We’ve got so much space—both literally and creatively—to keep nurturing the next generation of technical creators! Last July we had the joy of hosting Jimi Craddock, a brilliant Year 10 student from Fairfield High School, for a three-day work experience. He didn’t just observe, Jimi rolled up his sleeves and tackled one of the most important jobs any tech setup: organizing our AV cables. No tangled mess, no lost connections—just streamlined efficiency. And then he lit up our stage by mastering projection mapping with Mad Mapper, turning our stage into a canvas for dynamic textures and colour. Thanks Jimi!

“After learning about the company’s history and products, I worked with Simon, the production manager, to organise and sort cables. This gave me hands-on experience identifying different cable types and their uses”
“I learned how to use projection mapping software called Mad Mapper to align visuals accurately onto surfaces. Using a 12K lumen laser projector with a short-throw lens, I mapped the stage area and experimented with different designs and motion effects.”

Holotronica Work Experience Report- Jimi Craddock

During my work experience placement, I had the opportunity to work with Holotronica, a cutting-edge visual technology company founded by Stuart Warren-Hill in 2010. Holotronica specialises in holographic effects, such as their award-winning product Hologauze® — `the world’s only patented, fully silvered projection gauze`. This unique material allows for video projected onto it to appear like a 3D program, which makes it stand out from any other holographic screen on the market. Holotronica has been involved in some incredible projects around the world, including:

  • Sweden’s Eurovision Song Contest, where Hologauze was used to create holographic visuals.
  • London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, where projections were mapped onto the London Eye through a camera illusion.

Learning about these projects made me excited to see how this kind of advanced visual technology comes together in real life.

Day 1 – Introduction and Research

On my first morning, I was introduced to the Holotronica team and given an overview of the company. I started by researching the Hologauze system — learning how it works, how it’s made, and why it’s so widely used for large-scale events and concerts. I watched a few videos of their past projects, including ghosts on the SS Great Britain and How to train your dragon 2 launch in Sao Paulo and other Projection Mapping Examples.

After learning about the company’s history and products, I worked with Simon, the production manager, to organise and sort cables. This gave me hands-on experience identifying different cable types and their uses:

DMX cables – used for lighting control systems.

RCA cables – carry audio or video signals.

HDMI cables – transmit HD video and audio.

IEC cables – supply power to electrical equipment.

This activity helped me understand how vital proper cable management is in live event setups.

In the afternoon, I researched projection mapping, looking at projects such as The Shape of Sound by Neues Bauhaus Museum Weimar. I learned how artists use light, motion to create immersive 3D visuals.

Day 2 – Setting Up Hologauze and Projection

On the second day, I got to help set up a Hologauze frame and a Panasonic 21K lumen projector with a UST (Ultra Short Throw) lens.

We unpacked the projector, connected the lens, and mounted it on the frame. During setup, we noticed that part of the projector’s metal frame blocked part of the projection path, so we changed the setup by removing the metal piece to ensure a clear image on the gauze.

After the setup, I thought of ideas for visuals that could be projected onto the gauze. I imagined effects like:

  • Flowing water animations
  • Explosion effects
  • Abstract colour patterns reacting to sound or movement

Screenshot

Day 3 – Learning Projection Mapping Software

On my third day, I learned how to use projection mapping software called Mad Mapper to align visuals accurately onto surfaces. Using a 12K lumen laser projector with a short-throw lens, I mapped the stage area and experimented with different designs and motion effects.

I spent most of the day experimenting with projection mapping tools — testing how shapes, textures, and animations could be applied to sections of the stage. Some of the visuals I worked with included colourful geometric shapes, and abstract patterns synced to music.

I began to understand how complex projection mapping is, and how both creative and technical understanding is needed.

During my time at Holotronica, I learned a wide range of new skills, including:

  • Technical setup of projection systems and holographic screens
  • Cable identification and management
  • Basic understanding of projection mapping software
  • Creative thinking for visual design and concept development
  • Teamwork and communication in a studio

My work placement at Holotronica was an amazing experience. It gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how holographic visual effects are created and taught me how technology and art can work together. I enjoyed learning about Hologauze and seeing how it has been used in major global events.