VANDAL uses AI to deliver Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in major AI production

In a groundbreaking leap in creative technology, VANDAL recently harnessed the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create Sydney’s world-renowned New Year’s Eve 2023 countdown, content and projected light show on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Commissioned by the City of Sydney, VANDAL’s innovative creative approach has established Sydney as a world-leader in creative innovation using AI.

Says Joseph Pole, AI animation lead, VANDAL: “Witnessed by thousands on the night and broadcasted to millions across the world, VANDAL delivered a world-first AI production of this scale and magnitude. The result is a new level of creative expression.”

The 8 hour-long light show graced the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons, immersing spectators in a mesmerising display of AI-generated artistry. Centred around the theme of “Revolutions: One Night, Many Ways to Celebrate”, VANDAL used AI to create a visual experience that celebrated the passage of time in spectacularly vibrant and celebratory themes.

Says Tracey Taylor, executive producer, VANDAL: “VANDAL’s AI Atelier team developed the AI motion art over the course of a four month creative process. We utilised a custom workflow of AI tools and algorithms, combined with a bespoke data set of imagery created in-house by our VANDAL AI artists. This raw material is then processed, crafted and edited to achieve the final result.

“Synchronised with a musical, light and fireworks extravaganza, VANDAL’s use of AI marked a world first for an AI production of this scale.”

In the lead up to the event, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore expressed the excitement surrounding the use of AI in a New Year’s Eve celebration: “We’re getting ready to welcome a million people to the Harbour foreshore to celebrate with fireworks, a light show and for the first time — AI projections.”

VANDAL
Executive Director, Creative Strategy: Emile Rademeyer
Executive Producer: Tracey Taylor
Chris Scott: Creative Director
Jimmy Buckle: Senior Motion Designer
Producer: Alice Robinson
AI Animation Lead: Joseph Pole
AI Software Engineer: Nicholas Tsaoucis

City of Sydney: Liza Bahamondes and Jamie Dawson

Music: THE SWEATS

Pyrotechnics: The Foti Family

Lighting Design: Ziggy Zeigler

Photography: Damian Shaw, Daniel Tran, Keith Mcinnes, Morris McLennan (Red Square Media)