US20050246966A1

US20050246966A1 - Method for creating a stage scene

Info

Publication number: US20050246966A1
Application number: US10/506,316
Authority: US
Inventors: Rafael Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Wittenstein SE
Priority date: 2002-03-05
Filing date: 2003-01-20
Publication date: 2005-11-10
Also published as: AU2003248971A8; DE50303192D1; WO2003074143A2; EP1480729A2; WO2003074143A3; EP1480729B1; ES2260632T3; DE10209482A1; AU2003248971A1

Abstract

A method for creating a stage scene with at least one stage element that can move on the stage, wherein the at least one stage element is actively driven.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of creating a stage set with at least one stage element which can be moved on a stage, and to a stage element for implementing the method.
A wide variety of such methods of creating stage sets are known. For example, individual upright walls which are set up on rollers, for the task of changing over a stage, are moved onto the stage, once a curtain has been let down, in order to create a new stage set.
It is also known that very costly revolving stages with fixed stage sets, backdrops, studios, etc. are provided in order, for example following rotation of the stage, to obtain a different stage set or a different arrangement of stage sets. In this case, a turntable of a revolving stage is rotated in order to produce a different stage set. In the region which cannot be seen, the stage area can then be changed over.
The disadvantage, however, is that conventional methods require a very large number of staff in order to change over the individual stage sets and stage walls between individual scenes during breaks, to push the previous stage elements out of the stage area, to change them over and to push in other stage elements, etc. In addition, this all needs undesirably large secondary stages and storage areas.
Furthermore, revolving stages are very costly to produce and permit only a restricted arrangement of a stage or studio, rotation of the stage being necessary for changeover purposes, although the basic structure of the stage set cannot be changed over without considerable outlay.
The object of the present invention is thus to provide a method and a stage element of the type mentioned in the introduction by means of which the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated and a stage set, a studio or the like can be changed over very cost-effectively, straightforwardly and quickly. In addition, the intention is for it to be possible to reduce the operating costs of a stage or of a studio, in particular also as far as the staff-related costs are concerned.
It is also intended for it to be possible to reduce, or cut out altogether, breaks for changeover and conversion purposes.
In addition, it is intended for it to be possible to use a plurality of stage elements to provide for the universal use and creation of any desired stage set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing objects are achieved by the present invention, wherein a plurality of stage elements are each independently arranged in an actively drivable and displaceable manner on a stage. The individual stage elements may be rectangular, square, triangular, polygonal, round and/or oval in cross section. The invention is not restricted to these shapes. The individual stage elements may be fitted out with stage components on the corresponding sides, or with any desired objects such as staircases or the like.
The individual stage components can be connected in a re-releasable manner to the side parts of the chassis of the stage element.
At least one drive element is preferably provided, in particular in the region of the substructure, the stage element preferably being set up on a plurality of roller elements, which may be of active or inactive design. At least the individual roller elements can be actively moved about a control axis, in order to steer the stage element during active movement on the stage.
Via an internal control unit and at least one energy source, each stage element can be moved to any desired position individually, or simultaneously with others, on a wireless basis, for example by remote control, from an external control center 14. In order that a plurality of stage elements can be moved to form a certain stage arrangement, the individual stage elements can also be displaced simultaneously, in a positionally accurate and precise manner, on the stage by computer control via the external control center.
Via corresponding transmission motors, which also allow precise conclusions to be drawn in respect of the distance covered, each stage element can be pivoted, displaced and rotated about any desired fixed points, with the result that each individual stage element can move precisely to any desired position.
Stage-set areas can thus be produced as desired by different stage elements being differently displaced and lined up in different arrangements.
It is also conceivable for it to be possible for a plurality of stage elements to be coupled to one another via connecting elements, and then for an entire arrangement of stage elements to be actively driven, rotated or displaced together. This ensures that it is possible to realize, for example, very short conversion or changeover times, no staff being necessary for this purpose.
In addition, it is ensured that very new effects and sets can be produced even while, for example, the theatre or studio production is underway, and changeover or conversion times can thus be cut out altogether. A wide variety of different stage sets can thus be produced very cost-effectively.
Accordingly, regions which cannot be seen can be converted in the usual way even while the production is underway, with the result that different arrangements of stages can then be reproduced by virtue of individual stage elements being displaced. As a result of the individual stage elements, which are each supplied with a dedicated energy source, being actively driven on a wireless basis, the stage set can be changed over, without any staff being required, even while the production is underway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, features and details of the invention can be gathered from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a schematically illustrated side view of a stage element for creating a stage set;
FIG. 2 shows a schematically illustrated cross section through a stage element for creating a stage set;
FIGS. 3 a to 3 c show arrangements of a plurality of stage elements for creating different stage sets; and
