Dillon Francis "The Gary"

Dillon Francis "The Gary" from V Squared Labs Inc. on Vimeo.

The Gary

V Squared Labs teamed up with Dillon Francis to create a new stage show that allows Dillon to appear as if he is DJing from inside a unique yet characteristic Frank Gehry inspired structure. Abstract shapes were created on two planes, one in front of Dillon and one behind. Through twists and torques, they were given depth and spatial substance to create a visually stimulating and fully three dimensional video sculpture. In an effort to give the visuals abstract spaces to live in within the set, we designed an array of openings in various configurations that correlate with the 3D shapes. These voids, which narrow towards the LED, were then lined with a highly reflective mirrored vinyl to bounce the video out into the audience while still keeping the formal integrity of the piece. These twisted reflections create a funky, almost psychedelic paradox of continuing content onto faces that don’t originally (and can’t) contain video.

Visual inspiration came from several sources including our own animation artists who worked on the show. A lot of style and color reference came from the Pizza Slime crew. We used their art direction and Dillon’s existing unique visuals as a starting point to explore new styles. The fragmented nature of the set opened new creative possibilities for deconstructed 8-bit patterns and twisted faces. We discovered amazing things in our first viewings of our animation on the art and evolved new looks from our live programming. Very colorful primary looks created stunning reflections.


Deliverables: Creative Direction, Production and Lighting Design, CAD support, 3D Animation, Content Creation, System Programming, VJ Services


Client: Dillon Francis
DF Management: Zoë Verkuylen Blilie (TMWRK Management)
DF Tour Management: Brandon Rice
DF Creative Direction: Pizza Slime
Director: Vello Virkhaus
Producer: Andi Perez
Production Design: Amanda Hamilton
System Programming: Vello Virkhaus
Animation: Carlo Sa, John Federico, Mike Burakoff, Jesse Nikette, Art Perez, VJ Voodoo, Emile van de Coevering
Lighting Programmer: Ryan Nash
Documentation and Editor: Matthew Smith
VJ: Vello Virkhaus
Lighting: LMG
LMG Account Representative: Jimmy Russo
LMG Techs: Nick Lepoutre, Scott DeLancey, Nathan “Smokey” Williams
Decking: Accurate Staging
Structural Engineering and Finish: Tractor Vision
TV Lead Fabricator: Fabio Mascio
TV On-Site Build Coordinator: Jesse Beck
CAD: Amanda Hamilton
Photography: Rukes

Special thanks to Jose Cantu and Accurate Staging.

Special Additional Thanks to the Amazing V Squared Team:

Senior Producer: Chris Kraft
Office Manager: Jennifer Burke
Office Assist: Sarah Robbins

Music For Promotional Purposes Only
© Martin Garrix and Dillon Francis