How VANDAL used AI to deliver Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in major AI production
In a groundbreaking leap in creative technology, VANDAL recently harnessed the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create Sydney’s world-renowned New Year’s Eve 2023 countdown, content and projected light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Commissioned by the City of Sydney, VANDAL’s innovative creative approach has established Sydney as a world-leader in creative innovation using AI.
Says Joseph Pole, AI animation lead, VANDAL: “Witnessed by thousands on the night and broadcasted to millions across the world, VANDAL delivered a world-first AI production of this scale and magnitude. The result is a new level of creative expression.”
The 8 hour-long light show graced the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons, immersing spectators in a mesmerising display of AI-generated artistry. Centred around the theme of “Revolutions: One Night, Many Ways to Celebrate”, VANDAL used AI to create a visual experience that celebrated the passage of time in spectacularly vibrant and celebratory themes.
Says Tracey Taylor, executive producer, VANDAL: “VANDAL’s AI Atelier team developed the AI motion art over the course of a four month creative process. We utilised a custom workflow of AI tools and algorithms, combined with a bespoke data set of imagery created in-house by our VANDAL AI artists. This raw material is then processed, crafted and edited to achieve the final result.
“Synchronised with a musical, light and fireworks extravaganza, VANDAL’s use of AI marked a world first for an AI production of this scale.”
In the lead up to the event, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore expressed the excitement surrounding the use of AI in a New Year’s Eve celebration: “We’re getting ready to welcome a million people to the Harbour foreshore to celebrate with fireworks, a light show and for the first time — AI projections.”
VANDAL
Executive Director, Creative Strategy: Emile Rademeyer
Executive Producer: Tracey Taylor
Chris Scott: Creative Director
Jimmy Buckle: Senior Motion Designer
Producer: Alice Robinson
AI Animation Lead: Joseph Pole
AI Software Engineer: Nicholas Tsaoucis
City of Sydney: Liza Bahamondes and Jamie Dawson
Music: THE SWEATS
Pyrotechnics: The Foti Family
Lighting Design: Ziggy Zeigler
Photography: Damian Shaw, Daniel Tran, Keith Mcinnes, Morris McLennan (Red Square Media)
6 Comments
Good on ya team
Great work everyone! Stunning show.
Seriously Vandal, going from strength to strength!
Was such an amazing show. Obviously the fireworks were what you saw most of but the projections certainly came across
On fire!!!!
Nice one Vandal!!!!!!!!!