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show respective plan views of possible arrangements of different stage sets comprising a plurality of stage elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to FIG. 1, a stage element R₁according to the invention has a chassis 1 which, made of tubular frames, frame elements or the like, forms a preferably rectangular body or tower. The cross-sectional shape is illustrated in FIG. 2. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the stage element R₁forms side parts 2 and 3 of different lengths which serve for securing in a re-releasable manner a component 4 of a stage set, of a stage arrangement, of a backdrop or the like.
A plurality of actively driven drive elements 7 and/or roller elements 8 are provided in the region of a substructure 5 in the vicinity of a stage 6. The roller elements 8 can be moved back and forth about a control axis 9 in a state in which they can be actuated by means of the drive element 7.
At the same time, each roller element 8 can preferably be actively driven about a drive axis 10 by means of the drive element 7, with the result that the stage element R₁can be displaced in any desired directions on the stage 6.
Via at least one energy source 11, the individual drive elements 7 and/or roller elements 8 can be driven about the drive axes 10 and steered about the control axes 9.
The respective individual drive elements 7 and/or roller elements 8 can be actuated via a control unit 12. The control unit 12 is connected on a wireless basis to an external control center 14 via an antenna 13, which is only schematically illustrated here. Via the external control center 14, the stage element R₁can be actively and independently moved in any desired directions x and z on a wireless basis by remote control, as is indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As a result of corresponding actuation of individual roller elements 8, in particular the control axes 9 thereof, by rotation of the roller elements 8 about the control axes 9, the stage element R₁can be displaced and rotated in all desired directions x and z. It is possible here for the stage element R₁to be pivoted about any desired fixed points 15.
Via measuring systems, which are correspondingly not illustrated here, it is possible to determine with precision and very high accuracy, via the drive elements 7, the distance covered and the precise position of the stage element R₁in relation to the stage 6; in particular the stage element can actively move to this precise position.
The stage element R₁can be independently positioned and displaced on the stage 6 and preferably controlled via the external control center 14.
It is also intended to lie within the framework of the present invention that, for example, an individual stage element R₁may be assigned just one drive element 7 with an actively drivable roller element 8, which performs the drive movement of the stage element R₁. The rest of the roller elements 8 which remain may be driven, for example, just on an active basis for steering via the control axis 9, in order to move the stage element R₁into any desired position on the stage 6.
In this way, a plurality of individual stage elements R₁to R₅can be used to produce any desired stage set, it also being possible for the individual stage elements R₁to R₄to be displaced simultaneously in different ways as desired to form a stage set of any desired arrangement. It is also intended to be conceivable here for the individual stage elements arranged one beside the other, for example R₁and R₂and also R₃and R₄, to be coupled to one another, in particular by locking elements or the like (not illustrated here).
It is thus possible to utilize, for example, a visible region 16 at the front as a stage set, while the rear region 17, in contrast, can be fitted out with different stage sets or can be fitted out with components 4 of different stage sets, converted or changed over for a next scene or different set-up. As can further be gathered from FIG. 3 a, it is also conceivable for a stage element R₅to be square in cross section.
According to FIG. 3 b, it is possible, for example by active dedicated driving of the individual stage elements R₁to R₅, for the stage set to be changed over very quickly and on an independent basis, even during the performance or in a short break, by active driving and movement of the stage elements R₁to R₅.
The external control center 14 thus also actively controls each individual stage element R₁to R₅simultaneously. Should the latter be joined together to form an interlocking arrangement, it is also possible, for example, for the interlocking arrangement to be displaced together, in an actively driven state, on the stage 6.
Each stage element R₁to R₅can be displaced specifically and separately, if it is not connected to other stage elements, into any desired position, with the result that the stage set can be slowly and continuously changed over even, for example, while a play or musical or some other performance is underway. This means that it is possible to realize significantly fewer changeover times and conversion times, and changing sets and effects are achieved while a performance is underway.
In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 3 c, a further arrangement and changeover is possible by active individual displacement of the individual stage elements R₁to R₅, it being possible for the individual components 4 of the stage elements R₁and R₂to be changed over, exchanged or altered as a result of this changeover, in a region 17.
The individual movement and individual positioning of the individual stage elements R₁on the stage 6 means that it is no longer necessary for, for example, a curtain to conceal the changeover process; rather this process takes place seamlessly by displacement of the individual stage elements R₁to R₅.
It is also conceivable, as is illustrated in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b in particular, for any desired arrangement comprising a plurality of stage elements R₁to R₅to be rotated for example through 180°, as an independent arrangement, about any selectable fixed point 15, it not being imperative for the individual stage elements R₁to R₅to be coupled to one another or connected to one another. Since each individual stage element R₁to R₅can be actively driven, it is possible for the individual stage elements R₁to R₅to be driven such that they always permanently maintain the overall arrangement even during a rotation through 180°.
It is thus possible, following such straightforward rotation, to set up, for example, a new visible region 16 as a new stage set, it being possible for a rear region 17, for example, to be changed over. This is likewise intended to lie within the framework of the present invention.

