The World’s First Automated Ceremonial Script Lift
For Victoria University’s 2017 Graduation Ceremonies, design&deliver managed to out-innovate the academics by unveiling the world’s first automated ceremonial script lift. We also reimagined their stage area to provide a photogenic backdrop for students celebrating their achievements.
event typeUniversity Celebrations
event locationFlemington Racecourse
# event staff40
Event video
The Story
Brief
Approach
Outcome
VU Chancellor George Pappas felt disconnected from his audience when using the university’s traditional stage design, especially as he was partially obscured by a cumbersome plinth during most of the proceedings.
VU wanted design&deliver to develop a minimalist stage-setting that included a reinvented lectern that would automatically raise the Chancellor’s script on a small screen when required – and save him from carrying tedious notes.
Innovation is a hallmark of the bespoke event production services that we provide and design&deliver needed to think beyond the box to create our unique script lift. We engaged an industrial designer, refined sketches and pored over calculations until we developed a hidden script lift that could be raised and lowered remotely from our control desk.
The stage needed a contemporary redesign without ignoring ceremonial elements such as the Chancellor’s mace and graduation scrolls that were handed out to students. We customised a 21m large-format print to backdrop the stage, and the university’s attractive branding was echoed in four graphic wraps around the 5m high venue pillars.
We also re-upholstered and modernised the stage furniture to form an impressive focal point for the occasion – while creating assets that could be reused in the future to save on funds.
As one of our longest standing clients, we were determined to exceed VU’s expectations – even if they were out of the ordinary – and by navigating through uncharted territory to develop the world’s first automated ceremonial script lift we realised our ambition.
The key to the script lift was using linear actuators, which raised the screen from a hidden start-point, while keeping the notes in a horizontal position. In fact, the now more conspicuous Chancellor was so impressed that he opened his address by giving kudos to our feat of modern engineering.
A professional working relationship that is approaching close to 10 years and one that has no end in sight, and without doubt Victoria University’s preferred Event Production supplier.
From the smallest of details such as company branded stickers to mark out our stage positions, to more elaborate, one of a kind, state of the art creations, such as custom built ceremonial stage furniture.
We are never disappointed by your dedication, creativity, passion and enthusiasm and your uncanny ability to always go above and beyond to make our events unique, successful and fit for purpose.
Thank you Ben and the incredibly talented team at Design and Deliver that work alongside you.”
Nicolette Dimkopoulos, Manager, University Graduations
