Why Spaces Need Stories

Every building, stage, or public space has a story, but most of the time it fades into the background. Projection mapping changes that. Instead of adding a screen or a banner, you use light, movement, and sound to turn the space itself into the canvas, whether that’s a theatre façade, a gallery wall, or a city landmark.​

Section 1: What Projection Mapping Actually Is (In Plain English)
Projection mapping is the art of digitally “wrapping” content—film, animation, graphics—onto real-world surfaces so visuals appear to belong to the architecture itself. Rather than projecting a simple rectangle, you map your content to windows, pillars, roofs, and textures, creating the illusion that the building is moving, breathing, or telling its own story.​

Section 2: From Blank Wall to Immersive Canvas – The Process

• Site visit and story: The work always starts on location. Walking the space, listening to its history, and understanding who will see the final piece is as important as the kit list.​

• Scan, measure, photograph: Detailed photos, measurements, and sometimes 3D scans lay the groundwork so that every frame lands precisely where it should.​

• Design and edit: This is where your filmmaking and projection mapping meet—cutting footage, creating motion graphics, and designing sequences that complement the architecture rather than fight it.​

• Test, tweak, repeat: Evening tests are often where the magic (and the problem-solving) happens, from dealing with ambient light to unexpected rain.​

Section 3: What Makes a Project Truly Cinematic

• Pacing and rhythm: Years of filmmaking feed into how the story unfolds on a wall or building—slow reveals, bold transitions, and moments of stillness all matter.​

• Sound design: Even though projection mapping is often talked about visually, music and sound effects are what turn moving images into an emotional experience.​

• Respecting the architecture: The goal is not to fight the building but to collaborate with it—using windows, edges, and textures as natural edit points.​

Section 4: Real-World Wins for Venues and Organisations
Projection mapping can help:

• Attract new audiences: A one-night light show can draw people who might never usually step inside a theatre or gallery.​

• Tell community stories: Local history, community voices, and archive footage can be woven into large-scale visuals that feel owned by the people who live there.​

• Extend existing work: Touring shows, festivals, or exhibitions gain added impact when the building itself becomes part of the programme.​

Section 5: Why Work with a Filmmaker Who Also Maps
As a filmmaker and photographer based in Doncaster, projection mapping is a natural extension of the work already done—visual storytelling on a different kind of screen. It means every project combines cinematic pacing, carefully crafted imagery, and technical know‑how to deliver a piece that looks great in person and on camera.

Call to Action
If you’re curious about how projection mapping could transform your venue, festival, or public space, let’s talk about what story your building could tell next. You can explore recent projects on the Our Work page or get in touch directly via the Contact page to start planning your own cinematic space.