The stage is set for tonight’s “Europe’s largest free open-air concert” that is being filmed in 3D for the first time and will be aired only a week later.
One of the most sophisticated 3D video trucks in Europe is parked at the Floriana Granaries, and the show is being filmed from about 20 cameras, thanks to their double eyes, a 16-metre crane and a helicopter for some “fantastic” shots.
Apart from the Isle of MTV Special, the performance of Snoop Dogg, who is headlining the show, is also being produced in 3D to be aired across Europe.
“Every single version of the show is being produced in various configurations, and each programme highlights the concert venue for maximum exposure,” said executive producer Jane Fraser, who has been involved in the five editions of the concert and is “excited” about this year’s innovations.
Isle of MTV is the major music TV network’s biggest production outside its awards shows, which it “holds precious”, she said.
This year’s event has a new logo and a totally new set, inspired by record turntables, incorporating LED technology and, for the first time, the use of top-notch lasers.
The stage is covered by a “great, big, shiny record” in keeping with today’s “dance, upbeat, pop” line-up. It protrudes into the audience for shots of the artists running into the crowd, expected to number around 50,000 again.
The Isle of MTV Malta concert was conceived in 2007 to turn the island into a “happening” destination that would appeal to younger visitors, Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco said on a tour of the venue yesterday.
Back then, young visitors – not students, who account for about 70,000 – amounted to 13 per cent (188,000) of the total, rising to 20 per cent (270,000) last year, and showing the aim was being fulfilled.
The show formed part of a series of music events which were all helping to make Malta a “diverse and exciting” location, Dr de Marco said.
As to whether more Isle of MTV concerts would be held in the future, he said talks were ongoing and that “good things tend to go on”, referring to the fact that the original contract had been extended.
The artists, which include 2011’s top acts Far East Movement and LMFAO, started arriving yesterday and sound checks are being held today in the run-up to the show that starts at 7.30 p.m.
Ms Fraser said “they all love the Malta experience and the buzz of performing to such a huge crowd at their feet at the Granaries”. Controversial rapper Snoop Dogg, considered to be the biggest name at the Malta MTV concerts so far, is known to put up a “fantastic” show, while in keeping with the network’s aim to “have faith” in who it considers the next big thing, all-girl band Parade is also performing.
Ms Fraser said the line-up was ideal for a summer festival and particularly good for Malta, where people love to go out and are into dance music.
Public transport will carry on until after the concert and the audience is encouraged to use it.