Programming the song
The time taken to choreograph a song depends on its personality—the longer the sound track, the lengthier the programming. Also, choosing the best song is key to the success of the show.
The program is like video-editing software that allows for the creation of 3D rendering and animations for the client to approve. These include several details so the final outcome is nearly identical to the shows sent to clients for their approval.
Often, the company’s programmers assist clients in song selection based on information such as atmosphere, venue, patrons, colours, size of surrounding area, target audiences, and stores. The company also helps customers with licensing questions related to using songs that are under copyright restrictions.
The time spent on programming shows depends on the song and the project. At times, large fountains are easier to program compared to smaller ones. Bigger fountains have more features, allowing programmers to experiment with the software; it is like comparing the performance of a song by a large symphony versus the same song performed by a small trio.
This technology allows fountains to remain ‘current’ and, therefore, exciting for viewers. Like Broadway musicals, the audience is always looking for novel experiences, and these water features can provide visual excitement on a regular basis without any renovation to the structure itself. That said, maintenance will always be required, where mechanical pieces or parts might need replacing or adjusting, but major repair is not necessary to obtain a completely ‘new’ show for onlookers.
Recently, the company’s programmers were asked to create a new show to a Michael Bublé song, which took a bit longer because of the length and complexity of the track. However, it was a challenging but exciting project. The team took nearly 10 days to complete the program. They shared the show visually on-screen in a meeting so the client could see the proposed display, and made adjustments as requested. Once the client agreed upon the final look of the show, the code was written and loaded into the fountain for a new water and light show to premier on-site.
Programming the lights
All programmers use different methods to achieve their objective of blending the coloured lights used in fountains. The company’s main programmer, Brian Reese, is the master programmer for the Station Park fountain, and has a unique program-writing style. In fact, he likes using muted hues and pastel mixes, and chases are his favourite.
Many programmers opt for the traditional rules of colour, especially when the shows are choreographed to music. Reds can be aggressive as well as passionate, so Reese tends to combine and transition orange and amber with green and cyan because they ‘cool down’ sections of the show, taking the viewer from an aggressive moment to a soothing one. Choreographing new shows and songs is an ongoing service the company provides to its customers.
The firm originally provided Station Park with 12 different shows, each choreographed to individual songs. However, the client now has more than 30 songs in its repertoire, with a budget for about five to six new songs every year. New shows are also typically provided for various public holidays and the winter holiday season.
The shows are so spectacular that patrons come to sit and watch the effects as they might observe a dance performance. To keep the fountain relevant and current, the team is constantly at work to reinvent the water feature so it offers patrons a different show.
The owners of Station Park are aware the fountain attracts customers to the retailers and restaurants nearby and, therefore, continue to invest in the feature to ensure it offers a breathtaking performance every time.
Chris Thomas is the director of marketing at Fountain People and has a decade of experience promoting the physical, mental, and social benefits of water features and aquatic play. His background in marketing and communication design allows him to identify market needs, contribute to the aquatic community through product development to enhance the guest experience, and discover design strategies that move child development forward. Thomas has contributed to various industry publications, and collaborated with consultants and end-users to bring their vision to life. He can be reached via email at chris.thomas@fountainpeople.com.
