Rita Ora – Japan Tour

The 2024 Rita Ora Japan Tour presented a unique opportunity to innovate the way video playback systems are utilized in concert touring. By integrating Hive’s cutting-edge technology with the GrandMA3 lighting desk, the tour designers achieved a groundbreaking solution for seamless control and enhanced usability.

Touring productions require highly efficient, user-friendly systems that can integrate multiple functions while maintaining reliability. Video playback often operates independently of lighting control, creating challenges in real-time synchronization and limiting operational flexibility for designers and technicians. The goal for the Rita Ora Japan Tour was to unify these systems, allowing for streamlined control, reduced complexity, and real-time adjustments directly from the lighting console.

The Solution
Hive became the foundation of this innovative system, seamlessly integrating with the GrandMA3 lighting desk through its advanced GUI.

This integration empowered the lighting team to control video playback and system parameters directly from the lighting console’s touchscreens, eliminating the need for additional devices and enhancing workflow efficiency.

Collaborators Sam and Harry developed custom LUA plugins for the GrandMA3 console, enabling advanced editing of Hive systems directly from the desk. Harry, the lighting designer, could monitor the show, adjust pixel maps, manipulate colors, and manage playlists—all without leaving the lighting console interface. This level of integration allowed for unmatched real-time control, giving designers full creative freedom during the tour.

Sustainability in Touring

Hive’s commitment to sustainability played a crucial role in the project’s success. The system’s lightweight design significantly reduced its footprint, power consumption, and emissions, aligning with the industry’s growing focus on environmentally conscious solutions. Compact enough to fit in carry-on luggage, Hive’s system minimized the logistical burden and environmental impact of transporting gear across multiple tour locations.