Introducing...
... perfect projection of logos, words, patterns or images from almost any angle. Using information you provide about your lighting or projection position, we transform your artwork into an anti-keystoned image which will appear undistorted when projected.The process is simple:
- Using scale drawings, or a tape measure and a friend, establish the exact location of the light or projector relative to the projection surface (see diagram and details on the job order form)
- Complete a job order form online, or print it out and fill it in neatly
- Send us your artwork by email, fax or other method (include the job order form if you did not send it online)
- We will return to you, by email or hardcopy, a transformed image
- Send the return artwork to your preferred gobo or transparency producer
This page describes the service in detail. Read it and then look at the job order form to learn what information is required to process your order. Bookmark this page for future reference.
Job order form
The job order form organizes information about the original artwork, the projection geometry, shipping methods, and artistic and billing contacts.To initiate an order, click the phrase "Job order form" above to goto the online form. Fill in the form and click the "Send" button at the end to email it to West Side Systems. If you prefer, you may print the form and fax or mail it to us.The form will be read by a person, not a computer, so the rules are not too strict. Feel free to use English and annotate as needed for clarity. If we do not understand something you will hear from us before we proceed. Each job will be confirmed with the designated billing contact before work starts. If you anticipate a tight deadline please contact us in advance about billing arrangements to avoid delays.
If you need transformations of several different original images for one fixture location, or transformations of one original image for several different locations, please send a separate form for each return image you expect us to produce. Please provide names for the project, for each original image and for each location. Use these names on subsequent job orders which refer to the same image or location to avoid re-typing duplicate information. This will be easier for you, and actually helps us better understand exactly what you require.
Send your artwork by email, fax, or physical delivery service. Clearly label each piece of artwork with the same project and image name that you used on the job order form. Be sure to indicate orientation if it is not crystal clear which way is up. Include a copy of the artwork clearly indicating the measuring point and exactly which part of the image relates to the size measurement (see part 1 of the job order form). If you are in the New York City area you may make an appointment to hand-deliver artwork. We are located midway between Times Square and Lincoln Center. Do not attempt to hand-deliver artwork without confirming that someone will be here to receive it. Artwork will be kept for six months and then discarded unless prior arrangements have been made.
The cost is $50 for each transformed image created. Allow one week for processing. Quick turn-around orders can usually be accommodated if scheduled at least a week in advance. Unscheduled rush service may sometimes be available, with a $25 surcharge per created image. If time is very critical, a second copy of the transformed artwork can be sent directly to your template manufacturer at an additional charge, though we encourage you to examine and approve your copy of the transformed image before comitting it to template production. Email shipping is free, physical shipping is by your carrier of choice. We can charge shipping to a carrier account number you provide, or add our shipping costs to your bill.
We will produce artwork which distorts the shape of the image to reflect the projection geometry described, but be aware that the optical characteristics of the projection source are a critical factor in the final effect. Projecting an image from a very oblique angle will introduce, in addition to the shape distortions which we will correct, variations in field intensity and sharpness across the image. To avoid surprises, we encourage a full scale test using the actual projection source at the actual distance and angle to observe how the optics affect projection of a stock template. Keep in mind that we can correct only the shape of the image, not the variations of brightness and sharpness. These variations may be inoffensive, or you may be able to correct them by adjusting lamp alignment or adding a donut, or you may determine that a different fixture and/or location will provide a better result.Some lenses also introduce noticable spherical distortion, commonly known as a pin-cushion effect. Straight shutter edges which appear bowed onstage are a symptom of this effect. If you suspect that spherical distortion will be a problem, consider using a longer focal length lens.
Also note that any imperfections in the original artwork will likely be magnified in parts of the image. We encourage you to plan on examining and possibly retouching the transformed artwork we return to you to obtain the best final result in your template production process.
With all of that in mind, we look forward to tilting some templates for you.
Click here to go to the order form. Click here to email us specific questions about this service.
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