A New Set For Canadian Idol

It was hard to miss. And in case we did, Ben pointed it out. Awkwardly. But yes, the Idol set is brand-spanking-new.

I wish there was a way to make the set classy. No matter what they do to the stage, it always feels Star-Searchy to me. But I suppose the show is staying true to the talent-competition glitz we're all so familiar with.

Most notably, the set has been redesigned to accommodate the high-tech. There are video screens galore, Plexiglas platforms, and the design permits quick configuration adaptation for acoustic nights, big bands and backing rock bands.

The new set is the brainchild of Peter Faragher, who has been the Production Designer for Canadian Idol since the show began six years ago.
"I really wanted a clean look and I wanted a versatile look where we could have lighting and video and just have it all look completely different because we're not in some place like the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood where you have drops fly in and set pieces and changes like that so electronically we make the set look different all the time. We've got layers, we've got lighting and video, and more video and lighting," said Faragher.

The old projected centre screen has been replaced with a high definition LED screen, which adds depth to the stage, said Faragher. One large screen and five smaller ones on either side of the stage have also been added.

"It's not that we're trying to compete with other things but to keep a contemporary look, the best shows, the Brit Awards, the Junos, American Idol, they have a large degree of video and we had to go that way. And also, if you're tasteful and creative with the video, you can really make it look any way you want to," said Faragher.

A New Set For Canadian Idol

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