Linkin Park and Laser Design Productions on SNL Last week, Linkin Park broke out video screens and lasers to create radiant visual scanning effects of imagery on their bodies for a performance on Saturday Night Live. The concept was to turn their live performance into the video theme of their hit song "Waiting For The End," off their latest album, A Thousand Suns. A few weeks prior to Linkin Park's performance on Saturday Night Live, the band's Mike Shinoda said in an interview with MTV News, "So we have a couple of things planned for SNL this time that are unique for us and, I'm pretty sure, unique for their show. I don't think anyone's done anything like this on their show. I think lately people have been pushing the envelope with that show, and on TV in general, and for us especially we feel like there's a way to make it a little extra-special." Laser Design Productions designed creative concept illustrations and video demos to present to Jim Digby, the group's tour manager. Victor Tomei, the operations manager, worked with Jason McEachern, a laser programmer, to create the effects with two full-color OPS laser systems. There was a clear understanding of the safety elements by the band members, who followed specific instructions and wore specific laser safety glasses during their performance. "The band and Jim Digby were great to work with," commented McEachern. "I advised them of all the safety parameters and they were completely coherent with the effect and making it happen. Jim was excellent in enhancing the design through the various rehearsals to get the most out of the performance."
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