Claims

1-22. (canceled)

23. A method for moving at least one stage element on a stage for creating a stage set, comprising the steps of:

providing at least one stage element on a stage with moving means for allowing the at least one stage element to be moved on the stage;

providing drive means for driving the moving means for moving the at last one stage element on the stage;

selectively actuating the drive means for selectively moving the stage element.

24. A method according to claim 23, including providing a plurality of stage elements each having moving means and drive means for driving the moving means; and

selectively actuating the drive means of one or more of the plurality of stage elements for moving same to create a stage set.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, including selectively actuating by wireless actuation of the stage elements to activate the drive means thereof.

26. The method as claimed in claim 24, including displacing a plurality of stage elements in selectable positions in relation to one another, as a stage set on the stage.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein individual stage elements are connected to one another to produce a stage set, and are driven in order to change over the stage set.

28. The method as claimed in claim 24, including moving any one or more stage element independently of the other stage elements on the stage to any desired position.

29. The method as claimed in claim 24, including fitting respective individual side parts of the individual stage elements with different components of a stage set.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein in a first position of the stage elements the individual stage elements are fitted out with one stage set in a visible region of a stage set and with another stage set in a region which cannot be seen, and different stage sets are produced by virtue of the stage elements being actively moved.

31. The method as claimed in claim 24, including providing each of the stage elements with at least one energy source for independently supplying the drive elements for moving the moving means.

32. The method as claimed in claim 30, including attaching a plurality of stage elements to different side parts together to conceal an entire stage set on the stage.

33. A stage element for creating a stage set comprises:

a chassis;

moving means on the chassis for allowing the chassis to be moved on a stage;

drive means on the chassis for driving the moving means; and

actuating means for actuating the drive means.

34. The stage element as claimed in claim 33, wherein the moving means comprises a plurality of roller elements, and wherein the drive means drives the roller elements about a control axis for positioning and steering the chassis in a controllable manner on the stage.

35. The stage element as claimed in claim 33, wherein the drive means comprises a drive element which actively and independently drives the chassis and can be pivoted about a drive axis.

36. The stage element as claimed in claim 33, wherein the chassis includes a drive means and an actuating means for actuating the drive means.

37. The stage element as claimed in claim 36, wherein the actuating means actuates the drive means on a wireless basis from an external control center for moving the chassis as desired on the stage.

38. The stage element as claimed in claim 33, wherein the chassis is one of square, rectangular, triangular and rounded design in cross section, and includes means for securing different components of different stage sets in a re-releasable manner on side parts thereof.

39. The stage element as claimed in claim 33, including a plurality of chassis each including means for coupling a plurality of chassis to one another to form a stage set, wherein the stage set can be displaced on the stage by remote control via the respective drive means and actuating means.