In interview: Arvydas Buinauskas on the lighting design for Jessica Shy’s record-breaking show

What a career! In just a few years, Jessica Shy went from a casting show participant (including the X-Factor) to the most famous pop act in Lithuania. The last two years in particular have been particularly impressive: a record nine nominations at the Lithuanian M.A.M.A. Awards 2023, co-writer of “Luktelk”, Silvester Belt’s entry song for Eurovision Song Contest 2024, and finally a packed national stadium in Kaunas with 38,000 spectators – only Ed Sheeran could top such a live brand. Lighting designer Arvydas Buinauskas (AB Light) created an impressive lighting and stage design for the stadium show, which was supported by almost 250 Cameo lights. We had the opportunity to talk to Arvydas about his ideas and the creative use of the Cameo series PIXBAR, OTOS, and ZENIT.

Arvydas, how did you become a lighting designer? How did it all begin?

Arvydas Buinauskas: I have to go back to art school where I learnt how to paint. Later, when I was just 20 years old, I worked for an event technology company which provided sound and lighting equipment for events. I learnt a lot about lighting technology, lighting, and other things here, and then delved increasingly deeper into the subject. I had a dream and wanted to become the best stage and lighting designer in Lithuania. in 2014, I finally founded AB Light Studio, marking the start of something extraordinary.

How did you get involved in the Jessica Shy production?

Arvydas Buinauskas: It was an offer I could not refuse: the complete visual concept for Jessica’s stadium concert. I’ve worked with Jessica in the past, which made the task a little easier. It is always an advantage if you already know each other from previous productions and can thus find a common “flow” more swiftly. Nevertheless, I felt the great pressure of expectation to create something truly unique.

“The products are powerful, reliable, and IP65 – what more do you need for a show like this?”
Arvydas Buinauskas, Light Designer (AB Light)

How would you describe the show’s overall visual concept?

Arvydas Buinauskas: This show was all about asymmetry. This also includes the “other side” of Jessica – a somewhat darker side that audience hasn’t discovered yet. Everything was based on this premise.

To illustrate this “other side”, Arvydas Buinauskas was inspired, among other things, by the majestic effect of large mountains with their rough, stony surface texture. The most striking manifestation of this inspiration was the huge, 30-metre-high, rotating LED screen that dominated the centre of the stage with its sheer size and elaborate visuals. Another eye-catching feature was the line array truss towers spread out on both sides. They were equipped with PIXBAR SMD IP G2 LED bars along the entire height of the edge.

Arvydas Buinauskas: The PIXBARs allowed us to visually expand the stage area whilst creating a feeling that we all know: standing in front of a huge object and feeling incredibly small. The decision to equip the towers with the PIXBAR SMD IP G2 absolutely paid off. I love the pixel engine and the precise control of the LEDs. The strobe bars in the centre in particular had so much power – it was more than enough.

Why did you opt for Cameo in general? What was the decisive factor?

Arvydas Buinauskas: The products are powerful, reliable, and IP65 – what more do you need for a show like this?

Where were the OTOS W3 and the ZENIT W600/W300 used?

Arvydas Buinauskas: The OTOS W3 perfectly staged the catwalk and audience. The catwalk in particular needed sufficient lighting power to be clearly visible in the drone shots from above. In this case, the OTOS W3 showed that it is the ideal choice for large outdoor events. The same applies to the ZENIT Wash Lights: we used these as a powerful backlight for strobe and blinder effects.

Arvydas, thank you very much for your time!