie drones accepted a timecoded present management set off (very similar to any kind of drone present), flying in sync all through the efficiency.
“A single set off is sufficient to hold the drones in good sync for the whole flight, permitting for frame-accurate lighting cues,” Maassen stated. “Every drone follows a pre-programmed path and returns to its touchdown space on the finish of the choreography, the place it may be striked.”
What else to know in regards to the Mini Beam
Every Mini Beam drone weighs 63 grams (2.2 ounces) and may fly for as much as 4 minutes. See them in motion right here:
“The Mini Beam allows a completely untethered beam mild impact that may transfer freely in 3D area,” Maassen stated. “Designers can place beams near performers, circle them, or create interactions that aren’t doable with conventional rig, even when there’s heavy automation concerned. In comparison with our commonplace level mild impact, the Mini Beam gives a totally completely different visible language.”
Lighting designers have responded with enthusiasm.
“They’re enthusiastic about taking the classical beam mild look to the subsequent degree by combining it with untethered flight,” Maassen stated. “They’re additionally excited to make use of the Mini Beams along with the purpose lights, which permits them to have a much bigger palette of results.”
Eurovision kicks off a brand new period for Verity
For Verity, a Swiss firm recognized for its autonomous drone exhibits on international excursions and even some cruise ships (sure, Verity has everlasting installations aboard Royal Caribbean and Carnival Company cruise ships), the partnership is one more hold step for development.
“Being chosen as a technical provider for Eurovision is a transparent validation of the precision and reliability our Lucie drones deliver to stay environments,” stated Raffaello D’Andrea, Verity’s CEO and co-founder.
Verity has additionally placed on masterful state exhibits, together with a drone routine that for a time performed out each night time on stage for the Broadway Cirque du Soleil present known as “Paramour.” The corporate additionally powered the drones utilized in rapper Drake’s 2018 Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour.
And though the Mini Beam has simply launched, Verity is already fielding curiosity.
“It’s solely been just a few days, however we’ve already seen an uptick in inquiries,” Maassen stated.
With its Eurovision debut behind it and trade consideration quickly rising, Verity’s Lucie drones — now with Mini Beam in tow — are poised to take flight in additional venues the place creativeness meets automation.
Need extra unique interviews like this? Take into account making a recurring donation to The Drone Lady! Use the button beneath or undergo my PayPal to donate. Thanks!
Make a one-time donation
Make a month-to-month donation
Make a yearly donation
Select an quantity
Or enter a customized quantity
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Associated
Uncover extra from The Drone Lady
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your e-mail.
