The debut of VENN, the Video Game Entertainment and News Network, aimed at the streaming generation as a mix of gaming, pop culture and lifestyle, features an innovative set design and lighting design by Devlin Design Group. The scenic environment blends the excitement of the world of gaming culture and cutting-edge digital storytelling.
“We wanted the set to create a way to connect and create a relationship with our audience. DDG’s focused design approach to each of the unique performance areas gives us the opportunity to speak and interact with our audience. The process, from idea to execution resulted in a welcoming, creative and eclectic setting that aligns with our brand and content,” according to Ariel Horn, Co-Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer at VENN
VENN will span multiple formats of entertainment – from talk shows and news, to game shows and docuseries. The content speaks directly to Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Kartik Dakshinamoorthy, VP and Scenic Design Director, said “The challenge to create an environment with enough flexibility to span multiple formats of entertainment – from talk shows and news, to game shows, and to elevate and engage the experience for the audience, was a tall order. The collaborative exchange with the VENN team allowed us to pioneer a bespoke audience-focused design.”
With over 1000 sq. ft. and 30M pixels of LED walls and floors, the scenic design takes digital storytelling and interactive shows to a new level! A blend of modern design and current aesthetics, the scenic environment, located in the state of the art 50,000 sq. ft. Vista Studios, integrates white-washed brick, accented with industrial textures. Color changing LED backlit walls and accent lighting add flexibility and freshness to highlight different time periods and program moods of the 24/7 network.
This first-of-a-kind network was the perfect venue for something unconventional. Creating a new standard for competitive interactive gaming was high on the must-have list. The competition desk in the round, with individual customizable ‘gaming-pods’, allows up to 5 players to compete face to face, adding a new dynamism to gaming.
Whatever the subject, interaction among the participants around the VENN ‘V’
‘conversation’ desk, surrounded by a jaw-dropping expanse of LED, enhances storytelling. Across the studio, an inviting couch is that new hang-out space to talk about and present some of the latest trends and happenings. Organic accents around the studio make the spaces even more appealing and alive, adding to the heartbeat of the network.
Live musical performances are a big part of the VENN line-up. The stage, a large seamless LED sweep, spans the wall and floor, offering the ability to use custom graphics to take performances to the next level.
The VENN brand is represented throughout the design. Two custom hero logos anchor the studio. Throughout the scenic elements, the 45 degree angle of the iconic ‘V’ symbol is repeated.
“We fused startup thinking with our mantra: Creativity, Knowledge and Innovation. In partnering with our client, we were able to create this incredibly adaptable performance space that can continue to evolve for VENN’s future new wave of programming, and for their underserved target audience…until now,” added Diane ‘DiFi’ Fiolek, VP and Creative Services Director, Devlin Design Group
LED’s provided by D3 LED Displays. Lighting fixtures provided by Brightline.
About VENN:
VENN is a live 24/7 network for gaming, streaming, esports and entertainment audiences. Launching in 2020 and set to broadcast live from studios in Los Angeles and New York, VENN will be universally distributed across a broad range of media platforms, creating a frictionless “watch everywhere, instantly” viewing experience for the digital generations. VENN offers original programming produced in-house and in partnership with some of the biggest names and creators across the gaming, pop culture and lifestyle spaces.
About Devlin Design Group:
Devlin Design Group is one of the most influential set design and lighting design firms in the world. They are renowned for their iconic sets, expert scenic lighting and their energy and commitment to design excellence, with a fresh perspective… Creativity, Knowledge and Innovation. www.ddgtv.com
For more information, contact Diane ‘DiFi’ Fiolek. 248.875.9565 difi@ddgtv.com
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