Lighting Design and DoP for MTV Unplugged Patent Ochsner

MTV Unplugged Switzerland with Patent Ochsner was recorded at Casino Bern on 12 and 13 October 2021. As the first Swiss band to take part, Patent Ochsner became part of the internationally established concert series.

Commissioned by Venon AG, I developed the Lighting Design for the production and was responsible for its camera ready implementation.

The aim was to create an intimate yet filmable atmosphere that included both the architecture of the casino and the audience present in the room. For the lighting design, I incorporated all existing chandeliers and classical lighting elements. Warm-white light throughout reinforced the intimacy of the setting.

I deliberately avoided frontal key light. Lateral key light combined with strong backlight gave the performers shape without breaking the sense of proximity. Additional RGBW floodlights emphasised the depth of the room and the presence of the audience, complemented by RGBW uplights on every column. Behind the transparent LED surfaces, further RGBW floodlights illuminated the curtain and added another layer of visual depth.

I worked closely with Matthias Stuber, the band’s long-standing Lighting Designer. His role was to bring Patent Ochsner’s established visual style into the production and to program the show. I reviewed and adapted his ideas to meet the requirements of the recording while preserving the band’s own visual identity.

During the recordings, I worked as DoP and adjusted all lighting levels live in response to the camera images. The production was recorded in 4K RAW using Blackmagic URSA and ARRI RED cameras.