The AIM Independent Music Awards

EVOKE Studios create engaging, living environments for the virtual production of the AIM Independent Music Awards.

Recorded at Creative Technology UK, EVOKE Studios used Notch to create virtual environments for the AIM Independent Music Awards. Managing both the technical delivery and creative direction, EVOKE Studio immersed the presenters and guest performers in virtual worlds. Working closely with the performers and AIM’s production team, EVOKE used a process derived from theatre design practices to create the virtual production.

EVOKE chose Notch and the MoSys StarTracker to deliver the production. The presenter environment could capture inbound video, playback motion graphics transitions, and allow for animated off-stage shots of the awards logo. As sponsors of the Pioneer award, EVOKE Studios created a series of worlds for award winner Little Simz performance. Using real-time rendered back and front plate set-extensions, they transported Little Simz from the desert to the depths of the sea. Notch’s real-time render capabilities and ease-of-use both came to the fore when last-minute changes were required. The team was able to react quickly to produce a graphic fast-food inspired scene for a performance from AJ Tracey feat. MoStack’s. The combined result is a cohesive Awards show experience that created a deeper connection between the artists, the lyrics and the at-home viewers.

“There are several platforms available right now to develop XR content in, but for us, Notch is the key ingredient. Especially when it comes to virtual production involving music and audio. Using exposed parameters for keyframing to a media server and having the flexibility to make last-minute adjustments was absolutely crucial. With front and backplate set extensions and integration with disguise, Notch is the best all-round virtual production workflow.”

Chema Menendez, Creative Director, EVOKE Studios.

“Often people don’t understand virtual production completely until they walk on stage and see themselves in the environment. If we hear camera people and directors say they can’t tell what’s real or not – even when looking at a scene filled with floating shards and a giant animated robot, I would consider that a job well done.”

Vincent Steenhoek, Artistic Direction & Volumetric Design, EVOKE Studios.

Additional press coverage:
Complete Music Update, Live-Production, British Council, Access all Areas

Client: AIM Awards // Association of Independent Music
Production: DesignScene
Artistic Direction & Volumetric Design: Vincent Steenhoek
Creative Direction: Chema Menendez
Creative Producer: Urs Nyffenegger

Notch Designer: Alex Tetsch, Ted Pallas, Ulli Thiemann, Hugo Zarate and Simon Anaya
Motion Graphics Artist: Daniel Fernandez
Equipment Vendor: Creative Technology UK
Media Server: disguise gx2c
Tracking System: Mo-Sys StarTracker