Ayrton Cobra dazzles on Italian TV show Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is one of the most beloved shows on Italian television, where pairs of celebrities compete in a dance contest. Each performance is meticulously planned to deliver not only the dancers’ routines but also a remarkable visual experience for the audience, complete with stunning sets, lighting effects, and graphics. This year, to make the atmosphere even more magical, the production chose to use Ayrton Cobra fixtures, provided by Emmedue s.r.l., which played a key role in creating unique scenic effects.
A total of 30 Ayrton Cobra laser-sourced fixtures were strategically placed to ensure impactful lighting and to create evocative atmospheres. The layout was carefully planned: 10 Cobra were positioned on the platforms to the right and left of the main LED wall, 8 were placed on crossbars to create angled lighting effects and sharp, distinct silhouettes, 6 were mounted on the curtain rail, and 6 more on the rig, for effective vertical coverage.
This setup allowed for seamless integration between scenic elements and the beams of the Cobra fixtures. “The result is extraordinary; I’m truly happy with it,” commented Director of Photography, Marco Grimaldi. The Cobra lights were used in key moments of the show, especially during the introductions and preludes to the performances, when no graphics appeared on the LED wall. In these instances, the beams of light took centre stage, creating mysterious and captivating atmospheres.
This marked the first time Ayrton Cobra fixtures were used on this television programme, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “I’m extremely pleased with how they work, particularly with the versatility of the prism and the wide range of colours we’re able to achieve,” says Grimaldi, “Specifically, when we use complete darkness, the Cobras show their full power, creating light-only stage designs that are truly thrilling.”
The programming of the Cobra fixtures proved to be straightforward and technically smooth—an essential factor in a live television setting where precision and reliability are critical.
“I absolutely want to use them again; they’ll definitely be part of our future events,” Grimaldi states. “The ease of programming and the visual impact they deliver make them an essential element for shows that require high-impact lighting effects.”
Photo: Molpass
DOP: Marco Grimaldi
Lighting console operator: Federico Mastrantonio
Service: Emmedue srl
Rai Studios at the Foro Italico in Rome
Text: Courtesy of Molpass, translated by Julie Harper
