Decide whether the surface carries the story
Choose ordinary projection when the main task is to show slides, a film or a live feed inside a rectangular image. Consider projection mapping when content must follow a physical object, a building facade or several scenic surfaces. The added work is justified when that relationship helps the audience understand or experience the idea.
Epson's projection-mapping introduction describes using surfaces as dynamic displays. In practice, specify which surfaces matter and what should happen on each; «an immersive show» alone is not a deliverable.
What changes in the production scope?
| Area | Rectangular projection | Surface-based mapping |
|---|---|---|
| Design reference | Image dimensions and content format | Dimensions and positions of physical surfaces |
| Content | Materials fitted to the agreed canvas | Materials composed around surface relationships |
| Alignment | Image positioned on the screen | Content aligned to the actual object or scenery |
| Change control | Check changes to image or projector position | Also check changes to geometry, finish and relationships between objects |
| Approval | Readability and playback test | Physical alignment plus the intended visual sequence |
Mapping software can route portions of a composition to outputs and align them with objects; Resolume's output documentation gives an example of that workflow. Software capability does not establish whether a proposed projector position can illuminate every required surface.
Worked example: a product launch with three scenic blocks
Imagine three freestanding blocks whose front faces carry different parts of a launch animation. A line travels across all three and reveals a product message. Because the line must meet specific edges, a normal full-frame video would not define the final result on its own.
Prepare a drawing with each face's dimensions, depth and position, and decide where the audience should see the line connect. Then ask the technical designer which projector positions cover those areas without audience shadows. If the set builder later moves the middle block 20 centimetres forward, or swaps a matte finish for a glossy one, that needs a new technical review and test.
Measurements and samples before final content
Provide drawings, reference photos and a finish sample where useful. Mark surfaces that should stay dark, door openings, moving scenery and areas where people will stand. Approve a short representative sequence before producing the full show: the key transition, a brand colour and the most demanding surface. A simulation helps discuss the idea, but on-site alignment is a separate task, so reserve time after the set and projectors are in their final positions.
Common mistakes
- Buying projectors before the physical coverage and creative goal are understood.
- Producing content from an early drawing that does not match the final scenery.
- Approving only a rendered preview, with no surface or audience-view test.
- Leaving ownership of alignment, show cues and final approval unclear.
Projection mapping company: what REX Lab delivers
REX Lab plans, produces and runs projection mapping as one project, from the first surface drawing to the last cue. Our office and warehouse are in Warsaw, and our motion and 3D designers work in-house.
- Building and facade mapping. 3D mapping on buildings and facades, shown outdoors after dark. We plan projector positions and the audience area, and supply three-phase power or generators where the site needs them.
- Stage sets and objects. Video mapping on scenery, stage elements and products for launches, conferences and shows.
- 4K laser projectors. Delivered, mounted on truss or set on stands, and installed; on large surfaces several projectors are blended into one image.
- Content made in-house. Our designers build the animation on a model of your surface, and a 3D visualisation lets you approve the idea before the event.
- Playback and alignment. Media servers on Resolume and TouchDesigner. On site we align the content to the real surface and run a test projection before the show.
- Crew. A technical lead on every project and operators who run the show; operator shifts are billed separately.
Projection mapping rental or hire can also mean the projectors alone. If your studio already has the content, we supply 4K laser projectors with delivery and installation; see projector rental. If the image must react to visitors, add interactive installations: mapping alone does not create that behaviour. For the creative side, start with design and visualisation.
A brief that a production team can use
State the intended audience experience, list every mapped surface and attach the latest drawings and photos. Add the venue lighting, viewing area, access schedule, content deadlines and the person authorised to approve changes. Ask the quote to separate equipment, content, alignment, rehearsal and operation.
We deliver anywhere in Poland, and across Europe for larger productions and trade shows. Book at least one week ahead; a show with new 3D content needs more time for production and approval. Send the drawings and a short description through the contact form, and we come back with questions and a net quote.
Frequently asked questions
What does a projection mapping company do?
It turns a building, a set or an object into a display: it measures the surface, produces content shaped to it, supplies and places the projectors, aligns the image on site and runs the show. At REX Lab one team covers all of these steps.
Can you project onto a building facade?
Yes. We produce 3D mapping on buildings and facades, shown after dark. Projector positions, the audience area and power, including generators where needed, are planned before the content is made.
What is the difference between projection mapping and ordinary projection?
Ordinary projection fills a rectangular screen with slides or video. Projection mapping shapes the content to the edges and depth of a real surface, so it needs measurements, custom content and on-site alignment.
Can I hire projectors only for my own mapping?
Yes. We supply 4K laser projectors with delivery and installation for content your studio has prepared. Operators who align and run the show are available, billed as separate shifts.
What do you need from us to quote a mapping?
Drawings or photos of the surface with dimensions, the viewing area, the date and time of the show, and a description of the idea. For outdoor shows, tell us what power is available on site.